Uniform ≠ Warrior

I got scolded the other day about not writing by a nurse that has been with us since the journey started last March.  This young lady and many others on this floor have become our friends.  We celebrated veteran's day this week - a day set aside to remember those who showed up to serve all of us.  But did you know you don't have to wear a uniform to be a warrior?

Bone Marrow Transplant Unit Nurses Station

I want to take moment and tell you about the warriors that serve on the 7th floor here at Children's Denver. The people that work here are passionate about beating cancer and other disorders they treat here on 7E.  They are selfless, they are kind - they are one of the best things that have happened to us in this journey. We've learned their stories - at least some of them.  They are all over the map with one commonality - they love what they do and they love these children and their families.

They are on a mission.  I think that's what resonates with me - the mission, having a mission, a purpose a goal.  Having been on a few and knowing what it takes to complete them these guys and gals get it. Their weapons are different to be sure:  compassion and empathy, a listening ear, IVs and stethoscopes, thermometers and blood pressure cuffs, masks and gowns, all wielded by highly trained warriors who defend that kid on the roster on this shift, right now. Then they go home, get up and get here early to do it again - because they love it and I think they even love him, or her as they apply the gifts of healing and mercy to these kids.  In some cases, I think they can hate it too.  It - meaning loosing.  An infection getting around them, a virus sneaking in or the worst loss - that I will not speak about.

If you are on a mission of any type, you want people around you that hate loosing, that play to win. They are confident, they are bold and unwavering - more importantly they are our team.  I praise God that he made people like this. It is a great honor to have these people on Jacob's team - a great honor.

As you pray for us - thank the High King for these warriors, ask that he sustain them and confirm in their hearts what they are doing.

Now for Jacob.  The worst of the chemo side effects are gone.  The ulcers mostly gone.  Soon we'll move into Brent's Place to stay near the hospital for the 100+ days to ensure he recovers fully and has rapid access to the hospital should he need it.  We'll be dividing our household for that time between Denver and Green Mountain Falls as Jacob will require 24x7 care from Lorrie, myself or someone else.

Pray for us here because we have no idea how to do that.  How do you balance work, home school the other children and do cancer from two places separated by 87 miles?  (If you have ideas we are all ears)   But I do know one thing: my hope is unwavering, we'll be sustained...my King has got this...just like he has all along and the "how" will come.