The Greatest Gift of All

I know that Reyn updated the blog after our most recent visit to Duke but I had to share what took place at this visit.   

For over a year now I have prayed for God to remove Reyn's tumor outright....that we would show up for some visit and that there would be no explanation other than divine intervention and the tumor would be non-existent.  Doesn't it sometimes feel like God has taken off for Tahiti with a "do not disturb" sign hanging on His door?!  You think, "God, are you there?  Can you hear me?"  

This time around my prayer changed slightly.  I have always prayed that we would rest in His Will but this time I said to God, "Lord, if you aren't going to remove the tumor please just show us that it can get smaller.  Please God, let it shrink."  And I prayed it would do it without any kind of chemo.  And when the doctor walked into our room, she said (a little surprised I might add) "It is all great news!  The tumor is actually smaller than the last scan."  Praise you Jesus!  Why do I ever doubt God?!  It is so humbling to know He hears me when I speak to Him.  

I just had to share our little Christmas miracle because I believe Reyn is a walking miracle.  We truly did not know what to expect this time last year given the information we initially received regarding Reyn's tumor.  What a difference a year makes!  As I have said so many times, we have felt The Lord beside us every step of the way.  It was a tough year but we have grown closer and God has taught us much about trust.  

In the spirit of Christmas it is interesting that I recently heard two very different, yet similar views on  Christ and Christmas.  One from a speaker at a women's dinner who talked about Christ being the greatest "re-gift" we could ever offer to anyone.  And I heard an atheist gentleman state that if Christ was truly as important as we Christians claim that He is, we would never stop talking about Him.  WOW!  I like that someone who is not a believer can call Christians on the carpet and say---  if it is that important, go tell everyone you know!  That is what we should do but we get bogged down in our busy lives.  It is so easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas but I hope you treasure the best gift that mankind was given....Christ The Lord.

Luke 2:10-11. 
The angel said to them.  Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people.  Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you:  he is Christ The Lord.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Jordan

A Great Visit to Duke....

I just read what Jordan posted earlier today, and I echo her thoughts and gratitude.  She was very eloquent and had great perspective.  I could not have said it any better.  I must say that I am very grateful for Jordan being at my side for these visits (even though I continually tell her that she doesn't need to come with me).  She is a wonderful partner and helper, and she has meant so much to me over this last adventurous year.
So we are both back safely from Duke tonight.  It was a quick overnight visit, as usual, but I'm glad to be back in the comforts of our home and back with the babes.  So the bottom line is this:  after a new MRI today, the Dr. says that the remaining tumor tissue has not grown.  In fact, she says that it looks as if it may have become somewhat smaller.  She also said that the healthy brain tissue is "healing nicely" after the surgery (if you did not know, most-but not all-of the tumor was surgically removed back in Feb. this year).  So this is excellent news and we are happy to share it with everyone.  We will be going back in 3 months again for another follow up.  After that, we may start a less frequent recall.  Jordan and I continue to be so impressed with everyone at Duke, but it will be nice to need to go less and less, if all continues to go well.  We will keep you updated every step of the way.
The Connelly's will continue to count our blessings and remain thankful during these Holidays.  We hope you do as well.  Enjoy these days with your families--we certainly will.  As always, thanks for your continued interest in our well-being.  Thanks also for your prayers and well-wishes.  Merry Christmas!  Thank God for the birth of Jesus!

Reyn

Wrapping up 2013

I sit here on the radiology floor as Reyn is in the middle of another MRI scan.  This is our fourth trip to Duke this year and we continue to pray for good news.  It's hard to believe that this journey started a little over a year ago.  As the "anniversary" neared I found myself filled with all kinds of emotions. The most overwhelming emotion has been gratitude.  I am grateful for where we are today and how well Reyn is doing.  It is true that if you didn't know he had brain surgery earlier this year, you truly wouldn't know!  I was so scared and completely overwhelmed this time last year.  Reyn took everything in stride, of course but I was an emotional wreck on the inside.  So, looking back a year later I am grateful for:  Reyn, healthy children, family, friends, prayer warriors, shoulders to cry on, great physicians, and most importantly, The Great Physcian.  I would love for us to come up here and one day receive the news that the tumor is gone!  But I don't know God's plan.  I do know that He has been with us throughout the entire journey and I know that regardless of our circumstances, HE IS GOOD.
My heart was heavy last night as we flew in and the pilot announced that we had the honor of carrying a fallen soldier home on our flight.  My eyes filled up with tears for that family that sacrificed so much and would now be burying their loved one this close to Christmas.  It was very special to see the water bridge salute they did in honor of this brave soldier and the ceremony that followed as they brought his body off of the plane.  It was all a reminder to me to be grateful for what we do have and to focus on those things.  This life is so precious but yet so fleeting.  What a reminder to do it right and do our best to live a meaningful life.
We are so grateful for all of you who have stood by our side and helped us over this past year.  Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to us.
I will post again later today once we hear the results of Reyn's MRI.

Jordan