Construction Zone

Is it just me, or does it seem like there are construction signs everywhere?  Take a short drive--you'll see what I mean.  They notify us of impending improvements and warn us of dangerous conditions.  It almost makes me laugh to think how closely that resembles daily life for us these days.  Those orange and yellow signs are around every corner.

Body Under Construction.  Over the next several months, Paige's body will undergo major renovations.  Once admitted for transplant in early December, she will face several days of conditioning that will involve more high-dose chemo as well as full-body radiation.  White blood cells, platelets--basically everything in her immune system--will be wiped out to clear space for the stem cells of the donor marrow.  After the infusion of cells, better known as transplant, we wait.  And wait.  And wait.  Once the marrow engrafts, Paige will have a brand new immune system.  We will have to take all kinds of precautions to keep her healthy and safe while her body adjusts to this 'extreme makeover.'

Home Improvements.  We are blessed to live within relatively short driving distance to the medical center, which means that Paige will be able to spend time recovering at home after she is discharged.  Our house is not ancient by any means--we moved in when Paige was a toddler.  That said, there were a few things that needed some attention given our delicate situation.  Paige and her baby immune system will be highly sensitive to the smallest of things, so we have to make sure everything is just right for her return home sometime in January.  Thanks to the kindness of friends and family, these issues were taken care of in plenty of time.

Reinforcing the Foundation.  Our faith and trust in God has given this family a solid foundation.  The work He is doing in Paige--in all of us, for that matter---has strengthened us in ways we never could have imagined.  We may struggle with the 'whys' and wrestle with fears over the unknown, but those things will not overtake us.  We will not be shaken.  I keep going back to something from our pastor's message last Sunday:

"If it's good, blessed be the name of the Lord.

If it's not so good, blessed be the name of the Lord--

Because in the end, God wins."

God is at work here.  As we prepare for this time of 'reconstruction,' He is here.  Providing the hardhats and safety equipment.  Giving us strength and unexplainable peace.  He is here, and we are incredibly thankful.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.   
Jeremiah 17:7