Sickness...
Due to her compromised immunity from her leukemia, Elizabeth contracted Shingles and had to be hospitalized during the infectious stage of the illness. So she spent Thanksgiving in the hospital.
As things would have it though, Elizabeth's father had an episode his doctors referred to as a cardiac event. It was not quite a heart attack, but it alerted them to the fact that he needed triple bypass cardiac surgery. So he underwent surgery and was hospitalized at the same time as Elizabeth. The good news is that both recovered from their hospital stays and are now home.
However, Elizabeth's weekly test results are demonstrating that her body is once again showing signs of the effects of the leukemia. Her hemoglobin and other measures of healthy blood are falling and she is wearing a mask in public to protect her self from acquiring life threatening infections. Her doctors are preparing her to contact hospice within the next few weeks so she will be able to call upon them when the time for their services becomes necessary. But for now it is still experiencing each day as it comes; some pain, some nausea and always tired.
Celebration of Christmas...
Preparation for Christmas has been exciting and exhausting for Elizabeth. Taking out time to find gifts for those whom she cares most, particularly her daughter, Hannah, and her son, Drew. But a wish was granted for Elizabeth, an opportunity to perform her gift as a talented musician. Elizabeth participated in the Service of Rememberence, held at First Baptist Church, Richmond, VA on December 17. The service is for those who have lost loved ones and come together during the holiday time to acknowledge and continue the journey through their grief. It is a significant event, for we all suffer loss at some time in our lives, a journey Elizabeth is coming to know firsthand.
With her mother, father, friends and church members in attendance, Elizabeth performed before the congregation beautifully. It was a true gift from her to others.
Click on the play triangle at the bottom of the video below to see and hear Elizabeth's gift to you.
Drew is 5!
Another celebratory event came on December 29 when Elizabeth's family got together to give Drew, Elizabeth's son, his 5 year old birthday party. Food, friends, balloons, singing happy birthday and, of course, cake were what is was all about. A moment of celebration in the midst of illness.
May the Celebration of the Season be as meaningful to you as it has been for Elizabeth.
