On this day 2 years ago we flew over to Bristol to start Henry’s bone marrow transplant and treatment. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years!
I think this time of year will always be filled with reminders. No matter how much time passes, the pain has a way of residing in our memory… and I’ll be honest, I still get waves of really negative thoughts and fears. I don’t think it’s wrong to feel that way, I think any parent would. But I think we have a responsibility over how we handle that pain and those thoughts. It’s so important to acknowledge them, recognise they are there, not burying them and pretending everything is ok, but not letting them define us. It’s all part of our story and it shapes us into who we were made to be.
So the reminders will come, the memories of what my son had to endure. But so does the gratitude. Feeling thankful doesn’t quite define it. I still have my precious boy who is so happy and full of life now. He amazes me with his heart and his strength. I praise God for His goodness, His faithfulness, and His love and comfort. He healed my son through all the ways He planned. And so much good has come from our journey and still does. The miracle continues.
I pray for all the families out there going through similar journeys. For those precious little ones fighting their fight and the parents by the bedsides. I pray God heals, comforts, and surrounds all of them.
I also pray for those children still waiting for a donor, and please please please register at https://www.dkms.org.uk/ if you haven’t done so already. It’s so quick and easy, and you could save a life like Henry’s.
My heart breaks for those families who have lost their precious little ones. I know how it feels to have that as a possible outcome and the fear that comes with it, but not how it feels to lose a child. The thought breaks me. I pray God surrounds you all and gives you comfort that this world can’t bring. Only God can.
I'll never forget our lovely neighbour, Campbell, coming round to see us before we left for bristol and praying with us. He also read the following verse which we can apply to all life's circumstances. Having a neighbour like him is a true blessing.
"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Psalms 33:20-22 NIV.
And I pray that the Lord's unfailing love is with you all. I’ll post further updates soon, but I hope you are all safe and well.
Love always.