I am astounded!

I hardly know what to say as I sit here typing this. I'm not even sure this is the proper place to do it, but I need to say thank you.

I have always been a very private person. I don't like to ask for help. I like to do things myself. I don't cry in public, and I don't like discussing my most private life with anyone. But then Joey got cancer, and just holding it all in was so painful and so exhausting. And I needed help. I needed to talk. I needed to ask questions. I needed to reach out. And I found myself sharing a bit of our experience with people on some of my favorite message boards. Perhaps that seems strange that I would reach out in such a public way, but I have always felt safe there, loved, and supported. It seemed only natural to share my experience with my online family.

The response has been overwhelming, and I mean that in the most positive, loving, beautiful way possible. People have called me, have brought in meals, have brought special things to help Joey have something to look forward to. They have watched my two youngest as I spent weeks in the hospital with Joey after all his surgeries and all his chemotherapy. People e-mailed me and sent their love, offered their help, and made me feel better.

How do you thank such a mighty group? Most of these people have never met me or even talked to me. What would motivate them to be so very good to me and my little family? You know what I've realized? We are good people. We truly love our fellow man, and when someone is suffering we want to reach out and help.

I just never thought I would be on the receiving end. It's hard for me. I would definitely rather be on the serving end. But when something this big and this catastrophic happens to a family, you need help. And I have certainly needed help.

And you have helped. You made sure that I had more than cafeteria food to eat (and yes, I have put on a few pounds from all those wonderful meals and treats). You sent the most beautiful cards that made me cry and made me laugh. You sent me darling little gifts that lifted my spirit (who doesn't love a package in the mail).

I am not capable of writing words worthy of thanking you. I wish that I were. I wish that I could fill you with joy the way you have for me. It can be so dark sometimes, and you continue to give me light.

May you each be blessed in the individual way that you need for your generosity. I love you all. You are my kindred spirits and my new friends. Thank you so much!

55 comments

  1. I LOVE YOU JEN!!!!!
    that page is beautiful and you will be blessed for your trials as well. You are a wonderful person and deserve all the service given to you and your family right now.
    Miss ya babe!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stumbled upon your thread at 2peas and followed it to your blog. God bless you and your family. I will pray for your son and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  3. God bless you and your family. You deserve all the help offered to your family right now. Please don't feel you need to return some grand thank you. All you need to do is continue to focus on your son and the rest of your family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jen my heart just feels for you and your family so much. Words can't decribe what i think you are going through. Know that we all care and pray for your family and for that wonderful son of yours. I hope you can put strenght out of us for the diffeicult time that lies ahead.

    Huge hug from Corinnexxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am so sorry to hear the news, but I do believe that God has a plan. Keep paying, as I will be doing the same.

    ReplyDelete
  6. P&PT for your family....

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just stumbled upon this after looking at Cathy Zielske's blog. God Bless You and your Family.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We don't know each other except through mutual friends in the scrapping world, but please know how you and your son have affected so many people in ways you can not even begin to imagine. I spent last evening explaining big issues to my almost 12 year old son. He wanted to know why Joey got cancer. And does he have to do him make up work in the hospital... My son asked me so many questions about your son and I did my level best to answer them. Big questions. No easy answers. Your family has affected my family in the most positive way. Words cannot express our hope for you all. We will pray for you and think of you and keep you close to our hearts. I've been in touch w/ Tania and just know you are not alone. Love to you and to Joey and to the whole family.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jen, I am one of those people who you do not know who is desperately praying for Joey, you and your family! In fact, my friends (non scrappers!) are praying for you, too! I believe in the power of prayer and of God's mercy. I am confident he is with you during this time. Much love to you all!

    ReplyDelete
  10. My prayers are with you and your family right now.

    Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  11. Just qanted to share my thoughts for you and Joey and your family as your lives take a turn. I am living in light of the death of my little girl, and the tragedy that changed me since 2001. I can tell you, that it is not an easy road...to live and love and hurt...but I know that God IS real and He can meet your deepest needs at this time. He is great at 'walking through the valleys" with us. I will pray for your comfort and strength. Thoughts and care from Michigan.
    Sweetly~ Jody Ferlaak

    ReplyDelete
  12. I was sent to your post on 2Peas via Cathy Z.'s blog. Then on to your blog from there. May Joey and your family have God's peace during this time.

    ~Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beautiful page! Sending lots of prayers your way! :)

    **Hugs**

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jen - I don't know you...you don't know me.. i came across your blog via another blog of someone who also doesn't know you... I am a mother of two boys... a cancer survivor myself... having lost a father and best gal pal to cancer - As a mother, your story is close to my heart! you are in my thoughts and prayers and i am humbled. www.tigersurvivor.blogs.com
    rachel

    ReplyDelete
  15. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family jen, followed your link from 2 peas
    hugs
    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  16. My heart breaks for you and your family. I will pray for all of you. Never forget that God is the God of the impossible and he calls things that are not, as though they were. Blessings to you...

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thinking of you and Joey everyday. Big hugs girlie. Call me if you need to escape.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thinking of you and your son and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all now from Nebraska.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Saying prayers for your son, you and your family. You and your son are very courageous and I will be donating to you fundrasier. I saw the post about this on Cathy's blog and I hope you get lots more help. May God Bless You.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Life is so precious. My 3 year old niece, Ava, died tragically 10 weeks ago today. Since then, it seems by divine intervention, I have crossed paths with so many who have lost a child or nursed a sick child or nurtured a hurt or traumatised child. As parents we do so much and give so much to our children - that is all we can do. Love them like crazy and enjoy every little moment with them. My prayers and most magical wishes of miracles go to you and your family and your brave and beautiful Joey. xxJennifer in Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Prayers being sent your way. Another Pea here, you're so right we, as a whole, are good people. Keep us updated on your precious son. Contact the American Cancer Society if you haven't. They have wonderful support as well.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jen, I just wanted to send you heartfelt love and hugs for Joey and your family. Many prayers being said for you.
    Vanessa Spady

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jen, you have definitely not been forgotten here in Savannah. Just today, Sue Woodbury was talking about what an amazing impact you made on her daughter. I want you to know that Joey made an impact on me, and that you are all in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  24. came across your blog from 2peas thread and i am another who you will not know and would unlikely meet. An ocean seperates us physicall but spiritually i stand with you in prayer.

    sarah j

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am so sorry. Sending prayers your way. HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I will be praying for you, your son and your family. I can only imagine what you are going through right now.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you for sharing from your heart. Yes, it amazing sometimes how people step up to lift others up...

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh, Jen! My dd, Karalynn, and I belong to 2Peas and we want you to know how much we do care about you! I am so blessed to be part of such a generous group of people.

    I also know the generosity of the Pub, when my brother died unexpectedly over Christmas at the age of 55, it was such a blow to me and to my family. I mentioned it in a thread and suddenly, I was Overwelmed with expressions of sympathy and caring, prayers and positive thought. I was amazed that these total strangers to me would be so loving and giving!!! So how can I not reciprocate when another Pubster is hurting.

    It is comforting to know that God uses all sorts of sources to bless us and He touches our lives.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Jen

    I just popped in to wish you and your family strength to go through this hard time... You and your precious/handsome boy are in my prayers.
    I hope and pray that he will get healthy again. I am a mother of 2 babygirls, so I know what being a mom means. '

    Please keep talking about it and asking help.

    God bless you and your family

    Emine

    ReplyDelete
  30. Jen, you and your family are in my prayers. My DS lost his best friend to cancer three years ago. He wasn't my biological child, but it was the hardest thing I've ever gone through. I am so sorry that you are experiencing cancer in your family. I hope Joey's bday and Make-A-Wish lift his spirit some, and please don't hesitate to email me if you need anything. (accoose@yahoo.com)

    Prayers for you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Jen, I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of Joey, you and the family today. You are all in my prayers.
    Love ya sweetie!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Jen, I dont know you, and I am just reading your story, but it has touched my heart. It actually sounds like we have A LOT in common. Last year my husband (35 years old) was diagnosed with the same cancer. He's had a couple of surgeries and nearly a year of chemo, and we are still fighting!! I will be thinking of you and praying for you often. It sounds as though you have had some AWESOME support through this, and I know how much that helps. I have no idea if you'd ever need to, but feel free to email me ANY TIME if you need to talk to someone who has been through something similar...sometimes it helps me. ((((hugs to you and your family)))))

    ReplyDelete
  33. The Lord has moved me to pray for you often throughout the last couple days. I am praying specifically that these days and weeks and months ahead would be precious and sweet and memorable. May the Lord bless your dear family... that you would all know a level of Christ's love beyond what you ever imagined... that your every need is met... that your precious Joey would know complete joy and peace.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Please know that you, your son and your family will be in my prayers. Happy Birthday to Joey!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous4:14 PM

    Jen I can not stop thinking of you guys these past few days...It has changed the way I look at my kids and am going to make a point to spend more time with each of them...life is precious and short...I hope and pray that you get you get more time with your sweet Joey...you are so loved and cared for right now...so many people care about you and your family and what you guys are going through...I am glad you shared your updates with us all...Hugs and prayers to you and your little Joey...and the rest of your family also!
    Cari (hailiriley on 2peas)

    ReplyDelete
  36. I pray every day for God to give you strength and peace.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Jen, I just want you to know that my heart breaks for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Bunny Hugs!!

    Library Bunny

    ReplyDelete
  38. Jen - My heart hurts for the pain that you and your family and Joey are going through. I will pray that you will find strength and courage to endure and to feel the Love of the Lord every moment.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Praying for you, for your family, for your son......there are no words that I can think to say except you are very surrounded by love from our FATHER and those who know your story. I'm passing this along to all of my friends too to keep the prayers coming!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Jen. I'm a friend of Kayla's & just read about all you're going through. I want you to know that I am praying for you & your family, especially your sweet son, with my whole heart. I praise the Lord for His love for you & that He promises that all things will work for good...but claiming His promises in our hearts & minds and trusting with every ounce of our being is, well, out of this world & not possible on our own. May God hear the prayers of His people & give you and yours the peace that surpasses all understanding. "For this reason I kneel before the Father...I pray that out of His glorious riches He will STRENGTHEN you with POWER in your inner being so that CHRIST can dwell in your HEARTS through FAITH. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have POWER, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the LOVE of GOD. And to know this LOVE, which surpasses knowledge. That you may be FILLED to the measure of all the FULLNESS of GOD. Now, to HIM who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work WITHIN US...to Him be the GLORY in the church & in CHRIST JESUS throughout all generations forever and ever. amen."

    ReplyDelete
  41. You have touched me all the way across the world in New Zealand - know that prayers are being said for you in places you wouldn't imagine. Aroha from New Zealand

    ReplyDelete
  42. I got to your blog through another and felt like I needed to tell you that you and your family will be in my prayers. I felt so very sad when I read about what you and your little boy are going through and then I read your post and was so happy to see how you were so positive about your time together. I will pray for you and your sweet little boy. If you are ever in upstate NY and need ANYTHING, you have a place to stay and a friend.

    ReplyDelete
  43. My heart goes out to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Jen, I just stumbled upon your 2ps post and your blog. I wish I knew the perfect words to say but unfortunately, I don't. Your family and Joey have really touched me. I just wanted to say that I'm thinking of all of you and wishing you and Joey all the best! You are in my thoughts---Joey is such a hero for going through this and he is is my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Jen, hi... I saw a post from another website about your blog. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will be sending up prayers for you and your family. I would like to start a little something if I may...to assist you and your family. May I ask you for a little more information. If you dont mind emailing me at swaps_secretsis@hotmail.com, I would like to speak with you further. God Bless you and your family at this trying time.

    --Christia

    ReplyDelete
  46. you all are in my prayers . . . :D

    ReplyDelete
  47. Jen...I don't know if you remember me, but we met a few times when I started work at Savannah SBing, but you moved away not long after I got the job. I spoke to Jamie D. by phone tonight, who told me the latest about Joey.

    I am so, so terribly sorry for what your family is going thru. As a mother of four, I can not imagine the intense heartbreak you are experiencing.

    Please know that a family in Kansas is praying for you, too.
    (I moved away from Savannah in January.....)

    When my mother had cancer, we had a very positive experience with Hospice and I was very involved with her care until the end. Please feel free to email me if you have questions or if you need to talk.

    This is a beautiful layout of Joey and your feelings as his Mother. God Bless all of you.

    Sincerely,
    Roxann Walker
    stampinrox@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I read your post at twopeas, and I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Jen,

    Came across your blog through Sprague Lab. Just to let you know you are in my heart and prayers here in Northern Ireland. I too have 3 precious kids. I trust you will know the support of your family, friends and your faith through this time. Please give you kids a hug from me,

    Take care

    ReplyDelete
  50. My heart is breaking for you. Why does this keep happening?? I am devastated to hear that another mother has to endure her child's heartbreaking journey. Please know that I am in this with you. I'm praying for you, for your family, for your son.

    I just lost my 19-month-old niece 11 days ago to a vicious brain cancer that consumed her life in just two months. The pain is still so fresh, the shock still new. www.kyriethome.blogspot.com

    Even though it's hard to believe and impossible to understand, know that He is with you always.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous5:37 PM

    Hey girly, your writing is so eloquent, and indeed the message on the blog is way more thanks than any of us need. We just want what you want, ya know...we want a miracle...we want Joey to feel better...to get better...we want peace for all of you, God's wonderful grace for your family. You know I don't usually pull out my proper Baptist doctrine very often, but in this case I am praying that the Holy Spirit puts His strong arms around Joey, Katlyn, Jimmy and of course you and Brett...I pray that He gives you peace and comfort.

    This is one of those things we read about and never think it can happen to us, yet here we are watching your beautiful boy go through the fight of his life. I feel privelaged that you would share this with us. Love ya girl...~~~Jamie

    ReplyDelete
  52. Jen-my heart and thoughts are with you during this time of your life. I stumbled upon your blog through a few friends of mine and my heart aches with you. My three yr old is currently fighting cancer as well. Something you never think that will happen to you. I personally never wanted my testimony of the Plan of Salvation and eternal families to be actually tested like this! I'm not sure how he is doing right now, but if you are interested in some health food juices that we do that we really believe in, email me at hulseys@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sometimes...it does seem that you ARE literally that poem, footprints in the sand...

    May God carry you through this and may you come through all of this leaning on the arm of your loving Lord. He does hear your cry; He wept when Lazerus was gone despite the fact that He knew that Lazerus would be raised. He cares and He carries you...

    Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I just said a prayer for you and your family, especially your wonderful, brave Joey. Love and light are being sent your way from Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
  55. I've been following a long here and there and my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
    I had read about his Make A Wish day but never knew the details and it breaks my heart to read.
    Keep writing. This is all so fresh to you but know what some of the little details will fade. That is why this entry is so touching. So real. Something to be reflected back on by his siblings and others. So, keep writing.
    Love and hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...