(I started typing last night, but never finished. Here's a post from last night and this morning). It feels like a year since we've been here. Tonight we walked into a sparkling clean, disinfected, heaven on earth. I'm not sure I want to know how many people saw the nooks and corners of my house, but truthfully my pride went out the window about 6 days ago. Thank you all for your hours of service. We know how giving you have been.
As we arrived home a few close family members met us in the drive-way, cheering and offering support. Upon entering the house everyone was careful to use hand disinfectant, and a few close, healthy cousins gathered around Jace in a tip-toe sort of way. He was quiet, yet relieved-- to see that life was pretty normal. After showing off his syringe water squirting skills from the front step, he sat on my lap. Everyone said good-night early, and left us to enjoy the perfect weather and pretty sunset. It was interesting how strongly I felt the spirit sitting on my front step with my little boy. Two weeks ago he was running across this lawn squealing with his cousins. Two months ago he was practicing catching the baseball with Matt and Hayden.
When I suggested we go inside, Jace wanted to stay. We were facing west and we watched the orange fade from the sky. He cradled his head in my neck and told me I was the best mom ever. It's amazing that in times of his illness he is reaching out to everyone else. When he sees me cry a little he says, "Moooom! You're ok!" We made a little deal in the hospital that if he'll let me cry, I'd let him cry. It's proving to be pretty effective.:)
We haven't seen the news story or Hibbard pep rally for Jace. Emily taped them for us and brought them over so we'll watch them in a few minutes.
This morning we are boiling eggs (Jace's latest craving). He's sitting next to me on the couch, running his fingers through the back of my hair, while he watches television. He is weak and and tender, and so precious. After a good night's rest, Matt and I are energized and ready to tackle the day. Matt is taking some of the cash we've received (from you) to fill his Wal-Mart cart with paper towels, hand sanitizer, masks, lots and lots of liquids, and olives.
We love you all.
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Hooray for home. There is nothing like it.
ReplyDeleteThis is Stacy Donahoo. I was your student and grew up with Hank. I've been reading your blog with my 2 year old sitting on my lap. He asked, "Who's that?" I told him and he wanted to say a prayer for Jace. It was a short prayer, but full of love and the sweet spirit only a child can bring. He prayed for Jace, his Mommy and Daddy, and his big brother. We'll keep following the blog and praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited you are home! The news report last night was just perfect and Hayden looked very handsome and so grown up when he gave a comment!! We love you and couldn't be happier about the homecoming news!
ReplyDeleteHey Mrs. Leatham and Family its Caleb,
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I just got done catching ourselves up on your latest news and are overwhelmed with the strength and courage of Jace. It seems like just yesterday Hayden was his age coming to our football and basketball games! I love your family so much and we will always keep you in our prayers. Tell Jace it looks like the Madison Cats need his football scoring skills so get well soon!!
I can only imagine how nice it must be to be with your sons in your "sparkling" home! I hope that being home will help give you strength to return on Monday. What a trooper Jace is. Boiled eggs and olives, HUM?? You're celebrating Madison's homecoming week in a different way and what a homecoming for you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you guys are home. I just found out about Jace and I was in shock. I just want to tell you how amazing you all are. I love you guys so much. I know everyone says if they can help to call them but that is the same for me. If you ever need anything at all call me. You are all some of the best people in the world. I love you all.
ReplyDeleteI am soooo glad to here that you are REALLY home. You are still in our prayers. We love you!
ReplyDeleteStacie:)
Hey Jace,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was at the school today I noticed a few of the posters the classes made for you yesterday were falling off wall....soooo...I rolled them up and I'll drop them by to your folks so you can enjoy them. Hope you enjoyed the ones that greeted you when you arrived last night...the kids at school had fun doing this for you. Did Skye tell you the Pacer story BEFORE you read it on the blog? The school is sure cheering you on.
So glad you were well enough to come home for a few days. GO! FIGHT! WIN! You can BEAT this. Tami Clements
Glad you are home! The "pep-rally" was pretty cool. Brought tears to my eyes to watch all those kids rally around a friend. Jace is a special kid ad Hayden you did a great job representing the family at the rally. Your words were right on!
ReplyDeleteHave a great evening.
President Marcum
There is nothing better than your own bed;) I'm so glad he is home, i'm sure it feels so good for him! I think of you and your family each and everyday and continue to pray for you.
ReplyDelete~Amber Genta
Hi Amy, Jace and Family... Amy, I was one of your students back in 05. My maiden name is Warnke. I dont kow if you remember me but I was just telling my husband a few days ago about some of my greatest teachers in High School and also how much I enjoyed your class and how great I think you are. I just heard the news of your little guy and spent the last hour catching up on everything thats going on. I just hope you know how much you are in our thoughts and prayers! Jace and your family deserve all great things!
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful to see that you are home for at least a few days and surrounded by family and friends that love y'all. Your strength, hope and faith has helped me understand the power of the gosepl so much fuller. Thank you
ReplyDeleteHey little buddy,
ReplyDeleteYour in big trouble for getting me wet. Next time, your getting drenched!! You looked great though! (except you need to shave those hairy leg)Ha Ha. Seriously, it was so good to see you. No fear in those eyes. Just strength!! Love ya! J'dee
Saw this and thought of you guys....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbsU3b2srQA
:)
You don't know me. Just another stranger in the community following your touching story. I came here tonight to post something I just watched but much to my surprise, the commenter before me already linked you to it. I have a little 6 year old myself and I can't even speak of you story without tears. Please be strong!
ReplyDeleteHello. You don't know me just a quiet follower praying with my whole heart for your son, your strength, and your family. My mother has lymphoma. I understand parts of your struggle. May you take comfort that God is holding your son in the palm of his hands, I believe he will continue to pour his strength over you and lavish you with love. Im doing a walk in Canada this coming weekend for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Your sons name, along with my mothers will be on my tag as I walk and pray for a hope and cure for this horrible cancer.
ReplyDeleteMay God richly bless you Jace, you are a stong little man and God is smiling at you right now telling you " You can do it my son, I love you."