Despite our best efforts at making Jace smile, Matt and I just can't do it alone. Hayden holds his own by adding comedy to most situations, but tonight when a few family friends came over, Jace and Hayden played and smiled more than we've seen all week.
We had a big day which began with our first, real public appearance as an entire family. Because the weather was so beautiful, we knew it would be good for Jace to get out into open air. We packed our chairs, umbrella for shade, some blankets, a cooler with water and Gatorade, and a few snacks (yes, I took macaroni and cheese this time.) Then we drove to attend a Grid Kid football game of our friends. When we arrived, Matt found a place away from the crowds and carried Jace to a comfortable chair by the end zone. As we sat down, our team scored right in front of us. Go Cats! It was a beautiful sight for Jace to see that all was right and well in the world. Though Jace and I only made it outside just past half-time, Jace was better for the outing, and we saw his spirits leap.
Jace also picked his own pumpkin out of Grandpa's garden, and pulled a few carrots. Tonight he made his own Tiger's Blood Snoshack and played Uno with friends. It warmed my heart to see him happy and revived. It also made me extra grateful for the combined efforts of everyone involved.
Many times in life I've thought the only way to do something right was to do it myself. (Ask Matt. He'll tell you all about it.:)) I now more than ever regret my pompous attitude and repent whole-heartedly. What I saw in my family today was the magic that was only created by the combination of several people. It wasn't just today either. Every day for the last two weeks, the special combinations of people who are touching our lives-- are therapy equal to the chemo Jace receives. I teach my students at school about the concept of synergy: 2+2=5...or combined efforts are greater than the sum of individual efforts. Today, like other days, the chemistry was right. We experienced synergy. Thank you all who are experiencing this with us, through our blog or otherwise, for being the right ingredients. We love you.
Wow, this is a first, I get to make the first comment today. Usually I'm up so late at night I'm making one of the last comments.:) I was even later than you Jace and Amy getting to the grid kid game. As I was sitting down and looking down the line of boys playing football I happened to see Hayden's (your Hayden)smiling face and thought how sweet for him to come to the game. Then I seen him walk down to the end of the field and start walking your direction and I was grateful for the person who invented sunglasses:D
ReplyDeleteI was so overcome with joy and gladness at seeing you guys across the field that I couldn't help but cry and thank my Heavenly Father for being such a wonderful day full of sunshine. I didn't come and say hi Amy and Jace but just seeing you guys there together in the shade was one of the highlights of my week. Thank You again for the warm fuzzies. :D
May all be well tonight, Erin
Ah, synergy. How I remember those first few days of ES when I learned about that with my new teammates. Since then I have kept my eyes open for synergy in action, and few things are more beautiful than seeing a group accomplishing a seemingly impossible task together. My prayers are with you. I pray that you feel our prayers and know of our love. Thank you for your example, Jace. Keep on trucking, buddy.
ReplyDeleteDear Leathem Family,
ReplyDeleteWow, your energy and example. Your faith and hope has help me keep my faith and hope in life. I enjoy reading your blog especially seeing how Jace is doing. Your Family is in our prayers. I was a neighbor to Matt a long time ago in Rexburg down the cemetery road, thank you for sharing your situation with everyone.
Michelle (Webster) King
i was so happy to see you at the game yesterday. It was such a lift to my spirit to see you out and about and to see Jace's sweet little face!
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to visit with you yesterday. I enjoyed so much having Hayden here with Ryan and the boys. I love to watch Hayden laugh. Nothing better than a group of boys laughing and playing on the yard! Have a great Sunday. We love you all!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart sored to see the help of so many involved and the smile on Jace's face. I'm so happy that I read your blog and knew about sores in the mouth from chemo as a result of my close friend and her experience. That' when I was inspired to deliver my portable Sno Shack shaver to your home with some fun flavors to help Jace cope. thanks for sharing your thoughts beacuse they in turn move my thoughts to action.
ReplyDeleteWith you in heart and mind. Robyn
Amy, well said. Synergy keeps us all going. We continue to pray for you guys. Jace is going to continue to have those good days and bad days so relish in the good ones. We love those days! Have a safe trip to Utah. We are praying everything goes good! Please know you are always in our thoughts. Leon, Marilyn and boys.
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