New Normal

A very wise friend asked me last night if things were back to normal at my house. Then he rephrased by saying, “I mean new normal.” It struck me as just the right phrase to explain this week. I also really appreciated that he understood the concept of “old normal” compared with “new normal.” Our "new normal" is exactly how this week has been- and maybe even a little better. Jace received his Lumbar Puncture Monday, and he did awesome. He probably handled it this time the best yet. Matt and I barely have to hold his hand when they access him now, and by routine, he is one step ahead of the nurses. Just before they will pick up the blood pressure cup to put on his arm, he holds it out. Just when they are thinking about putting the heart monitor on him, he puts his finger out for them. He is a pro. We’ve also learned he cannot have the gas when they are putting him under anesthesia. He really prefers having them roll him back to surgery wide awake, and then putting him to sleep through his port access. This allows him to awake much easier and less sick.

Our doctor is also so smart to help us know that maybe Jace’s sick stomach is just heartburn. We have started Zantac again by routine, and it is helping tremendously. Jace has had an almost normal appetite since Monday, and he is much happier about this. Actually, we are all happier. There is that old saying about “If mom isn’t happy- then nobody is happy.” Well, at our house, it is Jace. When Jace is sick, it is hard for all of us to handle because it makes us so sad. But we haven’t had cause to be sad this week. We are close to having our old Jace back, and it is beautiful. Jace will finish his second cycle of chemotherapy next week with Peg shots into the muscles of his legs. We will be able to stay in Rexburg for this, and Jace is thrilled about not having to drive or fast (no anesthesia).
So today is another “new normal” day. We did homework for a few hours already this morning, and we are going to try a little walk in a while. Thank you all for your continued prayers. We feel them every minute. I guess it’s true that life has to change a bit for an individual to grow. Well, ours is nowhere close to the life we knew just two months ago- and we are growing in ways I never wanted to grow. But our “new normal” is precious and tender, and I’m so grateful for the testimony I have in a loving God who strengthens our family and makes it possible for us to survive this crazy new norm.