Changing Colors

Last night Matt asked me when I was going to write another post for the blog. He mentioned receiving a text that asked if everything was ok, because it’s been a week since I wrote. My response was, “I haven’t known what to write, and I’ve been waiting until I could have a more stable attitude.”

He lovingly replied, “Honey, I think you should post before the year 2011.”

Many of you have been asking my family and friends if, “Amy is ok?” As for my mental stability, the verdict is still out on that one. I did clean out my classroom, and I won’t return to work this school year. Jace affectionately told me he was sorry I couldn’t teach anymore. I responded that I don’t want to be anywhere else but at home with him. I did discover 11 (yes I’ve counted) grey hairs on my head this week, and my extended family just laughs at my shock. They giggle and tell me I’ve earned them.

Speaking of hair color, our now, red-headed Jace has actually had an amazing weekend. His hair is growing in a completely different color than before, and in addition to being very thin and weird, it has quite a bit of red in it. He received a chemotherapy treatment Monday, December 7th, and his worst sick day was Wednesday. Since then he has improved daily, and his numbers have allowed for visitors and a few outings. He actually made his first trip to gift shop yesterday, and he had fun buying a gift for Hayden. Both boys were thrilled after buying for each other, and they feel more prepared to give a little for Christmas this year. The Madison County and Rexburg Sheriff’s Departments also brought Jace and Hayden some wonderful gifts, and again we are humbled by the giving spirit of those around us.

This Thursday, December 17th, Jace will go to the hospital to receive a Lumbar Puncture (chemo in his spinal fluid). He will also receive Vincristine and Methotrexate in his port. We are not looking forward to the repercussions from this, knowing his numbers will drop again, and he will be a pretty sick little boy. Jace will also receive PEG shots on the 22nd of December. We are praying his body will recover quickly from these treatments, and he will be able to enjoy the Christmas weekend. Yesterday while Jace and I waited in the pick-up for Hayden and Matt to unload something at Leathams’ house, Jace asked me if he could surprise Grandma and Grandpa by shoveling the snow out of their driveway. I conceded, and Jace pulled his hood up over his head and found the shovel. I was touched that although he has the best excuse to quit serving others, he found a way to reach out and set a good example.

So, although I joke about my mental stability, I really am ok-- because Jace is hanging tough. He’s full of spunk, and he continues to fight through these crazy color changes. He doesn’t even mind his new red hair…so I’m thinking I shouldn’t complain about the silver strands I’m finding in mine. Jace thinks with red hair, he looks more like Hayden anyway…and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be like his big brother.

(Jace has learned that eating a sucker during some treatments helps to relieve the taste in his mouth)

(Those of you who know Matt's a Cowboys fan...

notice which hat Jace chose to take into the doctor's office in case he became sick...

Matt didn't think it was funny.)