Fiery February Part 1

     Let me begin by stating that although this has been an emotionally draining month for our family, it (thankfully) has not been a tragic one.  I know that there are thousands of people who go through much worse on a daily basis, and many of those with heartbreaking outcomes, so while we have had many humbling moments this month, we know that God's hand of protection has been over us the whole entire time.   I cannot begin to describe the blessing of having a close-knit family and the blessing of a family who relies on God.  I don't understand how people can get through difficult times without the assurance that God is in control, and without the power of prayer.  

   

    When I picked up my 2 older boys from school on Monday (Jan 31st) my sweet Logan (6) was running a high fever and just wanted to be held by mommy.  He didn't really have any other symptoms, and because when sick, his fevers can spike at 104-105, I wasn't overly concerned.  While I love the extra cuddles I get to give my boys when they aren't feeling well, it hurts my heart when my babies are sick.   Although he felt crummy and stayed home from school the rest of the week, he finally started feeling much better on Saturday. 

     That Tuesday (Feb 1), we found out that my Grandma Jo (maternal grandmother) had breast cancer.  Thankfully it was caught early and was a slow- growing cancer, the doctors said.  My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years prior, so I will admit, it definitely got me thinking about how this might increase my chances.  God gently reminded me through scripture that He was in control, and that my focus should never be on the "what-ifs". 

     That weekend was my sister Jessica's baby shower, and as we were decorating Friday, my mom got a call from Jessica stating that she would be staying overnight at the hospital because of episodes of high blood pressure and a low platelet count.  Because her guest list was upwards of 70 people it would have been nearly impossible to contact the guests to cancel, so we figured it best to hold the shower as planned, and if Jessica was unable to make it, we would feed the guests, and hold a special prayer time for her instead.  Thankfully by the time she had her 2nd set of lab work Saturday morning, her platelet count had increased.  She was released and allowed to go to her shower (better late than never!), but it was to be strict bed-rest after that.  

     The following weekend Mark, the boys and I traveled to UCSF to be with my Grandma Bev (paternal grandmother) while she would undergo a serious operation.  My sweet, amazing grandma only weighs 74 lbs, and they were going to attempt to put a stent in her carotid artery, while trying to avoid a growing abdominal aortic aneurysm.  The surgery took place on Valentine's Day, which I think caused my grandfather (maybe all of us) to be extra emotional, and while we worried about her, we felt very at peace.  We were given the opportunity to pray with her before, and we prayed for the surgeon as well, who said she really appreciated it! The surgery was successful, and after a blood transfusion on Tuesday, my grandma was able to go home on Wednesday. 

     The day before my Grandma Bev came home, my beautiful Grandma Jo visited the surgeon to discuss treatment and was told that she did not have breast cancer.  While we rejoiced in this, we were all a little confused as to how this was misdiagnosed. 



Porter Great Grandparents (to my boys)



   Wednesday, the day my Grandma Bev came home, my sister Jessica was admitted to the hospital, again it was high blood pressure and low platelets.   She was monitored Wednesday and Thursday, and then it was decided she would be induced starting Friday morning.  They administered cervidil several times, but by Friday night she had made no progress. Saturday morning they started with pitocin, and again, by early evening, it was discouraging to hear there was still no progress.  However, no sooner had the mid-wife left the room when Jessica's water broke.  30 minutes after her water broke the nurse checked her and made a startling revelation... it seemed like Tynlee was trying to hold her hand! Another nurse came in to verify, and sure enough, Tynlee had one arm (up to her elbow) out, and one hand out. 

my precious niece