Good morning!
I wanted to get back to you about a few ways that God is revealing himself to The Lothrops:

-On election day, Randy was in line to vote, and talked to a neighbor who was also in line. Someone overheard their conversation, and soon there were many people chiming in. When people realized Randy was Lizzy's dad, they connected the dots...Many had heard of Lizzy's illness and were telling Randy that they were praying and that their child, who did not even know Liz, was wearing orange to school the next day! VERY COOL!

-The teachers at Randy's school are pooling their sick days to give to Randy so he can be with Liz as needed without worrying about his income...AMAZING..

-Christine received a check from her peers at Comair. She was shocked, and grateful. AWESOME!

-There are many practical ways that family and friends have gifted the Lothrops...time, gifts, needed items,... LOVING!

When I think about these gifts, and many more, and put an adjective to the actions...I realize that each and every adjective describes God. God is revealing himself through people. Each and every one of us, and so many we do not know...even around the world... are serving the Lothrops in big ways and in small ways...and each and every action is a reflection of God's love for the Lothrops...and in essence a reflection of God's love for each of us. Aren't WE blessed when we hear of an act of generosity or kindness? And...not just for the Lothrops, but to people in general....

On a side note...When I was in nursing school, I wrote a paper on the Out of Pocket Expenses that families who have children with cancer can incur...
Even with terrific insurance, there are SO many unexpected expenses. I remember one family had gotten their child a fan for their room, and I remember thinking about the burden these families Carry in that they want to do everything possible to keep their child comfortable...things like parking, gas, clothing that works, food, child care, wigs, entertainment for the child, long distance phone calls, travel expenses for out of town family, co-pays...
When Christine received that check from her work, even I was grateful b/c I remember watching families struggle with this burden.

The other night Christine and Randy were struggling with sending out Thank You notes. They were feeling overwhelmed about how to get out Thank You's to all the people who have reached out to them. Well, I quickly "kabashed" that burden! I told her that in NO WAY are people expecting a note...And I was thinking about it, and I realize that we all feel thankful every time we hear of an act of kindness of generosity...we feel thankful that we CAN serve our friends...we experience thankfulness when we even get a simple update on Lizzy's blog...because that keeps us connected...

So, let me stand in the gap and ask you to not expect any kind of personal Thank You's from the Lothrops...( I know you weren't anyway... And lets embrace the gifts of service, loves, Prayers, and gifts as a thank-you to each other....(There you go Christine...problem solved...let it go!!!!!)

Lastly, as I talked to Christine last night, she told me that Lizzy's spinal and bone marrow aspiration tests were not back yet...I actually think she said...and I quote " This is taking even longer than hospital time!" (Think irritated...)

Lizzy was not feeling well, her neck was hurting. One of the side effects of the chemo is "aches and pains"....yes, the literature actually uses those words...finally words we can understand!

Lizzy and Christine both got a 3 hour nap yesterday, yet Christine sounded weary. They are up multiple times a night getting Liz to the potty (she is on IV fluids to flush the chemo through), or for night sweats...etc...They have not had a full nights sleep since Liz went into the hospital..and this is Day 10...

Additionally, I believe the adrenaline from this crisis is evening out, and the weariness will set in...
So, when you go and visit..pls. continue to remember that they may just need time to rest...
At some point Christine and Randy may limit visits to 15 minutes or so...I know we can all understand that, and applaud their efforts at self-care.

This season will be a long marathon, many times up-hill...we need to help them pace themselves!

What to Pray for:
Thankfulness for the ways God is revealing himself to the Lothrops and to each of us
For Liz to be a Rapid Responder
For minimal side effects for Liz
For rest, peace and respite for the Lothrops
For her cat scan to come back with no bleeds (she is having painful headaches.)


Deb