This is a copy of the story I posted for our church. I thought all of you lovely folks might be interested in hearing about it as well. The only thing I am bummed about is that I don’t have a good picture of Sarah, so you all can meet her.
If you are a member of The Waters Church on The City, you can find the story under the Growth tab and then click on Stories. Enjoy!
Our Christmas Miracle…
My mom has been fighting her second battle with cancer for well over five years now. Earlier this fall we had gotten the news that the cancer was progressing rapidly and they were having a hard time managing it. So as much as you can prepare yourself for bad news, when we heard she had suffered a stroke, it took the wind out of us. Especially 12 days before Christmas. No partridges. No pear trees. Just some pretty devastating news.
My brother reported to me that mom had suffered a stroke and her left side was greatly effected. He said she could hardly speak. He said mom had been able to call for help for herself, though and tell a friend to contact him with the news. He had called to talk with her and was able to understand her speech with difficulty. She told him to not do anything stupid and that she didn't want anyone coming out, and to tell me the same. A couple of days later I was able to talk with her and through her slurred speech she said the same to me. I couldn't help but to remember how when we were kids, Mom would say, “Oh no. Don't get me anything” or “don't go to any trouble on my account.” But when you did, you knew she loved it.
My mom lives in Washington state and is very independent. Very. Mom lives alone. She goes to church and is part of the church's Senior Connection. She has to go to chemo and radiation treatments, which she usually drives to herself. Sometimes one of her neighbors joins her. Her cousin lives within 20 miles but doesn't drive and her other cousin is caring for vulnerable loved ones. My brother lives in the Midwest, and me and my family here in Minnesota. Knowing all this did not set my mind at ease as far as her ability to go home.
So on the 1st day of Christmas, after we heard the news, we let some of our oldest children know what was going on. We tried to honor mom's wishes and carry on with life. The only thing I did do was to put out a request on Facebook for friends to pray.
On the 4th day of Christmas was our church's kid's Christmas program, Angels: Mission Possible. Garrett was a part of the production and his sister wanted to tag along to go to the Walk for Christmas that was happening afterward. I was going to be taking pictures at both events which I thought was a great way to take my mind off of mom's situation and get on with life. At the kid's production, I ran into Sarah and she asked how mom was and how I was holding up. I gave her what news I had of mom and told her I was avoiding dealing with my own feelings at the moment. She asked if we would be going out to see her and I told her that mom didn't want that. She was respectful of that and we talked of other things. The production got under way and we went to the Walk Through Christmas. The kids had a great time and I got some decent shots.
On the 5th day of Christmas we had some kids home sick so David and I split forces and each attended a different service. I hadn't intended to cry, but before worship was over I was balling like a baby. We usually greet people after worship, so a few friends came over and offered hugs. We all sat down for the announcement video, but I couldn't quit crying and had to walk out. Thankfully Sarah followed and offered a listening ear and words of comfort. Then she said that she couldn't help but thinking that I was supposed to go out to see mom. Funny, Terri had said something similar that morning. Sarah asked if there was a way for me to go, would David mind? Would we be able to work that out?
When I got home, I told David what Sarah had said and asked his thoughts. He said he was thinking the same thing but just didn't know how we could make it work. We started thinking about ways to get out to see Mom and who would go with. At the end of our conversation we were praying for a way for me, by myself, to take all kids out to see mom over the winter break. Yes, it would be grueling, but Mom would get to meet the kids she hadn't and vice versa and the kids she had met would get to see her again, maybe for the last time. It seemed right. It was the plan we were moving forward with.
Well, God had different plans and by the 6th day of Christmas the body of Christ was pulling together a completely different plan. A plan where one person and I would fly out to Washington with baby John and give Mom a Christmas surprise. Two plane tickets were accounted for and a large sum for the other traveling expenses. My sister in law would give us lodging and transportation. There was even a set aside amount for the person and I to have a nice dinner! Who was the other person? Sarah! We had thought of our youngest daughter, but when Sarah offered that if I wanted her to come she would, it seemed like the right thing. On the hind end of things now, I KNOW it was the right decision.
Sarah told me about the plan and what was transpiring and wanted to be sure that David and I were on board. I told David and with humble gratitude we accepted the offer and then the blessings kept pouring in. The next couple of days were a blur as Sarah and Mandy arranged the travel plans and meals and childcare...you might ask why these are such a big deal?
My husband owns a construction business and works at FedEx. Christmas time, especially the last week before, is the busiest time of year for them. He is gone so much in December that we are happy to get to pray with him before he heads off to bed at night, and enjoy a Sunday breakfast...the rest of the time is work or sleep. Add to his schedule the seven children I would be leaving home. One at the high school, three at ORE (two of which are in half day kindergarten), and two homeschooled. That will help you understand the scope of the work that went into making sure the ones left behind were cared for and loved.
On the 8th day of Christmas, in the wee early hours of morning, Sarah and I, along with baby John, headed off to the airport for Washington. My sister in law picked us up and we headed for a lovely lunch, picked up a gift for Mom and headed to the hospital. I sent Sarah in to see Mom with the gift and Sarah asked mom if she would like another surprise. I peeked around the corner and saw her nod and entered. With tears streaming down her face, she reached for me and we laughed and cried together. I asked her if she wanted another surprise and Janet (my SIL) came around the corner with baby John. She held him as best she could and kissed him and cried and laughed. She said it was the best Christmas present she could have ever got. We visited for quite a while and left after dinner with promises to visit again the next day. We headed to Janet's home and were able to relax and visit with Janet's husband and daughter.
On the 9th day of Christmas we said goodbye to Dave and Anna (Janet's husband and daughter) and headed to the hospital for a visit. Janet dropped us off, but Mom would be in therapy for a while, so we grabbed Starbuck's...it's everywhere out there...and Soduko and relaxed with the baby in the lobby. We had a nice visit with Mom and it looked like overnight there were some major improvements in her use of her left arm. She hated being in the hospital but seeing the baby and getting to visit was a comfort. We visited during lunch and promised to visit on our way to the airport, the next day.
On the way home, we stopped to visit Mom's cousin, Darlene...the one who doesn't drive. Darlene has been a light in my life, ever since I can remember, so I couldn't imagine being out there without a visit. She even had candy in the candy dish...you could always have as much as you wanted at Darlene's. Our conversation was sweet and blessed us all so much. Darlene sent a card and said, “Thank everyone concerned with helping you make it here. I can truthfully say I've never enjoyed a visit more. It was one of the nicest Christmas presents I've ever had.” I think Sarah, Janet and I feel the same way.
On the 10th day of Christmas, Sarah and I had fun playing elves, leaving surprises of Christmas cheer for our hostess while she was away at work. She came to pick us up for our last visit to mom before the airport. When we arrived, she was continuing to mend and was put on regular food and was already trying to make plans to go home. It was hard to say goodbye, but I was so thankful I had a chance to see her again.
One funny side note. Our first return flight was delayed. Then they let us board. Then it was delayed again due to a seat back technicality or something. When we were finally underway, any extra time we had to relax in Pheonix before our connecting flight had been eaten up. To make matters worse, the stroller and carseat that we had gate checked weren't at the jetway when arrived. Sarah had to run ahead to try to hold the other plane while I waited for the baby gear. There was a very helpful passenger who set up the stroller for me and helped me get John in. Then I ran, yes ran… as fast as I could to get to the next flight, which seemed to be at the very ends of the earth! When I got there, the flight wasn't full and the generous attendant made sure we had a set of seats with an open seat for the baby between. Add to that a very fun and lively attendant in the plane who gave us complimentary snacks on the flight home...she offered us other things, but we declined ;)
We made it home on the 11th day of Christmas...Christmas Eve. It was about 4 AM when we got to St Cloud. Sarah had been such a help to me and the trip, I think was a blessing not only to us, but to all those whose lives we touched. We were able to be home for Christmas too!
I am so grateful to all the people of The Waters Church, and others, who made the trip possible. Your generous giving of money, service and prayers helped bless my family so much. Thank you for being part of our Christmas Miracle!
Oh, thought you might like to know. Mom is now at her home. Some friends from her church have helped make her home more accessible for her and for now, she is able to care for herself mostly. Her neighbor helps her get her groceries and she relies on Paratransit to get around. We still aren't sure what caused the stroke. She will be meeting with her doctors soon to determine if and when she will resume her cancer treatments. Please keep her in your prayers.
Written by Dawn Jansen, a.k.a. Simply Dawn. You can hear more about God working in my life on my blog, Simply Dawn.
Lovies!
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