I rushed Justin to the ER because he was unable to bear weight on his feet and he was burning up with fever. This was 11pm on Friday, January 15th. We have not left the hospital since.

Sunday, January 17th, we received news that has changed and will continue to change our lives. Justin was diagnosed with Leukemia. Cancer of the blood cells and bone marrow.

Today, we are going home.

Exhausted, emotionally drained and feeling apprehensive about all the details of Justin’s home care. It feels like we are brand new parents taking a newborn baby home. The packet of notes I took at the required “oncology class” is thick, and the potential complications that could arise are daunting.

But I’m not freaking out or anything. In fact, I’m very confident that God will continue to pour out His grace. I have felt the presence of God in that first trip to the ER, in the conference room receiving the diagnosis and everyday since then.

Although I have not been walking alone, I have been deep in the valley. But I feel my steps quickening as I climb to higher ground. I have reached a precipice but I am reminded that I do not stand here alone. Jesus will persist in guiding me and giving me wisdom and increased faith as we muddle through Justin’s home care and inevitably come up against situations that I cannot control. Jesus will lead me from this place of uncertain footing to a secure peak with a breathtaking view.

I feel like I could write about this all day. But, for now, rejoice with us! Justin is doing well enough to go home! We will be reunited with Nicky and Michael, and able to spend time together as a family.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100

We have received excellent care for Justin here at the oncology unit at CHOP. But I can’t say I will miss being here. Well, I may have some lingering feelings for the cafeteria noodle bowls.

Hope you will continue to pray and follow us on this next phase of Justin’s care. This is not the end by any means. In a lot of ways, it feels like just the beginning. A new journey.

Grace be with you, my friends.