We were able to have joyful respite together at Storybook Land this past week. It was really nice to spend time with Justin having fun instead of watching the chemo drip. Today begins a new cycle of chemotherapy, starting with a spinal tap.

I’m sitting with Justin at clinic waiting for chemo. A new boy came in today. He looks to be around 16 or 17. I hear him conversing with another seasoned cancer patient whom is about the same age. They are talking about their diagnosis, treatment and exchanging phone numbers for support. I can’t stop crying.

Last night, Justin and I talked about his impending trip to clinic. Justin said, “I can’t wait to go to heaven where there is no pain.” Just not too soon, baby. Not too soon.

His anxiety seemed to dissipate as I held him close and read one of my favorite passages of scripture. Isaiah 40:25-26:

“To whom will you compare me?
    Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
    and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.

I told Justin that if God cannot lose a single star among billions, how much more will He never lose one of His own children? We talked about how amazing it is that God has named all the stars. Justin asked if I thought God named a star after him.

“Yes I do, baby. Yes, I think there is a star for you.”

Grace be with you, my friends.