I am 6 months into my pregnancy. Baby Fair #5 is due end of Sept./beginning of October. This time last year we were returning from our family beach trip to Florida with Lighthouse, a ministry to pediatric cancer families. Phoebe was feeling great and life without chemo felt amazing. In just a few weeks I would notice that she had quit climbing up on the kitchen chair and seemed to weaker; we would find out on July 26, 2013 that the original tumor had returned and was already half it’s original size with new tumor metastasis in her spine. I can’t believe she’s been gone almost 9 months. We have learned new coping skills through our grief, but there is always pain just beneath the surface. I’m told it can feel raw for years and that the 2nd year is tougher than the first. I try not to dwell on that thought because I can’t fathom it. In the midst of pain, life continues, and beauty is still beauty and we are still able to recognize it. Benjamin and Averic both had birthdays this month turning 12 and 10; their first birthdays without Phoebe. We had a little party out at the lake and they had a blast. Last month also found us in California for the memorial service for Nathan’s grandmother, Marlene. Phoebe has no shortage of great-grandparents with her..I get jealous each time someone we love leaves this earth for Heaven. Our trip home included a stop at the Grand Canyon and a train ride complete with cowboys and outlaws.

Unfortunately some sad news has also made it’s way into our lives; my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and begins chemotherapy tomorrow. He tells me Phoebe is his role-model and her Beads of Courage now hang on his IV pole.

Also, my midwife passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from stroke this past week. This was of course shocking and sad. It seems that suffering is so pervasive right now and I don’t know how to process all of it to be quite honest. I have been reading and re-reading Romans 8:18-25 these past two weeks and trying to focus my heart on this passage:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we are saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”

~Praying for perseverance~ Amey