Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Eight months later.

I know it has been too long since I have updated this blog and many are wondering how Clara is doing. In short, everything with Clara is perfect. Family life is busy and happily so! It was exactly 8 months ago I started blogging about Clara and neuroblastoma. In some ways it seems like forever ago.


A long 8 months ago life looked like this:


Today things are much happier. And we are enjoying each and every bit of our normal lives.  

Fun facts:


Clara no longer has a central line so she takes showers and baths whenever she wants. Sometimes hourly.


Her hair is growing. So quickly!


Her night terrors are diminishing, yet she always seems to find herself in between her parents. She likes to hold our hands just like the good 'ole days.


She has a media addiction. Understandably so, but I'm not sure how to break it...


Her favorite books are "Pinkalicious" and "Fancy Nancy." The other day she "read" them to me. It got me all teary. That happens a lot!


She is our own personal tornado. It's pretty impressive how quickly she can make a mess. It doesn't usually bother me because I know what the alternative could be. 


She thinks clothing is optional. Which usually leads to another shower. I could write a book patterned after, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." I would probably title it, "If You Change Clara's Diaper."


Clara won a contest (with the help of you!)


Last night as I was reading The Book of Mormon, I came across these verses in Alma 26. I was overcome with emotion because the words completely capture my feelings. In the words of Ammon:


35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all apowerball wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a cmerciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.
 36 Now if this is aboasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a bbranch of the tree of Israel, and has been clost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, dwanderers in a strange land.
 37 Now my brethren, we see that God is amindful of everybpeople, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.
After Clara's appointment in Spokane the beginning of December, her oncologist referred her to hospice. Typically, from what I understand that is done for patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less. When we met with them Clara was running circles and in her show off mode. They remarked that she looked just fine. How we hope that six months comes and goes with Clara still running circles around our home! This much I know: whatever happens in the future for Clara, she is exactly where she needs to be. Home. We all need her home. This is a miracle! And I shout from the rooftops:"Yea, I say unto you, there never were men (or mother) that had so great reason to rejoice as we (me)..."
And so I will continue as I have for many months now to give prayers of thanksgiving for Clara's miracle and fervently pray for her continued health and healing. Thank you all for your prayers and faith for Clara. I have rarely gone anywhere the past 3 months without complete strangers coming up to me and asking, "is this Clara? I've been praying for Clara." To those near and far who love Clara and pray for her know we are seeing and experiencing the answers to those prayers. 
29 ...have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have aangels ceased to minister unto the children of men.






16 comments:

Mama and Papa Wood said...

Absolutely a miracle & inspiration to us all! We have been praying in your behalf & have loved being uplifted by the example of your family! We will continue to send prayers, hugs & love your way!

Melinda said...

This is REALLY great news! What a little miracle she is. My mom told me today Clara was in her Stretch-N-Grow class at CBRC I think it was. Anyway, she said she was such a sweetheart, and just loved having her there. Thought you might like to know. :0) Continued prayers as always.

Brenda said...

I am so glad you are all HAPPY & HOME together! I love seeing all those cute smiling faces! What a great blessing. We will continue to pray and think of you all often.

Mary said...

Still wearing my Clara Bracelet to remind me to Pray continually and thank the Lord for Clara's Miracle. She is Your ANGEL on earth!

Kris said...

Thank you for the update. We are so happy to hear great things. Miracles are all around us, and it's nice to hear the news. She is adorable!

Brittany said...

Thank you for the update. We continue to pray for 'Baby Clara'. Just last night at dinner I said, "we should probably stop saying 'Baby Clara' since she turns 3 in a couple of months." One of the girls reminded me that she will always be her momma's baby. So, 'Baby Clara' it is. We love you guys!

::lindsay said...

I'm all teary reading this. Clara is truly a miracle and I'm so happy you guys are together and at home! We pray for your family everyday and my kids love your kids so much! Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us.

NaDell said...

I'm so happy that she is doing well again. I love those scriptures. They truly are for us in our time.

Teri said...

Where is the "like" (or love) button? I am to emotional to comment.

Staci said...

Tash, What a nice post. Thank you for our example of faith. We all love you and we continue to pray everyday for Clara.

Rebecca said...

God bless, all of you are so special and I share your gratitude. Long live that little sweet pea of yours!

Britanny said...

That is one of my favorite passages in the BOM! I'm so glad you reminded me of it. Your family is awesome--so glad to have you as a part of my childhood...

Gloria said...

Your entry is very inspiring and your family is in my prayers. I pray that you will have many more months of precious memories!

ivyworis said...

so happy to hear about clara. i've been waiting to hear this. GOD is GREAT... i will always pray for you and clara.

ivy/malaysia

JanelleB said...

I often find my thoughts drifting to Clara and I keep her in my prayers. She is such an inspiration to me, as are the rest of your remarkable, faithful family. Last summer I rode the STP for Clara since it was the same weekend as her 5K event and I could not make it. I had asked if I could use her picture on my helmet and tell people about her story. I took pictures and video clips for Clara and I have put them together for her on a dvd. I do not know how to contact you other than through this site. Could you send me your address so that I could mail it to Clara? My email is janellerbourgeois@gmail.com if you wouldn't mind emailing your address I would appreciate it. I have a strong testimony of miracles and having survived an illness with a 10% chance of survival, I know that the Lord is ever mindful of our needs. I am so happy for your family and I will continue to pray and go to the temple for your sweet daughter. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

Jodi said...

I don't know why I'm just finding out you posted this.. I'm so happy you're sweet family has been able to be together. And I'm so thankful for your inspiring words. You are truly an amazing person and I'm learning from you. Thanks for your updates and we'll continue praying for Clara and your family.