Life for Now
The date had finally been set, and we were filled with mixed emotions. Relieved that Esperanza was not having to go through a year of chemo, and yet, what would the long-term effects of proton therapy be? Would the radiation affect her personality, her memory? The next several days were a whirlwind of connecting with our other three children, since we will not be together much, and of packing for the next 6.5 weeks. The day arrived, and after a morning at church and a friend’s child’s birthday party, we gave hugs to our youngest kiddos. Zoe burst into tears, understanding the length of time we would be separated. Soon, however, they were busy playing with their friends at the birthday party.
After six hours, we were walking into the Jacksonville Ronald McDonald House around 9 pm. When we arrived for one night a couple of weeks earlier, we had a simple room with two beds and a bathroom, which was what we expected again. However, this time we had a small living room, a kitchenette, a vanity, a bathroom, and two full beds. We were overjoyed to feel as if we would actually have a home for 6.5 weeks, not just a room.
The next morning, Esperanza and I headed up to the top floor, which is a vast, beautiful, open-air patio. We sat up there for our quiet time with Jesus and looked out over downtown Jacksonville. So refreshing to soak in the breeze under a shady pagoda. A few hours later, we headed to her first proton therapy session. The doctors and nurses were so inviting that Esperanza quickly calmed her nerves as she headed back to start the first of 30 sessions.
Bruce and I sat in the office, and soon Esperanza’s service dog attracted multiple visitors. We sat there, sipping coffee and chatting with people from all walks of life who were there for proton therapy. Once she was out, I was relieved to see a smile on her face. It had gone well. We gathered our things, said goodbye to our newfound friends, and headed out to explore some walking paths in the city.
Once back in the Ronald McDonald House for dinner, we had multiple opportunities to connect with some of the 60 families who live there. Their stories broke our hearts, yet joy still permeated the faces of so many bald children as they ran through the indoor and outdoor Ronald McDonald playgrounds.
Over the last several days, we have fallen into a new rhythm. Waking a little earlier than we’d like at times to take Esperanza’s dog on a long walk, school, lunch, proton therapy, and, if energy allows, we explore somewhere in the city. Then, in the evenings, we have dinner with our new group of friends at the Ronald McDonald House.
It’s been day four of proton therapy. Besides a bit of fatigue, Esperanza has done exceptionally well. Thank you for continuing to pray for our sweet girl. We have felt the hand of Jesus in powerful ways. And being here at the Ronald McDonald House, I have seen a lovely part of Esperanza come alive as she connects with the little kids going through chemo, radiation, transplants, etc. A depth of understanding and compassion runs deep. And it reminds me that God uses all things for His glory, and that His love and her testimony are forming in her life during this season.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!! We have felt them deeply.
Prayer Requests
Protection from all side effects of proton therapy (memory loss, hair loss, fatigue, nausea, etc).
Peace over our children and my mom at home.
The families here at The Ronald McDonald House.
Finances (click here to partner).
