End of Round 2!

We realize it has been a while since we have posted, but life has been keeping us busy transitioning into summer!

Here is the news we received this morning from Houston –

Yesterday was the CT Scan to see the results from the second round of treatments. This morning my parents met with the doctors and got an update! The cancer cell numbers are all down. Both the lymph node and liver tumors have shrunk down substantially. The red blood cell count, though, is down as well to 7.4. Dr, Wolff has decided to cancel treatment for today and schedule a blood transfusion. His is curious to see where the red blood cells are going so next week he will have a scope done to see if they can find anything. Dr. Wolff himself said, “pretty impressive my friend.”

 

Over the past few weeks we have been blessed that Dad has been feeling well and we have been able to be outside and do things.

We are continuing to be blessed by our friends and family. The prayers and support encourage us each and every day.

Sarah & Hannah

Choosing Joy

Joy: /joi/ 1.Noun. A feeling of great pleasure or happiness. 2. Verb. Rejoice.

I’ll be the first to admit, with complete vulnerability and conviction, that “joy” was the last thing on my mind a few weeks ago. But to say that that this process causes reflection would be the understatement of 2016. And 2016 has been no joke. And as a result of that reflection, my soul is filled with joy.

1. I have seen Jesus in ways I’ve never seen before. But I have to look. It’s hard. And sometimes I’m scraping the bottom of the bucket for this, but I see my Creator in new ways almost daily–a good day at work, laughter at my house, sweet notes in the mail, watching my parents live out their vows, and so many other ways. My heart is refilled constantly, and that’s my Jesus.
2. I have a true example of love. My mom selflessly loves my dad and serves him.My dad selflessly loves my mom and fills her up. And that is refreshing to see in the midst of 2016 relationship society.
3. I know now, that I was strategically placed in this family. We are all different. We fight. We still wrestle each other on the floor. We still drive my mom insane. And we are really, really loud. But we are close. And I have had the privilege of watching each one of us grow in our faith, our prayer life, our ability to be vulnerable, and our ability to walk in peace. Day in, and day out, on good days and on bad days. We build each other up, and that’s because we are a {really big, often dysfunctional} team that was intentionally placed together.
4. I’m being asked to live intentionally. Life is insane. Absolutely out of control. But because of this, I am required to be intentional about everything I do. Intentional in my personal life, in my relationships, in my actions, and in my relationship with the Lord. Because when everything is so crazy, the little things matter and add up to produce joy and sanity.
5. I’m uncomfortable. But that’s where I’m called to be. I’m called to be bold for Christ, I’m called to choose God over society, I’m called to serve, I’m called to love, I’m called to be selfless, I’m called to walk in grace, and I’m called to respond to life’s struggles with faith and peace. It’s difficult, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s exhausting. And I fail at doing these things almost daily because they go against everything the world tells us, but this is the standard to which I am called.

Everything is different. Every day is different. And I don’t pretend to understand. Sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind, other times I feel confident in that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. But a the end of the day, we rejoice {Joy. verb. 2. Rejoice.} in our sufferings, knowing that our God is in control. If God is the ocean, and my brain is the size of a grapefruit, how dare I even think for one second that I would be able to comprehend what He is doing. Because I serve a God that is bigger than me, bigger than my perception of how I think life should look, and way way bigger than cancer.

Treatments are going well. Doctors say dad is strong, so they can “really hit him hard with the drugs.” My dad’s sense of humor is unwavering. After this trip, treatments will be every other week. And he gets to fly down on Wednesday mornings, and fly back after treatment on Thursday. No more long trips! {For now!}. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are all looking forward to summer, when school is out, baseball is in full swing, schedules slow down, and we can all spend more than 24 hours all together.

I say this every time, but we are SO thankful for everyone’s sweet words, notes, encouragement, phone calls, visits, meals, and so many other sweet gestures. It seems like as soon as our hearts get heavy, we receive love and encouragement that refill our spirits. My sister and I would love to pray for YOU, pray with you, and we live for real, meaningful conversation.

Have a great week!

–Hannah

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Well, to say a lot has happened since the last time Hannah and I posted would be a lie but to say that a lot hasn’t happened would be a lie too. In the grand scheme of things, this month compared to the last two has been a walk in the park just with planning and adjusting and figuring things out.

Being very honest with you all, I am taken back as I see how my life has changed due to my Dad’s circumstances and and am so convicted for the way that I was prior to it. That sounds silly, I know. You see, life as we all know it is a very precious thing but when everything is going well you don’t think about it like that. I didn’t dare to think that one day something bad would ever happen to my family. From the day my parents told me my dad was sick, my life was radically turned upside down, but in some ways, I am thankful for the changes that have come as a result.

1. Our family is closer than it has ever been. Not in milage of course, if we were measuring like that it may be the farthest we’ve all been apart. Regardless, my siblings and I were all bonded before but now it is on a whole new level. I didn’t know it was possible, but my parents are closer than ever before. My aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other relatives are all stepping up to do whatever they can. It’s a really beautiful thing.

2. I appreciate more. Real, good, wholesome, friends. A great home cooked meal. Sitting on the couch with my dog. A warm cup of coffee. Monical’s Pizza. Letters and notes. Below surface level conversations. A good book. Being able to be home with my family!

3. I see the power of prayer working so vividly. My entire life I have prayed and I have had prayers answered but for the first time in my life I can actively see the Holy Spirit working within my family.

4. My faith is stronger than ever before and continues to grow. I can’t bear things on my own. My dad can’t do this on his own. My mom can’t do it all either although sometimes I think she can (; Luckily, we don’t have to! We have placed our fears and cares with the Ultimate Healer. All things will work out according to His will.

5. My prayer life has radically changed. Prior to my dad’s diagnosis I didn’t take prayer as seriously as I should have. I prayed here and there when I was worried or when someone asked me to pray for them. After seeing what prayer has done for my family, I want to be able to help people in the same way. I look forward to my prayer time each day and would love to pray with or for you!

6. My parents. Obviously. My dad is crazy strong and has an incredible sense of humor and a great perspective on life. He is an example of what a man of God looks like. My mom is indestructible. She is organized, optimistic, encouraging, inspiring and always puts others before herself. These two are warriors, teachers, full of the best advice, and have enough hope, courage, and strength for all of us. The hardest part is knowing that it took Dad getting sick for me to recognize just how fortunate I am to have these things around me.

My parents have been back and forth from Texas since January! They are typically gone for about ten days and home for about seven days. The treatments are going well but they consist of very long days. Some days they arrive as early as 6:30 AM and don’t leave until around 9:00 at night. According to his doctor, Dad’s liver numbers are continuing to be good. In the beginning, he had some minor issues with low white blood cell counts but after a couple of booster shots, he was back to treatment the next week. Normally they enjoy the beautiful Houston weather, but in the past few days it has been storming and pretty nasty out. Hopefully it will clear up in the next day or so.

As for side effects, Dad loses quite a bit of energy from the treatments. Recently, he lost most (not the grey ones hahahahahahaha) of his hair. He said, “If I knew I was this handsome bald I would have shaved my head a long time ago.” Told ya he has good humor. In addition, he sometimes is feeling a little sick to his stomach and has some pretty dry skin. I haven’t heard him complain about any of it though. He is a trooper.

Because of all of this, our lives have completely changed in just about every aspect. We are adjusting and we are learning each and every day. I believe they will continue to be like this for a little while. Sometimes things are painful or scary or unknown but everyday is a new day.

How you can pray:

• Hope travels with my parents most of the time. While Dad is in treatment, she is not allowed in that wing of the hospital because she is not old enough. Pray for her patience.
• Since my parents don’t get to be home a lot, pray for that while they are home that they have time to rest and recuperate.
• Travels ­ whether Mom and Dad are flying or driving, safety.
• Each of us kids as we are in school. All five of us are in school whether that be as students, teachers, or aids!
• Side effects!

I would like to continue to express thanks to those who are encouraging all of us through texting, sending notes, and praying for us. We are SO thankful.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

 

–Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons

 

Top 10 Lessons I’ve learned from my Dad:

1. Shut off the lights when you leave the room. Seriously, he once confiscated my lightbulbs
2. Do what you need to do now, so you can do what you want later. My dad worked his butt off to provide for his family, before he even had a family. He combined fields til the wee hours of the morning, and made sacrifices and investments to ensure stability.
3. Being unable to forgive someone is like pretending to be bigger than God. If He can forgive, so can you.
4. If your boyfriend can’t change your car tire or replace the battery, you don’t have a boyfriend, you have a girlfriend. No comment.
5. Silver is refined through fire. Throughout my eventful life, a lot of good things have happened to me; but so have a few bad things. He’s always quick to remind me of this. Let the bad make you better.
6. You are second. Always. Let’s be honest, it’s no secret my parents can raise some babies. There are FIVE of us, and we all depend(ed) on my dad  for “everything but the air we breathe.” And that ain’t no joke. And he rarely complained about it. Rarely. But not only does he put his kids and wife first, he puts almost everyone else there, too. Need your road plowed? He’s got it. No matter how early. Basement flooded? He’s already on the way. No matter what time of day it is. Need a new outlet? No problem.
7. Go to church. Growing up in the house of Bill Watts, you go to church. Every Sunday. Unless you’re dying or close to it, you better show up (I’m still working on this one; don’t judge).
8. It never hurts to try or ask. And I quote “they can’t eat you.”
9. The Lord provides, but you have to do your part. My dad’s whole career depends on the weather. He plants the seeds, and then trusts the Lord will send the rain.
10. Put stuff back where you found it. THE REMOTE. And the air compressor attachments. And the keys. And anything else you “borrow.”

Oh, and answer your phone. You’ll never hear the end of it if you don’t. And pay your bills on time.

I would like to give a HUGE shoutout to a few people:

• Aunt Kris: What a GEM. Seriously. She calls, she prays, and let’s you vent. She never judges, she sends you books, and she’s ALWAYS available–no matter what time of day it is. (Sorry . . .)
• My sweet friends, you know who are. From texts, to calls, to spending time with me on the weekends, you’ve put me in priority and you love me so well. Thanks for letting me cry a lot and not getting weird about it (I’m talking to YOU, Faith Bernard and Liz Satterlee and several other people that I’ve gotten real emotional around).
• Sherri Fredrickson: THIS LADY. She keeps my mom laughing, my dad smiling, and two weeks ago she sent us to “Do something fun. Because we need to have fun.” Love this. And her spirit.
• Every single one of my siblings and family members. GUYS, I’ve witnessed each one of you put forth an effort to help out, be supportive, tell a joke, call each other out (out of love, of course), all to contribute to the success and happiness of each other. This sucks, but I wouldn’t want to do it with any other family. We’re the best.
• Anyone who has showed up, made a meal, sent a card, or told a funny story to lighten the load on us. We freakin’ love you.

My sister will update you on the logistics of dad’s health, so keep reading. Have a great week!

Hannah

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Although there are undoubtedly numerous life lessons that my dad has instilled in me over the past eighteen years of my life, there are a few in particular that I would like to share with you. For starters, I will list a few:

● Be constant with prayer – ­ My entire childhood my parents have made sure that I was a part of a body of Christ and always encouraged me to grow in my faith. They have set the example for a Christ-­centered relationship that I strive to have, as well. No matter if I am in the best moments of my life, or lowest I have ever been, always be in prayer. A few weeks ago my dad and I drove down to Greenville for a men’s volleyball game and while we were in the car he was sharing with me about how he could feel all of the people that were praying for him. He proceeded to tell me how important it is for prayer to be a part of my life every day. These short conversations are something that I have been fortunate enough to have grown up around.

● Live with an attitude that you (or someone you know) may not be here tomorrow – ­If something were to happen to you tomorrow, would you leave this world content with the way you left it? Is there someone you should have apologized to that you didn’t? This was something I had never thought about before my dad brought it up to me on the way home from a tournament. I can’t even remember how the conversation came about but he encouraged me to make sure that there weren’t any relationships that I was postponing mending. Ultimately, he encouraged me to treat people the way they should be treated and not leave things unfinished.

● You can never control someone else’s words or actions, but you can always control your response ­ –  During high school, I hit some points of low self­ esteem. One particular time I remember coming home completely distraught that people could say things so hurtful and not feel any remorse for it. I was telling my parents the way I was being treated and the whole time I was thinking of ways I could retaliate to the people that hurt me. They engraved into my head that I would never win like that. I would always come out of that situation losing. No matter how people react in a situation or what they say about you, you can only control the way you respond. If you act like it doesn’t bother you, they are not going to continue to do it. On a lighter note, he taught me some other things that are necessary to having a successful life. As you read them, let your imagination decide how I learned these things:

● Put things back where you found them, the way you found them. Ex: The remote

● Learn how to use a roadmap. Your phone won’t always work!

● Answer your cell phone if you don’t want to get permanently ridiculed for never answering.

● Say please and thank you.

● Turn the lights off in your car before exiting.

● Sometimes you have to let people make mistakes in order for them to be able to learn.

● A good sense of humor is always encouraged

Here is an actual update of how dad is actually doing: Thursday morning he began his first round of treatments in Texas. It was a long process lasting nearly all day. From what I heard, only one of the medicines hurt going in but the rest were alright. He is doing well and they are all enjoying the warm Houston weather. While he was at the hospital on Tuesday they saw that his lymph nodes were swelled up quite a bit and could possibly be causing some issues. He will be going in this week to see if the treatment has helped this at all. If not, he will have to have a stint put in to allow all of the valves going in and out of the liver to properly function. Prayers would be appreciated over this specifically. If all goes well, he will receive his next treatment on Wednesday.

Before I finish this post I would like to give a few shout outs to people who have been especially helpful or encouraging.

• ­ My wonderful friends, coaches, and professors here at GC who have taken my hurt in with arms wide open, prayed for me, cried with me, and encouraged me. So many herehave reached out and cared for me during my first week back.
• ­ Those of you who have so generously made meals, sent notes of encouragement, sent money, or even gifts in the mail to my family while I was home. The love was overwhelming.
• ­ Those of you who have graciously invited my family into your home or out to dinner and shared a meal with us.
• ­ My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives that have done everything in their power to support us in what is going on and give 110% of what they have to help us.
• ­ Those of you who are continually praying for us. As you read above, my dad really does feel the power of prayer working on him. We encourage you to continue to pray and share with others that they should pray, too!
• ­ Lastly, to those of you who have sent me encouraging text messages and notes my first week back at school. It has been a rough one and I am so thankful for everyone who has reached out to me.

Sarah

 

 

Prayer Requests for this week:

• Dad: I’m so thankful I don’t feel sick, but I don’t want to have a stint. Pray that liver numbers go back to normal and this won’t be necessary.
• Mom: I want to be able to take care of Bill and humbly rely on God’s provisions each day.
• Jon: I started a new job, and so far it’s going well. Pray that it continues that way.
• Hannah: This weekend I came home, and came down with strep throat. I have to take the next 48 hours off work, and that’s hard on students.
• Sarah: Being away from home is hard, as well as starting a new semester. Pray that time will go quickly, classes go well, and that I can safely travel from school to home as often as possible.
• Jake: Pray that dad’s chemo works.
• Hope: Pray that dad stays healthy. Also, while in Texas, I met a new friend Ms. Vicki. She’s from Florida, and she has liver cancer.

Blessings

The past few weeks have been full of blessings. I am overwhelmed with the kindness our family is surrounded by. My parents left a few weeks ago for Houston, Texas to go see some of the best doctors in the country, and while they were gone, I was taking charge at home since I was still on break from school. The amount of people who reached out to me and offered help was astonishing and helped me immensely.

While mom and dad were in Houston, they got some different news than they had gotten from any doctor previously. Dad’s diagnosis was changed from pancreatic cancer to liver cancer. Although both of these diagnoses are not great, this has brought some more hope to the situation. Dad decided that he was going to be a part of a research treatment trial and will be starting this week! We are all hoping and praying for some positive results to come from it.

We appreciate all of your kind thoughts, encouraging notes, and prayers. I read in a devotional about how we are supposed to find blessings in each situation. As hard as that is, I think I can speak for everyone in the family and say that the generosity of those around us has been an incredible blessing. God works in so many ways!

 

Sarah

Life These Days

Hannah:

My 2016 looks nothing like I thought it would. A few short weeks ago, I was traveling the world, teaching 3rd grade in Morocco, and didn’t have any plans of changing anything for at least two years. Life was good, I was doin’ my thing, and was learning and growing at an unimaginable rate.

A few short weeks ago, however, on an ordinary day, my entire reality shifted. Looking back, I remember nearly every ordinary detail. I woke up to my sister crawling in bed with me. Mom came in with a list of things she wanted us to accomplish while she and dad went to the doctor. We argued over where to go for brunch and did our hair together in front of the long mirror. We jammed to music in the car, went shopping, and had dinner. We came home and put on sweats and wrapped presents and invited some friends over. Mom and dad came in, and we turned the music up and sang obnoxiously loud. As crazy as it sounds, it was a normal day.

But this time, mom and dad didn’t laugh at us, or make fun of us, or tell us to shut it off. We glanced at each other and sat down. My other sister walked in and joined us. Dad filled a glass of water in a brown mug, and mom sat down at the table, wearing MY sweater and her black skinny jeans. I remember this exact moment, wanting so badly to turn the music back on and rewind the day and press pause. She looked at dad, and then back at us, and said, “Today they found two tumors on your father. One on the liver and one on the pancreas. We are going to see an oncologist next week. ”

Last week, after several days of waiting, they concluded that dad has an advanced  stage of pancreatic cancer. Our lives are drastically different than planned, and it weighs heavy on our hearts just about every second of every day. It’s absolutely awful, there’s no other way to put it. However, it’s not all bad. I have witnessed silver linings, and have watched people who love my dad come alongside our family. I’ve learned about him, his love for Jesus, and his sense of humor. I have seen his desire to provide and care for his family (shoutout for that rent check, dad!), and live out his promises to my mom. I’ve also had the privilege of watching my mom evolve into a total badas*. (Sorry not sorry). Seriously, she does it all, and she’s a total babe. If you see that lady around, give her a little extra love. She’s absolutely glowing with love for my dad, for the Lord, and tenderly loving the rest of us, too. She is such a woman of grace (almost all the time). But she can use all the love she can get.

 

Sarah:

The beginning of this year marks a journey that I would have imagined I would find myself on. I began my college career in the fall and have at last completed my first semester. It was all I could have imagined it to be and more. I played the sport I love and my team was successful, I was making friends, I was living on my own and learning how to do this thing they call adulthood.

I came home the last weekend of the semester to celebrate Christmas with my grandpa. I love coming home. I woke up Friday morning and went to lay with my sister, Hannah, in her bed when my mom came in the room to join us. She said she was going to take my dad to some appointments and asked us if we could be in charge of finishing up some shopping for her and take our younger sister, Hope, with us. This was not an unusual occurrence and we thought nothing of it, we went along with our shopping and other activities with no hinderance.

We finished shopping and headed home to begin wrapping our presents. I invited some friends over to hang out with and enjoy the beginning of break. Mom and dad arrived shortly after we did and told me to try and cancel my plans if it was possible. I knew then there was something going on that I didn’t want to know about.

Hannah, Hope and I, stopped our fidgeting and focused on what my mom was about to say. Little did we know that the words she would say are likely going to change our lives forever. It went something like this, “They found two tumors on your father. One on the liver and one on the pancreas. We are going to go see an oncologist next week.”

From that moment on our lives have been somewhat turned upside down. Naturally, filled with fear and anxiety. Each day we are learning more and more to cast our cares on the Lord and know that He is in control of all situations, as hard as that is for us to understand sometimes.

As you have already read above, we have found out that things are not exactly as great as we hoped they would be. Hopefully in the next couple of days he will travel to Texas to see another doctor while I hold the fort down with Jake and Hope. Your continuous prayers are greatly appreciated during this time.

This time of year makes me a little nostalgic. Dad and I spent lots of hours traveling together for volleyball tournaments and practices for the past four winters. During the times we were on the road I got to know my dad more than just as my dad but as a person and I wouldn’t trade that time for the world.

At the end of the day, if nothing else, I think this time has proved how much  he is loved by so many.