Seems Jarrad was in some discomfort and had a "growth" protruding out from his left upper chest wall and it was hurting and he wondered what doctor to go see. Joel gave him the name of someone he trusted and Jarrad proceeded to get an appt. for Monday afternoon. Dr. Rodriquez was very concerned when he examined Jarrad and ordered a CT scan for the very next morning. The 23rd. My 61st birthday.
When Jarrad called us mid-afternoon with the report, it was not good news. He has a 4" lymphoma tumor in his left upper chest next to his heart and pushing up against his rib cage. The tip of the tumor has bulged out between 2 ribs and that was the "growth" Jarrad was complaining about.
A lot of phone calls have burned up the wires over the last 24 hours and a plan is coming into place. Jarrad goes into the hospital Friday morning (remember, folks, it's Christmas and very difficult to get these complicated tests done with so many docs out of town or out of their offices). He will be an outpatient as a biopsy will need to be done to uncover what type of cancer we are dealing with. Then the real work begins.
So what does that have to do with the Small Things? Many of you will already be able to relate to this, but when you are faced with life threatening circumstances, it's amazing how it's usually the Small Things that take on major importance.
Things like a soft touch from your spouse to comfort you in your distress. Things like the sun finally shining thru the clouds to brighten your day after days of stormy weather. Things like enjoying the lights on the Christmas tree late on Christmas Eve when the kids are finally asleep and the presents are all laid out under the tree. Things like taking a deep breath, closing your eyes and feeling God's arms wrapped around you as tears run down your face.
I know we are all caught up in our hustle bustle world, especially at this busy season. There are cookies to bake and presents to wrap and parties to attend. My wish for you is that you have many moments where the Small Things touch your heart, make you stop for just a moment, and lock those memories away in your heart.
Please lift Jarrad and his wife Dawn up in prayer as they are about to face trials such as they have never dreamed they would have to face. And pray for me as I drive on Christmas day......hey, a mama's gotta be by her son's side when he is about to get life changing news. I'll try and keep you updated about Jarrad's condition.
One thing.....for those of you who have never met Jarrad, he's the eternal optimist. He never met a stranger, always has a ready smile on his face, and has the word "Positive" practically stamped on his forehead. So it didn't surprise me when yesterday, in the midst of the phone calls and fear, he and I joked that he didn't have to go to such extreme measures to help me forget I was now another year older. That's Jarrad. And yes, he knows Jesus as his Savior and that God is in control of all that is happening to him right now.
Have a Blessed Christmas with your loved ones,
And thank you for praying for our family,
Debbie
