Over the years, I have gained much hands-on experience in caring for Jason. The night before Eli was born, I found myself packing gauze into Jason's wound following a surgery. In the years that followed, I learned to give IV's, transfer Jason from a wheelchair to bed, give nourishment through a feeding tube, test blood clotting time, organize pill holders, check blood sugar, perform peritoneal dialysis, flush drains, and give shots. I became Jason's caregiver, his advocate, his protector.
While Jason was still in the hospital after his transplant, I received a message from a wise friend. She wrote, "I pray that God will redeem these years of being confined to home, that your family will be filled with joy and life, and years of serving the Lord." We are happily adjusting to yet another new normal. I am determined to bring joy and purpose to our days. In the past, we often felt limited by treatment schedules, or simply lack of energy. I honestly feel as though I'm just now emerging from battle. I believe I'll hang up my nurse's cap for a bit, and enjoy being a mother, volunteer, wife, friend, daughter, worker, sibling, and child of God.
