God is Good

Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

I'm not good at memorizing verses, but this is a verse I made a point to memorize this week. Philippians 4 was part of our church's daily reading this week and that book was meant for me this week. I have been worrying so much these last few weeks about Grace and the possibility of her getting a fever and being hospitalized. In my mind, I had planned on an admission and was just waiting for that fever. I didn't think we would be out of the weeds until mid-week next week.
This morning we had an appointment. I expected her White Blood Cells (WBCs) and ANC to be 0. I also assumed she would need a blood and platelet transfusion, because she's looking pretty pale and has lots of bruises on her body.
God far exceeded my expectations this morning. She did not need a transfusion of Red Blood Cells or Platelets and her ANC was 294! Not only was her ANC 294, she has a lot of baby WBCs that are going to keep making more, which will raise her ANC even more. The doctor and nurse said she's on her way back up! I was totally amazed. I told God what I needed and I will thank Him for all He has done. He is such a good God and has blessed us so much.
Looking back at the last 7 months, things have gone so much better than we could've hoped for. She is just 2 weeks away from Maintenance and has only been hospitalized once for a fever. She also has remained strong and has not needed braces on her legs. He has heard our constant prayer to protect her and keep her strong.
I'm feeling especially overjoyed with all of this news, because she may never drop her counts again, she may never need a transfusion again and her ankles are going to most likely get stronger and stronger! God has held us so close through all of us and has revealed Himself to us in new ways. I pray that He will show us how we can share Grace's story with others and encourage others going through similar circumstances.

My Sweet Girl

I am so grateful for my sweet little girl. I am so grateful that through the last 7 months, she has remained my sweet little girl. Of course, there have been times where she hasn't been quite as happy or feeling as well, but overall she has been as happy as ever. I think she is at a perfect age to go through this. She only sees life day by day. She has no worries of tomorrow or the future. If she's feeling nauseous or has a runny nose, she's sick that day, but every other day according to her, she's not sick. She knows that her blood is sick and that's why she has to go to the doctor every week and get lots of medicine. You can truly see God's "Grace" in her. She is not upset or sad about the things she has to do. She just does them, because we tell her she needs to.
Even with losing her hair, she has never complained. When she looks in the mirror, she doesn't see anything different. She knows that it will grow back someday soon. A few weeks ago, she took off her hat in front of someone she had just met and said "My hair's pretty short right now" , just very matter of fact.
She is full of joy and I pray that she never loses the joy she has. I pray that God will use her story to touch others and that she will have an incredible testimony to tell in her future!