The Peace that Surpasses Understanding: The first 6 weeks post-diagnosis

Rejoice  in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philipians 4:4-8

John, Abby and I (21 weeks pregnant) at an Orioles game

In Disney World (5 weeks pregnant)

 

As you can imagine, the first five weeks since receiving Angel Marie’s terminal diagnosis have been a whirlwind. One mother in our situation writes “I never knew I was capable of so much, grief and love at the same time.” To that I add hope, joy and pain. We are so touched and overwhelmingly grateful to all of you who have supported us in so many ways. We are especially thankful for all the prayers.

 I can assure you that we feel your prayers and have a new understanding of “the peace that surpasses all understanding.” It is truly God answering all your prayers because I do not know how we would be doing so well otherwise. I can honestly say that John and I are at peace and doing very well after praying through the initial shock.

We believe in miracles. Either there will be a miracle (and as I have said before miracles come in many forms), or God will continue to bless Angel Marie on her path to heaven, knowing only love, and allow us to humbly be equipped  to share our faith, love of life, and belief in heaven with others. Already so many people have been asking us how we are so calm, and it has provided us with many opportunities to share God’s peace and grace.

Since the diagnosis we have been “choosing life” daily in celebrating Angel Marie in many ways. We have shared with her many of our favorite meals J, an Orioles game, VT football game, apple picking, and fall trip to Capon Springs West Virginia among other adventures. In her short life, she has already gone to Disney World, the beach, out dancing several times and more. God willing, and pending our visit with the specialist again on Monday, we hope to visit South Carolina next weekend. (Prayers appreciated, will keep you posted!)

Playing at Centennial Park (23 weeks pregnant)