Kara's Collection: Dreaming of Heaven

Kara's Collection: Dreaming of Heaven

from an article originally posted March 6, 2015...

Kara and I have spent a lot of time dreaming about Heaven together, and we always have, even before Kara’s current diagnosis. It’s something I’ve thought a lot about, knowing so many people who have gone there, and now more than ever I think about it. As I’ve shared before, having to prepare a 2-year old for what will happen with Kara is forcing me to really evaluate what I believe and what Scripture says is true about Heaven.

Kara's Collection: Tears In My Life Cereal

Kara's Collection: Tears In My Life Cereal

from an article originally posted March 4, 2015...

We have recently had a new nurse in our hospice care. Our regular nurse needed a break, and she took some needed time off to refresh and restore her heart. I’m thankful for both of these nurses.

Our new nurse figured out the puzzle of my pain in my leg beautifully. We have changed medication and my pain is much less. I’m tickled. But what has surfaced is an extreme exhaustion and a haziness that wasn’t there before. 

Kara's Collection: A Room of Her Own

Kara's Collection: A Room of Her Own

from an article originally posted March 3, 2015...

I recently read an article about Gazan artist Nidaa Badwan who retreated to her bedroom after being assaulted by Hamas officers. For a couple of months, she barely lived, contemplating suicide and fearing leaving her family’s home because of the religiosity and conflict in the Gaza Strip. Eventually, she started enjoying her isolation and beautifying her 100 sq. ft. bedroom. It is now the subject of an art project and she has left her home only a handful of times over the last year. She says of her space, Everything is beautiful, but only in my room, not in Gaza. I’m ready to die in this room unless I find a better place.

Kara's Collection: Hospice Care

Kara's Collection: Hospice Care

from an article originally posted March 2, 2015...

It felt like a huge blow when my oncologist said it was time for me to enter hospice care. It felt like quitting. I felt like my body had failed and I was being pulled from the team and being benched. Benched in an awful permanent way.

I was wrong. Hospice care has been truly amazing. It’s still hard, as a stubborn fighter, to not be in the fight anymore. Now I’m focused on my comfort. Comfort to my last moment. 

Kara's Collection: Seeing the unseen

Kara's Collection: Seeing the unseen

from an article originally posted February 27, 2015...

Sunday was a glorious day! After a good weekend of venturing outside, entertaining visitors, and lots of smiles, Kara made it to church for the first time in what I think has been months. She had told me that she was going to try to make it, yet nothing prepared my heart for the joy of seeing her come up the aisle to her seat next to Jason, right where she belongs.