Good News

Good news came this week to our family. My sister had another surgery for more biopsies and to see where and if the cancer had spread. News after the surgery was very positive in that they believe it did not spread. It was very much a prayer answered. She will still more than likely have treatment and will find that out in about 3 weeks but for now we are relieved. We know that there will be hard days to come but in the scheme of cancer this is the best we could ever hope for. I did get to watch her little boy, my nephew this week. How much fun was that. It was great to help out in some small way also!

Xiao Tong

To Not Forget

In the past week it has been brought to our attention that there is double the kids at Andy's orphanage that there were a year ago. The number was about 80 when we adopted Andy and has gone to 152 now with 121 being special needs. These need range in degree but nevertheless are lovable children needing good homes. These facts disturb me to no end. How I wish I could be there to hold the children, kiss them and help take care of them while praying for them to have homes of their owns. As Pingliang families we will come together to do what we can. When I look at Andy and kiss his sweet head I forget for a minute where he came from, and yet I know as an adoptive parent it is our responsibility to never forget.

Sister-Hope

Another week...more details are presented to my sister. From my point of view it is hopeful that the cancer has not spread. More details will be present next week as another surgery will take place. The road will be long because as a young person they are more aggressive with treatment some which will be less than fun. I believe she will make it and walk away very strong yet as a different person. How could she not?

It is a journey in that I so long for normal conversations. Life changed in one day and with it relationships, outlooks, and that sense of normal we all enjoy and take for granted. I believe this will all come back, but for now it makes my heart hurt and tears come. I have watched my children this past week and have drawn strength for them. Even our oldest doesn't really get it and how lucky are they. That I believe is the greatest gift God gave us as parents is to look in their eyes and see hope and an acceptance of the world around them. What a time to realize this!

School Days for Andy Katie

Our cute little ones the first day of preschool. They are going twice a week for speech therapy. They were too cute walking in there even if my heart did break. It has been an adjustment and we have had to readjust bedtimes etc but they love to say they go to school...after all that makes you like the big kids of the family.

My Sister

This week has been a time of extreme emotional exhaustion. The kids started school which always makes me sad, but the extreme sadness happened when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. There are no words to express the feelings that happen when those calls are made and you look at a life that is young, healthy, and hopefully. Now this life is looking at a road that is not so sure. We don't know the depth of this and each day brings new information and outlooks. As her sister I want to find the best ways to support her and her family as this will affect us all as a family. My prayer is that God will watch for her and bring her the strength she needs. Life will never look the same and that may be a good thing. We now know not to take life for granted, and I have to say the older I get this may be the ultimate lesson to be learned.

Brianna School

Miss Brianna started preschool on Monday. She is 5 but missed the cut off and we both felt to wait a year would be fine. So one more year of preschool for her. She had a great first day, loves recess and riding the bus home. That must be the highlight since we heard about it a lot. Brianna being in true Brianna fashion came home to say she already had a friend at school. She is full of energy and love and winning the way into those teachers hearts daily we are sure!