Day 50- BEADS OF COURAGE
Chemo day 3. Red's starting to have a little nausea, which is to be expected. But he's still putting on weight which means he's doing alright and it's not concerning. For awhile the nutritionist wanted to add formula to his milk, and I had a lot of reservations that it was a good move for him as the once or twice that we did supplement seemed to only add to his vomiting. As long as he is consistently gaining weight though, we can keep on keeping on in the milk department.
I've heard about the Beads of Courage program since we got here (yes, that's right, FIFTY DAYS AGO. ugh.), but hadn't really thought to pursue it as I've been in a state of denial about what our future could look like. I kept hoping that this was a short journey, wishing it would all just suddenly go away. But we finally have acknowledged, aloud, that this is not a sprint. His journey is a marathon. So I sat down and filled out the chart that tracks all he's accomplished. Surgeries, scans, IVs, days in the hospital... each milestone, procedure and hurdle. And I turned it all in and received the beads he's earned so far.
I was absolutely shocked.
When I opened the bag and started to string the beads it became a very emotional process for me. I knew it had been a lot, but I truly hadn't stopped to process HOW much has happened in his first short 2 months of life. Until I saw it there in front of me. Each bead type and color mean something different and acknowledge something he's been through. Beads proving that he's spent more days of his life in the Cancer Center than he has at home. Beads showing me clearly how many times he's been poked. How many days he was on a ventilator. How many procedures we've held him down through. He's earned beads in almost every possible category that a cancer kid can earn.
The strand is longer than I am tall.
This strand breaks my heart as much as it brings me pride. I can't believe what he's been through and what's been asked of him. I can't believe what he's fought to overcome and survived. There's a specific warrior bead on his strand, and it's very very well deserved. My little warrior.
Comments (13)
What a beautiful visual of Redden's and your family's strength AND of all the trials the Lord has already held you through. Prayers that the beads added from here out will be as few as possible...and that Redden will be healed and healthy...and that your family will be reunited very soon.
A warrior, indeed! Continuing to uplift you, Redden and your family in streaming prayers for strength, faith and courage. jgd
Redden is a little fighter. The strand shows that.
I can't find the words to express the pain in my heart for you, your family, and precious Redden. When I see the pictures of him smiling his million dollar smile, it is hard to believe that he is fighting such a horrible disease in his little body. All of you are Super Heroes ! My prayers are ongoing and Redden will be lifted up in prayer today when I am at Mass.
I continue to cry and pray, and pray and cry for you all...as I share your story with others who do the same.....my tears share your fears, your hopes, your highs...your lows...you are all deserving of the warrior bead. Sending you light, hope and prayers 🙏💜
Seeing Redden's Beads takes my breath away. I think, how has he gone through all this that has been asked of him? Then I realize that God along with so many doctors, nurses, specialists, family, friends are watching over him and praying for him along with a Very Important Angel. Love, Peace, Strength, Courage and Patience.
What an amazing gift. These things are so precious. I remember when my mom got her prayer blanket and how much it meant to her. Something tangible to hold on to throughout it all. I thinking about Red through this next milestone. 2 days to go !! You can do it!!
Dear Irving Family, With your commitment to Love, God is with you. As I follow Redden's journey, I know he must also have this God given Grace to love as he is. What a gift you have been given! I offer my love and prayers to Redden and family, in unity with all others who are praying for healing as God wills, and total acceptance of God's plan. God bless all.
With his courage, he would have a chest full of medals. What a wonderful, visual, way to document his / your life's adventure together. He is clearly a fighter, and so are you and your family. As the saying goes....... "God gives us only what we can handle. Apparently God thinks I'm a Bad Ass." Sending positive energy to Redden, you and your whole "Bad Ass" family!!!
My god, what a strong family you are. May god continue to bless you and that precious baby. I needed to be reminded that the trials I have incurred by no means supersede the trials of others. Your story gives me strength to go on, while continuing to pray for others. Ido not know your family,however, I do know prayer and please know you are inline,
What a lovely image to show just how much Redden and all of you have been through. Sending lots of healing thoughts, light and love. You're doing a great job, little man. You're doing a great job, mama. Keep on keepin' on! <3
Hi Irvings. I don't even know you but I have been praying for you and your little guy (and his siblings!). In truth, I found posts about you on the Village Church's facebook (as we are moving to Atlanta and looking for churches!) This post reminds me so much of the verse in 1 Samuel where Samuel puts a stone in the ground and called it Ebenezer saying "THUS far the Lord has helped us". And of course the song Come thou fount which says, "Sorrowing I shall be in spirit, Till released from flesh and sin, Yet from what I do inherit, Here Thy praises I'll begin; Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I’ve come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home." My prayer today is this: "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."
I continue to pray and remember Redden every day. May God continue to give you strength, courage, peace and Victory over this extreme trial. Nancy