art & thanksgiving
I’ve always taken art seriously. I mean….as a teenager, I was writing songs and poems that were representative of what was going on in my life. Later in life, I moved through many forms of art…the latest is photography. I haven’t really done much with photography on the art side. If I’m trying to provoke an emotion…its almost always just happiness. Most of the time though…I’m just busy trying to get a cute shot out of my daughter. So anyway… the most negative thing for misty over the last few days has been getting force fed a kilo of expensive and terrible tasting pharmaceuticals every day. And its not just once a day….I have to interrupt her potentially pleasant thoughts 6 times a day with more medicine to remind her that she is sick. Now, don’t get me wrong…the fact that she can’t speak, or has to carry her right arm with her left certainly remind her that she’s not exactly well….but nevertheless, its the medicine that’s been annoying her lately.
So I took a picture. I’m quite amazed at the amount of stuff we pump into her each week. This is one weeks supply. (oh and there are drugs she gets IV on every other friday as well)
But anyway…life has been pretty ok for the last couple days. The whole complaint about taking a zillion pills is really pretty trivial. Misty hasn’t gotten too much worse this week…I’m thankful for that. I’m actually thankful for a lot of things. So here’s a quick list.
- Misty is emotionally doing well. She’s encouraged and hopeful, more than she is discouraged and feeling hopeless (this has not always been the case)
- All the drugs you see in that picture are free….my new insurance is fantastic (federal blue cross blue shield). Oh…and that little round white pill on the very top…its a chemotherapy (for lung cancer….there aren’t too many options for brain, and misty exhausted them a while ago) and the month supply costs $4500. But again, its free for us.
- I have an incredible family (my family and misty’s family). We are so well supported…I couldn’t really ask for anything else.
- I have a really great job. My management has been so clear that I need to keep family as a priority over work. I’m out now, burning up my sick time. They have already requested advance sick time for me in case I need to borrow from time I haven’t even accrued.
- Misty hasn’t had hives in a couple months and the painful rash she has seems to be going away.
- There are over 1000 page loads of this webpage everyday. So many of you have reached out to me and committed to pray for Misty. So many others have sent cards and gifts. I’m so humbled by the outpouring of love and concern. Thanks….really, thanks.
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Darren,
This is Misty’s aunt Amy. Wanda (her grandmother,) is Mike and my mother. Anyway, I want to thank you for this site so we can keep up with what is going on with her as we live so far in Indiana. We pray for her every day, along with several others I have praying for her. I also have 2 churches praying for her also. We have been fasting every Wed. for her. Wanda and Lacey, Misty’s cousin, my daughter, which Mike is Laceys uncle, will be out there soon for a couple weeks for vacation like last year. Keep this site going we love it.
Love to You, Misty, Olivia, Mike and his family.
Amy Orr
Hi Darren,
We are Ann’s Godparents and have been faithful viewers of your website so that we can keep up with what is going on in your lives. We pray for you all every day. We have also put Misty’s name up for prayer in Jupiter First Church in Jupiter, Florida. You are right. There are so many people praying for Misty and we must all keep the faith. God is good all of the time.
Darren
Just a note to let you know that I am praying for Misty, you, Olivia & family. I have shared your website with the Pastor of the church (Atonement Lutheran)that I am a member of and Misty & family are in our prayers. All here at work are praying for you and your family too.
God Bless.
Dear Darren,
My mom turned me on to your site and I think it is wonderful. You are both a true testament to faith and to God. I admire you both so much. I don’t know if I could be so strong in the midst of so much…so much! Just want you to know that my faith is strengthened through reading these blog entries and I am challenged to believe more than I ever have before. I want you to know that my family and I are praying for complete healing and we believe it WILL happen. I know my God is strong and powerful and I believe that WHEN He heals Misty, it will open the eyes of many. I know you both will give Him all the credit and He will be glorified through it. I was talking to Sandy Sierra and we agreed that these things are difficult to understand…but one thing I am clear on is that God has a plan. I am not wise enough to comprehend it, but I know that it is there. Reading these entries brings tears to me eyes and urges me to pray harder than I ever have for anything before. Keep writing and keep believing. God will pull through! I know it!
Love You!
Rachel
Hi Darren, Thank you for the time and effort you put into this site. It helps us all feel a little closer to you and Misty. I spoke with your grand mother Ruthie yesterday and got an update . We have you in our prayers and know that the Lord carries us through lifes rough spots.He has you and your family in the palm of His hand. His strenth is there for all of you. Love and hugs to you and Misty, Your cousins The Rivers Mike Kathleen Mallory Patty Joshua Dawn Tara and Robert
Darren & Misty
Our heartfelt prayers are with you both during this most difficult time. Our prayer is that this disease in not unto death but to bring glory to God. May God’s strenth and peace be with you both, may He carry you all in the palm of His hand, may His love surround you and in spite of the situation and cirstances may His joy fill you both . I am so pleased to see your faith carry you during this time, knowing God is more that able to bring you through. I am greatful to God for the family’s He has blessed you both with, and their being able to be there for you during this time. I have been fasting and praying for Misty complete recovery and our church Leominster Assembly of God has been praying for Misty and you.
Love
Coreen & Phil
I visit your site almost every day but I think I haven’t responded because I don’t know what to say. (A very poor excuse) You, Misty, and Olivia are in my thoughts and prayers daily. (And my small group is praying for you guys too). I am encouraged by how God works and moves in both of your lives. What an amazing faith.
In His Grip,
Sarah Roberts