just be normal
Misty has gotten into this mode where she stays up late with me, just sitting on the couch and watching TV (ahem…season 3 of The Office was purchased today at target). I think its comforting in some way for her. She sleeps plenty during the day, so its not like she is sleep deprived or anything. For the past two nights something has woken up little miss olivia at about 2:30am. It’s strange…we are laying down (yes, I was going to skip my daily blog today…haha) and I wake to her screaming in the next room. Well, after some rocking and a fresh tucking in, she is asleep again. And since I’m up, I’ll write. (on a side note, I do usually write after midnight. I just change the timestamp on the post to like 11:55pm so it shows up on the same “waking day”. I’ve always hated that 3am is technically the next day)
We had this MRI today (we will probably discuss it with Dr. Raval tomorrow). It was ok. I noticed something though. It was like you could see the sadness in the faces of the MRI technicians…it was sort of disheartening. They all love Misty. There is something about her…everyone just loves her (huh…whats “biased” mean?). She has been getting MRIs there for 8 years now, so all the technicians know her pretty well too. But these last couple trips have been different. Today I had to roll her up in a wheelchair and stand in the room with her (she is scared for me to leave her alone because she can’t talk). And as I pushed the old wheelchair up to the edge of the magnetic room, I could see their smiles were a little different than usual. There was almost a subconscious withdrawal from their standard warm greeting. The usual extra-friendly demeanor was replaced by a courteous, caring, but reservedly businesslike greeting. A matter of fact pleasantry that would be expected by someone new…not an old friend.
And it’s not just the MRI technicians. Really, they are just the object of my example and are probably the least offensive case. It’s many people. Seems like people aren’t sure what to say…so they don’t say much of anything at all. So if you run into Misty while we are out on an afternoon ride or if you happen to see us eating lunch in the car parked at a local favorite, just be normal. Say hi. Tell her about your day. Let her know you are thinking of her. Don’t expect much more than a head nod or two to let you know she is listening…but do talk. She’s ok. We’re ok. Life is weird…but ok.
It’s gonna be ok.
(by the way…I’m so encouraged by the myriad emails I get from people that are fasting and praying for Misty today. You are all such an encouragement…thanks)
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We all fasted and prayed for Misty yesterday as we pray for her every day. I do hope that there is somewhat good news with the MRI tomorrow. I’m glad that Misty is enjoying staying up with you, and watching movies and doing things together. It’s good for her, gives a lot of hope too with getting out doing things and not being stuck inside all the time. Although I know she get’s tired out, as well as you do, I’m sure. Just know there are so many people that are praying for her and loving her every minute, of every day and night. She is in everyones thoughts and prayers every day, all day.
Wishing well, God will heal our Misty~
Love, Aunt Amy, grandma and Lacey
Thank You for your honesty throughout this ordeal. I was going to buy a get well card but didn’t know what kind or what to say. So in a way, this is it.
First I pray from my heart for the 3 of you. Such faith is beautiful. I can only hope for freedom or less pain so Misty can enjoy her days and nights.
May God bless you all
Dear Darren and Misty,
If you remember I’m Genevieves step mom and met you both at their wedding, and engagement party. Misty you are so beautiful, it was such fun getting ready for the wedding-the hair dresser – the make-up what fun that was, we all enjoyed getting dressed up. I liked you immediately and was happy to meet your husband and daughter. I have followed your story every since I met you both. My husband had the same cancer and I can relate to what your going through physically, it’s a whole different animal then any other cancer. I want you to know I admire your faith and love and have prayed for you since the day we met. Continue to have faith – remember the Lord’s prayer “thy will be done” We don’t always know what God is thinking but trust in him, he will take care of you both. I will continue to pray, Love Ann
I am ashamed to admit, Darren and Misty, this has all come as a shock to me. I did not know about your blog until this winter (right after Justin’s wedding) and events in your life appeared hopeful. It was wonderful to see your faces again. I am only now returning to your site for the second time. Too many times I have thought of you, prayed for you, but did not take the time to reach out to you. How sorry I am that I let so much time go by without writing or calling. Your honesty is comforting…don’t worry about PG-13 ratings. Josh and I love you guys so much, we will soak in anything you need to spill. We are with you in spirit, and will lift our prayers throughout the days. Faith is rocky terrain, we know that Jesus is the one constant, but total submission is not in our human nature. We need Him for everything, including our unbelief. I am so thankful that you guys are not traveling this seemingly impossible journey without Jesus. Darren, please tell Misty that I love her and miss her and that I am so proud of her. I miss our days at CJ! Olivia is so beautiful, you two must be so proud. Our daughters share a name (Nina’s middle name is Olivia). We love you guys! Love, Katy, Josh, Nina and Miles Coleman
Hi, Misty!! It was so awesome to talk to you (and everybody) via cell-phone at Uncle Gary’s Wedding! You said, HI!, and I would have talked your ear off if someone would have held up the phone longer!! I love you and miss you guys so much! …So, lunch at a local fave, huh? What would those be? I could get you a gift certificate and you could have lunch on me!
I am so excited that we are finally reaching the point where “science” seems to have been exhausted. Because My God wants all the glory! Remember Gideon? NOW, God can heal Misty, and people won’t ask what treatment or medicine cured you–they will know it was ALL GOD!!! Yeah!!
Also, I wondered why Taran wasn’t at the dinner table last Wednesday…he later said he was praying for Misty–but could he still please have dessert–Ha!
Hugs from the Kirsch’s,
Angela
Darren and Misty,
I know the two of you from way back when… youth group and Reign Storm days at FBC, Red Bank. I helped out with the youth group some, was friends w/ the Parkers and the Kalapacs, and worked some w/ Darren’s mom while I was the children’s director at FBC (Noah’s Ark). Oh, and I’m also Thomas Musco’s step sister. All that introduction to let you know who I am.
Our church has been praying for the 3 of you and I have been praying for you too. I have kept up with your situation through this blog. Part of me is heart-broken for all that you have to endure and part of me is awed by the faith, love , and strength that you posses. The light of Jesus is shining brightly through your lives- even in your darkest and most difficult hours.
Everytime I read, I want to DO something to help you all- in addition to praying. Do you need meals? any financial assistance? (our church has a fund for un-reimbursed medical expenses) Is there something that I, or our church, could do to help you all in some way?
Sincerly,
Stacia Jacob
stacialynn@optonline.net
Darren & Misty – If you would like normal (abnormal?) company, let me know. I’d be more than willing to come over and talk Misty’s ear off about a million and one boring things :-). Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers on an hourly basis these days. Your faith, strength, and love is inspiring and always as been. If Misty and/or you would like to get out on Sunday (it’s supposed to be a beautiful day), head over to Rumson Presbyterian Church at 2pm; if not, it’s completely understandable. Love you both and I’ll continue to pray. I can’t wait until Misty can tell everyone herself about the miracles that God can perform when she is healed! We’re awaiting and expecting that day!
Love,
Jessica Hughes (soon-to-be Jessica Segui)
Darren, Misty, & Olivia:
This is to everyone who is praying for you & checks the site….
If Emeril can “kick it up a notch” so can we…….
There’s a monthly prayer meeting at Calvary Lighthouse in Lakewood NJ next Friday, June 6th starting at 7pm ( I think) and going to about midnight or whenever people feel led to stop praying. The evening is filled with worship, prayer, and waiting on God. Many people fast the day of prayer as well. Anyone who wants to come on out if possible or join with us in corporate prayer from wherever you are is welcome!!! Perhaps other churches may want to schedule a prayer mtg. that night to intercede for healing?
Hebrews 12: 12-13 speaks of “strengthening the hands that hang down and the feeble knees……so that what is lame may not be dislocated but rather be healed.” Exodus 1:10-12 details how Aaron & Hur held up Moses’ hands so that the battle vs. the Amalekites could be won. Finally, Mark 2: 4-12 tells how a paralytic was lowered through the roof on ropes to get to Jesus so he could be healed.
I know we are all praying daily but if you can… let’s storm heaven Friday night on Misty, Darren, & Olivia’s behalf! Let’s hold up and strengthen their arms through prayer so that the battles they are facing can be won! Let’s refuse to look at the circumstances “crowding” around them and carry them to the roof, break through, and lower them down into the presence of Jesus! Tell everyone you know who prays and believes that the God who the verses above refer to can move in the same way today- esp. those believers who don’t frequent this site. Those verses above are straight from His word-not the words, methods, or prescriptions of any human. Our God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. What He did then, He can do again, Amen? He has already won the victory and defeated sickness & death on the cross. That resurrection power lives in each person that believes in Him and the gates of Hell itself cannot stand against it!
Sorry to get my preach on……I just know that there are so many of you out there who, like me & my husband, want to do everything possible to encourage & uplift this amazing family. Jakob wrestled with God refusing to let go until he was blessed and the nagging widow wouldn’t stop bugging the judge until she got her answer. Let’s tell Satan through prayer that he has been defeated in their lives. Let’s put on our spiritual armor & fight for the Leblancs-through prayer- taking back from the enemy’s camp ALL that he is trying to steal from them. Let’s believe that Jesus is MIGHTY to save and will move the mountains in their life and be glorified in the testimony they continue to live everyday in the face of horrendous circumstances. Hope to see some of you Friday night!
Never stop praying -1 Thessalonians 5:17
See you in battle, Timm & Meg Ziegler
FUEL Youth Ministries @ Calvary Lighthouse
Hi Misty and Darren,
I’ve never met you, but you are both an awesome witness to this world!
I also noticed my cousin, Jessica Hughes, just posted above me. I had no idea Jess knows you, too!
God is being stormed with prayer on your behalf!
Thank you for showing such faith and remaining faithful to Him.
You both continue to witness to this world more than you will ever know.
Love Vicki, Greg and Greg Jr Briody
I am awed by the number of witnesses that seemingly keep coming to see this miracle…this is a joyful happening and a much needed spiritual uplifting today. Let go and let God! We are seeing the soldiers re-grouping, growing stronger and remaining so faithful, the miracles are coming.
Kisses to you all and thank you for renewing so many.
I love you,
tell misty i said hi and i love her