a seizure free, bear sighting, gelato eating day
By noon, Misty had been feeling pretty good (and didn’t have her recently-become-normal morning seizure) so we decided to hop in the mini-van and head out to the Delaware Water Gap with Misty’s parents. Couple interesting stories:
1) After a seizure often times a patient is disoriented. With everything that is going on in her brain, sometimes Misty does some “funny” things. After her first surgery years ago, she tried eating off a knife (thanks to her dad for quickly stopping that one). Today, we were at Arby’s for lunch and she insisted on trying to drink the cup of BBQ sauce…and then the ketchup. It’s weird…90% of what she does, she knows exactly whats going on, but every once in a while she gets mixed up. Usually with things like that: drinking sauce instead of dipping, trying to eat bacon with a fork rather than her hands, and other such trivialities. I’m praying that Misty has all her understanding restored.
2) While we were at the Delaware Water Gap we decided to just drive around (Misty doesn’t get out of the car really, so its the best thing we can usually do). While we were looking for a scenic road we stumbled upon a friendly black bear. He was not the small guy that we had leaning on our car at the safari…this guy was big. He was walking through someones yard just having a stroll. I caught a couple pictures of him drinking from a stream just below the street (I was about 25-30ft away standing outside the van on a tiny bridge). After such an encounter we decided we deserved a good chocolate with cherry ice gelato from Rita’s. The drive home was a little restless for miss olivia, so we stopped at the petting zoo as well (I’m pretty sure she loves animals more than she loves me).
All in all it was a fabulous day. She is doing a little better than yesterday and we went the whole day without a seizure. I’m hoping to continue this trend.
P.S. – Thanks to those of you who leave comments or send emails for Misty. I read many of them to her each day. Encouragement is a daily battle so your words are appreciated. Thanks.
Click below to check out some pictures from today:
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Misty, Darren, and Olivia,
We are up late tonight thinking of you, and logged on your site, and we are so so so so happy you had a great day. You really deserve it. That’s a great Rita’s combo, we’ll have to try it…thanks for the tip! We are praying for you every minute.
Love, Erika and Matt V.
And the Lord said: …during your difficult times and you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I was carrying you…
May the blessing of the Lord be with you, and His love surround you.
Hooray for a Great Day! A day that was good for Misty! What a wonderful and beautiful blessing from Heaven. Thank You God! We love you Lord and thank you so very much, for blessing Misty, Darren, Olivia, & her family with such an awesome day. God you are Great & Amazing! I love you Misty!
Love Lavenia
Misty, Darren & Olivia,
I have been checking in on your website and have been praying for all of you as well as the rest of your family. I was delighted to see that you had a great day and pray that you have many more.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Is it time for me to come with eye brow tweezers for some beautifying? A girl can only go so long without this!!!! I’d love to do this and also bring some broccoli and potato soup..
Hey Darren and Misty, Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys, I’m glad you can still have some fun. God is with you and your family. God Bless Diane and Richard
Hey Darren and Misty-
Sometimes I read the Streams in the Desert devotional. I though today’s had a good perspective and might encourage Misty. The verse is Isaiah 49:2 “He made me into a polished arrow”
Pebble Beach, on the California coast, has become quite famous for the beautiful pebbles found there. The raging white surf continually roars, thundering and pounding against the rocks on the shore. These stones are trapped in the arms of the merciless waves. They are tossed, rolled, rubbed together and ground against the sharp edges of the cliffs. Both day and night, this process of grinding continues relentlessly. And what is the result?
Tourist from around the world flock there to collect the beautiful round stones. They display them in cabinets and use them to decorate their homes. yet a little farther up the coast, just around the point of the cliff, is a quiet cove. Protected from the face of the ocean, sheltered from the storms, and always in the sun, the sands are covered with an abundance of pebbles never sought by the travelers.
So why have these stones been left untouched through all the years? Simply because they have escaped all the turmoil and the grinding of the waves. The quietness and peace have left them as they have always been- rough, unpolished, and devoid of beauty- for polish is the result of difficulties.
Since God knows what niche we are to fill, let us trust Him to shape us to it. And since He knows what work we are to do, let us trust Him to grind us so we will be properly prepared.
Love you guys!
hey darren,
im happy misty is better. i think about you, misty, and olivia everyday. olivia is gorgeous, she must look like her mother :-). i pray for you and your family everyday, especially before i go to bed. your family is always in my thoughts and my heart. love you tons.
rosie
Darren:
I’m sorry I went a week without checking in to Misty’s progress. On vacation on the Cape with Lisa’s family. BIG memorial for her grandmother who died last year – about 50 people for a 3-day event, dinners, etc.
Being around a large, loving extended family as Lisa’s (and discussing church community with a family member yesterday) reminded me of the how critical it is to have community involvement for times like you face.
I’m grateful for your posts, and hope the likes of an Oprah picks up your story so that your reach can grow that much larger. Your story (and the book you eventually convert your blogs into) will, besides being a best seller, mean hope and encouragement for so many.
Thank you again for your love of Misty and your dedication to all that should matter in life — God, Family and a better long-term purpose.
Lisa and I will continue to do our best to keep praying daily and more for you and Misty and all those who support you. I haven’t lost hope either. I have also seen some amazing miracles in my life.
Darren and Misty,
It’s so great that Misty didn’t have any seizures today. I’m glad you all could get away for a nice day. I’m sure, along with Olivia really enjoyed it. All our prayers are out to you all. Many hopes that each day gets better as God starts to carry Misty in His hands and heal her. Many prayers and thoughts for nothing but the best from now on out, plus being able to get Misty out of the house and have good times again as a family with her feeling well.
Love you all,
Kiss and hug Misty and Olivia for us.
Aunt Amy, grandma, and Lacey~
Hey Darren and Misty,
I just wanted you both to know that you are both constantly on my mind and in my prayers. My wife and I (and now our church as well) are praying for you daily. I cannot even begin to understand each of the daily struggles, but I love you guys (and Reignstorm too, of course). I am deeply committed in prayer for your daily strength, encouragement, and healing. It is also my hope that God will give you glimpses of your profound impact on others around you. You guys rock.
The Hessian
What an awesomely fun day! I can’t believe you saw a bear, too – great photos.
Just two nights ago I had a dream that I’ve been unable to forget (usually I never remember my dreams, but this one is still as clear as day): I was out somewhere [that detail escaped me] and someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around, and there was Misty. She was wearing a bright pink shirt, had a head full of hair, and was speaking a mile a minute about how awesome everything was now that she is cancer-free. Though I’ll never claim to be a prophet, that dream is crystal clear and I believe it will happen. So, that is what I’m praying for specifically. It’s God’s turn, 100%. Let’s challenge Him to make yours and our dream come true!!!
Misty, you CAN and WILL beat this. I love you like the sister I never had. You’ve come this far – though it might seem like miles to go, it’s just a few more bold steps. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Darren and Misty
I have been reading your site for about a month now. I feel as though I am getting to know you and Misty and a bit of your lives. Thank you for letting us all in to be a part of your journey, as this requires vulnerability and trust of that which is nearest and most dear to your heart. I for one have felt privileged to be allowed into you “home.” I am also able to be a prayer partner with so many others who are also a part of this journey with you and your family. I too am looking forward to the day when we will all rejoice at God’s Miracle of healing in Misty’s life! Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10
God bless you and all of your loved ones. Lorraine
Misty and Darren,
We are greatful to be able to read your web-site. It gives us a current list for your prayer needs. We are so greatful that God is able to meet each and every need.
Love
Phil and Coreen
Darren and Misty,
I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes, as I came home after a weekend away, to read your blog and know that Misty is home from the hospital, that you had a good day yesterday, and that you have peace about your decisions regarding her treatment. I am continually praying for Misty’s healing, for strength for you, Darren, as you so lovingly care for her, and for little Olivia, who will grow up one day to know what amazing parents God has blessed her with. A mom who has bravely fought for her life for many years and a dad who cares for every need of his family- by the power of our Lord. Although I haven’t seen either of you in years, I remember what awesome teenagers you both were and your love for the Lord was evident way back then… it has only become more evident as you’ve grown up. As I am sitting here I can almost hear Misty’s voice when she sang a song w/ your band, Reignstorm, at our church once. Although she’s not able to speak right now, I pray that the Lord will flood your memory with the sweet sound of her voice- tonight and in the days to come. In Christ’s Love, Stacia Jacob
Darren and Misty
i have been reading the blogo and praying for you guys you guys are in a allot of peoples heart and will be in there for a long time stay strong and we will be praying for you guys .
god is in ur hands
in christ’s love laura carhart