The following is what Jenny, Izzy’s mom, posted today via facebook:
"Thank you all so much for your many prayers. The results of the biopsy showed that the cancer (rhabdo) is back. The tumor is in her upper chest right above her lungs. We've decided to do radiation but we're reluctant to do anymore chemo. Our decision has been to keep her home with as much comfort and happiness as can be. These past few weeks Izzy was in tremendous pain, but this morning she woke up with none :) (answered prayer) Don't be saddened for us because the Lord has given us much peace about this and he continues to show us that he's INDEED with us and VERY much in control. "If I smile, the devil will be mad. So I'm gonna keep smiling" ~ Izzy McManaway Isaiah 11:6 "
Even if you have already read her update, please read and share the following request:
We love each and every one of you who remember us and pray for Izzy. Jenny has told me that she survives on your prayers, can feel them and this is why she & Corey have peace.
When you see them out at the grocery store or sporting events or at the park with the kids, please share a smile and your love, but please do not share your sadness at this latest news. Please do not ask Jenny or Corey to relay all the details of tests, scans and the information on rhabodomyosarcoma. It is exhausting for them to go over this again and again and again...somewhat defining each day by this one trial. They have many more blessings in their life and these they would love to share with you! Pass on your love and ask about Izzy’s sisters as well.
Take care in sharing your words, especially when Izzy and her sisters are present, as they are most sensitive to your emotions. Help to create an atmosphere of praise, faith and thanksgiving, as this is the type of atmosphere that Jesus always created before a healing miracle. Do not give in to your sadness or despair, especially when you encounter Jenny & Corey in your day to day life; they remain steadfast in God’s love and healing mercy and I ask the same of you.
Met. Anthony’s words to call out beauty in others is most fitting at this time. Do not look and see a child distorted or suffering, but instead, look at a child and see life, spirit, truth and nothing but heaven’s blessing:
"Unless we look at a person and see the beauty there is in this person, we can contribute nothing to him. One does not help a person by discerning what is wrong, what is ugly, what is distorted. Christ looked at everyone he met, at the prostitute, at the thief, and saw the beauty hidden there. Perhaps it was distorted, perhaps damaged, but it was beauty none the less, and what he did was to call out this beauty." ~ Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh of blessed memory.
Her update is the only info to share at this time, but please direct any questions about Izzy to me (heartjoys2002(at)yahoo(dot)com) or our mom. Thank you for reading and please share this...
To God be the glory for all things †
7 comments:
Precious Amy, your words ring with love for your niece Izzy and her family and your sister, Jenny, her mother, Praise Our Lord for you to hold up your sister's arms in this way during this time. Love, prayers, and hugs to all the family. Rose Ann
Amy, you are so correct . When you meet someone who is grieving due to an illness or death do not start will all the bad news. It is so much better to be uplifting and if they want to talk about it they will aneciatte the conversation. Corey and Jenny and the girls are such an inspiration and touched so many during these times.
Amy - Thank you for your gentle reminder to find light in darkness. The journey your family is on has opened the eyes and hearts of our community. - Always with love and prayers - Holly
The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
"O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace!
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is discord, harmony.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sorrow, joy.
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not
so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life."
Amy, My prayers are with you all. I am inspired by "The Daily Weaving." What a faith journey you have had. nancy tissue
My friends, what a blessing you are! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, a prayer and the encouragement; it's much appreciated.
and Holly, I love that prayer -- and have it hanging on my bedroom wall. What a beautiful reminder of what is most important in life.
Thanks again and hugs to each of you.
Amy, I feel blessed to have read your "Daily Weaving". As you know, I feel so blessed to have had your precious children to care for in Playschool as well as Zavery, and started Zoe before I left Playschool. During that time, I witnessed the birth of Izzy so feel a part of her life as well. Your family is so special. I am always so impressed when I see Jenny and Corey out with the children. They are always so happy. It makes me happy to see that. I pray for those "grandmas" as well, as I know them and know that they wish they could take the pain away. Blessings to all of you and love from Ms. Charlene
How nice to hear from you, Ms. Charlene! It's been too long since I've seen you.. we have many happy memories from Playschool that are frequently revived when we drive by there.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and taking the time to leave a comment here. It's always encouraging to know so many people care. God's blessings to you & your loved ones.
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