Guest Commentator - From a Week ago.

Exactly one week ago today we had our "last" outing with Rebekah. It was the last time she had any energy to be out and about and about the last time she had enough energy to even be up walking. I asked Aunt TT to do a write up about it. Here it is:


Rebekah Being Treated Like A Queen From Aunt TT And Her Cousins Michael And Jacob

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Rebekah and Sarah's cousins, Michael and Jacob Schwander, were celebrating their 2nd birthday. Rebekah and family had come home the day before after having been at the hospital all week so that Rebekah could receive both chemotherapy and radiation. All of the family was exhausted, yet appeared happy to be able to spend some time with friends and family in an environment other than the hospital or their home. Rebekah wore an adorable sun hat and was dressed for outdoor play- something that she and all of us needed. Though most of the time she seemed tired and at times confused, she would whisper her requests or silently scream her dissatisfaction. She appears to have laryngitis- poor girl does not need that at all! Please pray that her voice comes back and that God gives her the ability to communicate her needs and desires.

This party was a BBQ and though Rebekah requested certain foods she would either not touch it or if she did try it the food appeared to hurt her mouth and throat. She has sores that look like blisters that start on her lips and most likely lead into her mouth, throat and I don't know how much further internally they are. However, at one point during the party, her Grandma Betty Adams was able to feed her about at 1/4 cup of homemade pasta salad made by Michael and Jacob's Grandma Violet Schwander. She seemed to really like that! Rebekah requested to be with her "TT" (Aunt Tiffany) several times throughout the party. At one point, she rallied all her strength and determination as she watched Michael and Jacob receive a Radio Flyer Tricylce! She was bound and determined to ride that trike- and she did! The three of them took turns, pushing, pulling and riding! They had a blast at that and there are wonderful photos to share that moment with you. By the end of the night, Rebekah was tired- we were all tired for that matter. Afterall, this outdoor BBQ took place during one of our hottest days yet- 95+ degrees!

As I bring this to a close, I ask that you read a comment that was written by Karen on Tuesday, August 16, 2005:

"karen green said...God please comfort Frances. The past few weeks have been especially hard on her, watching her little girl grow weaker and more frail through the radiation. Lord, please, please protect Rebekah from the damaging effects of the radiation. Please give her what she needs to strengthen and sustain her little body. Lord, please show Rebekah's mommy and daddy the little joys of life that are still right in front of them. Many hugs from Ohio. Karen"

Please join her in her prayer! There is power in numbers and we have seen that already! May God bless each one of you who has helped, prayed and supported our family!

With appreciation,
Rebekah's Aunt Tiffany ("TT")