EpiPen

We had our weekly visit to LDS Hospital for two different kinds of Chemo. All of Jared’s labs looked good. Hopefully we only have have four and a half more months of intense Chemo, before the three-year maintenance starts. Of course that all depends on the outcome of his labs.  Some people have an allergic reaction to one of the Chemo’s he got today. I went down to the main Pharmacy to get EpiPen.

The Pharmacist taught me how to use the EpiPen and said that this is just a temporary fix if he does have as reaction. If he does, he told me to get him to the hospital as soon as possible! Then he said, “I hope I didn’t scare you."

EpiPen

I laughed and said, “My son has Leukemia. We’ve been through multiple spinal taps, bone marrow biopsy’s, chemo, a port in his chest, a blood clot on his brain, my son gives himself two Lovenox shots daily, and Chemo at home. I think we can handle it."

 I then thought of all the times I have heard of people facing difficult challenges, and thinking I could never do that. None of us know what we can do, until we do it.  When we are tossed into a huge learning experience, we realize that everyone we love and care about is there with us. We are not alone!

That thought can bring great comfort, but also great responsibility. You want to be there for everyone, and protect them as much as possible. However for me I know my children are looking to me as their teacher in life. I know the way I choose to handle a situation will influence how they will handle difficult challenges. This thought gives my mind clarity. I ask myself, “How would I want my children to handle difficult challenges?” It helps me to deal with them the way my Father in Heaven would want me to. The great pay off is when you watch them facing difficult challenges, and they follow you--as their role model. In day-to-day life it’s easier to forget our children are watching and learning. However when you face difficult challenges, you realize how important it is. Before we face difficult challenges it is easy to sell ourselves short thinking we could never do that! Then one day it all changes in an instant!

An EpiPen that sounded really scary now becomes part of your everyday life to keep your child alive. As a parent we will do anything for our children. As we force ourselves to rise to meet challenges, we begin to understand why a loving Father doesn’t remove our challenges. Instead he sends Angels to walk with us. He gently whispers in our ears, “You can do this, you’re not alone, and I will lead the way”. All we have to do is ask for help, and listen!

Uncle Aaron & Wesley