Christmas Day

Christmas Day was not easy on Justin. He did not feel very well all day. In his case, it isn't the flu or a cold, but unwanted brain activity that gives him no rest. He went back to bed many times, only to be up a short time later, unable to sleep. It is very frustrating to him to have to fight with sleeplessness while in bed, and tiredness while up. He has to sleep in a certain position due to his brain complaining of discomfort if he is on one side, or his enlarged thyroid cutting off his airway if he is on the other. He has not been able to sleep well for almost a year.

We had family over for Christmas. I could tell that Justin was glad to see them, but I could also see that he was miserable from not feeling well. He tried to sleep while they were here but couldn't, and tried to stay up and visit but was distracted by his brain processing several things at once. It gives him messages like he is two places at the same time. Part of his brain is present where he is, and is aware of what is going on around him, just like most people. But he has an added element where he is also getting messages as if he is watching (or playing in) a football game, riding a roller coaster, doing other activities, or even weird stuff that might happen in a nightmare. It is highly distracting, especially when the house is already full of people and activities, the TV or radio is on and there is noise everywhere.

We chose not to do gifts this year due to the upcoming treatments, so that was strange, too. You always hear people say, "it isn't about gifts anyway", but when it is you, it feels awful. Justin has no income, so he didn't have a choice. But it was really touching when he went in his room and brought out some of his books to give to his aunt and grandma. Giving gifts at Christmas is just so natural and normal that he couldn't help himself. That was really good to see.

I am going to start posting more often, so you will want to check here more from now on. Things are progressing quickly. I only have 8 more days of work until I am off for 7 weeks. God will have to provide for this, as it is not humanly possible to do it alone.

We are still praying for total healing for Justin. But we want to pray that the radiation works to shrink the tumor and gets rid of all the unwanted brain "blips" that he has so he can live a more normal life.

It will be an adventure seeing what God is about to do...stay tuned for His plan!