When Jim’s brother was diagnosed with cancer he posted on his wall “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” I thought the post was powerful and I put it on my refrigerator, never knowing that within my more immediate family I would soon learn just how strong I would have to be.
One of our cherished sons is sick but not with the kind of sickness that elicits immediate understanding and empathy. He is sick nonetheless and so we will circle the wagons, educate ourselves, and help him to get well. And we will pray like we have never prayed before because that’s what you do when the outcome is out of your hands.
My new reality will be to learn to live one day at a time but today I simply learned to live one moment at a time. And while most of those moments were heart wrenching some of them were hopeful.
pauses&clicks 
You and your family are in my prayers Julie. My heart goes out to you .
LikeLike
I . love . you…..
LikeLike
Julie – did you ever meet Pam Bright. I know some ladies may remember her. When our kids were really little she told me “we’re only as happy as our least happy child.” I have found that to be so true. I pray for whichever son to find his peace and so, too, will you find your’s. There are days when one minute at a time is all we need to be concerned with. God’s peace to your hearts. Much love~
LikeLike
Jane, that quote is one I have also used for years. Until now, I’ve never known the depth that sadness can reach. This is going to be a long struggle but hopefully one day we will look back and see how far we’ve come. I have to believe that.
LikeLike
Your post shakes me to the core, praying for you and yours. I’ll gladly take a few prayers from you too.
LikeLike
Julie, P;ease let me know what we can do! There is nothing I would not support, empathize and do everything i can to help! We Mother of 3 Boys always stick together even when life is ugly! I love you and Jim and Jimmy, Steven and Alex dearly.
LikeLike
This too shall pass. Much love to all of you Julie!
LikeLike
Julie,
I woke up praying for you and your trial. I believe GOD works in strange and miraculous ways which has been proven to me many times and he will give you and your family the strength to heal. I want to leave you with a prayer that someone gave to me when I lost our twins. I still use it today as a mantra when my life takes a bend in the road of life .
O LORD almighty GOD
Through the rays in the sun
Through the waves in the air
Through all pervasive life in space
Purify and rectify me O LORD
and I pray, heal my body, my heart and my soul.
Amen
Love,
Mary Beth
LikeLike
This brings tears to my eyes and to my heart. I love you Julie! Here for you and your family – you name it and I will be there.
Love and prayers,
Lisa
LikeLike
Julie, I’m praying for you and your family. May God give you the strength to do whatever needs to be done and to handle each day as it comes.
Love,
LaVerne
LikeLike
I’m so sorry Julie! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. This is the refrain to one of my favorite songs:
“Lord, I don’t know where all this is going, or how it all turns out. Lead me to peace that is past understanding, a peace beyond all doubt”
LikeLike
I have some experience with “illnesses that do not illicit understanding and empathy”…if you ever want to talk about it. My heart and prayers are with you Julie..when one of our children hurt…we hurt.
LikeLike
Julanne and Jim, please know that prayers go out and that your family is surrounded by love. Let us know, when you can, what else we can do to lighten your load.
LikeLike
Julie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I so understand illness that does not elicit understanding. It can be a very difficult time, but there is always hope. Hugs to you!
LikeLike