Our baby is growing up

Lilypie First Birthday tickers

Our little boy is growing up....

Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

Our princess is growing up....

Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Trials and Blessings

This post marks the end of my 6 week blogging hiatus. There has been a lot going on in the Pollard casa. Originally I wasn't going to post about this. But it would be like editing out the most important thing going on in our lives right now. Let me elaborate. The end of July was spent packing up our apartment and moving to Seattle. 3 week's ago we moved into our new home. 2 week's ago Jake had a Dr. appointment regarding a suspicious lump. 1 week ago Jake had surgery to remove a tumor. 2 week's from today Jake starts his second year of medical school while recovering from surgery and awaiting the official diagnosis of what the doctor suspects is testicular cancer. Life has been a whirlwind.

In a time of so much turmoil and stress I have never felt so blessed. Blessed to be so close to one of the best hospitals in the nation. Blessed to have an outpouring of prayers, love, and service from family, friends, and our new ward family. Blessed to have a husband with so much faith and strength whose biggest concern right now is not being able to pick up and hold his children for a few weeks. Blessed to have 2 amazing children that remind us everyday what true joy is. Blessed that testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. Blessed to feel the burden lifted as we pray to our Heavenly Father. Blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and know that families can be together forever because of the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now Jake has more reason than ever to sport his Livestrong bracelet. Your accomplishments amaze me Jacob. Soon you can add *Beat Testicular Cancer* to the list. Love you!

4 comments:

Leslee said...

So sorry to hear this! I hope that everything turns out to be okay. This is a stressful time for both of you to deal with this.

Michelle M said...

That is a tremendous post- wow. At first I was stunned when I read it, and I sat here trying to figure out what to say. I'm sorry to hear about what you guys are going through. In the past year, cancer has hit numerous of my close friends and family. I'm anxious for the day that we have a cure with a 100% success rate. I'll be praying for Jake and your family.

Brittany said...

Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Way to look on the brighter side of things though, that's a great example for us all.

Nika said...

Wow Gretchen, I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Its a lot for someone so young to deal with. You attitude is impressive and a great example to the rest of us. I will pray for a speedy recovery and that both you and Jake have the strength you need to see this out.