Round Ten

Round Ten started yesterday.  We were sad to see round nine go because Trent had started to feel really good.  After last week's episode with the fainting and falling all over, we got a call on Tuesday from Katie at the Huntsman.  Trent needed blood in a bad way.  That was not really a surprise since he couldn't walk a straight line.  So we were in SLC at 7:00 am the next morning.  It took us SEVEN HOURS to get two units of blood!  We waited for a full two and a half hours before they even started the blood.   It was a long day but he improved almost immediately.  We spent the next night with our family at Temple Square.  We were quite a sight; me pushing Trent in a wheelchair, followed by Megan pushing  Jonathan in the stroller, followed by three more kids.  Craziness, but it was really fun.  Trent kept saying he felt so good that it was hard to believe he had cancer. 

We really lucked out with the timing of Trent's chemo.  The best three days of his cycle were just happened to fall on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the day after.  So, on Christmas Eve, Trent got the itch to shop.  So Jarom and I took him to Walmart.  I was shopping a little ways away from Trent in his jazzy when a couple we do not know walked up and put $50 in Trent's hand.  He tried to give it back but they said that he looked like he could use it.  They explained that 10 years ago someone had helped their little family and this was their way to pay it forward.  I looked up and saw Trent crying and Jarom was motioning for me to come.  I ran over to Trent and he told me what had happened.  He turned around to show me who they were but they were gone.  We both just stood there in tears, once again, overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of others.  We have been very blessed throughout this year and especially during the holidays by many, many people.  I am trying to keep track of all the tender mercies and anonymous acts of kindness shown to our family.  I really want to be able to remind my family how blessed we have been through our trial.  We have learned many lessons and continue to be humbled and taught each day.  We have been lifted and edified by the pure goodness of people; friends, family, and strangers alike.  I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is mindful of our needs and has seen fit to bless us so willingly.  I truly believe that He knows how much we can handle and though we are facing a very difficult reality, we are being blessed beyond measure. 

Thank you all for your continued prayers and faith.  We are so grateful for all the kind words and support we receive from you all.  As our year comes to a close, we look back and see that though it has been our hardest year yet, it has been our best.  We wish you all the best that 2011 can bring.  Thank you for everything and love to you all!