52 sundays; october 23, 2011

Alice came into our lives 16 years ago when my son married her mom . . . and life has never been the same . . . she is a self-proclaimed ‘dork’ . . . although I don’t think so . . . but she’s not afraid to be goofy in an effort to make people around her laugh. She likes all kinds of music but especially country; Alice is somewhat of a daredevil in that she loves fast cars, 4-wheeling, roller coasters and wants to skydive some day . . . all of which makes me cringe . . . but I have to say that I admire her adventurous spirit. She is fiercely independent and strong-willed, loves her boyfriend, John and her family.

Alice has Cystic Fibrosis and at the moment is in an ICU unit sedated and hooked to machines in an effort to save her life; the plan is to get her through this crisis and place her on the list for a heart/lung transplant. Her tenacious and strong-willed spirit serves her well now and she’s giving it everything she’s got.

I don’t write about my family much on the blog because while blogging certainly is public, I am somewhat a private person; and while I made the decision to share The Professor’s and my life here, my family did not so I am careful about what I post and always ask permission before I share anything about their lives . . .

I have been given permission to ask for your prayers, your good thoughts – whatever and whoever you believe in or don’t – it doesn’t matter – your good wishes, your good energy on her behalf is welcomed and appreciated . . . and in fact, when told that so many people are praying for her, eyes closed, machine breathing for her, Alice gives a ‘thumbs up’ sign . . .

It has been a very long 3 days . . . none of us has slept much; we sit on the sidelines and watch . . . each of us wishing we could take Alice’s place . . . to be able to make it better . . . to change the situation somehow . . . but we cannot. Instead, our job is to support Alice in whatever way we can and to trust . . . that no matter the outcome, Alice will be ok . . . we will be ok . . . sometimes I believe this is the most difficult challenge of all . . .

62 Comments

  1. What a beautiful photo that first one is and what in inspirational person Alice must have been. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Sending you a hug from London. xx

  2. I’m sure this is innappropriate in so public a forum but I am just bursting to tell you that I love you. I just LOVE you guys so much and I’m so so sorry for all that you are enduring. Jake and I are with you in prayer. I would bake you something and send it, but…well…you know. 😉

  3. Alice has all of the good wishes I can send her way…

  4. Lora @cakeduchess

    Deb and the Professor…my heart truly aches for you and the loss of beautiful Alice. Praying for your family and send love and many hugs. xo

  5. Pingback: 52 sundays; october 30, 2011 | Smith Bites

  6. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking very much of you and your family. I just happened to see a post from Marla and Family Fresh Cooking through Facebook and read your story only to have my heart drop when I heard of Alice’s diagnosis. I’m a young mother with three children, two of which have cystic fibrosis (a 4-year-old son named Alex and 1-year-old daughter named Harper). What you are having to endure is my darkest nightmare and it’s not fair. I have yet to meet anyone with CF who is not an absolutely amazing person. Whatever time they have on this earth makes more of an imprint than most of the “healthy” people I know. I’m not sure if they are born that way or we have to actually thank CF for some of that shaping of their character, although I can’t imagine thanking something I hate with every fiber of my being. My thoughts are with you all.

  7. Cant believe that this is happening… its just so heartbreaking Deb. Praying for you all… praying His peace will surround you.

  8. There are no words… my prayers are with your family.

  9. Praying that all will be well.

  10. You have my heart felt prayers.

  11. All of you are in my prayers.

  12. Crying for all of you and praying. I wish I could do more, Deb.

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