We called the Duke surgical department yesterday to:
1. see if there were any preliminary results available (we were told preliminary results would take 2-3 days and it has been 7 days so I’m assuming they are waiting for the final report, not just preliminary report which makes sense. Even though waiting isn’t easy.)
2. make sure they knew there was a wedding coming up and to be sure to factor that in when setting the surgery date.
3. see if there is a date for her surgery yet (there isn’t)
Nathan and Meagan had really wanted to be present for at least preliminary results by phone but that didn’t quite work out.
So it looks like tomorrow’s 2:30 appointment is going to be significant in several ways.
A little nerve-wracking to think of so much happening in such a small space of time but it will be a relief to know exactly what we are dealing with.
Nathan and Meagan left for the airport about noon yesterday and I was planning to spend the afternoon/evening being wildly productive to make up for being out of town all last week. Unfortunately, my back did its thing where I had to walk bent over because of the pain. Ended up lounging in the recliner all afternoon on pain meds which, truthfully, was probably what I should have planned on doing all along. When the body isn’t happy, it lets you know it’s time for a break! Feeling a bit better today.
On the bright side, before Nathan and Meagan left yesterday, Sarah put on her wedding gown to show to us all. (Except, of course, Gage.) Meagan had already seen it in the store but it was really special to see Steve and Nathan’s faces as they saw Sarah for the first time bedecked as a bride. A little snippet of joy in a stressful week.
And speaking of Meagan and Nathan, I thought we could all use a few smiles today while we wait on results. And what could be better smile-inducements than those cute kids of theirs.
It was incredibly therapeutic to have Nathan and Meagan with us this weekend; the six of us laughed and laughed and laughed. Such good medicine. Nathan also played drums with us in the worship team on Sunday; he and Steve LOVE to play together.
It’s also been wonderful to be supported in such a wonderful way by our Manteo First Assembly family.
On the way home from Durham Friday with Nathan and Meagan I was thinking, “Oh dear. We’re going to get home at dinnertime and I am really, really tired, and I don’t know what I’m going to do about a meal for six people.”
Not five minutes later Steve texted and said, “Jean and David are cooking meatloaf and 4-cheese macaroni tonight.” A few minutes later we got word from Laura. “I’d like to bring you dinner Saturday night” which turned out to be tortillas, chip dip and special ice cream sandwiches from a local shop.” And then Tammy and Greta provided spaghetti for Sunday lunch and Marsha and Bibber brought pizza Sunday night.” (And Elizabeth volunteered for a meal but there were no more slots left for the weekend!)
It seems like such a simple thing to provide food but it lifts such a weight.
The church has also put out a calendar for people to sign up for special days of prayer and fasting for Sarah. Here’s what it looked like last time I saw it; every day–filled.
There was more than one time during last week’s hospitalization when I just felt so overwhelmed and at the end of a very frazzled rope. Just out of the blue, I would feel a little extra boost of strength and encouragement and I knew someone was praying.
And for those of you, our virtual Smithellaneous family, who have shared prayers, love, comments, and gifts . . . we are so grateful for eachof you.
Thank you for being with us in this still-waiting room.
Thinking of you all so often throughout the day today.
I meant to say, best possible results.
I’m praying for you.
Looks like it is time for Sarah’s appointment. Keeping my fingers crossed that you get the best possible need.
It’s 1:45 on Wednesday and I’m making some time to pray especially for y’all as you approach your appointment time. Sending you strength, peace, and comfort.
Praying for you guys today as you make your way to Duke!
Praying for youbguys as you travel to Duke and go through this difficult appointment. Praying for all the doctors on Sarah’s case, that they would make wise decisions about her care.
Thinking of you today.
I can’t imagine how hard it must be waiting on Sarah’s results. Prayers for everyone tomorrow as plans are formulated. But how exciting for everyone (except Gage) to see Sarah in her wedding dress. I anxiously await the fabulous pictures of Sarah as a bride! And as always, all the Smith grandchildren are beyond adorable – as are the Smith children. Continued love, hugs and prayers sent to you all.
I will be fasting tomorrow and praying for the report and the next steps. None of this has taken God by surprise. He is waiting and has the road prepared for you all.
Oh my. If the waiting is hard on all your Smithellaneous followers, I can’t imagine how hard it is on all of you who are sitting in the front row! Continual prayers from my heart to the Lord for Sarah and all who love her and are walking this road with her.
Cheers for the ladies of your church! Hurrah for the dress preview! I can’t think of a one-word introduction to how adorable the Smith kids are, each and every one of them.
Take care of yourself, Becky!
Waiting is so hard. Praying that you will get many answers at Sarah’s appointment tomorrow.
I think your body was telling you you needed to rest while you could. I know you most likely didn’t get enough rest last week.
It was so sweet of your church family to bring meals to you while Nathan and Meagan were there. I can speak from experience as my Sunday School class made sure I didn’t have to worry about meals when my mom was in the hospital in December, when I had foot surgery in June and three years ago when I slipped on ice and fractured my knee cap. My neighbors were also good to bring food, make sure my dad was taken care of and pick up my mail.
Prayers being sent frequently and fervently for all of you. Your family is heavily on my mind. May God continue to carry all of you and grant you peace, hope and courage.
Your families, both by blood and by heart, are amazingly supportive. Continued prayers for all….
Becky,
I’m glad the six of you had such a great weekend. And, thanks to the gracious ladies of your church, you could all enjoy talking, laughing, playing, praying and, especially, making special memories together without having to worry about meals. I’m sure it was a special moment when Sarah modeled her wedding dress for all of you (except Gage). I am eagerly looking forward to wedding pictures😋. What a beautiful bride Sarah will be! Hope all goes well tomorrow, you all will certainly be in my thoughts as prayers.
Hugs, prayers and blessings,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Your remark about feeling a spiritual boost when you were lagging in body and spirit was very interesting. So neat how prayer helped you along and you knew it and thanked God for it.
Encourages me. Thanks for that. Glad you had a good time of family and stress relief.
And I agree… having meals brought is a huge help and needed answer to prayer also. So kind of them to that. The Lord uses people in many ways in the body, to strengthen it
Ruth
Praying for answers for you tomorrow and for a plan to move forward so you can concentrate on wedding plans! I’m so glad you had a great weekend.
Thank you for the smiles in the midst of waiting with you. Those Smith kids are adorable. 😎. Throwing you long distance hugs with continued prayers.
Ooohhh dang Becky…back pain is the worst. I speak from years of experience. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with that as well as everything else. Be nice to yourself and take it easy. Things will either get done or wait. Just that simple.
Tomorrow will be a big day. Thinking of Sarah, Gage and the rest of you as you go find out what’s going on. Prayers!!
Even though I know the waiting is hard and the Florida Smith’s wanted to be here for the results, it might be a blessing in disguise. That way everyone was able to enjoy the weekend together, laughing and doing pre-wedding festivities!! So glad your local church family was able to provide meals for your family during this waiting period, which gave you more time to spend with everyone, and perhaps rest just a little. Just like the book “Take Your Oxygen First” about Leeza Gibbons caring for her mother who had Alzheimers, the concept is still the same, you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others! So make sure you schedule some rest and down time for yourself! All your prayer warriors will be praying for Sarah and the family during the appointment tomorrow at 2:30!
After hearing about another shooting in MN and the results of that shooting, those pictures of the grandkids certainly did bring much sunshine, and to hear the blessing some of your folks provided with food and the full calendar, it really does make a day much brighter. Prayers continuing.
Hi Becky –
I was thinking about how I first started reading Sarah’s story, and it was because of my own father’s cancer. It’s been a long time and a few lifetimes for me. Anyhow, I’ve been checking in here multiple times a day to see how y’all are doing. If you see a bunch of hits on your website from Delaware, Oh, that’s most likely me. I’m stalking you? Maybe we rephrase it as y’all are in my thoughts and prayers a lot. If you were closer I’d bring you a meal.
Thinking of you all.
Glad you had a great weekend
Waiting with and praying for you in the still-waiting & for the Mama’s back. Stress does strange things to the body. The weekend sounds like it was exactly what you all needed! Will the parents of the bride and groom get to be “just” parents of same for the wedding, will you all be officiating, or somewhere in the middle?
Guerrina,
My brother-in-law, Randy, is officiating. Steve and Gage’s dad might say a prayer or a few words but not a lot to do. I think it’s nice when the parents can just be the parents.
Waiting and praying with you. When I find myself in yet another scary, unsure situation….I find myself clinging tightly to this verse: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” Psalm 116:7 (NIV).
-Kim from TN
Think of you all and praying you get a somewhat good diagnosis with a simple removal of the lump.
Take care of yourself and praying your back is better soon.
Love and Hugs
Dear Becky, I can only imagine the smiles and cheers when Sarah modeled her bridal gown for the family. I am sure that it was a very special and unforgettable moment for the family. Rest assured that you will be lifted up in prayer by your readers and friends during your 2:30 appointment tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for the wonderful photos of your grandchildren – they put a big smile on my face! You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Fred & Lucy
Fred and Lucy,
Thanks for your emails and comments that have popped up here and there through the past couple of weeks. They always bring a smile to my face.
Waiting is so difficult. Prayers to keep you calm and prayers for your trip to Duke and answers.
Oh Becky, I feel for you and your back, mine goes out at the worst times…and for the simplest tasks, I bent over last week to pull a garbage bag out of the cabinet and bam, there goes my back. We are trying to get the house in order to put on the market and I am NO help at all….just sitting in my chair, icing and heating….it’s so frustrating. Anyway, I am so glad you all got to spend time together as a family of six….and your church family sounds lovely…..I will be thinking of you and praying for you.
Still waiting and praying, from Ohio. So glad to see The Smiths well cared for by the locals. A note is on my computer for 2:30 Wednesday. The Smiths/Team Sarah will be wrapped in prayer from all the warriors in the virtual world, from all around the world.
As always, such wonderful pictures. Each photo shows the magic of each and every moment in time.
The last post, with Gage and Sarah dancing (don’t think I left a comment), were so sweet. Fancy clothing is not necessary to show the bond of love and commitment between those two!
Ann,
So touching that so many readers made a note to remember us and pray on Wednesday at 2:30. That just means so much to us.
Well, I was so hopeful you’d have had at least *some* results by now!
The weekend with all of your kids sounds perfectly wonderful! 🙂
Still keeping all of you in my thoughts – and hope your back will stop doing this!! But yes – always always listen when your body is telling you things. You’ve been under an enormous amount of stress and sleeping in a hotel bed or a hospital room isn’t the ideal thing, under the best of circumstances.