1-18-08
January 18th, 2008
I have a lot of ground to cover in this post. First of all, Lydia’s fever finally cleared and her back and leg symptoms have dissipated. She had her second stem cell treatment today, it was through IV today so was much easier for her to handle though she still was nervous and scared about the IV. Still brave and not many tears. Kirshner (the program coordinator/titles too numerous to list) arrived today just as Lydia was preparing for her treatment. It was nice to put a face to the voice on th other end of the phone. She was very nice and helped explain the treatment to Lydia which helped her get a handle on what was happening-she is so very inquisitive. She even got to feel the bag of stem cells being infused throught the IV-pretty cool. And I explained to her that they were her “favorite color” yellow. She thought was pretty neat and made it all better.
So the very exciting part of the day came about 3 hours after her treatment today. We were bored and walking around the ward (no mobility or eating restrictions today:) )when we walked over to the Christmas tree that we had investigated before, she said “Oh, now there are lights on the tree!” WOW!! Some blinking lights were on the upper part of the tree (very small tree) and I asked her to look up at them and she had to turn her head away because they were too bright for her. WOW again as she has not been able to see the lights on a Christmas tree before even with the room completely dark and this tree was in full light at the nurse station! Lydia said it all so matter-of-fact that it took me a minute to realize what she had just said. The miracle is happening, folks!! It is definitely a “Thank You God!” time. Also, her pupils are equal and reacting appropriately to light which they have never done.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us get here!!
Entry Filed under: onh,Uncategorized
43 Comments Add your own
1. Blythe | January 18th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
OMG!! I am sooooooo excited. I’m crying now so YEAH!!!! Sending you lots of love and good thoughts your way and look forward to hearing more! love you guys!!
Blythe
2. Jen McKee | January 18th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I do not have a dry eye- this is the best possible way to start my Friday. It looks like all of our prayers are being answered. I will keep more coming.
3. ms jennifer | January 18th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Wow! Wow! Yeah! Yeah!
You are right, it is a Thank You God moment! Give Lydia the biggest hug ever. All will be back home soon and it will the new beginning.
Ms Jennifer
4. Diane Ushupun | January 18th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Juli and Lydia, I am so happy for you! I sent my mom a link and she is reading along too!
5. Charles Olmsted | January 18th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
This is beyond words, but ” THANK YOU LORD” you MIRACLE
GIRLS deserve it all. I’m sooo happy I can’t sit still.
x’so’sx’so’s!!!!
Grandpa Charlie
6. Karen | January 18th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
This is the best news that I have had since I can remember. I am home with Todd this morning, and he and I are both so very excited for you (even if a bit tearful). I look forward to the continuing good news. Tonight I am having a PartyLite party in honor of Lydia. Whatever credits I get I am going to put together a gift basket for raffle at our Valentine’s Day bake sale. I will set aside something for Lydia as I think she might enjoy a candle flicker somwhere down the road. Love you both!!!
7. Genny Perso | January 18th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Wow Z wow wow!!!!!!!!! I am speachless!! Thank you Jesus!! Lydia-you are an amazingly brave youg lady–you are doing such a good job! julio–I can’t imagime how you must feel!! My thoughts and hugs are always with you both. Genny
8. Lexi! | January 18th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Oh Lydia, i cant believe it!!! I knew I had faith in this, I am so proud of you! Looks like that bad day will hopefully be in the very back of your mind now, knowing the results you are getting!! Hang in there babe!!! I hope you are sleepng right now having dreams of all the beautiful things you are going to see!! I love you sosososo much and cant wait to talk to you when you wake up!!!
Love you lots
Aunt Shelley
9. Tiffany | January 18th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
That is the best news!!!!!!! I’m too excited for you two to come up with anything else intelligent to say! Tiffany
10. Joe | January 18th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, who opens the eyes of the blind. Doug, I am so happy for you and your family. I pray that everything continues to go well for you all.
11. Kathy | January 18th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Lyds we love you and are so excited for you. We know it will continue to get better and better. Hopefully the worst is behind you and hang in there. Your a strong brave girl and we love you.
Doug and Juli it is fantastic.
Kathy and Herk
12. Emily and Stephony Stelzer | January 18th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Dear Lydia
Thank you for your email. I was so excited to hear from you. What is the weather like in China today? It is so cold here. When you come home would you like to have a sleep over with me and my sister? I miss you. From Emily
Juli and Lydia,
We are so very excited to hear your news today! I think there is something to be said about the word “FAITH”. We’ll keep praying along with ALL of your family and friends! You keep up the good work. Lydia, you are such an inspiration!
Stephony
13. Wendy Brown | January 19th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Like everyone else…the tears are coming. God is so Good! I am so happy for the both of you. Prayers will continue.
Love, Wendy
14. Jamie | January 19th, 2008 at 2:29 am
WOW!!! What can I say except how brave you both are and how EXCITING!! You both are in my thoughts and prayers for more good news and experiences!! I don’t think there has been a dry eye in the department today! I am so happy for you both!
15. Mary Ann | January 19th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Oh, Lydia!!!!! I am so excited for you! You always add a spot of sunshine to class when you come to Sunday School and now I know why– it’s because your favorite color is yellow like the sun! Keep being brave and we will see you the next time you come to church with Granny.
Mary Ann from your SS class in Belgrade
16. 7WEST | January 19th, 2008 at 4:08 am
WOW!!!!! We are so happy that we cried happy tears. We will keep praying as you coninue on your journey. Tell Lydia we all said hello and that we love her.
17. Melissa LaHay | January 19th, 2008 at 4:22 am
I’m with everyone else–tears in my eyes!! It truly is a miracle! I am so very excited for you both. What a great way to start the weekend! Juli, I will be going to our alma mater’s Homecoming tonight and hopefully see some old friends–can’t wait to spread the news!
Love,
Melissa
18. Debbie | January 19th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Lydia & Juli
This is great news! Not a dry eye here also. I look forward to checking this sight everyday and I will continue everyday until you come home. You both are so blessed and I pray for your continued progress.
Love you both!! Debbie & Steve
19. Ms Sara | January 19th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Lydia you are being so brave. Everyone at New Haven is thinking about you. We all miss you but are so glad that things are going well!!!
20. Alisa Nickelson | January 19th, 2008 at 5:29 am
Thank God for the WONDERFUL news!! We are so excited for you. Small steps are giant leaps!!
Plan on coming to St. Louis to visit us and watch the Cardinals play this summer.
Love, Alisa
21. Brenda Kankey | January 19th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Lydia, Do You realize you are a walking miracle and a walking missionary with all of your bravery? God is giving us all a miracle to thank him for and it is BECAUSE you are such a brave and faithful little lady. I thank God for you and your miracle. Your mom used to babysit my “baby” Ben when she was a teenager and Ben was a little baby in diapers. Ben is now a man and almost 26 and your mom is a wonderful Mom! Hang in there Lydia. I know you don’t know me because I met you when you were in a “punkin” seat at the school where your Grandma Joan used to teach. But, my love and prayers are with you. xo Brenda Kankey
22. Brenda Kankey | January 19th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Lydia, Did you know you are a walking miracle and a missionary? We all get to witness one of God’s miracles BECAUSE you are so brave and willing to let God work through you!!! Thank You God and Lydia! You don’t know me but I know your grandma Joan. I used to work with her at the school. Your mom used to babysit my “baby” Ben who is now almost 26 years old! I met you for the first time when you were a tiny baby in a “punkin” seat when your mom brought you to the school to show you off. She has always been sooooo proud of you. Stay brave Lydia. I think of you and your mom everyday and I thank God for you, your bravery, and His miracles. Love, Brenda Kankey
23. Ms. Christy W. | January 19th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Juli and Lydia,
I am so happy! I ran into Ms. Kemp today and show told me the good news. As soon as I got home i had to read it myself. God is so good and my eyes watered with tears… Keep on being very brave.\ Lydia.
Ms. Christy
24. Susan Doyle | January 19th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Lydia,
I think this is the best news that I heard—-you were able to see the Christmas lights!!!!! Aren’t they so beautiful. I am glad that you are feeling better and being so strong and brave during your treatments. Tell your mom and dad hello. My family is praying for you nightly. (In case you don’t remember I am a friend of your Aunt Shelley and have the children Theresa “T”, Eddie, Jillian, and Charlie) It is nice that your mom can keep us informed of how you are doing and we will continue to check on you daily. Keep being brave and stong and we will contine praying for you!! Many people on Fort Dodge are thinking of you!!!
25. connie crumpton | January 19th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I’ve read this twice and cried even more the 2nd time! All my “happy thoughts” and prayers are with the both of you! WOW!
Lydia, all the Cedar Creek horses (especially Jodi) can’t wait for YOU to see THEM!
26. Rachael Lynn | January 19th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Juli- That is so awesome and so amazing! I’m so happy for all the progress and will keep you both in my prayers.
Rachael
27. Judy Nipper | January 19th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Hi, Juli & Lydia
So happy things are going well. I have seen Lydia at church (Belgrade Methodist), but don’t know her really well. I hope to change that when she gets home. Lydia, you are so much stronger and braver than most adults that I know. I admire you greatly! God bless you all!
Judy N.
28. Paducah Stricklins | January 19th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Julie and Lydia: Tears of joy are occuring at our household! You both are in our daily prayers; we hit the blog first thing every morning!
Andrew tried to send Lydia a message a couple of days ago–couldn’t get it to work. It was a sweet little “hello” and “you’re in our thoughts and prayers.”
You know we love you both. . .
Your Paducah Cousins
29. Debbie Detring | January 19th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Juli & Lydia,
Your incredible news is FANTASTIC!!! I almost cried and definitely got cold chills when I read of this wonderful miracle. Please know that you are in our family’s prayers. Hope to see you soon.
With much love,
Debbie Detring
Toni’s sister
30. Lexi! | January 19th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
i hope to hear from you all soon!! I love you honey! i cant wait to hear from you!! Lexi and JJ really want to talk to you too!! TheDoyles want you to see Charlotte she is so cute Lydia!! you will love to hold her-she might nibble at your finger or your leg! call me if you can!! i love you and cant wait to talk to you!!
love you lots
Aunt Shelley, Uncle Lukey, Lexi and JJ
31. Susan Kemp | January 19th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Juli and Lydia,
I am so excited for the two of you! Lydia keep on being strong and I am glad that you are feeling better! I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
Ms. Kemp
32. Stan and Julie | January 19th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Lydia, Doug, and Juli,
We are so very thankful of the great news! All three of you keep up the faith.
We will definitely have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Stan and Julie
33. Brandy | January 19th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Hi Julie I am a friend of Dougs and I have been reading your blogs, I think its great you have this site to keep everyone updated.
The christmas tree story brought tears to my eyes… Its amazing the difference in Lydias ability to see in such a short period of time. All of you keep strong over there and have peace in knowing that everyone is praying for all of you and especially Lydia. God does work miracles and this is a true blessing!
Lots of Love,
Brandy
34. Mary Ann | January 20th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Oh, Lydia!!!!! I am so excited for you! You always add a spot of sunshine to class when you come to Sunday School and now I know why– it’s because your favorite color is yellow like the sun! Keep being brave and we will see you the next time you come to church with Granny.
Mary Ann from your Sunday School class in Belgrade
35. Joe Paulsen (POPS) | January 20th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Thank God for sure!! I had no idea a miracle could happen so fast. It must have been a very exciting time for you all. We will continue to pray for you all and hope the results continue to impress. Love to all of you.
Got any kurs light over there in China or do you drink china beer to toast the good news?
Joe/POPS
36. Molly | January 20th, 2008 at 4:06 am
How fantastic! Words cannot begin to express the excitement that is within me! Many people at church are asking about you, so I will be sure to share this good news with them. They are all thinking of you and praying for you each and every day. I hope the good progress continues!
Pastor Molly
37. Brandy | January 20th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Hi Juli,
I am a friend of Doug’s. It’s great you have this sight to keep everyone updated on Lydia.
That was an awesome story about the Christmas Tree it brought tears to my eyes. It is amazing that she was able see the lights in such a short period of time. Keep strong and have peace in knowing that all of you are in everyones prayers. God does work miracles and this is a true blessing!
Lots of Love,
Brandy
38. John Kottwitz | January 20th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Hi to Lydia and Juli:
We have enjoyed reading your blog and the latest news is so exciting! We are thinking of you often – you are in our prayers.
John, Rhonda, Krista & Shane
39. Robyn | January 20th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Julie & Lydia:
Just read about the good news and got cold chills! I will continue to keep you in my prayers. You have an amazing little girl Julie! Stay strong.
Robyn
40. Raquel | January 21st, 2008 at 3:20 am
Lydia that is the best news ever. I hope that things continue to go well for you. After two treatments wow!!! How many more to go? I can’t imagine how over stimulated you will be to finally see all the things that you have felt for the past 6 years!!! You are going to be one busy little girl. Your mom thinks that you are inquisitive now! I know that both mom and dad will welcome every question!! Good luck and stay healthy.
Raquel
41. John & Sharon Waldrop | January 21st, 2008 at 5:56 am
Truly miracles happen every day and Lydia you are one of them as our Justin is. Juli you and your familyare in our prayers and will continue to be . Love John and Sharon Waldrop
42. Lexi! | January 21st, 2008 at 9:26 am
Hey Sweetie.
This is Lexi. Lydia Ann, I am tearful right now hun! I love you so much babe and you are the bravest little girl, I am so proud of you! I’m sure Ryan Seacrest and Toby would be very proud of you too! American Idol started, but I bet you don’t get that over there in China! But don’t worry, it’s just the beginning so no one is that good! But, when they start getting good I will record them for you so you can hear ( and see ) all the amazing voices and people! The Doyle’s got a new puppy named Charlette! I bet you would love her! She’s small enough for you to hold her! I will have to take some pictures for you. Can you wait to see a dog?! Well, I’m probably taking up too much space and you probably don’t wanna listen to your mom read a ton of what I have to say. So, I will talk to you later sweetie and I just wanted you to know I pray for you every night and I wish you the very best! I love you Lydia Ann! You are the best cousin anyone could ever ask for!
I love you babe!,
Lexi
43. Mary Ann Daugherty | January 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 am
Juli, I have been off work a few days, but logged in at home and just read your latest entries. When I got to the the Christmas lights part, I started sobbing. Brad came running in and read it too. We were both overcome with emotion. It is truly amazing! What an answer to prayer! We’ll continue to keep you and Lydia in our prayers!! I look forward to many more updates.
Hugs, Mary Ann (and Brad too)
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