Family Time

Kovacs at the park. April 2012

Things almost seemed like normal for the Kovacs this past weekend.   Angela and Lydia were home from the hospital and the family got some quality time at the park.  Lydia was wonderful.  She slept through the night, enjoyed time outside in the stroller, and ate really well.  Angela too was able to get some sleep and, most importantly, spend quality time with the other four children.  We are thankful for this wonderful blessing of family togetherness.

These moments have now passed and our reality has once again entered the picture.  The phone rang from the hospital this morning.  The nurse indicated that Lydia's blood counts are favorable so chemotherapy can begin later today.  This means another month stay in the hospital for Lydia and Angela.  Specifically, she will receive eight days of chemotherapy treatment beginning this evening.  After the eight days are complete, Lydia and Angela must stay in the hospital for another three weeks until the blood counts have reached appropriate levels and then they may come home again for a short stay depending upon Lydia's condition.

This is rough and emotionally difficult.  We have asked a great deal from everyone, and people have been so willing and gracious to deliver.  We continue to need your constant prayer for strength and healing.  Please don't forget us in your prayer lives as the weeks have now turned into months.

Once again, we fall back on our only assurance and source of strength - our faith in Jesus Christ.  Over the weekend, Pastor Mike preached a sermon partially based upon the Kovac story and Ecclesiastes 4:12 ("A cord of three strands is not easily broken.")(the sermon will soon be available at www.biblechapel.org).  The three strands of our rope represent the Kovac family, our helpful and committed community, and of course Jesus Christ.  Wound together this rope is strong and continues to provide a reassuring sense of unity as we continue with our leukemia battle.

Specific prayer requests as Lydia and Angela once again enter the confines of the hospital later this afternoon:  (1) peace for Angela - this too will pass; (2) calmness for Lydia - her anxiety, chemo side effects, and sleepless nights will once again begin; (3) cancer go away - God can perform miracles and healing; and (4) stability for Paul and the Kovac children.  Peace be with each of you