In the Book of Mormon, there is a record of a family who traveled from the Tower of Babel to the American continent. The family of Jared soon received their first glimpse of a vast, stormy ocean, having been required of the Lord to crawl into some mysterious air-tight vessels they were promised would carry them safely to a better place. As they gazed into the deep, moving water, they breathed the unfamiliar sea salt and felt the ice cold water lap at their feet. "What will become of our family?" "Can we do this thing that God requires of us?"

These were the questions we asked as our family stood on the edge of a new journey in February 2011. Before Cathi was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, we saw the waves of an unfamiliar storm brewing and felt the fear of anticipation. When the cancer was certain, our family was required to wade into the cold water, crawl into a mysterious vessel and trust the Lord would be in charge.

The family of Jared was given stones touched by the finger of the Lord that provided light inside their vessels "that they might not cross the great waters in darkness......and it came to pass that...(they) set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind. And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord. And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water." Read the rest: http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/6?lang=eng

This blog is the captain's log of our family's journey. It will serve to keep all of you updated on Cathi's condition but also be a place where I can express the lessons we are learning so that it might be a source of strength for others who are going through difficult challenges. We are certainly not unique in this regard. I hope to continue trusting in the light we have been given and to lead our family when we are encompassed by the dark ocean or tossed by its waves. We sincerely seek for your faith in asking the Lord to calm the water, give strength beyond our own and lead all of us of us to a better place.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Cathi Update

As of 5pm today, Cathi is doing GREAT!  She hasn't been nauseated once (due to some major anti-nausea medication that is now standard with chemo therapy) and she slept very well last night with the help of some other medication she was advised to take.  I told her that I might make up some bad symptoms for the blog so we can keep those dinners coming...just kidding.

Below is a picture of Cathi with our daughter Emma "in costume."  One of Cathi's first worries, once she learned of her cancer, was the possibility of missing Emma's middle school musical.  She is playing the role of a song bird in the show, "Once Upon A Mattress."  Ironically, the show runs this week from Thursday to Saturday...which, we've been told, could be the hardest days for Cathi dealing with the effects of her first chemo therapy treatment.  Emma had the idea of inviting her mom to her first full dress rehearsal on Monday night as a special audience member.  So...just in case she can't go with the rest of us Friday night, Cathi is happy she was at least able to attend a practice run.

Emma & Her Mom

Many of you have mentioned having a difficult time commenting on this blog.  I adjusted a few configurations that will allow better access.  Anyone who desires should now be able to leave a comment, but the comments may take a few days to post since I will screen them first...sorry for any frustration!
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7 comments:

  1. canihavethisdanceApril 13, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    So glad that Cathi is doing well with her first treatment! She is so lucky to have such a loving and supportive husband and family.
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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  2. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    So glad to hear that Cathi is tolerating the chemo so far! If anybody can put chemo in its place, it would be Cathi! I'm also glad that you got to go to Emma's dress rehearsal. The costume is great! Thanks for sharing your amazing journey of faith with all of us. (I ran into Colleen Ford Neilson yesterday in Wallsburg. She said to tell you hello. She was sad to hear of your most recent challenges) We pray for you every day!
    --Marie

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  3. Brittany @ My Decoupaged LifeApril 14, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    I'm so glad she's doing well so far! I bet she'll continue to "do well" because of her positive attitude! I miss you Van Leuvan family!

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  4. Melanie ChambersApril 14, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Cathi, you are beautiful!! So glad things are going well:) I remember when I was going into labor with my first child, I kept saying, "this isn't as bad as I thought it would be." It seems like that is what you are saying about your experience too! I love hearing the updates. You guys really inspire me! Love you all.

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  5. KelliApril 14, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    That costume is too funny!!! That's great that Cathi was able to be a special guest. :) Tell Emma to "break a leg!" I'm sure she will be FANTASTIC!!!

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  6. TXboomApril 14, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Which one is Cathi? Just kidding! That's a pretty fantastic costume. I wish the show could be webcast on the internet for all to see. So glad to hear the positive progress with the chemo and meds. We love you and your family.
    - Grant and Laurelle

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  7. AnnApril 14, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    I hope now that it's Thursday you are feeling well Cathi- I loved the costume Emma is wearing. Wouldn't you know that you would pick a co-ordinating outfit to wear to the dress rehearsal. You guys look great in yellow! The color perks me up to anticipate real sunshine. Your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. I loved talking to you on the phone! Please give Jerry and the kids a big "hellow" in Jim Carroll's voice from me! Love you all--
    Ann

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