When Beth texted me this picture she said "reality is setting in." You may not be able to tell, but I know he was emotional in this photo, but trying to be strong. Surely the thought "what am I doing here?" crossed his mind. Chemo? It must have seemed at least a little bit surreal for both he and Beth.
So far not much in the way of side effects has come, except the chemo has made him really tired. Some of you may be very familiar with cancer and its treatments, but this is my first close-to-home rodeo so I maybe ask some questions that seem silly, but I asked him why it made him tired. His response was "because they're injecting poison into my body that's killing my cells." Oh:(
But Aaron was in great spirits! During chemo, he sat next to a guy who has the same exact kind of cancer as him. He was starting his final week of treatment. When Aaron sat down his neighbor said "what are you doing here? You're too young!"
The man had a great attitude and outlook about his future which, of course, was reassuring to Aaron. Aaron said they're going to hang out:) One thing I love about Aaron is how he can put so many people at ease and people enjoy opening up to him bc he is funny and personable. I think it's so cool how Aaron has just been meeting people left and right throughout this journey and telling them his story and listening to their stories. Aaron said the last time he really did that-- talked to everyone he saw-- was on his mission-- and how he's missed that. This cancer, in a way, has breathed a new life into him. He actually told me this cancer has saved his life (see a couple posts earlier about his colon), and it has also been a great blessing spiritually. Through trials we can come closer to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, as we realize (and Aaron told me specifically this is how he felt) how much we truly do depend on Him. Aaron said "I just realize now more so than ever how weak I am." We can't do this in our own...we do need our Savior and we absolutely need his Atonement. Aaron also said this experience has given him a better and more eternal perspective in that it has infused him with a greater desire to focus his life more fully on our Savior. I am so grateful for the beautiful things Aaron is taking from this trying experience and how he's becoming better, not bitter, from it all. It makes me think of a song by Casting Crowns called "Praise You in This Storm"...have a listen HERE... :)
Aaron wearing his mask and mouthguard...about to receive radiation treatment:
I love you, Aaron. And I love you, Beth. I am so grateful for the examples you have set for me and so many others in this...your storm.
Dear Aaron and Beth, I feel fortunate to know your sister Kim and call her my friend. I love her, Stace, and their children. My husband is their Bishop and we have been truly blessed to have them in our ward in Gainesville. It is with deep sadness, but, at the same time, excitement for them that we will see them leave for their new life in Arkansas in a few months. I want you to know that our family prays for you, Aaron, and your family every day. We will fast tomorrow in your behalf asking our Heavenly Father to give you both the strength and patience to deal and conquer the cancer that has invaded your body. We know you will feel our Heavenly Father's and our Savior's love for you. May you be blessed with the Lord's peace at this difficult time in your lives. With sincere affection, Gladys and Joe Lowry
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers from Desiree (Wright) Bowen and Chuck Bowen!! I know this will be a tough road but you can do it!!
ReplyDelete