The Seasons: A Poem

Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai

Catherine

Update: We decided to cancel the surgery today. We are going to go for a second opinion with a specialist in PA. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Especially to St. Lucy for Catherine's eyes, St. Christopher for our travels, and St. Gerard, the patron saint of those with cancer.

Original Post: We learned today that Catherine does have a tumor in her right eye, retinoblastoma. Because this tumor is larger in size, and because it has caused her retina to detach, the only option for her right now is to remove her eye. It is not possible to remove the tumor without taking a big risk of having it spread to other parts of her body. The good news is that the tumor has not spread to her brain and is contained in her right eye. There is still some question as to whether she will need chemotherapy or not, but that will become clearer once the tumor is out. We will also see a pediatric oncologist to help in that decision. The plan is right now to have her eye removal surgery tomorrow. This could change if the surgery center is unable to schedule her early tomorrow. It is an outpatient procedure.

We are once again begging your prayers for our Catherine. Please pray for the doctors and nurses. Please pray for us. We don't want to see her suffer, but if anyone can beat this, she can!

God Bless.

Comments

Anonymous said…
We are praying for the little darlin'!!! She's in the hands of Blessed Mother!!

In Christ,
Claire & Steve
Anonymous said…
Lifting Catherine and your family up in prayer!

Michele
Barbara said…
I will keep Catherine and your family in prayer tomorrow. Please contact me if I can do anything locally (in Cols.).
Jessica RN BSN said…
Oh what a brave family you are! With all the obstacles and up hill battles you remain forever committed to Catherine! I am grateful to have cared for her and allowed her to touch my life. I pray she does well and recovers without pain, I pray that with God's plan he gives you strength. I talk about her often, her updates and pictures remind me why I do what I do. Nicole you are wonderful and Catherine is so lucky to have you! If you need anything don't hesitate to ask! I found a friend in you and Catherine again I pray for you in this horrible time. With all the love in my heart Jessica
Patience said…
Prayers going your way. Hope the surgery will go well.
Anonymous said…
Our prayers are with you all...good luck.

Peace,
The Playko Family
Cheryl said…
We will be keeping Catherine in our thoughts and prayers as she tackles these obstacles. God Bless Catherine.
Kindest Regards,
Cheryl Paeth
Barbara said…
Jim and Nicole,
Last night my husband suggested I mention that a good friend took her son for treatment of retinoblastoma in Philadelphia. He has had a complete remission. They live here in Columbus. Maybe you have found the same docs? You are on my mind and in my prayers.
Anonymous said…
Will continue to keep Catherine and your family in my prayers. I also added her to our prayer list at Church. Believing that God will help you all thru this. Love and prayers, Lisa
Christine Crabb said…
Still praying for your family and sweet little Catherine! I know it's hard to let God be in control in everything, but it sounds like you are doing everything you can as parents and He will take care of the rest! Will continue to pray! God Bless, Christine Crabb