Two Homecomings

Some of the amazing BSA staff!

Yesterday Josh completed his last round of chemo! It was almost a little surreal. I woke up yesterday morning, in our room at the Ronald Mc Donald House, which had begun to feel much like a second home to us, with a feeling of excitement laced with a little anxiety.

Sarah and I got packed up to head over to the hospital. As we said our goodbyes to the staff at the RM House, I felt a sadness. The staff had become like family to us. They had followed Josh’s progress and were so excited for all of us that he was done with treatment…yet saying goodbye was hard. We will always be so grateful for our dear friends at the RM House and for all that they do to support families who are in crisis.

When we got to BSA, the staff from the Pediatrics floor was preparing for an “End of Chemo” celebration for Josh. Again, it was bittersweet. The amazing staff had walked us through some of the most difficult days of our lives. Many of them had played a part in saving Josh’s life, on several occasions. It was hard to say goodbye to them as well. They had all shown us such kindness and compassion. Josh, for the first time ever, was really in no hurry to leave.

Once we finally got packed up and headed home, my head swam with the emotions of the past six months. We had not seen any of this coming. Our lives were so much different than they were six months ago. I knew we could still potentially have some tough days ahead, but I began to look forward to Josh being healthy again and all the possibilities that might entail.

                       

We arrived home to find a wonderful welcoming committee on our front porch. Even now, as I think back on that sight, tears come to my eyes. We have been so cared for by our friends and neighbors. We are blessed way more than we deserve.

Then, yesterday evening, we received sad news. Our dear friend, and father of Tiffany Carothers, Randy Gwaltney, went home to be with the Lord. Randy and his family waged a valiant, and courageous battle against cancer. He was great man; he lived a life that honored his Lord. He dearly loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren and was loved by them. He was highly esteemed by his co-workers, his church and his community. While he now has a new and healthy body in Heaven, he will be greatly missed here on earth.

So while Josh came home to Dalhart, Randy went home to be with his Heavenly Father. I am unsure as to why things go the way that they do, but I am sure the One who directs our path. Our heart breaks for Randy’s family for their tremendous loss.