Read personal stories from our founder and Jennifer's mommy, Libby, along with other Warrior Moms and news from our Unravel team.

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Signs

November 14, 2013

Today I feel like a good mom. I like this feeling.

When we took her down for radiation I asked for a specific way I want her being put to sleep so we never have a bad time like two mornings ago. I can’t remember if I wrote about that but basically she took much longer to fall asleep and the anesthesiologist tried to separate us way too fast and she remembered it and it scared her. I asked questions to figure out what was different in order to make sure that didn’t happen again. I made sure it didn’t and it won’t again. I also asked the nurse putting in the tube the size of it and how versed she was in the procedure since it went so poorly the night before and I wouldn’t be there to watch it this time.

I had them pull her off meds when I felt like it was time versus waiting. I kept asking questions until we found the right solutions. Today was far from perfect. She was miserable. But it was a good day still somehow. And I hope its in part because my husband was there. I need us to hold our team together.

For the first time she raged. She cried and screamed and lashed out. I could see her internal debate playing itself out in her behavior. She was angry with me for not fixing what was going on (in the moment the tube in her nose, but it was bigger picture I am sure) but she was also so desperate for me to stay there and be with her while she released. We let her go, let her release and empty her emotional self. I didn’t let myself worry about how loud she was being or other patients or what the nurses might be thinking. I just let her drain it all out and fill up the room with her pain. And then I helped her rein it back in and gain control. Because thats what Jennifer needed from me.

She was miserable though. I will do everything I can to avoid her having to have a feeding tube. I know it can be a result of this tumor but I am going to explore all other avenues I can to prevent it in her future.

Our nurse Heather was great. Right before she was discharged they had to draw blood from her port. Even though its not painful its very traumatic for her. I told her nurse that and she took her time and explained to JLK what was happening and even let her get involved. In the end she was still anxious but not fearful. So another success in the books!

We were in the stem cell portion of the Bass Center. The clean protocol made us so nervous. Just wanting to be sure we didn’t let a germ hitch a ride back there. One thing that surprised me were these super strong sticky mats they have in the doorways. I kept forgetting they were there and then thinking I was going to rip apart my flip flop walking across it. Through these snippit moments I am learning so much about the world of pediatric cancer. There are so many different stories and ways and paths families find themselves on. I wonder do they all plan to make the impact I do? And can I actually pull off my long term goals of genuinely making a difference and revealing a purpose in our loss?

After we were released we went out to eat and wandered around the shops together. One store we went into had all sorts of knick knacky type of stuff with sayings on them. I have always liked that sort of thing, but I found it interesting how much I read quotes now with a different set of eyes.

Verses too. Sometimes a prayer or sentiment gets shared with me and it strikes a nerve and makes me more angry then at peace. And the next day I find solace in the same words. For me its a constantly changing conversation…I don’t think I have ever been this prayerful in my life. But not in the way I would have imagined I would be in this situation.

I am not bargaining or begging… I am simply talking..almost all the time trying to sort this all out and not turn my back. This is not to say I am not questioning and struggling. But I am also not mad at God like I thought I would be. I am actually looking for him in the day to day more than I ever have in the past. This isn’t a purposeful action but my mind and maybe even my souls natural reaction….the want and the yearn to not be in this alone this…especially in my quiet moments.

I like this relationship too. I like that its mine and its personal. I like that I feel like its unique and quiet.

I feel like there have been so many signs along the way. Unpacking my winter time clothes I found a shirt I had bought 2 yrs ago from goodwill that was from the Bass Center. Before JLK was born we decorated her nursery in dragonflies and thats always been our symbol for her. They are representations for somebody who has passed on. (we didn’t know that at the time) I can picture my other kids grown up but never her…I have even mentioned that to people how strange it was that I couldn’t picture her grown up. And what I just learned today, St. Jude’s feast day is Oct.28th. Her birthday and the day she was diagnosed with DIPG.

And I ask God about these signs…was he always preparing me?

This is the thing about my journaling … that it is such a exploration for me. When I sat and started tonight I was full of positivity and lightness. I assumed my writing would flow that way…It hasn’t…I am not even sure how I ended up here as I wrote.  Yet here we are…

I am doing my best to ride this train. Both my own personal journey and the one with my daughter. But  I dread sleep at night since it means when I wake up we are one stop closer to the end of one of those journeys….

And no matter how many signs there have been I will never be ready for that…

  1. Stacy says:

    Libby, I’m in awe of your strength. You are a gracious and wonderful mother, wife, person. My prayers and thoughts are with you, Jennifer and your family daily.

  2. Jennifer Lynn prezuhy says:

    Will pray for your beautiful girl !!

  3. Crystal Polson says:

    We have never met, but I’m a long time friend of Stephanie’s. I follow a few FB pages that are in support of kids with brain cancer because I’ve always been drawn to the cancer fight. I’ve seen the winning side and the losing side of those battles through these pages, and the thing that stands out most to me is the signs. The moments in life that you just know something, even if you can’t put your finger on it at the time. You are an amazing family. You have touched many lives & brought smiles to those around you. I will continue to pray for the best for Jennifer and your family.

  4. Loni and Steve at YoghArt says:

    You are in our prayers daily. It’s difficult to find reason and understanding for the tragedies in our lives. But, God’s plan, no matter how much it hurts us, plays out – even years later. I think all of us who are following your journey are learning along with you and hurting with you. Stay strong and know that others are holding you close.

  5. Marissa says:

    There are no words. Just so much love and prayer for you guys <3

  6. Bridget Dolfi says:

    You are already making a difference and finding the power you have a powerless situation. It is so wonderful the faith that you have in your doctors and nurses but it is also a wonderful testament to who you are that you are taking ownership of this fight and doing it as much on your terms as possible. Good for you for standing up for Jennifer and for her comfort level. Always thinking and praying for you.

  7. Heidi and Curtis Vals says:

    Dear Libby,
    Keep up your quiet and personal conversations with God. Ask Him the hard questions, whether they are answered or not. He knows your pain and understands it well as a Father.
    “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” -Deuteronomy 31:8
    You are being brave. You are being strong. You are not alone.

  8. Michelle says:

    I’m glad you have your faith. I know it could go either way in a time like now, but I am thankful that in the quiet moments when you need it the most your faith is there. I don’t think anyone can prepare themself for the loss of someone they love so unconditionally. You can’t. I’m praying for you guys, and praying for a miracle.

  9. Liz Krainman says:

    You are in my thoughts every single day. I am touched by your ability to write all of your thoughts and feelings down, and do so beautifully. You are already making a difference by inspiring others.

  10. Veronika Zappelli says:

    You write so beautifully Libby. Thank you for sharing Jennifer with all of us through your words and allowing us to love her and pray for her alongside your family. XOXO Sending you and your family so much love.

  11. Stephanie Eastwood says:

    Continued thoughts and prayers.

  12. Lynn says:

    <<>> There is no prep for this but there is hope, love, prayers and for now every precious moment.. Hang on to them.. We love you hunny and all the family! I sit and stare at Jennifer’s picture a little every day and ask why? It does me no good but some how I find your journals and feel a little less hurt and a lot closer.. I cant image ANY better mother then you Libby!! You are the perfect and most amazing Mom for Jennifer!! Love, hugs and lots of prayers from ALL of us!! Thank you for sharing with all of us….

  13. Jane Stevens says:

    We have never met but I heard of your story through my daughter who has a little girl the same age as Jennifer. I have been reading your blog and see that it is helpful for you to express your emotions. Thank you for sharing. I know there is nothing I can say to make things any better just that your family is in my prayers and hoping for a miracle. Something that I remember from my Mother; she always said the God did not give you anything you cannot handle.

  14. […] Unravel Pediatric Cancer, the non-profit we are working to support. The meaning of the dragonflies is deep amongst the Unravel community. My mom gave Lucy and I matching lockets for my birthday in honor of […]

  15. […] one day be handed.. Today I realized too that maybe I have been in training for it all along too..Here is that journal.. its pretty incredible to me how much I seem to have always know.. without […]

  16. […] I still cannot believe the connection with dragonflies and death.. short lives.. going from nymph to dragonfly, how they fly above where they used to live..  The most striking to me of all the signs I was just starting to notice at this time […]

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