A year ago on January 23, life changed drastically for us. Clayton was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), our first grandchild was born and four days into treatment a brain bleed began. It was the hardest and best year of our marriage.

We are thankful for the mercy God has shown our family. Thinking about the day the neurosurgeon, Dr. Au Young, came in to talk with me about what needed to be done in order to relieve pressure on Clayton’s brain is overwhelming. The chances of survival were so slim due to the fragile state Clayton was in from the chemo he had been given. Surgery day (Monday, January 30, 2023) was one of the longest days ever and a reminder to me God is still working miracles. Clayton is a miracle.

The love and support was and still is humbling. God has used so many individuals to come alongside in a plethora of ways to remind us He IS:  Comforter, Peace, Provider, Our Banner, Faithful and Healer.  God is Good! He is in control of all things and we trust Him each day and are so thankful for the days we have been given. Through this season, we’ve grown in our personal walks with the Lord and are thankful for the many things He has shown us and taught us and is continuing to teach us. Our family is forever changed.

We look at our granddaughter and see a reminder of God’s handiwork. She’s a reminder of His love for us.

Since we’ve not updated in a while, here’s a snapshot of what the past few months have looked like:

• January 2024 - Clayton returned to work part time. He is still in remission. ♥️
• October, November and December 2023 - Doctor appointments and labs twice a month. Oral chemo began in October and will be taken for 14 days each month for at least a year, possibly two.
• Micah is still on deployment with the USMC on a naval ship.

We are filled with gratitude for your continued prayers and support. 

”I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!“ ‭Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬