Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Joy. Pain. Sunshine. Rain.

I will never forget seeing McCall clear three flights of stairs in three giant leaps. Partially because McCall can't jump--I have film to prove it--but more because of why she was so excited. After spending over $300 on home pregnancy tests, McCall went to a clinic to confirm our suspicions about her being pregnant and the results came back positive. Over the past several weeks, McCall has exhibited signs of pregnancy which will not be mentioned to keep this PG.

For two weeks we've been walking on sunshine--so to speak. Today, on a rainy day, we found out that there were complications with the conception and McCall had to go in for a dose of chemotherapy--the baby won't be born on June 7ish as expected.

Through our joy of learning of McCall's pregnancy, our love for each other and the family that we were starting to create grew in heaps. Our weekly planning had a new perspective; our lives were moving in a direction that both McCall and I have wanted for years; our conversations included possible names for either a boy or girl--names like Gary and Lou Ann. Joy made our hearts swell until they overflowed with love.

Today the joy has taken a 180 degree turn as we learned of the complications of McCall's pregnancy. The pain of knowing McCall won't be giving birth in late May/early June has brought a different perspective to life--rather than a swelling of joy, we feel engorged with gratitude and peace. Gratitude that McCall is healthy--she started cramping and bleeding somewhere in the Arizona desert. Peace knowing that the prayers of our families have been answered and McCall is home safe tonight.

We see blessings through this experience: First, we know that we are able to conceive. Second, our love has grown through both the joy and pain. Third, McCall can start drinking Diet Coke again. Forth, we'll have a full ski season.

Of course the third and forth reasons are jokes but we are grateful for the first and second...and to our family and friends who have been so generous and supportive.

We love you all!

PS - no offense to the Garys and Lou Anns out there--it's just our light hearted nature.

14 comments:

  1. you both are amazing and i am so sorry for your loss.

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  2. the russells love you both! let us know if we can do anything for you.

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  3. i am truly sorry for this tough news guys. i am so glad that you are making yourselves better because of it. hang in there. this too shall pass. love you.

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  4. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

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  5. Your love and strength inspires me. I'm so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you! Love you!
    Alisha

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  6. We love you both and hope you know you will be in our thoughts and prayers! Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
    Lauren and Brandon

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  7. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be sure to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

    Love, Nat

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  8. I'm sorry to hear this. You both deserve the best! Aubree and I are thinking of you two. Let's get together sometime!

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  9. So sorry you are having to go through this! You're in our thoughts and prayers!!

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  10. I'm so sorry to hear this. you both are great examples with your positive attitudes. Mccall, I hope you're feeling well. Please know we're thinking of you.

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  11. We're sorry you have to go through this. You two are amazing and will make it through. We love you both so much!

    Deb and Casey

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  12. WOW - what an out pouring of love and support! We can't thank each of you enough and hope you know and feel of our love and appreciation.

    We ended up having to go in for emergency surgery Wednesday evening and the tube was removed, but all went well and we are confident it was successful overall. We were finally released from LDS today and are home now and starting the road to recovery.

    Hopefully we will be able to see you all in person soon and thank you for your goodness and many kindnesses on our behalf!

    Much Love - McCall and Jon

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  13. We love you McCall! Tom got the e-mail and we're hoping for the best for you two. This isn't fun. I'm glad you're so tough. We're feeling it with you, we've been through this same thing with family members. But, one day, oh the rewards! Love your attitudes, you two are so special. Things WILL be good for you, because I said so!

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  14. McCall, I am so sorry to hear about your baby. So sorry. But I am so grateful you have an adoring husband at your side during this difficult time. God bless and you will be in my prayers tonight.

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