Sunday, April 28, 2013

Siblings

**FINAL RESULTS FOR THE MIBG SCAN SHOULD COME MONDAY**      

     It's 4:00 in the morning, and as I lie awake, I can't help but think about how all of this is going to affect Hazel's 3 siblings; Micah (6), Elizabeth (4) and Jonah (6months).  They understand that Hazel is sick and needs to be in the hospital, but we have not had a full discussion about her diagnosis yet.  This is going to happen on Monday.  Please keep my children in your prayers that day, as I'm sure all of this will be so terribly difficult to comprehend. 
     My thoughts are full of the questions, fears and feelings they will have, and how Aaron and I will face them.  I ask myself: Will they feel neglected?  How can I help them return to a form of normalcy? How do I ease their fears and anxieties about their sister's health? Do I cut my hair so that they think it's normal for girls to have little or no hair? How do I keep the germs at bay?  Can I ever achieve a balance with 4 kids while Hazel is being treated?  Do they continue to share a room?  How will I keep the toys clean?  Will the kids adjust to the new routines?  And the list goes on and on.
     Most importantly though, I desire that God will reveal Himself to them in a way that they have never experienced before.  I want them to know that they can put their trust in and cast their fears upon Him.  I want them to feel His warm embrace. I want their reality to reflect Psalm 36:7-9: "How precious is your lovingkidness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of your wings.  They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.  For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light"  Please, remember my children over these next months, and continue to keep them in your prayers and thoughts as well.

14 comments:

  1. Lauren,

    Just read your blog and I believe the kids will handle this the same as you & Aaron. They will only digest what they can handle each day and only take one step at a time. The blessing for you is that you have so many wonderful people in your life to step in as needed who love you & your children to pieces. So far, from what I can tell this is still a fun adventure for them. As Micah put it; "I have had a lot of sleepovers." Elizabeth still has her same sweet giggle and "put you in your place" personality. As for Jonah, he is simply delicious. I believe he thinks I am your mom because our voices are so similar. He nestled in at Auntie Laura's like a champ and loves his cousin Blake. The fact that you are sharing your concerns shows what amazing & loving parents you both are.
    For those who are reading this blog and don't intimately know the extended friends and families of the Hammersley's, you would be amazed at all the love and support coming their way. Both sets of grandparents & great grandparents immediately stepped into action, followed by siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, friends of friends and their friends...
    In the days, weeks and months ahead Lauren & Aaron will continue to need your prayers, love & support, especially with Hazel's siblings. Thank you all for loving my niece Lauren, nephew Aaron and being part of team Hazel's Helpers!

    Auntie Laura

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  2. Aaron & Lauren,

    Remember to keep God at the center of the conversation. He's the one who lead you to these bitter waters, He's the one who is sustaining you even now. If your children see you trusting in Him and His plan for your lives it will instill in them a knowledge that God is in control even when we don't feel like He is. He has prepared their hearts as well as your own to handle this trial, He will sustain them, He will give you wisdom at the right time.

    Dad

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  3. Lauren and Aaron,

    Our church will be praying for Hazel's healing and your family during this time.

    My heart and prayers are with you.

    Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3, 4 NKJV)

    Much love,

    Micah Klausman

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  4. Be God's reflection Lauren. Show your children "your" precious loving kindness, let them take refuge wrapped in "your" loving arms. Reflect the light of Christ for your children to see and believe the peace and comfort they need will be there for them through you and all who believe. There will be a "new normal' for them to adapt to. Stay focused on what you can do and not on what you cannot do, take one day at a time and when that gets too difficult take it one hour and when that gets too difficult just be in the present moment this is when you are closest to God right here right now.

    Much love,
    Monica Cibelli

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  5. Hi Lauren :)
    I'd like to start out by saying that the stregnth you and your entire family have is absolutely amazing and inspiring...i believe with all of my heart that your children will be just as strong and be completely ok and understanding of what lays ahead BECAUSE of the love and stregnth you and Aaron have always portrayed to them. May the Lord cradle all of you in his arms through this difficult time and keep your faith going strong, for faith IS always what we need as a foundation in our lives. Hazel has been soo deeply thought of these last few days and my husband and I continue to pray for her...she's so sweet and special :) And if you choose to cut your hair in support of her, I'd be more than happy to donate my time and give you a haircut :) Just let me know if and when you're ready to do so :) Lots of love and prayers to all of you, especially your lil pumpkin Hazel :) Annie xoxo

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  6. Hi Lauren,

    I am not sure if you remember me, Nicole Judd, I met you and dear Hazel at your mom's Kika show a month or so ago. I am Vicky Cook's daughter.

    I have been thinking about you, Hazel, and your family and saying prayers for all of you since finding out about Hazel's diagnosis. I pray for your strength as mommy during this difficult time.

    My son Cameron was a patient at Children's and they provide the most excellent care. I truly believe you have the best doctors taking care of dear Hazel. We will be at Children's tomorrow morning for an appointment and plan to drop off a little something for you.

    Take great care and we will be sure to help in any way we can.

    Sincerely,
    Nicole Judd

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Nicole. We actually might be going home tonight, so you can drop it by my moms house if you'd like!

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  7. Lauren & Aaron,

    Always remember that I'm here for you and your beautiful family. My heart is overwhelmed with Hazel's pain. I only wish that I could wave a magic Disney wand and make everything all BETTER!

    Love & Hugs,
    Auntie June

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  8. Danielle HendersonApril 29, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    Lauren, you are such a good mom, and I don't think the kids will feel neglected. Just talk to the kids and tell them that their sister needs a little extra attention to help her get better, but it doesn't mean you love her more. Sometimes kids have a hard time comprehending what that will mean at first, but as time goes on, they'll slowly understand what is going on. I don't think you need to hide the reason for Hazel's shorter 'do when it comes around. It might be an interesting way to make Hazel feel better though, maybe you and Elizabeth can rock some shorter hair while Hazel is going through treatment?

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