Telling your children you have cancer . . . Ugh!
I have been dreading this day since we first got the news. How in the world do you go about explaining everything that is going on to your 10, 7, and 6 year old? I remember hearing my parents tell me my Mom had cancer, but I was an adult. 🙁
We decided to wait to tell them until we knew as much as possible. So today was the day.
The day started off with many people praying for us as they knew we would be talking to the girls.
I took the younger two out to get doughnuts while my husband talked with our 10 year old. We figured it would be the hardest on her and she would have the most questions. We were right.
When the girls and I got home, we all sat down as a family and Tom told the other two. They had some questions and looked upset. It’s hard to know what they really understand.
As the day went on, lots of tears and questions came up. Some very funny ones about wigs and losing my hair from our 6 year old. She also made me a few cards and art projects and gave me lots of hugs. Our 7 year old said one time that she was just trying not to think about it.
Lots and lots of tears from our oldest as the day went on. She said over and over again how worried she is about me dying. We made sure to encourage her to keep asking questions and talking to us. Each time we stopped what we were doing to talk and hold her. I’m sure this will happen a lot more in the days to come. She mentioned several times that it doesn’t seem real. It still doesn’t to us either. 🙁 Through the tears and questions, I had lot of opportunities to talk with her about God. I pray that in the days to come I will have many more chances to share the gospel with each of the girls.
As I close this post, I will be walking into the girls’ room to say goodnight to our oldest. I am hoping melatonin has kicked in and she has fallen asleep, otherwise, I’m concerned it’s going to be a hard night for us all.
Jennifer
When I think of you I remember a time when you and Sheri went to Fallbrook Mall and bought your first pair of Guess jeans. Your mom and I had both set similar guidelines – we’ll give you money for a generic pair of jeans. If you want designer jeans you can add your own money to what we give you. You were very smart shoppers and managed to get sale prices. Needless to say we were very proud of you!
Now you have your own girls to guide. My prayer is that you will “leave cancer behind” so you can get on with the business of being a mom. Know that we love you very much and we’ll be praying for you and Tom and the girls. We serve an amazing God who has a plan for each of us and healing is very possible. We’ve seen it happen. God bless you, Jennifer.
Oh Cathy what a great memory. I remember those $50 jeans well!!!! Thank you for praying with us!
Jennifer, you and your family are in our prayers. Psalms 23.
-Nora
Thank you Nora. And please thank James for coming up to us at the hospital on Wednesday!!
Hi Tom & Jennifer, We are so grateful that our God gives Grace in the time of our needs. It is obvious that He has done just that with you and Tom; especially in the area of sharing this with your girls. We are praying for you all, and willing to do whatever we can, just let us know.
Trusting in Christ Alone. Love,
Tom & Donna
Thank you both for praying with us and for the encouragement!
Oh Jennifer…
It is incomprehensible.
My shock. & sorrow has quickly turned to our God of Hope. I am reminded that we are His. He has known of this path for you & will be with you every moment of each day.
I still recall the time you sang while Tom played, “if you don’t see the Father’s hand, trust His heart”.
This is my prayer for you, Tom and your three beautiful/delightful daughters.
Surrounded by His love,
Marilee
Trust His Heart . . . I had forgotten about that song and will have to find it on YouTube and listen to it again. 🙂
Bless your Sweetheart.
We are covering you with our prayers.
Love, Aunt Sharon and Susie
Thank you Aunt Sharon. And thank you for passing on the email to some of my parents friends who I did not have addresses for. 🙂
Jennifer and Tom,
Praying for our Lord to comfort and uphold you and your daughters throughout this difficult time. May He give you the words to say to your girls and the strength you need daily.
Thank you Linda.
This Sounds like the most difficult thing a parent would have to do. I am praying for each one of you. I am so blessed to hear that you are using it to share Christ more with your babies. What an amazing example of love and amazing trust you have in Jesus.
Tom was amazing . . . so calm, caring and comforting as he talked with them. I’m glad we chose to have him be the one who did most of the talking!
Hi Jennifer.
Sharon forwarded your email to us and we forwarded it on to Debbie and Jeff. We all face a lot of difficult times in our lives but this was especially hard to hear about. Just know that we will all be praying for you and your family in the days and weeks ahead.
Love,
Jim and Lucy
Thank you both. (And thanks Aunt Sharon for passing on the email.)
I am so sorry. Have been thinking about your family a lot, I am very happy that your family has so much faith. You are in my daily prayers and I had you added to our church’s prayer chain, God answers prayers!
Love to all
Stan and Karyn
Thank you both! 🙂
Jennifer and family,
Sharon forwarded your e-mail to us. We are so sorry for what you and your family are going through. You, your family and your dad will be in our prayers.
Love,
Vickie and Todd
Oh thank you! I’m glad you found me on Facebook too so we can keep in touch better!