Footprints for James

Click on the link below the poem to go to the song, which goes along nicely with the poem: Thanks for sending through the link to the song Roxy. :)

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

  

Carolyn Carty, 1963

Footprints in the Sand - Leona Lewis

Christchurch Press Article - December 26th

Click on the link below to read the article on the Aberdein-Tapuai family.

Family that stays together in adversity

Merry Christmas Everyone xxxx

Yesterday James was allowed out of hospital so we spent Christmas Eve at Ronald MacDonald House. He woke me up at 4am this morning to open his presents!!! This morning the Christchurch Press came in and took his photo while he was playing with his racing car given to him by Ronald MacDonald House. We are hanging out to see Ali, Alofa, Ria and Tali - they are due here about 1pm. Merry Christmas to all my beautiful friends and whanau xxxx

Living on the Edge

As you all probably know by now there was a whole lot of shaking going on in Christchurch today and Jak was feeling a little more on edge than usual especially since James was recovering from his Hickman operation during it all. Not only were there prayers going up for James but also "Lord please don't let the building fall down". Thankfully it hasn't and James is recovered enough to be playing on his playstation while Jak meanwhile has been left feeling pretty dodgy as if she was on a boat in high seas.

History up to 22nd December 2011

22^nd December 2011

Looks like James will be in hospital for Christmas but will be allowed to get out during the day. He is getting a Hickman line put in tomorrow which is a small operation where they put an IV line in a vein in his neck down to his chest. This makes it easier to give him his chemo and to withdraw blood. He is doing okay.
 
21^st December 2011
 
So much for escaping CHOC - James got a high temperature so we had to come back to hospital last night for IV antibiotics - I was starting to like the freedom too! He is okay but we have to be here for another few days.
 
20^th December 2011
 
Last night was our first night in Ronald McDonald Christchurch - they are awesome!!! I set up James’ feed for the night (nasal gastric) but he was still hungry and thought he might try spaghetti on toast. Unfortunately it didn't like him too much and he vomited it all up...off to the hospital again to get another nasal gastric tube put in and more laughing gas! ....and we are away again....

James said Mum “I don't like this thing on my wrist (the identification tag) and why do I have it anyway”.... I said he needed it so he was identifiable and he said..."Mum but I already know who I am"....the humour is returning...

19^th December 2011

 
It is 4 weeks today that James was diagnosed with Leukaemia and we have just been given the news that James has recouped enough good blood cells to leave the room!!!! We are off to Ronald McDonald House today and back on Thursday for checkup - thanks everyone for all your prayers and support xxxx. Round 2 starts on 28 December.

15^th December 2011

 
It has been a good week. Lisa Lualua Aati has been here to support us - do our washing and making sure I get fed - love you Lisa L. Thank you to Lisa Gestro for your support - Love you lots and Michelle Tipene and Lea for looking after my girls and Hollie Howland for cooking meals and to everyone else - Arakura School, Wainui Judo for their fundraising - the list goes on. We are blessed for all the people who are praying for us and supporting us during this time. James is onto his 5th nose gastric tube to get food in his tummy as he keeps vomiting them up. His neutrofils are rising so hopefully we can leave isolation at the end of the week and be able to get out for Christmas. Christmas this year is at Ronald McDonald House in Christchurch and then the next round of treatment starts at end of December. We have had a lot of visitors - the vounteer fire brigade were in this week (I forgot to get a picture) and Father Christmas and his helpers. My cousin Angie Aberdein is here visiting us from Scotland which is awesome - she is doing our washing and getting my meals for me. Ali is coming down on Friday which we are looking forward to and next week I will get to see my beautiful girls again xxxx

12^th December 2011

 
James is doing really well. We may even be able to get out of the isolation room later this week yay!

9^th December 2011

 
Yay James is feeling much better today xxxxx

6^th December 2011

 
The last few days James has been a bit unwell which is a side effect of chemo. His body does not have the ability to fight infection so he has been having high temps and vomiting...however the docs are onto it and have given him heaps of anti biotics....the staff here are brilliant. Thanks again to everyone for your support...it means alot to Ali and I knowing that so many people care and are praying for our beautiful son James xxxxx

30^th November 2011

 
James has finished this round of chemo and is doing well. He has received blood products and blood transfusions. He is feeling a lot better today. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support xxxx Address here is CHOC, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag, 4710, Christchurch 8140.

26^th November 2011

 
Thanks everyone for your support and love - James has started his hard core chemo drugs and will be in isolation for a month so that his blood cells renew - he is such a brave boy

24^th November 2011

 
James was diagnosed quickly with APML (leukaemia) - I took him to the doctor on Monday as he had unexplained bruising to his body - we were transferred to wellington hospital same day with confirmed diagnosis. He has had a bone marrow biopsy and has had blood fusions and chemo. We were flown down by life flight Tuesday morning to Christchurch hospital (CHOC) where he is receiving treatment. We could be here for a long time but will know more about his treatment plan today. Please pray for our boy.

23^rd November 2011
 
My beautiful boy James has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. We are now in Christchurch hospital undergoing intense treatment. Alii and I thank all our friends and family for your support. I will try and update my facebook page however it is full on at the moment. Thank you to Lealofi N Jade Nanai, Michelle Tipene, Lisa Lualua Aati, Aberdein and Tapuai family for your help xxxxxx