(Maggie’s birthday weekend has been an unforgettably beautiful time. She has had little pain and great energy to enjoy three separate parties at home. We are eternally grateful for all the kindness shown to her and us. Tomorrow morning Maggie and I will go to the Children’s Cancer Clinic at Batson to resume chemotherapy in hopes of putting the breaks on her cancer. Prayers are appreciated. I’ll post an update as soon as possible. Below are a few of my thoughts on her 20th Birthday.)
In the fall of 2017, the word ‘innumerable’ was used for the first time in a report from Maggie’s latest PET scan. Before that one, the tiny cancer spots in her lungs had been either numbered or referred to in conservatively worded amounts – a few, a small number. Even the word numerous failed to trouble me overly much. It still sounded countable and manageable. But innumerable? I know counting small objects in the dark shadows is a time-consuming, daunting task, but come on Dr. Radiologist, give it a try. Don’t go there. Don’t use that word. Don’t give up.
I started to panic. I knew her CEA had begun another upward trend, indicating an increasing tumor burden. But somehow, until that word was used, I was hanging on to hope that standard chemotherapy would work longer. CEA is a general indicator that can have other contributing factors. It means nothing until confirmed with a scan. With confirmation, I then did the only thing I knew to do to cope with rising anxiety. I shifted my focus from the innumerable threats – looking instead to the One who counts stars, numbers hairs, and names birds. And I started counting, too.
As we now face even more – innumerable – challenges, I’m still counting. Blessings, mercies, friends, miracles. Small shafts of light in a dark room. Laughs. Each flower blooming in my yard. Simple acts of kindness like better-than-Chick-fil-A homemade chicken nuggets delivered on a Sunday. A batch of cookies in a hand-colored bag. Photos capturing smiles. More laughs filling the halls. Videos capturing birthday wishes and singing. Balloons. Soft pillows for a tired head. A beach blanket gift for a girl dreaming of feeling sand between her toes. Gifts, visits, texts, messages, and good food. Gratitude is food for the soul. We are satisfied.
And I count FIVE birthday beads on a strand marking a courageous journey started in April 2014 – one month shy of sweet 16. Now 20. 20 years holding more joy than a lifetime 5 times as long.
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7
So thankful for a beautiful birthday weekend!! God’s best to you all this week at Batson. Happy Birthday! ????????????????????
A Prayer to Our Savior and Lord thru the Holy Spirit because my words fail me… Lord You know my heart and I pray for Maggie and Our Hanberry’s Tonight…
Happy Birthday Maggie! So glad your birthday was filled with lots of joy and little pain. Continued prayers for you.
Thankful for a good report!
So thankful she had a great birthday. I continue to pray……
We are faced with the question of what can we do. We are proud and blessed by the chance to be part of the hundreds that walk with you and carry an umbrella of prayer while you walk through the rain and sun of this journey.
Happy Birthday is translated to mean family, friends, and people who love you that you hardly know have taken your name and concerns before the throne of God. Maggie has had a good birthday. Now, on to Batson to continue the fight! God bless Maggie and her family every minute of every day.
So glad Maggie had a good birthday! Melissa, thank you for your posts….you’ve made me realize to count even little blessings. Thank you so much for that. Still praying for y’all ????????❤️
We are praying for all the Hanberry family.
May God our Father flood your heart and
Mind with peace that passes all understanding
Happy birthday sweet Maggie!!! Prayers for God’s continued grace and provision in the coming year!! We love you all!!! ❤️
Melissa, what a witness you and Maggie are to innumerable people. Some you probably know but many you do not know. God is using the Handberrys. We continue to pray. Maggie we are thankful you had a good birthday with friends and little pain. Thank you Lord!
Melissa, in the middle of all that is happening around you and your family, you still provide amazing details and emotions . So thankful for the smiles and sharing this sweet young lady’s birthday day with us all????????for you all this week and always????????????????Thank you Maggie for that perious smile that always seems to be present during so much????❣️
I hope the birthday was great! Melissa, you are the incredible mom of an incredible daughter. My prayer for you and Phil: “Precious Lord, take their hands. Lead them on, let them stand. They are tired, they are weak, they are worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead them on to the light. Take their hands, precious Lord, lead them on.” I love all of you and pray daily for you. ????❤️
So thankful for your fun birthday celebration. We prayed for Maggie in Sunday School at FBC on Sunday. Your notes to your prayer warriors are so uplifting. God is good. Love you.
LOVE AND PRAYERS!
Chills on that last line. Praise God for that joy!
I love you so much. You are so gifted and make us all smile, cry, give thanks, love and intercede on Maggie’s behalf with every waking moment! I LOVE the birthday smiles and what a gift that she felt like celebrating all weekend. Im so proud and amazed by you!