I wanted to follow up on things for you all now that Trey has been home for a day or so. Thanks for sharing our story so many times. There were over 4,000 visits to the site yesterday (that’s a lot for us). Anyhow, I want to fill you in some more.
Trey is just not good (granted that’s an understatement). His breathing is increasingly labored and his belly is, well, huge. I had a “moment” yesterday that was the first of God showing up in the furnace. I was thinking and praying, more thinking than praying (thank you Ryan Lowe) about when and what to say to Joe and Bella but then I thought about Trey. You see, he doesn’t know what cancer is, that he has it, or what his diagnosis/prognosis is. This summer he said, “I don’t want to die.” in the middle of a very fast conversation that actually was started by Joe (kind of). You can read about that here. What could/will I say to Trey?
I’ve asked him before, in the spring actually, when he was in a similar but not quite as bad way as he is now (with the hope of the super radiation treatments that bought us time over the summer), if he would like to some time go see Jesus. He said yes. So, what DO I say to him as these days progress? Then it hit me.
My sister Cathy once said to me, “It’s interesting how much you guys value trips.” I explained how much I was trying to create memories for Joe and Bella while giving Trey every experience possible. However, God may have been setting something up that was altogether different. I wonder if I should just say to Trey that he was going on the best trip ever…to see Jesus and that we would be right behind him (we all do know the Lord and I have my theological reasons for this not being a lie chronologically speaking). He could understand it as the best trip ever with the greatest of water slides, rides, and the best part would be being there with Jesus. He could most certainly get behind that idea. For Joe and Bella I would explain that Trey is just the first to get to go and that we would in fact take another trip after things settle down (you know…after). It then hit me how Cathy had said that months ago. I was amazed how God had used my penchant for trips into a perfect way to talk to the kids…all of them about what was going and about to go on. I slumped to the floor sobbing…and then messaged Cathy. I may very well keep track of these “Son of the Gods in the furnace with me” moments.
So, he slept through the night except for when he needed his pain meds. He got up hungry, ate a little, threw up a little, and is chillin’ on the couch. His eyes look like crap but he’s hanging in there. Aunt Cathy came for a surprise visit and we went to five below to get him some blind bags. He did not do well. He just doesn’t have the energy. Joe and Bella are fine. Rachel and I had some thorough conversations last night and are on the same page, whatever page that is. More updates in the coming days…
Love you.
We will be behind our loved ones! I have been told it seems like an eternity for us to meet them again but for those who meet Jesus before us we are right behind them. I am not sure if it is true and it may not be comforting for us at the moment , but if it is true it is comforting for those who do go before us!
Love and prayers from the Neuman family. May God give you all you need as you weather the furnace, but most especially the firmest assurance of His love and presence always.
Love and prayer constantly from the Victory Bible Chapel family in Apollo, PA.
our love to you all.
Glad to hear Aunt Cathy on the way. Good idea about the trip. It’s OK to acknowledge- Cancer sucks.
Working through it with my dad who took his trip in June 2013. There is comfort knowing heaven offers freedom from earthly sorrows.
I don’t know how you get through any of life’s trials without Christ and God s promise and grace.
May your family spend time remembering your trips here. Review with Trey images of Disney and your happy times there.
Jay and Rachel….praying and hurting for you dear ones….you can do this and you will. You will be coming out of that furnace too, you will,
and baby boy gets to see Jesus. Love from your friends at Beverly Heights and from CHP
I don’t know you, but my heart goes out to you. I am so happy you know the strength of the Lord and that he is with you every step of the way. Learn to lean on him and receive the peace that passes all understanding. He is there for you and your family and for Trey. Don’t ever give up believing. His life isn’t ending, it’s just beginning. It will be difficult but you have the strength of the Holy Spirit in you. Use it. May God bless you and your family abundantly, please hug Trey and the other children for me….
Jay and family, all of these other people have such words of wisdom to share with you all. I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your young warrior. Earlier today, I posted a saying that God does things that we don’t understand and I guess we all just have to believe that, no matter how hard that may be. Hugs and prayers for all. 🙂
I don’t know anyone so brave and honest. This does bring to mind the movie”it is a beautiful life”. The father and his son and his faith. Big hugs. I wish I could help. I have fallen in love with Trey.
God certainly knew what He was doing when He blessed you and Rachel with His little Trey. My love and prayers go out to you and your family.
Stand only in the moment…For the one behind you no longer exists and the one ahead has not arrived. Embrace the moment you stand in and remember that God is in the middle of you all…
Prayers for you all and sweet Trey.
I continue to pray for your family daily…God bless you.
God so good at providing for us what we need and setting up for us ahead of time without us realizing it. The trip idea is perfect and keeping it a happy subject. Actually for Trey it is a wonderful think to get to go a be with Jesús at such a young age. That is the goal for all of us. I was wondering what Trey understood so thanks for sharing.
Father God, I lift up Trey to you this morning and I ask you to hear my prayer. You brought Trey to this earth and placed him in the loving arms of his parents. Two people that you have chosen to be his earthly parents. You gave Trey a brother and a sister and you wove together a family. I ask for your healing hands upon him. I ask in the name of Jesus for this child to be free from the enemy that attacks his little body…I ask that you bring peace and comfort to this family as they fight with battle with their precious son…Father, I beg you to hear this prayer..We place our faith and our trust in you and we give you the honor and the glory…In the name of Jesus, your precious son..AMEN
Typing this thru my tears. I can not imagine what you & your family & Trey are going thru. But I do know that “eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what God, has ready for those who love Him”. This phrase comforted me thru the loss of my loved ones. When you describe that trip to Trey, perhaps you can mention that to him. I will be praying for Trey and your entire family.
I don’t even have words to express how my heart aches for you. 🙁 If I were there, even though you don’t know me, I’d give you a giant hug and hope that it somehow conveyed my feelings.
Jay, Jeff and I are just broken for you, Rachel, Trey, Joe and Bella. Praying for peace and comfort in this time and for little Trey Trey. We love you all.
Jay, I have been following your posts. It has certainly been an emotional roller coaster for Trey and your family. By reading all of these posts, there is no doubt in my mind that you are people of great faith, and that is what will get you through this difficult time. Prayers will continue for all of you and I pray that you feel God’s presence more than ever to strengthen all of you. Don’t let go of His hand.
Your revelation that , because of Jesus, our departure is actually going on a trip – far and away the best trip possible, speaks to me (and us all) in a beautiful and very deep way. And it is very cool that you see God’s hand at work over many years and many trips to bring you to this beautiful realization. I’m thinking our Lord will use this to speak to Tre, and Joe and Bella, in a very very profound and beautiful way. Donna and I will pray towards that end. RD
Our prayers are always with you. Our heart breaks with yours. Your family will continue to be in our prayers
Just know i love you all and your on my mind and in my prayers
Standing with you … even though a long ways away. Love you all!! In your continued
faithfulness, the Lord will give you words… or He will speak them for you!
know that you have MANY Tuesday “pray for Trey” prayer warriors who are praying for God’s peace for you both and for all the kids, but especially Trey. May the Holy Spirit comfort you as you pass through each door of this journey…..