bleh.

Well, the week started out pretty well. 

Dad was seemingly gaining energy and in good spirits. He got "out and about" some on Monday and Tuesday for doctors appointments. Thursday, he had some soreness on his left side under his arm. We were confused by it, but he had an appointment with a doctor and he and the doctor agreed that maybe he slept wrong..

Fast forward to Saturday morning...Thanks to a family friend and our family doctor and friend, dad ended up back in the hospital yesterday for a blood clot in his left lung and possible pneumonia (although that has not been confirmed). He is doing okay, just frustrated- but who wouldn't be!?!

He is on blood thinners and antibiotics-hoping to come home tomorrow. He does seem to enjoy ordering room service at the hospital though.. 

My job hunt continues. I received an offer Friday for a position with Sam's Club Corporate in their Merchandising area. The position is entry level and not necessarily the "type" of job that I have been looking for. It is definitely a "pay your dues" "foot-in-the-door" position. I've been struggling with the decision of whether or not to take that position based on several limitations that come with it. I cannot transfer to another position within Walmart or Sam's Club within 12 months, and I applied for what I would consider my "ideal" position with the Walmart Foundation 2 weeks ago. I would hate to jeopardize my chances for that position by taking this one. I've been prayerfully considering it and seeking counsel from those around me (my dad in particular). 

So right now, please be praying for wisdom- wisdom for me with my job search and the choice that I have to make by tomorrow morning (no pressure) and wisdom for the doctors and nurses who are treating dad. He was in pretty good spirits this evening considering everything. I also want to thank anyone and everyone that has been praying for us and checking in. It means so much. 

Many people have been asking if there is anything they can do to help us. 

1. Pray. 

2. Send letters of encouragement. Many have mailed cards already wishing dad well. He has mentioned several times how much that means to him. Knowing that people genuinely care and are praying for him is such an incredible encouragement and really lifts his spirits. If you would like to mail him a card, message me on facebook or send me an email, and I'd be happy to send you our address if you don't have it. 

3. Hook me up with a job (Communication/Marketing). I'm kind of kidding..kind of serious. 

I feel like I've been complaining about life for the past two months, but there have definitely been victories and things to be thankful for. We are clinging to them. 

We are incredibly thankful for friends with medical expertise who are willing to offer that knowledge for our benefit. We are thankful that Tye and I moved home one week before this journey started. We are able to help with anything house and family related while mom and dad focus on getting dad better (and we have to pay no rent). We are thankful that Carlie's shin splints have seemingly gotten better so she can march with the Razorback band (yeah, not sure I ever even mentioned that little ordeal). We are also thankful that she is a short 35 minute drive away (depending on who's driving). We are thankful that Tye's job can cover all of our expenses right now while I am searching and helping at home. We are thankful that while complications have arisen, none of them have delayed radiation exponentially. We are thankful for friends who check on us and know when we tell them we are fine that we really aren't...friends that show up with super yummy muffins just because..and those who have brought dinner so we didn't have to worry about it. We are thankful that when friends and family tell us they are praying for us, we know they really are. We are thankful for those who are hurting with us and celebrating the little blessings as they come. We are thankful for loving families who rely on the Lord for their strength. What a joy it is that we can all learn to trust Him even more together.