stm4him Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 We are processing the diagnosis we received on Saturday morning that our 8 year old son has leukemia (ALL). So now all my best laid plans are at the bottom of my priority list and second to keeping my son well is ministering to the hearts of my children. Does anyone have a suggestion of a good read aloud. I don't want them to revolve around sickness only, but any heart warming stories of hope (whether biographical or fiction) would be a blessing to them (and me) right now. Also, if you have been through this you can pm me if you'd like. We can use all the help and encouragement we can as homeschoolers on this new journey..... Soli Deo Gloria! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorn Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blondeviolin Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: You may want to post this on the general board as there might be more experience there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlbuchina Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I wish I had something to offer, but all I have are virtual :grouphug:'s. Praying for your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murmer Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 My, just turned 5, nephew is 1 1/2 years into his leukemia journey. If you would like to PM me your info I can pass it on to my sister. I know she has a blog that she started when he was diagnosed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: No suggestions - just wanted to let you know you and yours will be in our prayers as you walk that road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I'm sorry for your news. I've been through some extra rough times. Underdog sports stories are good, in both films and novels. Novels with animal protagonists are good. Science fiction. WW2 novels. As you said, hope without being about sickness, is good. And food writing. Seriously. When we are scared, food triggers a response in our reptilian brain that calms us. The Laura Ingalls books have a lot of food in them. So do the Famous Five series. What lessens fear? What makes us feel safer? connection with big things-God, moon, sun, ocean connection with present -newspapers, TV, radio connection with past-nostalgic activities and items connection with future-hope, birth, interaction with people we trust reduced interaction with untrustworthy people helping others more fragile than ourselves interaction with plants and animals watching the cycles and patterns of nature water, bathing fire, heat eating, cooking, presence of food soothing music and sounds distracting activities purposeful activities engaging in creativity engaging in self-discovery activities and “non toothache†journaling rituals humor-active activities are more effective than passive ones holding, wearing and drawing symbols of protection, identity and/ or meaning-crystals, birthstones, birth trees, animal totems, jewelry, zodiac, lucky charms, essences, cross, Bible, stars, cards familiar, soft clothing and bedding being physically fit freedom of movement choices focusing on how to play the game of life, rather than trying to win it. Strategies to Combat Fear Identify the fear. Say it out loud. Write it down. Fear often loses some of it's power once it is identified. Is there a fear behind the fear? Identifying the TRUE fear creates awareness. Fear of the unknown. Often fear comes from not knowing what to expect. Talk to people. Read books. Search the internet for information. Turn your unknowns into knowns. Ask for help. Is there anyone who can provide a service to you? At the very least find someone who will listen and offer verbal and emotional support. Ask yourself "what if?" Imagine the worst. How would you handle it? Planning how to handle something in advance reduces your fear of the unknown and increases your ability to manage it. Create a fallback statement. "If it doesn't work out, I'll..." Don't waste time worrying. 90% of what we worry about never comes true. Facing your fear and taking a small action or risk to deal with your fear builds confidence and lessens fear. Do not run from your fear. It often leads you into worse danger or worse outcomes. If you feel confused, slow down a little. Deciding to do nothing. Sometimes it is best not to choose a new route. Fear often creates a false sense of urgency. What would happen if you do nothing? Train yourself to have the attitude that whatever happens, you'll handle it. Remember times in the past when you have overcome frightening obstacles successfully. Remind yourself that life is an adventure, no matter what happens. Your security lies in your ability to perceive, to adapt, and to respond. An enhanced ability to see what's happening and the ability to respond quickly and accurately are the principles by which all life-forms survive and evolve. Focus on responding and evolving rather than attempting to control your environment and other people. Keep life simple. Say no when you feel overwhelmed.  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amie Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: and a prayer. Wish I had more to offer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 We are processing the diagnosis we received on Saturday morning that our 8 year old son has leukemia (ALL). So now all my best laid plans are at the bottom of my priority list and second to keeping my son well is ministering to the hearts of my children. Does anyone have a suggestion of a good read aloud. I don't want them to revolve around sickness only, but any heart warming stories of hope (whether biographical or fiction) would be a blessing to them (and me) right now. Also, if you have been through this you can pm me if you'd like. We can use all the help and encouragement we can as homeschoolers on this new journey..... Soli Deo Gloria! I'm so sorry, and praying for victory in this battle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houseofkids&pets Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: & prayers. My heart goes out to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momsuz123 Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: I have a good friend whose son battled and WON this battle. I will pray for you and your family!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: Praying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzyBee Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I'm sorry that you and your son are going through this, and I will pray for a complete recovery. One of my dh's professors from seminary has a 10 yo who was diagnosed with ALL in December. I am linking his blog if you're interested: http://www.stevemckinion.com/ The Lymphoma and Leukemia Society hosts message boards similar to these boards. Here is the one for parents who have a child with cancer: http://community.lls.org/community/bloodcancer/mychildhascancer. The one for bone marrow and stem cell transplants: http://community.lls.org/community/bloodcancer/transplantation. And the one for ALL: http://community.lls.org/community/bloodcancer/livingwith/all The LLS boards are really slow right now, but they're usually not. I wish I could reach through the boards and give you a big hug. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I am so sorry that this has visited your family. The only book that I can think of is 'Tale of Desperaux.' :grouphug: and prayers for you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: to you and your son. The only book that I can think of is Follow My Leader. It is about a boy who becomes blind and how he learns to cope with it. It is a very heartwarming tale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I am so sorry that this has visited your family. The only book that I can think of is 'Tale of Desperaux.' :grouphug: and prayers for you and your family. My first thought was also Desperaux. There also may be good picture books - things like The Tin Forest... Or maybe just something very normal and happy to contrast, like The Penderwicks or The Saturdays. Or something fantasy about vanquishing evil like Narnia or Harry Potter. :grouphug: Holding you in the light. I wish I had better thoughts - books can be really grounding and good touchstones for difficult times, so I can see that it could be important to get a good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakereese Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: I'm so sorry this has touched your family, mama. I'll be thinking of you. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twilight Woods Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Anne Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I am so very, very sorry to read this. No stories to share but praying for you and him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2OandE Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 My heart and prayers are with you. Is there anything we can do to brighten your childs spirits? Send postcards, letters, etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Praying for a strong victory. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockey Mom Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 My thoughts and prayers are with you all. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mukmuk Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsiew Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celia Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 My thoughts are with you. I hope you all pull through this as a stronger family unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellers Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathnmusic Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug: I'm so very sorry to hear this. Praying for your son and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patches Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Praying for your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 The Queen Homeschool Company had a child with cancer. they wrote a children's book about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpe Diem Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 I will keep you and your family in my prayers for God's peace and healing. No real suggestions although I would say you have received some good ones. Keep posting here if you would like. I know when I was going through treatment the terrific women on this site and many of their family and friends surrounded me in prayers. I am forever grateful. Trust in Jesus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyniffrec Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 We haven't gone through a cancer diagnosis, but we did go through a liver disease and Crohn's diagnosis. The prognosis was bleak for awhile and may eventually go that way again. Our dd was 3 at the time. It was a very scary time in our lives. We circled the wagons so to speak and just spent time trying to make sure everyone was okay, including the other kids. I think your idea of spending time reading books is a good one. I would say whatever books you wish you had read when they were small would be nice - old classics that you would all enjoy. The Wizard of Oz, E. Nesbitt books, Mary Poppins and The Princess and the Goblin all come to mind. Those are the few that I can think of off the top of my head. My biggest advice is to not let anyone fall through the cracks. The well kids tend to get marginalized in these situations (which is somewhat understandable). It sounds like you already have this in mind, though. :grouphug: I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. Keep us posted as much as you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twinmami01 Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug: prayers for you and your family :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisabees Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Lots of :grouphug: being sent your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatmansWife Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 (edited) This breaks my heart. :crying: I am so very sorry. Many :grouphug: and prayers! Edited September 18, 2012 by ~AprilMay~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess4879 Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug: and prayers for you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlessedMom Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'smom Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindergretta Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Praying for your family. :grouphug: (I know another hs'ing mama whose son has battled leukemia. I wonder if there is a way to connect the two of you? She is on another message board. She is an admin there and very active, so no worries about her being a troll or just plain looney. I have known her via the board for like 7+ years.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Your family will be in our thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momma aimee Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 eight cousins by Alcott -- it is easy to read, has some challanges and is a positive story. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: to you and your family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktog29 Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Praying for your son, for you and for your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HejKatt Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 :grouphug: Praying! Book suggestions, mostly CC: Patricia St. John's books, Narnia, missionary stories/biographies (e.g. Mildred Martin's 'Missionary Stories with the Millers', Gladys Aylward's biography 'The Little Woman'). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Lynn Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southcarolinamom Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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