Thankful. Humbled. Grateful. Astonished. Blessed.
Just a few of the words that come to mind when I stop and think about the outpouring of support we have received in the last 24 hours. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, your love, you willingness to reach out to your people and ask them to pray for us – total strangers! You have put Eli and our family on prayer lists. You have offered your help in different capacities. You have offered to connect us with other families who have experienced a similar diagnosis. You have shared our story with your Facebook friends. I lost the ability to keep track of how many times we were tagged today as you all shared our family’s story with your people. THANK YOU!
We had our family over today for Owen’s 7th birthday party. A HUGE, GIANT shout-out to my Godmother, Auntie Karen, who swooped in to save the day for me by baking Owen’s birthday cake! He asked for a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and Star Wars decorations. I was planning to be all domestic and make that cake on Friday, but when we decided to go to Chicago for the day, I realized I am not super mom enough to make the cake happen too. Luckily for me, Auntie Karen is an awesome baker and was willing to take on the task. It was delicious! It was a great day for Owen’s celebration and our family to be together. I will say that Chris and I certainly felt a lot of mixed emotions today. We were excited to celebrate Owen and all his amazingness and at the same time, saddened to see Eli so lethargic and unable to run around with all his cousins. His limp has gotten worse over the last day or so. And today, his fever has returned, and he is hotter than he has been the last few days.
I do think he realizes at some capacity that something is wrong with him. Today I had to leave to see my chiropractor. (Because as dumb luck would have it, I threw out my shoulder the other day at the hospital as I was whisking Eli off to the bathroom.) When I was getting ready to leave, I told him I would be back after I saw the doctor for my shoulder. He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said, “And then Daddy will take me to see the doctor?” I told him no doctors today. Today, we stay home all day. And he said, “Ok. Because I wouldn’t want to miss Owen’s birthday party.” And that’s when my heart sank, because I knew he would be an observer today instead of being part of all the running, playing, and crazy action. He tried his best to participate in the nerf gun game that we had, but Chris had to carry him around. He played in the sandbox for a while with his younger cousin, but before long, he came in to just sit on my lap. It’s just hard to see him this way, because this is not our Eli.
Lots of you have asked how you can help. Thank you! We will be recruiting as we figure out our schedule and needs. Our family friend, Shawn, has generously set up a GoFundMe account. I was on the fence about this. But she was the second friend to bring this up and while mainly we are asking for prayers, it was pointed out that this is a tangible way for people to help if they choose. We will use funds first to purchase an iPad for Eli. Please know there is NO pressure to contribute. But, to eliminate individual messages asking for the link, I will post it here: https://www.gofundme.com/elihansen
Over the next few days, I will most likely start writing the back story on how we got to this point. It’s mainly so we don’t forget the details. (But I thought I would warn you in case you’re wondering why the posting will be more frequent.)
Today was a beautiful day and so refreshing to feel the warm air and the sunshine. We hope you were able to get outside and soak it up. Looks like tomorrow should be more of the same. Cheers to that!
Be Joyful in Hope
Patient in Affliction
Faithful in Prayer
– Romans 12:12
As much as we can be, Jamie, we are all with your family in your sadness, your bewilderment, your anger, and most of all in your hope. Thank you for having us all with you in this. God created us for community… to help and support each other through tough times, rejoice with one another in the good ones, and to love one another throughout it all. Thank you for letting us know (or having someone) how we can help. You no doubt have an army behind you–ready to wear our own superhero-people capes (sometimes we have to share ;)) and love on you guys in any way possible.
Jamie. Our daily prayers will be for Eli and your family as you start down this scary, unfortunate road. If there is any family with the love, hope and grace to get through this, it is the Hansen’s. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
The Bies Family
My heart goes out to you and your family my friend. Eli and your family will be top priority on my list of prayers. We love you and will do whatever we can near or far to help get you through this.
Jamie, you are amazing, one of your gifts is writing, I feel like I am there with you. Thank you for your descriptive details of how it is going, it gives a clearer picture and helps in praying for the family. Prayers going up and going often.
Sending you all strength and prayers! Your family is truly filled with love. Jamie – your words are incredibly powerful. Your story, and Eli’s story have, and will continue to reach so many. Prayers will continue to come your way, and people and their support will guide you through.
Prayers to all of you during this difficult time. As I have told you before Jamie, you have such a gift in the ability to express how you feel and for others to understand all that your family is going through. Peace and Love to your family!
We love yoyou guys! “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans15:13)
So glad Owen go his birthday party and Star Wars chocolate cake! I am so,glad your friend talked you into the go fund me account. We want to help in any way we can. If you need anything… Please let me know.
Jamie, Chris, Ella, Abby, Owen, Eli & Alex,
I am so sorry to hear about Eli. There are no words, just seems so unfair. Please know my prayers are with each member of your family as you all try and find your way through this difficult journey ahead.
You are all an inspiration and I am humbled by all that you have been through with such a positive outlook. When I read your story about Eli it was very tough and I cried as I read it to Bob. My heart was in shock that this was happening after all you have already been through. I thought about how I would be if this was happening to anyone in my family and I could only hope that by your example I would be strong and be the fighter that you all are.
You are consistently in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz (Mrs. F.)
My heart just grew 3 sizes too big!!
I’m so glad we got to spend a portion of the day with you guys and celebrate Owen. I enjoyed the party and spending time together. Your right it was hard to see Eli lethargic today. He didn’t back down from trying to do things. He is a determined little man, that’s for sure! I love him and you guys so much and am ready to help in anyway possible. Sending continued prayers and lots and lots and lots of love!
You are amazing, Jamie and Chris.