AUTHOR: Robin Dugall DATE: 10:36:00 PM ----- BODY:

abby at disneyland
Originally uploaded by rdugall.
I promised myself that this post would not be overly dramatic...even so, in order to be honest...in order to share with you what is at the deepest part of my heart on this new year's eve...in order for you to understand the depth of my cry to the Lord, I must in some manner be as animated as possible via a keyboard on this cold, desperate night. About 24 hours ago, Vicky and I received news that has to be the most distressing news that we have ever received. Our darling granddaughter, Abigail, has been diagnosed with luekemia. No one knows how it took hold of her precious little body...two weeks ago, she was fine. A fever started a few days after Christmas while Abby, her sister Anna and our daughter Tiffany and son-in-law Mark were enjoying their time with us in SoCal. After a quick visit to the doctor during their visit, the Schreiber's thought all that was needed was some children's tylenol and some time to heal. They decided when they arrived home on Thursday, December 30th, that they would go to Abby's pediatrician for a checkup since the fever was still there as well as some other symptoms of flu that weren't going away. It was after that visit, yesterday afternoon, that we received the news of the diagnosis. At 5pm Colorado time, Abby was taken to St. Luke's hospital in Denver to have the necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis. As of today, December 31st, she has had a bone marrow test and has had a tube inserted in her chest to admister chemotherapy without distress to her body. Dearest friends, Abby is the light of our lives. Not only is she our first grandchild, but her laughter and love fill our lives with more joy than we can express. Vicky flew to Denver today to be with Abby and to bring her nana's love into her life and heart in the most intimate way possible. Abby has been diagnosed with the type of leukemia that has a 90% cure rate...but that still doesn't take into account the power of God and the presence of the Spirit who far exceeds percentages and our own medical discoveries and giftedness. I don't even know how to communicate what I'm feeling...my fingers can't keep up with my heart...tears come too easily as I think about Abby's smile and how she has brought so much to my life as her papa. Would you honor us with your prayers for healing? Would you ask the Father to surround Abby with comfort as she faces what could be two to three years of treatments? Would you seek the Lord and ask for His protection on the Schreibers' hearts and spirits? Would you pray for us? More will come tomorrow and the days to come. I'm going to use my blog to express how I'm processing this aspect of my journey...an aspect that I never thought I would face. One thing I can tell you...I know a bit more of the love of God who gave His life for ours for one thing I know...I would trade places with my darling Abby at a moment's notice. I would gladly trade the health that I don't deserve but have been blessed with today for Abby's deliverance from this illness. I know that my Redeemer lives! I know that my Redeemer brings life to the fullest! Thanks for reading...praying...sharing...and walking the steps of the heart that are part of the eternity and the Kingdom that we all share in Jesus!
-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:Blogger Rick Ellis COMMENT-DATE:10:35 PM COMMENT-BODY:Robin i have been in your role and I know the heart ache that comes with having a daughter so sick. I will be praying for Abby, you and the family through this entire situation. I know that God will work miracles for you all! Please keep me informed! Love you! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous COMMENT-DATE:9:03 PM COMMENT-BODY:Robin -
OK, I am in tears. I am so sorry to hear about Abby. Just knowing from hearing you talk about her just how much you love her and dote on her... I can't even imagine how hard this must be. But so many people are praying for her, and for you and your entire family... including me. I love ya, bud... keep us up-to-date on how she is doing!
<>< ~Ali* --------