First off, we want to thank everyone for your comments, emails, calls, meals, and visits. They have been very encouraging and uplifting during this difficult time. I don't think I could even count how many family members and friends that have stopped by - it has been so good for Cash to see so many kids playing on our playground and it encourages him to crawl around and play.
Cash's health seems to be declining rapidly - yesterday we were so worried about him that we had a nurse from hospice come out to visit. They came out again today and have been very kind and helpful. Basically they are available to us 24 hours a day if we need anything and will dispense medicine if needed.
To say we're taking it one day at a time would be an understatement. Wendi should receive the mother-of-the-year award as she spends 24 hours a day with him, most of it spent sitting on the couch, reading books, cuddling, eating m&m's, napping, and keeping him occupied and content. He is such a strong and sweet boy and has taught us so much in his few short years. We are so thankful that he has not experienced any pain the past 11 months and he continues to flash his beautiful eyes at us and smile, acknowledging his love for us, and us for him.
Pastor Robert and his wife (First CRC) stopped by on Sunday night and he said that we have been given a special grace, which he referred to as 'cancer grace'. I know that must be true as both Wendi and I are at peace and feel great comfort in knowing that Jesus loves him and will welcome into His kingdom with open arms. God has carried Cash and our family through this season and continues to give us the strength we need to endure each day. We are blessed beyond measure and while we don't understand why, we are thankful to God for giving Cash to us, even if it is for a short time and it has been a privilege to be his parents.
We would ask that you continue to pray for Cash, that he is at peace and that God wrap His loving arms around him and whisper to him that it will all be ok. I will post more if there are any changes and would encourage you continue to send us messages, emails, and calls, as they encourage us and give us strength through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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I am so uplifted by your guys continued strength. I think of you all often, and continue to pray for all of you, thru this unbelelievable hard time. You both are truely amazing people :)
ReplyDeleteFor your entire family, I will pray Psalm 91 for you each day with the promise that God will. He who dewlls in the shelter of the Most High -will rest- in the Shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my [Cash's and your]refuge and my fortress my God, in whom I trust. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge." Dawn
ReplyDeleteYou are all in my thoughts & prayers. I wish there was more I could offer.
ReplyDeleteJack and family,
ReplyDeleteI worked with you at Zion years ago...and have been following your blog for awhile now. I hate that I am just writing now...as a mama myself, I have never felt I had the "right" words. I still don't. I'm just so sorry. Cash is a beautiful, beautiful boy and is so lucky to have parents like you. I'm sure you feel like you are the lucky ones. You are all in our family's thoughts and prayers. - Jenni Haynes (Sis. Jen :))
I can't stop thinking about your family. My prayers go from begging for a miracle to humbly asking for peace and comfort. Amidst those pleads, I also find myself in prayers of thanksgiving. This journey you are on has deepened my faith and brought me closer in my own walk. I am thankful for that. When I try to make any sense out of Cash's cancer, I find myself thinking about how many lives your family has touched. Through this blog, through your faith and by your testimony. Thank you for allowing us to ride this storm with you. I am sorry that your hearts ache. Ours ache for you, too. We won't stop praying...
ReplyDeleteRenae & family
While i can't imagine what you are going through i Thank God for granting you the most precious years you'll ever remember with your little man. I still pray that something miraculous will happen but in the case that he returns to he maker I also pray for your continued "cancer grace" and peace.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for all of you.You all have been such a source of inspiration to everyone in the community. It seems your faith is unshakable, even while facing pain that very few can ever imagine. I thank God for your example. I would like to share our recent experience with you although it certainly does not compare.
ReplyDeleteMy sons wife gave birth to their first child on the 31st of Dec. They had a son and his name is also Cash. The day after he was born he was taken to Childrens by ambulance, he was unable to keep any thing down and appeared to have a blockage.After 2 days of tests they did surgery to remove part of his colon that wasn't functioning correctly.As I watched my children struggle through this time I thought of your family,and was able to remind myself and my son that Cash belongs to Jesus. And Jesus loves him even more than we do. We dont know why God allows these things to happen but we can be sure He will use them for good, even in helping a very young set of new parents deal with a sick newborn. They had never had their faith tested before. I think we can all learn from your example.
We have a picture of your little Cash on our fridge and will continue to lift all of you up in prayer.
I pray Gods peace and comfort for all of you.
Jackie & Wendi,
ReplyDeleteLike so many other people following your story, I find myself just so amazed at you both. Your hearts must be aching and still you are at such peace. A lesson can be learned from you both.
I love you both and you will not leave my thoughts and prayers.
Auntie Ine
Although you’re walking through the darkest of valleys, know that there is no place so dark, so isolated, that the Lord doesn’t walk alongside you, shedding your same tears. He will guide you out of this dark valley when the time is right. Until then, he will be faithfully beside you.
ReplyDeleteI’ll be praying for you.
We're praying for you guys continually. You've been such a great example of a follower of Christ and your testimony through Cash is amazing! May God continue to give you strength, peace and blessings in the weeks to come.
ReplyDeleteKara Boyd and Family
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
ReplyDelete- Philippians 4:6-7
How tenderly our Mighty God wraps his loving arms around you! This is evident in your response! Your faith and trust is inspiring. We continue to pray for you all.
ReplyDeleteYour faith in God through this difficult journey has been an amazing witness to many! May God continue to be with you in the days ahead,when you feel in your own strength cannot do it May you feel that "underneath are the everlasting arms", He will carry you through. Praying for you all!
ReplyDeletePraying for Cash and your family. May God give you the strenth you need and peace in your hearts.
ReplyDeleteSending so so so so much love your way. My heart hurts, but reading this post somehow renews my trust in God, knowing that you trust so steadfastly.
ReplyDeleteI'm a co-worker of Laura's, and I've been following Cash's struggle. I'm so sorry to see this last post, my heart hurts for your whole family.
ReplyDeleteMay your strength and faith continue to guide you, and if God's plan doesn't include the miracle I'm hoping for, I hope you can find peace in His plan.
Holli
Jack and Wendi - You both truly are an inspiration. You have renewed my faith. God chose well when he chose you to be Cash's parents and I am so thankful that I have been able to share in this journey and experience the love and devotion that you have for your beautiful boy. As is evident here, we all love Cash. He is an amazing little boy.
ReplyDeleteDavina
Speechless, what words can I say; I am so sorry for this difficult time. I am humbled by your strength, grace and faithfulness. God gave Cash two amazing parents. I pray that God continues to strengthen and encourage you both, Jack and Wendi, you are each a gift to those who know you. You, your boys, extended family and friends are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod please continue to be with Cash, give him peace and wrap your loving arms around him and whisper to him that it will all be ok. Also wrap Jack, Wendi, Jack Jr and Kingston in your arms.....Thank you Lord for your presence and peace. Amen.
We will pray. There is a lot of love, grace and power surrounding Cash and the whole family. Thinking of you, Nora and Mark
ReplyDeleteWe have been following your story since day one.
ReplyDeleteWe pray for you guys all the time and continue to pray for a miracle! We wish you peace during this difficult time.
Kevin and Wendi
Jack and Wendi,
ReplyDeleteYour testimony of faith has ministered to so many. Thank you for your words and for sharing your sorrow with all of us. My seventh and eighth grade students have been praying for Cash. In history class this week we are studying the Christian martyrs of the first three centuries after Christ's resurrection. Your faith in the face of losing your son reminds me of these heroes and heroines who, like you, refused to deny their Lord in the midst of suffering. May God strengthen you and Cash in these sacred days. You have been an encouragement to our family and to my students and to so many others. We praise God for Cash's life and for his faithful parents!
"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”Zephaniah 3:17
Wendy (Hensley) Tamminga
Our hearts break for you. We will continue to pray. Your faith and love through this difficult time has been a powerful testimony. We pray that you will continue to rest in God's promises and feel his loving arms around you. Shannon & TJ Mellema
ReplyDeleteJack and Wendi, I don't even have any words to say. Please know that we are thinking and praying for Cash and are always on our minds. You both are amazing and strong, just beautiful, peaceful and gracious people. Cash and the boys have been blessed to have you as parents! Your strength is amazing! Please let us know if we can help.
ReplyDeleteYour cousin, Chris
It is such a comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there. May faith and love sustain all of you now and for the days ahead. We love you, pray for you and hold you up!!! Jim, Leanne, Jack and Sam
ReplyDeleteGod has really placed you on our hearts over the past couple of months. We pray for you daily. Both our kids and the kids we teach in Sunday School constantly ask, "how is baby Cash" and can we pray for him.
ReplyDeleteWe pray for comfort both for you and Wendi, and for Cash. Your faith is amazing! May God wrap his arms around all of you
Scott and Danica Goldie
Jack and Wendi, Jack, Jr., Cash and Kingston --Your testimony continues to change many lives at a time -- I am in awe of your strength, grace and courage. You have touched so many people and your son has given all of us so to think about and do with the miracle of his birth. God has truly given you strength beyond anything I have seen -- we are all praying and believing for your prayers to be answered. We love you. Michael, Kat, and RoxAnn
ReplyDeleteI love you guys so much. You are a testament of faith to everyone reading this. Wendi, I love that you're spending every moment with your precious boy, enjoying M&Ms, hugs, books, and sweet cuddles. Moments to cherish. I'll be praying that you keep your spirits and strength up, as well as for Cash's comfort. Lots of love from Seattle...
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for you guys. It feels like just yesterday I was crying these tears for Christopher Hartley and his family. But at the same time, I remember- Children are so precious, and God is so incredible. His love and peace. The precious time he gives us with these amazing children. I love reading the updates. Thank you for posting them
ReplyDeleteJack and Wendi,
ReplyDeleteI came across a passage this morning in my daily devotion that made me think of you and your precious Cash. Hope it will bring some comfort.
"If an earthly parent would thus care for his little helpless one, how much more will our heavenly Father, whose love is infinitely greater, and whose strength and wisdom can never be baffled, care for us!"
Psalms 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Sending continued prayers your way...
The way your family is walking this out is such an inspiration. I just feel like God's heart is so honored and gladdened by your response to him. He delights in your family! "The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph. 3:17
ReplyDeleteJack and Wendi, your family have been in our prayers each and every day. I have been especially praying for God's peace for you all, and I'm so glad to hear that he, indeed, is surrounding not only Cash, but also you, Jack Jr., and the baby.
ReplyDeleteOur prayers will continue,
Hope
We pray for Gods blessings and a miracle for Cash every day! In praying for that miracle what we really mean is heal Cash, but maybe the miracle we are all witnessing is the amazing amount of strength, faith and courage that can only come from God. On my wall I have a verse "I can do anything through Him who gives me strength" Your family is an inspiration and reminds us daily of the true blessings of God. I remember a passage from the book "The Prayer Of Jabez" where it talks of blessings and how people throw the word around until it loses meaning. To ask for blessings is to ask for supernatural favor from God Alimghty. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
ReplyDeleteJack and Wendi,
ReplyDeleteKnow that we are in prayer for Cash, you both, and the boys. We think of your family all the time and are lifting you up to Him. We are blessed by your faith and strength through this journey, and the incredible love you share as a family. May God give you all that you stand in need of each minute of each day.
Always praying...
Tessa and Brian Kooiker
You are all in my thoughts. Cash has been blessed with such a loving family. Enjoy this time together and know that we are wrapping you in a hug full of caring support. Laurel
ReplyDeleteJack, Wendi and Family,
ReplyDeleteI just want to say what an inspiration you guys have been to me. You have put such complete and undivided faith and devotion in our God, and have been granted such an amazing peace. It's easy to see with the way you talk about little Cash on your blogs. You have constantly been in my prayers since the beginning of this battle. I have prayed for a miracle, but sometimes it just not in God's plans for us. Know that you are lifted up in my prayers every night, and a hundred times throughout the day. And may He, the All-Knowing Ever-present God, grant you a measure of understanding.
"When Peace like a River attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my Soul"
With much love and prayers,
Lacey Stap
Praying night and day for you to be surrounded by love and for peace and comfort for Cash and your entire family! Please give Jack Jr. a BIG hug from me!!! Love to you all!
ReplyDeleteHeidi Goldsmith
Wendi, Jack and family -
ReplyDeleteYou have been in my thoughts and prayers often during this last year. I wanted to tell you how your faith and the grace you are sharing through all of this has spoken to my heart. I will continue to pray for each of you.
Sincerely,
Royale
We have never met, but you know my daugher Heidi, and she has kept me informed of your struggles. Please know I am praying for your entire family during this most difficult time. I wish there was more I could do, but I know you are all in God's loving arms.
ReplyDeleteLovingly,
Dotti Goldsmith
You're all lifted up in prayer today. You give me such courage and strength just reading your blog. Even though I don't know you, you have blessed me with your love for Cash and your amazing faith in God. I don't know if I could be as strong as you and Wendi. May God Bless you all! I know he is with you and he is with Cash every moment. He is a faithful God and will not leave him or you. May God continue to give each of you peace, strength and courage. May he wrap is arms around Cash and bless him.
ReplyDeleteIn Jesus,
Kelly
Jack & Wendi,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your most recent posts our hearts are heavy with the difficult news of Cash. Yet, we are uplifted by your amazing Faith and Trust in our Heavenly Father. You are truly an inspiration as parents and your testimony of Faith in God has been so overwhelming through "a Cash of Hope" to many readers. May God continue to hold you up in Strength, Comfort and His Perfect Peace in the days ahead. We think of you constantly and our prayers are with you and your entire family.
We love you bunches!
Henry-Diana and family