The First Sunday of Christmas
Dear Faithful Praying Family & Friends,
I apologize for the delay in updating my blog. The first week after Chemo Round was uneventful but, on Day 8, I became quite ill from a virus. [By Day 8 after chemo, my white blood count is always in the basement so I have no way to fight off a virus.] By Day 10, my temperature reached 102 degrees and Dr. Carroll directed Stephen to take me to the Walk In Clinic. From there – you guessed it – EMS transported me to the ER, where my face is [unfortunately] becoming a familiar sight. I spent the next six hours, hooked up to IV’s for hydration and I submitted to a battery of tests. It was not H1N1, thanks be to God.
After I went home, I was weak as a kitten and Stephen had to do everything for me. My temperature remained 101-102 degrees until Day 14, when my white blood counts came back up again. Finally, the fever broke and I have been getting better and stronger every day: able to sleep comfortably, eat some food, take a shower by myself, etc. I’ve been in bed for six days, listening to Haley’s 20-CD unabridged recording of Little Women.
The highlight of the last few days was the safe arrival of Daniel, Haley and Benjamin, on the early morning of the 23rd. I saw Daniel & Haley on Christmas Eve and finally got to see all three of them on Christmas Day. So, in spite of everything, I have still had a Merry Christmas, thanks to their visit.
Tonight, I ventured out of the house for the first time in eight days. Stephen took Haley & me to see the film, Young Victoria, which I highly recommend.
I’ll keep this short, as I feel neither physically or mentally strong enough to write much more. However, I did want to let all of you dear ones know how I am doing.
Coram Deo,
Margo
Margot’s Corner 
Glad to hear you’re feeling better and sorry we didn’t get to see you on this trip. I thought you might like checking out this review of a new PBS bioflick on Louisa May Alcott: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/arts/television/28alcott.html?_r=1
Dear Katherine,
Thanks for your encouraging words AND the link [review of PBS bioflick on L M Alcott.] I mentioned [on my blog] that I listened to the 20-hour unabridged Little Women on 17 CD’s during my recent illness and it kept me sane during the time I could not focus my eyes! I keep up on your blog and particularly enjoy your books lists, etc.
Coram Deo,
Margot
Dear Margo,
It is so good to hear from you again and to know there have been some lovely gifts and consolations for you in the midst of all this…your family is the greatest one, I think. Soak up every moment of their love, hugs and smiles…they are good medicine.
You are constantly remembered and held close in the heart, thoughts and arms of the Father and His ministering and warring angels, in the fervent powerful intercessions of The Son at His right hand, joined by the prayers of the saints of all ages in heaven and on earth, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. All are for you and with you, always!
Georgia
“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” Ps 139:17
“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:5
Dear Georgia,
Thank you for that good reminder, contained within your words and quoting of Scripture! I am grateful for your constant care, concern, and encouragement!
Coram Deo,
Margo
Margo,
I’ve been wondering how you were doing and was so very glad to get an update. What a difficult illness when you were already weak! I’m so sorry for this additional discomfort and so thankful for your encouraging words. You are always quick to enjoy the blessings in the midst of suffering. Thank you for finding the strength to bring us up to date.
Prayers and blessings,
Sallie
Dear Sallie,
Thank you for your faithfulness, in praying and reading my blog! It encourages me greatly to know of your constant care and concern for me.
Coram Deo,
Margot
Thank you so much for updating us even when you feel weak. I am so sorry it sounds like you did not get to make your beloved Christmas Eve service at St. Peters but thankful you were able to enjoy your family over Christmas, and thankful for the break in your fever and recovery of your white cells in the nick of time! I have prayed so often for you and appreciate the updates. May His grace continue to abound to you.
With you in His grace, Julie
Dear Julie,
You are right: I was not able to attend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Worship at SPAC but I’m looking forward to next year! Being with my family WAS a great gift and all that was necessary: the safety and health of my loved ones.
Thank you for your faithful and frequent prayers!
Coram Deo,
Margot
Hi Margo,
I am rejoicing with you as you feel better and better each day! I am in awe of how Steve takes such great care of you (I wouldn’t have expected otherwise, but that kind of sacrifice is beautiful, and a wonderful thing to see in action).
Ephesians 3:20…Now to Him who is able…
Love always,
Kathy and Family
Dear Kathy & Family,
Thank you for rejoicing with me/us! We are very thankful for your continued prayers and encouragement. And cookies . . . and pies . . .
We are grateful for your faithful prayers, as we depend upon God.
Coram Deo,
Margot