Another surgery for Jake

Our wonderful son-in-law Jake had another brain surgery on April 29.  Rick and I went down to AZ to help the following day.  It is so hard to see him suffer through multiple surgeries and treatments and so see our daughter suffer right along with him.  It's impossible to make sense of it all. Glioblastoma brain cancer is a very cruel disease.
When we got there, we just jumped in and tried to help with the children and whatever else we could do to lend a hand.  Jordan asked us to deep clean her kitchen so we got to work and scrubbed down walls, cleaned out everything and put it back together again.  Our daughter Claire was able to come over with Lizzie and Will and she was a marvelous help.  Jake's parents also came down and we spend some time comforting each other and trying to comfort our children and help them.  Did I say this is hard?  The hundreds (thousands?) of prayers that were offered for this little family were felt and they gave comfort. We are so grateful to good people everywhere who are supporting Jake and Jordan and their family in any way they can.  Beautiful flowers arrived from my sister Mary Ann and her husband Trace.  So many people have reached out that I can't even begin to mention.
Jake is a wonder.  He bounces back from brain surgery very well and within three days we was sitting on the side lines of his daughters soccer and volleyball games.  He has such a strong will to live and to live as normally as possible.  He strengthens those around him when we should be strengthening him.  He is goodness from head to toe and all parts in-between.  To say he is a wonderful husband and father would be an understatement.  We marvel at his strength, courage and determination to do all in his power to keep going.  What an example he and Jordan are to us all, even when they don't want to be in that position.
I stayed almost six days and we had some good times as well.  Retail therapy always helps and a visit to a Scottsdale mall and to Last Chance is just what the doctor ordered.  The six cousins enjoyed themselves playing in the pool, jumping on the tramp and going on some bike rides.
The comfort of family and feeling of their strength and support is like a calming balm to me.  Prayers and blessings were offered and it just helped everyone being together.  I love my dear daughter Jordan and her Jacob.  They are celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary this weekend.  Their love for one another is exemplary.  They are truly two parts of a whole and when one part is going through something, the other part feels it too.  We all pray that the comfort and peace of the atonement will rest over them and give them the strength they need to continue to put their trust in God.

Will helping to deep clean the table and chairs

Soccer champ Ellie playing the game she loves

Tommy give Ellie a love and Jake attending his daughter's soccer
 game just three days after brain surgery.  He amazes us all.

Ellie and her coach

Cousins who are just 22 hours apart in age.
They love each other.

and love to get silly.

Swim time watching all six children. Lauren and Ellie are amazing swimmers.

Love my Jake and Jordan.  Truly.

Will on his scooter bike.  He is amazing on that thing.

Off they go.  Will, Ada and Lizzie with Tommy supervising.

Cutest one year old around.  Love this little man.

Miss Lauren showing us how it is done in volleyball.