The scaled down list of acceptable foods for Erika shocked me but I reacted by doing more research about whatever sustenance might be beneficial. I investigated how I might prepare these things in different ways so that Erika would not feel like she was having the same boring items day after day. More and more I realized that helping Erika on an ongoing basis was not going to be an easy project.
Yet we were now into the third week and Erika had been doing great staying with me. Even better, my sister started to show signs of looking forward to the day her daughter could return home. Patti told me on the phone that she was getting rid of everything in her cupboards and refrigerator that might be harmful or even tempting to Erika. Patti had also promised that she was now committed to exercising with Erika in the future to help her keep motivated. She did not want her child to give up or give in. She did not want Erika or herself to slip back into their old way of doing things. These positive statements were music to my ears. I began to see the Hand of God moving within our family and this joy brought me to tears more than once.
On Wednesday of the third week Erika and I were up early to have breakfast as usual. We were about to begin our walk when a call came in from Patti. She was crying.
“Patti,” I said, “what on earth is wrong now!”
“The doctor’s office called about Erika’s ultrasound. You know, the one they did just before she left to stay with you.”
“And…” I prompted.
“The report is not good. It shows a calcium build up around her liver and tumors on both liver and kidneys.”
“Oh, no! After all this kid had been through and now I have to tell her about this,” I said.
“What is this going to do to her spirit?” Patti asked. “She was doing so well with you.”
“I know. She’s been so motivated. She’s actually learning and remembering everything I have been teaching her.” I sighed, and added, “What else did they say?”
“The doctor wants to schedule two more scans before they make a decision on what to do next. Deb, I’m sorry. You’ve taken on so much to help us, and now this.”
“Let’s try not to panic. I’ll talk to Erika on our walk and I’ll call you back later.”
As Erika and I headed out the door, she asked, “Was that mom?”
“Yes. We got more news on your condition. You need more tests and the doctor will explain more to you later, but for now you need to know that this is a very serious matter. It probably means more alterations in your life but I want you to know that I will not give up and therefore I don’t want you to give up either.”
“I won’t,” she said, even though she did not know all the details.
“Remember the talks we have had the past few weeks about faith and believing in God for all things?” I asked her.
“Yes, you told me that I could overcome any obstacle if I put my life into God’s hands.”
“Well, this news is just another one of those obstacles. All we can do is pray, Erika. Miracles happen everyday and I truly believe you are already a testament to that belief.”
“Okay. Aunt Deb, is mom all right?”
We continued to walk as I replied, “Yes, I think she is, but I know she is going to try to act like she isn’t too concerned over what you are now facing. Tonight before you go to bed, I am going to remind you to not forget to pray, especially for your mom. That way we will all be praying for each other.”
“Do you think I should go home now?”
“Not yet. Let’s finish our original plan and follow through with what the doctors say.”
The next morning when the phone rang, I didn’t even want to answer it because I knew it would be one more call from Patti. It was. Another doctor had called her about Erika’s tumors.