Sunday is a Day of Rest

When God created the earth, He rested on the 7th day. Today was a much needed day of rest for our family.

Simon had a rough night last night. He went to sleep okay, but woke around 1 a.m. crying. He was having nightmares and when he woke up, he was frightened by things imagined in his room. He came to our room and climbed into bed for a short time. Bob took him back to his room and stayed with him until he finally fell back to sleep. It was around 5 a.m.

During the days, I have been amazed by Simon's courage and strength. When I look at him, I have a hard time believing that he is so very ill. Night times are a different story. Simon has always been frightened by the night. He still sleeps with a light on. When the house becomes quiet, his imagination takes over.

It breaks this mother's heart, thinking about what plays in his subconscious. I am thankful for the noise and busyness of the day that is able to drown out the scary thoughts. I wish there were a way to keep away his frightening dreams.

When I returned from church this morning, Simon was just waking up. He was crying, but could not tell me why. After he ate, he started to feel better, but has been tired all day.

As his mother, I so want to be strong for him. I want to comfort him and reassure him that everything will be okay. I am able to remind him of all the people who are praying for him. I remind him that our God is bigger than the boogie man or any of his frightening dreams.

It is so hard to be strong when my baby is hurting, yet strong I must be. I have cried many tears in the past two weeks. I have been more frightened than at any other time in my life.

Yet through it all, God has carried me. He has given me friends to help ease my load. He has been my strength.

God knows how badly we all needed a day of rest, and rest he provided today. Physical rest, but more importantly, emotional rest. Worship at church was upbeat, and ended with communion. (No emotional break downs on my part!) Once Simon was up for a while, he had a good day. He was able to rest, but also to have fun with his puppy.

As bed time is drawing near, Simon is starting to drag. He is losing his color along with his energy. I am trying not to be fearful for what the night holds for him.

Tomorrow will be another day of rest for Simon, before his treatments begin on Tuesday. I will be strengthened by friends tomorrow, preparing me for the 4 long days that will follow. If Simon is still holding up, we will try to make it to orchestra, where we will both be strengthened by music.

As we prepare for bed tonight, I find rest in the knowledge that God is in control. He is watching out for my family, and He knows our every need. He knows that Simon is running on empty. He knows that Simon's mom needs a feeling of peace, and He knows that we all need a night of rest.