Updates From Oasis (From Angie)
We made it through the first full week at An Oasis of Healing. It was an incredible week, but it was exhausting and difficult. It seemed as though every moment was full, and if it wasn’t we were almost paralyzed by our exhaustion. I don’t know if it’s everything catching up to us or what… but we are tired!
The week was filled with multiple treatments that address cancer from every angle. And, in just a week and a half there are already small signs of improvement… Will seems stronger and is moving with a bit more ease. He is still in a wheelchair, but he has been able to stand straight when changing positions. He has been able to get out of bed with only my help instead of me and 2 other people. He has been able to lift his legs using his leg muscles instead of lifting his legs with is hands. He also was able to go down a bit in his pain medicine as the pain has slightly decreased. He still has pain in his hip and chest that at times can be pretty bad, but most of the time it isn’t as bad as it was and the pain in his shoulder has completely gone away. They are going to slowly and very slightly decrease the meds and see how he does.
And, the highlight of the week… we went on a date! This was our first date in many months. We went to a movie and Will stayed awake throughout the entire movie!
We ended up going out again on Father’s Day to see a movie with my parents. I think this new desire to be more active is the most exciting improvement. This was starting to show itself while we were at home, but it came and went. Those months that I watched Will’s desire to do anything slip away was one of the hardest things. For anyone who knows Will, knows that he is full of passion and not a minute would go by that he wasn’t thinking of a new idea or project or coming up with song ideas or just thinking about anything and everything. To watch him stare at the wall every moment he wasn’t sleeping and to ask him what he was thinking with the response always being “nothing” was heartbreaking and almost more than I could bear. A couple of months ago he starting asking for the computer, wanted to watch a few basketball highlights, we went to the pool, then he was able to have conversations and talk about his thoughts… he starting having thoughts again. Now, he is also wanting to go out and explore and do things. It’s wonderful!
Will is still really tired and has a long road ahead of him (I pray that he does in fact have a long road ahead of him… or a short road; I just pray there is a road) but these small improvements are beautiful to see and we are both very hopeful that there will be more. But, as none of us knows what our future holds, we are cherishing every moment — moments that we probably shouldn’t even have together right now.
We are enjoying the new people that we spend each day with. We’re trying to take it all one step at time. Will’s motto right now is “little by little.” That can be really hard when you just want it all to end and go back to a place of normalcy, but for some reason this is our journey — as terrible and horrific and crazy and even as beautiful at times that it has all been — here we are in the next phase of it. We are beyond thankful for God’s mercy to us that there could even be a “next phase.”
GIVE MONEY
25 Comments
Tommy Thompson
July 1, 2013Recovery is a gradual thing…like the way a gospel song builds towards and explosion of power and grace. Be strong pal, there’s so much left for you do.
Beth
June 25, 2013Great news! Still thinking of you all more than you know
Seth and Camil
June 23, 2013What a wonderful update, not to minimize the daily struggles, but I love to see the glimmers of encouragement that Lord provides. Rest in the shadow of our Father’s wings. We love you guys and pray for you daily!!! ;)
Kelly
June 23, 2013We have been praying for y’all every week at The Village Chapel. So glad to hear about the recent improvements and praying that they will keep coming! You both are amazing!
Nancy Elliott
June 21, 2013Praise be to God!! It is so good to hear of Will’s perfect moments! Thank you, Angie, for the news…give William a kiss for me. I’m praying constantly.
Ashley Calvert
June 21, 2013Thank you so much for these updates! I love hearing about how God and Oasis of Healing is helping Will! :)
Jennilee Miller
June 20, 2013Angie,
Thanks for these updates. We think of you & Will often back here in DC and continue to pray that God would be glorified to HEAL Will! Thankful for the many answered prayers already, and praying that the treatments will continue to help!
Rachel Hutcheson
June 20, 2013will and angie,
love this update! you’re both really on my heart today…praying for you both!
lots of love.
-rach
Jackie Travis
June 20, 2013I had a few missed spelled words but u will c nd love u both nd tell Will I said hello nd May God bless u both nd a blessing to Tha Grays nd ur family
Jackie Travis
June 20, 2013ANGIE ND WILL ALWAYZ REMEMBER THAT GOD IS A GOOD GOD ND THAT HE’S WATCHIN’ OVA THA BOTH OF U, IT REALLY TOUCHED MY <3 TO KNOW THAT U ND WILL HAD THA CHANCE TO GO ON A DATE ND THAT UR PARENTS R AD TO DK THINGS WIT ?U GUYS. WILL IS DOIN' TO CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS ND THAT'S WONDREFUL, IT MAY SEEM LIKE A LONG ROAD TO TRAVEL, BUT BY THA GRSCE OF IUR ALMIGHTY GOD CAN MAKE IT AN EASY JOURNEY. WILL IS A VERY SWEET YOUNG MAN TO HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL ND A DETERMINED W?IFE BY HIS SIDE. YAL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ALL THIS TO GET BETTA ND I"M GOIN' TO KEEP YAL N MY <3!!!! LKVE U BKTH, JACKIE
Tina Parker
June 19, 2013SO, SO excited to hear this!!! I’ve been so anxious to hear how the treatments are going. This is FANTASTIC and I love that you and Will got to have a date night! Can’t wait to hear what progress Will makes this week!!
Kalister
June 19, 2013Praise God! You two are so amazing, it is such a blessing to watch the love that you two have for each other pull you through this. Keep believing so strongly like you do, God rejoices over your faith, and he will continue to lift you up!
Nancy LaRocco
June 19, 2013The first thing I do when I get up is check for your updates. That is how much a part of our lives you have been. The news is so encouraging. My church prayed for you on Monday nite. So many are touched by your journey and keep asking about Will’s progress. How wonderful that he is moving forward. Several have bought Blake Shelton’s CD. God is mighty in the midst of all of this and faith is carrying you through. Continue to be strong and of good courage. Hugs to you both.
Beans
June 19, 2013YES! We love you and praying. I especially love that you got to go on a date. I hope you had raspberry drizzle. ; ) Love you both and your families, prayers and love and peace and hope!!!
Lori Cave
June 18, 2013Praise God from whom all blessings flow! So happy to hear this update :) Keep up the good work. Love to you both <3
Anna and Taylor
June 18, 2013So so so thankful. We are so very excited about these small victories and are continuing to pray for complete healing. We love y’all and look forward to watching The Lord continue to work!
jacinta
June 18, 2013Praise God for the healing taking place. <3
Becky Miller
June 18, 2013Your strength and faith amazes all
Through fear and pain you stand tall
We don’t know why God brought you to this place
But in the darkness and light you can see His face
Your journey would more difficult if He were not there
Holding you in the palm of His hand on days of despair
He helps you strain toward what is ahead each day
Oh, what a Savior, oh what a Savior we can say
Paul tells us to run toward a Jesus-centered life
And because of your witness others seek Him through their own strife
Thank you for letting your light shine in the darkest of days
And for every day that easier for you we give Him our praise
Dan
June 18, 2013What a wonderful post from Angie! To hear you are finding these positive moments is answer to our prayers. Love to you both! Dan
John
June 18, 2013Thank you so much for this update. It is so beautiful to read of the improvements. And so exciting to read about the date!!!! Mmmmhhhhmmmmm. Love you guys!!
David Dark
June 18, 2013Thank so much for this. SO grateful for you both and for all you do and all you are. Color us encouraged. Love & prayers & hope & encouragement & good vibrations from the Dark Five.
Ryan
June 18, 2013Love this update…love it love it love it!
Kara Foley
June 18, 2013I had the pleasure of meeting Will about 2yrs ago here at Warner/Chappell. He is by far one of the nicest people I have ever met and the fact that he’s an artist and still so nice made it even better!! I have been checking in/reading the blog from time to time and this is the best update!!! I am so happy for you both and for Will and his slow but steady progress, remember what we have learned since we were little “Slow and Steady always wins the race!”
Carrie Furr
June 18, 2013This is so exciting! These changes and progress are such an answer to prayer. I’m so happy these treatments are producing some much desired results.
katina teague
June 22, 2013Will and angie hang in there.. Gox is good and i am so happy that will have some improvemment. And i am so excited for u guys being able to go on a date. May the lord keep blessing u