Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Reaching for 50 Percent

We have a secret language known only to a select few here in Schreiber World.

More than 15 years ago, when we were in the young married crowd, we led a small group at a our church. I don't know if I'd actually say we led it, we just made room for life to happen with a bunch of awesome people. We all formed a bit of an extended family with each other. And, when you hang out that much, you start to get a lot of little inside jokes and common memories too.  Anyone in that group would know about melted chocolate bunnies, impromptu grape stomping, motorized bikes, and "who is Bobby", anyway?

One of these insider-only memories arrived in a box at our house this winter, and has been part of our household language once again.  A friend from that small group long ago sent it back to us from way up North. It's this mug.  Reaching for 50%.  We don't know where we got it. We don't even know why someone would print a mug like this. Why just 50%? Wouldn't you want to reach for 100 or maybe even 110 percent? But no, it's 50. And, right now, that's perfect representation of life here in the Schreiber World.

Tiffany and refer to this mug, or at least this idea, a couple times a week. It can often feel like 50 percent of our normal energy, spread across our new life, would be too little to live on. Interacting with the kids, trying to really love on Anna and Lily at home -50 percent. Focusing on our marriage, starting a new consulting business, driving to Denver -50 percent. Taking care of ourselves, working, shopping, laundry... all at 50 percent.

But here's the cool part. We somehow still have 110 percent provided for in our life. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and our case, I think it has taken a global village!

You all have poured so much into our family to fill the gap. I don't spend my energy cooking much because of all the meals people have provided, so instead I play with the kids. An organization called Focus on the Fight is cleaning our house twice a month, so Tiffany and I can have some time more to talk instead of clean. We've received Starbucks and Amazon cards so that we can download videos for Abby or get her favorite cheese danish. We have letters, crafts, song recommendations, prayers of support, and notes of encouragement all in our various inboxes. We have the space now to rest when possible because of you, our global village, our new global small group.  Thank you!

And we need it right now. Abby is starting to see the effects of radiation. Mouth and throat sores now. She's lost 2 Kilos in a week and is only eating maybe 1 meal a day.  Yesterday they started her Dilaudid (cousin of Morphine), to help control the pain. It takes more than 50 percent to be in that room with her when she is in pain.

This is going to be a rough haul.  The chemo is done and we'll start to see it's effects next weekend and all of these effects will probably stay until finally Anna's marrow grafts in.

It's rough, but knowing that you are praying, encouraging, creating space for us to rest in -well, it's just our other 50 percent right now. 

Could you do me one more favor?  Could you just put a quick comment in with your city and country? 

I'd love to know, and I think Abby would also be encouraged by knowing, how far our global villiage reaches. Thanks again!

94 comments:

Krista said...

Majerus family lifting you up in prayer from River Falls, WI. We love you guys! And that small group of young married couples you led a long time ago changed our lives and marriage and set us on an amazing path towards growing a family that follows Christ first. You are a blessing to us!

Edwin Smith said...

Smith family in Mesa, AZ. We are so amazed, proud, and filled with prayer for y'all.

And it's true for me also, that you have had a huge impact on how I see God, his goodness, and my parenting.

Unknown said...

Groffs in FL praying for you all!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Loren Buckmaster said...

Buckmaster Family from Portland Oregon are sending their love and prayers!

Unknown said...

Praying and trusting in God's goodness for you, Abby, and the entire Schrieber family from Fuchu, Japan

Anonymous said...

Sending love and positive energy from Tokyo, Japan.

jab said...

Hugs from Josh and Mary in Tokyo, Japan.

David Neale said...

Abby and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers here in Tokyo. Ganbatte!

Peyton Avia said...

Fort Collins, Colorado. We are praying for you Abby and we love you,
Love,
The Kaisers(Shoemakers Friends)

Anonymous said...

Pulling for you here in Tokyo. We miss you, neighbors!
Love,
The Blodgetts

Anonymous said...

Sending you love and healing! Be strong and know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and love Cathy Berghahn (Tokyo, Japan)

Anonymous said...

Miss you guys from here in Tokyo. Roy and Etsuko.

VITA DVDs said...

Love and prayers to Abby, Anna, and Lilly from Randleman, NC.
Stay strong and know that God loves you!!!
Kathi Carter and Wayne Jacobs

Claudia said...

Abby, I'm praying for you and loving you from California!

Unknown said...

Sending positive thoughts and best wishes from Tokyo.
-Stephen Faulkner

Blogging Into The Air said...

Sending all my best energy to all the Schrieibers with particular power for Abby and Anna! 50%!

Anonymous said...

I love you, Abby! ~Kayiyn, Fort Collins, CO

yue said...

Sending love from the ASIJ health center !!

Anonymous said...

Sending lots of love and positive vibes your way from Tokyo, Japan. Stay strong, you guys are all amazing!

Erin said...

Just up here in FoCo, but we are praying for you all!
Love, the Schneiders

Unknown said...

Praying for you Abby! In Greeley, Colorado.

Unknown said...

Praying daily in Valley Center, CA

Unknown said...

Sending hugs from Reston, VA just outside of Washington DC.

Yukari said...

Sending you positive energy from Tokyo, and you are in my thoughts!

Unknown said...

Sending thoughts and prayers from Firestone, CO.

Unknown said...

Chocolate bunnies and "who is bobby" must have been before our time, but the reference to impromptu grape stomping and motorized bikes certainly brought back fond memories! Lots of love and prayers from the Barbers.

Unknown said...

Praying for you every day! Ruth

Anonymous said...

Abby. Konichiwa from Japan! I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. You are such a strong girl! May God's blessing pour down on you as you undergo the bone marrow transplant.

Anna, what a gift you are to your sister. I am also praying for you. I pray that God will give you courage during this time.

We miss you all.

Carrie Bennett

David C. said...

Koganei, Tokyo, Japan. You have a team of people representing here in Koganei!

Unknown said...

Yes Koganei, Tokyo, Japan! We love you!

Unknown said...

Hi,

This is Jatin and Jo Ann Patel in Denton, TX. Praying

ColoradoKS said...

We are praying and believing with you guys all the way from Colorado Springs, CO.

ColoradoKS said...

We are praying and believing with you guys all the way from Colorado Springs, CO.

Unknown said...

Johnson family with prayers from Shreveport, LA.

Unknown said...

Johnson family with prayers from Shreveport, LA.

Anonymous said...

We are thinking of you, Schrieber Family!

Love,
The Bernhardts in Tokyo, Japan

Unknown said...

Greeley, Colorado!

Unknown said...

Sending love and strength to you all!

Tokyo, Japan

Rhonda said...

Praying for you from Tokyo, Japan ❤️

Kyoko Wakutsu said...

Praying for you! Kyoko from Tokyo, Japan

Anonymous said...

Sending love & positive thoughts from the Fight On Club in Tokyo, Japan

Anonymous said...

I grew up with a mother who wen't through breast cancer and I know what it's like or how it look likes when things get really tough. But keep fighting. Keep fighting knowing that you have people who love you and will do anything to keep you safe from any harm. Keep fighting for those people but most importantly, fight for yourself. Because you deserve your best. Always be positive, and things will start falling into place. You got this Abby!

Sending Support and Love from Tokyo (ASIJ)

Anonymous said...

We're rooting for you here in Japan at ASIJ! We hope that you stay strong and remember you are loved!

Unknown said...

Abby, you know you are SO loved by many people and God. Tim and Amy Turpin will be praying this week for you!!! Keep fighting, girl!!!

Anonymous said...

You are on our mind all the time, Abby! We are with you all the way! Stay strong and positive! We love you!
Jim & Judy Erwin (Tokyo and soon to be back home with you in Colorado!)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I'm sending you courageous wishes on behalf of your twin Great Aunts in Chapel Hill, NC! You come from a long line of powerful women. They are ALL pulling for you!

Caleb and Amy Eby said...

Praying for you from Gifu, Japan! God has been greatly magnified through your faithfulness and trust in Him. Don't give up and rest in His almighty, loving arms!

Unknown said...

We love you guys and are praying for you.
The Maddocks in Missouri

Shane Buxman said...

Gabrielle and I are praying from Bentonville, Arkansas.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you from Tokyo, Japan! Stay strong!

Kelly Cook said...

Greeley Colorado! And my dad and brother in Cheyenne Wyoming! We love you Abs! Kelly, Jeff, Augie and Becket Cook!

Unknown said...

Next door...love to you all!

Unknown said...

Collin and Courtney Tewalt, Fort Collins CO

TrishaS said...

Chase and Trisha from Wellington, Colorado. But Surprise blew his nose on me when I was telling him about Abby, so I interpreted to mean that he's praying for her too, and he's originally from Denmark. :-)

Unknown said...

Positive energy and love to you all from Kathy Krauth
ASIJ Tokyo, Japan

Stef said...

We love you so much! Shaun, Steph, Dawson, Carina, and Isabelle! (Fort Collins 😉😘)

Stef said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stef said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

We are sending all our love and prayers your way. Wishing we could be closer to see you. Love to you all. Cody, Jenn, Sarah and Little Davis. Sandy, Utah

Unknown said...

We are sending all our love and prayers your way. Wishing we could be closer to see you. Love to you all. Cody, Jenn, Sarah and Little Davis. Sandy, Utah

Angelina said...

I love you all so so so much! Prayers and praises for His Mighty Power! Angelina

Unknown said...

Praying for Abby in Valley Center, CA!

Unknown said...

Praying for Abby at Stanford university:)

the Neels said...

Much love and prayer from the Neels...Greeley, CO.

Shelita said...

Love, warmth and light to all and each of you from me, my husband Martin, and our kids Isaac and Simone. Godspeed. Portland, OR

mclaudio said...

I am thinking of you and your family, sending my best wishes for a successful operation. Ganbatte Abby!

Ms. Claudio (in Tokyo)

myokosuka said...

We are thinking of all of you, Schrieber Family, here from Tokyo, Japan! Abby and Anna, we are with you!

Mariko (ASIJ Japan Center)

Anonymous said...

Sweet Abby and Family--Phoebe, Vera and Scott are thinking of you, surrounding you in thoughts and prayers of love, peace and courage. All love to you from Tokyo, Japan!

Unknown said...

The Fight On club at ASIJ sends our love and know that we are rooting for you Abby!

Unknown said...

Sending love and prayers to the Schrieber family! You inspire so many with your courage and attitude.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Tyler Thompson from the far-away land of Las Vegas, NV.

I went to Frontier Academy 2005-2009 and remember learning about the early parts of your rough journey way back when I was in high school. You're an insanely strong fighter and I've only recently heard about your story again. Keep going and remember the tenacity you've shown so far.

Better days are ahead, stay strong.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you from Japan!!!
Grespans

ryro16 said...

Sweet sweet girl and fellow cancer warrior. I continue to pray for you and your family from New York City today.

Anonymous said...

You are in our prayers. Thinking of all of you from Koganei, Japan

Debi said...

Praying for your family from Denton, Texas!

Unknown said...

Prayers from Denton, Texas coming your way!

DIANNE said...

Praying for you all!!! Abby you have so much courage!! Keep fighting the fight baby girl!!! Mark I pay for your family and lift you up in spirit!! Kent, Ohio!!!

Unknown said...

Praying for you Abby

Unknown said...

We pray daily for y'all, from Farmington, Minnesota!

~The Carleno Family

Anonymous said...

Sending tons of love and hugs from Mountain View, California. Lenny, my 1.5 year old doggie, also sends licks and kisses!

...and lots of tiny blue poo bags but I won't send those over :)

Brogan

Anonymous said...

Evans, CO- praying everyday :-) - Sandy Spahr

Joan said...

Love and healing energy from Raleigh NC- and from my church, Community United Church of Christ- and from a host of Facebook friends from Florida, Virginia, NC, Nebraska and many other states who responded to my requests for prayers and positive energy.

Kathy Elder said...

Prayers for Abby and Anna from the Elder family in southeast Fort Collins and from Sam in Boston, Massachusetts!

joychristian said...

Sending lots of love and prayers for all of you! From the Christian fam' in Fort Collins :)

danielle said...

Much love and many prayers from the Cervenkas, Koganei Tokyo Japan!!

Slink said...

Much love and prayer, The Slinkards Loveland, CO ;)

SL said...

Abby and your whole family are so very strong, special, and loved, especially here in Fort Collins. <3 Sending huge hugs! - Shae

Anonymous said...

Schriebers,
This is Ellen Magers, (Springfield, MO) Beth Maddock's mom. I have such fond memories of your precious family for those many years Beth and Nathan lived in Ft. Collins and shared life with you all. Beth let me know about your "Abby Update" blog again, and I have followed and prayed for you all each time I read an update, as well as all the other times the Lord has brought your family to mind. I continue to petition the Lord for an outpouring of His strength, grace, healing and "hand-holding" as you press into HIM step by step.

Nannette said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nannette said...

We're praying in Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles), Ca

Unknown said...

Hope I'm not to late....

We are Dorina and Marius from Cluj- Romania - praying for you all from far away... but close through God!