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!