Hey,
Not even 12 months ago, my family landed during the height of covid in Queensland in early January. This was after a 30 hour transit from Atlanta, USA, where we resided for two years. Overcoming jet lag, then adjusting to Australian schooling, mixed with a few natural disasters, the year was off to an interesting start; however we as a family felt we had so much to be thankful for and look forward too. Then 12 weeks ago, Murphy’s diagnosis and journey with cancer began. We have had both sets of parents drop everything and get to us to support. My parents drove straight to Gympie to help our other three children, while Nat’s parents flew straight to Brisbane to support there. In the weeks following, Murphy went into the very capable and trustworthy hands of the medical team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. We have had close friends and family fly up to visit and support, which we are so grateful for. Calista, Hugo, Ted and I maintained our Monday to Friday life in Gympie, while commuting to Brisbane for the weekends and some mid-week visits (a 4 hour round trip). With all of the support from family, friends and the support that the other kids and I could bring on weekends, we have felt it necessary to relocate to South Australia, where most of our family live.
Therefore:
Goodbye Queensland and Hello Sound Australia.
This has been a long and tough twelve weeks for everyone following the journey, but we know this will need to be approached like a marathon and not a sprint. It is with great sadness that we have, because the life that we had in Gympie was a joy filled one, and the kids all loved the people that crossed our path. The outpouring of care has been exceptional from our neighbours, church community and our incredible school community. Not to mention the many people who have blessed us by praying, and supporting through many different means.
I had my final day teaching last week at Cooloola Christian College, and during the staff lunch celebration, I was able to share my gratitude for their love and care. Nat and I have been brought to tears many times thinking of the way that the whole school community have gone to extreme lengths to provide exceptional care for our children. God has placed many angels along our path, and they have all sacrificed a great deal, thank you.
Gympie folk:
Thank you for the borrowed vehicles, cleaning of our house, cooked meals, mowed lawns, bags of goodies, loving hugs for our kids, messages of hope, laughter, stories, welcomed distractions, getting Calista ready for her dance concert, the “how are you going?” questions, the moments of silence, more cooked meals, more bags of toys. But most of all, thank you for loving our family like how Christ would.
QCH:
The staff at Queensland Children’s Hospital don’t work, they serve. We have first hand experienced their unrivaled dedication to their job. The nursing staff have provided friendship for Nat, and loving care for Murphy. The doctors have lead with great experience and knowledge. Thank you.
Last week:
Last week Nat and Murphy flew to Adelaide, along with Glenda and Calista. This was a relatively quick decision, therefore within a matter of days we packed up the house in Brisbane and farewelled them at the airport. Hugo, Ted and I drove to Adelaide, with the wonderful help of my brother, Scott. Our boys trip may have been a little slower than the girls, but I would argue it provided a few more memories for the boys!
Can I remind you, as I do myself daily, this has only been TWELVE WEEKS. It has felt like a year, and there have been some moments of fatigue that fly by. But we are all holding on well to the fact that our God has bigger plans, and He knows the beginning to the end. I said to Nat last night before we fell asleep, “God doesn’t care much about the ending, He cares about how we get there.”
Upon landing into Adelaide, Murphy has met the team at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, and they’ve all commented on his zeal for life! Murphy will make a mark on many people here, just you wait and see. Please pray that Murphy will NEVER lose his joy, and that his joy may flow out of him into the many people’s lives that he’ll encounter.
Let me leave you with this encouragement from Murphy himself.
I lay there on Murphy’s bed last night, while he drifted off to sleep. He placed his head on my chest and wraped his arms around his teddy. He looked at me on my phone, and he said, “who are you messaging?” I answered with a simple response, “I’m writing a letter to lots of people who are praying for you”. After a slight pause, I then asked if he wanted to share anything with you. And his immediate response was, “My tummy doesn’t really hurt” and “I’m already feeling better”. Therefore, be encouraged. This is our boy who has stage 4 neuroblastoma, lying in a bed wanting to share with you that he is feeling good. Praise be only to God. Murphy is a boy who is surprising us all at how he tackles this cancer. His legs are still fast, his heart is still full of joy, and his mind is still as cheeky as ever!
God bless,
Daniel (and the rest of the Nowak clan)
