Nothing But The Blood

The red blood transfusion went well today, though it took most of the day to do. They actually gave her 2 bags, which should hold her for a good long time. They started her off in the transfusion chairs, which aren't nearly as comfortable as UCLA's transfusion chairs for some reason. She was shifting around quite a bit after sitting there for an hour or so. Since she was going to be there for a long time, Krista asked the nurses if there was a bed available. Fortunately, there was one. A nurse told us that it unusual to have a free bed because they had been so booked that just days ago people were standing up waiting to get outpatient chemotherapy.

We got home just in time to go to a Passover Seder dinner for my boys' Hebrew class. Krista stayed home with Becky because evenings are usually lower-energy times. As we partook of the dinner, Dyan, our boy's Hebrew teacher, explained to us the significance of the Seder dinner as it would have been practiced in the days of Jesus' earth-bound ministry. It is amazing how the components all speak of Jesus and His purpose -- yet the practice is from many centuries before His birth. I think the boys will never forget eating the bitter herbs that remind us of the bitterness of the Israelite's slavery in Egypt, and of the bitterness of our slavery to sin outside of Christ. I thought the breaking of the middle piece of matzo bread, which then gets hidden and later redeemed, was an amazing picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. No wonder He referred to that piece saying "this is my body" (Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22). What a great way to help the kids get a fuller understanding of what Easter is really all about: Jesus, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29b)

When we got back, Krista looked tired but excited. While we were gone, she had done an amazing amount of activity: walking, heating up dinner, and bathing -- and all of this she did by herself... at night! That is really some amazing progress. She's likely to be sore tomorrow, but we don't have anything scheduled, anyway, so it's a good time for it.

Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
He will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
(Revelation 7:16-17)