Love from Washington DC (Wait, WHERE?)
In support of
Jamieson Family Health Journey
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Jamieson Family Health Journey
As I type, we’re in the Washington DC area at the 2026 Disability and the Church Conference with dear friends and colleagues in disability ministry. Not only is this the world’s largest disability ministry conference and an annual favorite event, our Walk Right In Ministries team is speaking, exhibiting and an event sponsor. It is also like a family reunion seeing folks we’ve had the privilege to serve alongside for as long as the event has existed. As I recall, our first Accessibility Summit at McLean Bible Church in Virginia was in the spring of 2011. I’ll spare you stories of my great affection for this community and the disability movement, and simply say I am extremely thankful that we get to be here right now.
The few weeks since I last wrote have been so busy logistically and internally. As it turns out, the anticipation of this major surgery and its complexities has weighed on me more than I expected. I am very grateful for the opportunity to get prepared and do some things that were important, but having so much time to think about what’s coming has given fear and worry a chance to fester. Digging deep during my daily priority times with God is helping to keep me grounded during the day and sleeping okay most nights.
The few weeks since I last wrote have been so busy logistically and internally. As it turns out, the anticipation of this major surgery and its complexities has weighed on me more than I expected. I am very grateful for the opportunity to get prepared and do some things that were important, but having so much time to think about what’s coming has given fear and worry a chance to fester. Digging deep during my daily priority times with God is helping to keep me grounded during the day and sleeping okay most nights.
As Carly’s situation has groomed us to do — for better and for worse — we are hoping for the best but preparing for the “worst”. In other words, we expect great outcomes but understand the risks which could include a longer recovery. So, just trying to prepare for having critical matters covered.
Honestly, my emotions are up and down — lots of peace yet scared and intimidated in anticipation of losing part of at least one very important organ. I want to be faithful in balancing rest with good nutrition and movement. I just might have to add “take Lisa for a walk” to the volunteer opportunities.
Honestly, my emotions are up and down — lots of peace yet scared and intimidated in anticipation of losing part of at least one very important organ. I want to be faithful in balancing rest with good nutrition and movement. I just might have to add “take Lisa for a walk” to the volunteer opportunities.
Counting Blessings!
- God gave us terrific travel to Colorado for the family wedding and we made great memories.
- We had sweet prayer visit from Carrie and Bryan at Joni and Friends. I also have several friends here at the conference committed to praying for us, some right on the spot as we move through the hallways and breakout rooms. GOLDEN!
- Carly has gained 2 pounds and her hyper-emesis issues are much improved in the past 6 weeks!
- Carly’s annual services assessment and guardianship renewal are complete (though we’re still waiting for the assessment results)
- Lisa’s general health is good and several appointments had great results (e.g., negative mammogram, 2 polyps removed during colonoscopy, vaccines finished in case my surgery needs to include a splenectomy, new contact lenses, old root canal repaired)
- Larry’s recent back pain resolved (pray healing for compressed discs)
- We’ve had a few very productive weekends, and even got some amazing help from family and a couple friends — for example, Larry replaced our water softener and smoke alarm CO2 detectors, Alex helped me fill the freezer with several blended meals for Carly’s upcoming needs, Josh upgraded some light switches, Abby cleaned “winter” out of my peonies and day lilies, Emily brought a meal
- We are close to being fully staffed for Carly care during Lisa’s hospitalization.
- Laughter! The same neighbor who plowed our snow after the March blizzard offered his special new “better than duct tape” product and some chicken wire, in case my surgeon needs it. Says “the tape worked GREAT on my torn pool liner!”
- Grandson Milo, our “little sparkplug” is lighting up our life and turned ONE last week!
Prayer Requests
- General health protection for our family and Carly’s staff — may nothing interfere with my surgery “go time” next Monday
- Peace and strength for me and Larry when fears and worry escalate
- Larry’s return to cardiac rehab after weeks of so many other pressing concerns
- Staffing for a few key shifts with Carly during my hospitalization and recovery weeks
- Wisdom to prioritize home maintenance needs
- ·Speedy and smooth completion of Carly’s annual Consumer Support Plan (CSP) for her waivered services (something that Larry and I have to spend considerable time preparing and filing in mid/late April every year)
- Surgeon Dr. Sparkman’s wisdom, focus, energy
Thank you! We are feeling very supported—meals in the freezer, help with yard cleanup, and progress on a few long-postponed projects. I’m recognizing what a gift RELIEF is (like when I drive back in the driveway and see my grandma and mother-in-law’s peonies springing from the dirt or when I open the freezer and see meals ready for Carly).
Alex tells me she made a small update to the meal sign-ups to split out Carly’s meals, since those are more complex. Our hope is that this makes things clearer and easier for anyone who would like to help. Please feel free to sign up just for a meal for Lisa & Larry and skip Carly’s portion entirely—that is more than enough. If you’ve considered signing up for a meal, this is still one of the most meaningful ways to support us in the weeks ahead.
Have I mentioned how amazed we are by our children! What a blessing our family, and extended family, have been — over and over again and for the long haul.
Thank you for continuing to pray for and walk with our family. We feel it every day.
Thank you for continuing to pray for and walk with our family. We feel it every day.
Psalms 63:1-8 NLT
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
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