Ode to My Savior

My daddy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in late October of 2008. He started his first chemotherapy treatment on my birthday, Nov. 11th, 2008. He went in for three different days, each day receiving different things. His treatment was called R-CHOP. R-Rituximab , C-Cyclophosphamide, H-Hydoxydaunorubicin, O-Oncovin (now called Vincristine), P-Predinosolone (steroid). Now those all sound fancy and all well, but the effects it had on my dad were absolutely amazing; both good and bad.

I consider my dad to be a super hero, nothing could hurt my dad and my dad could overcome anything. Growing up my dad was invincible! He was my hero, my knight in shining armour, no bullets could penetrate his shield. He was my papi.

The first week of his treatment was a week of waiting and of guessing; guessing to see what all of these chemicals are going to do to my dad and how it was going to make him feel. That weekend of his treatment my parents came to Houston to watch my old high school's football team play in the HS playoffs. I didn't know what to expect when I saw my dad. This image of a hairless gimpy person just popped into my head and I held back a huge emotion and tears when I saw him at my front door. I gave him a big hug and kiss and told him I loved him. He just smiled at me, but I could see it in his eyes he was tired. That's the only word I can describe him as being; tired.

We went off to watch Cedar Park lose and began heading back to Jon and I's apartment. I did not know what to expect. My dad quickly looked extremely fatigued and was already feeling the effects of his treatment. Any food he ate tasted like metallic, his body just felt like it had been beaten hundreds of times, his face looked drain of any life. I will never forget what my dad looked like that weekend.


Sunday before leaving to head back to Austin my dad wanted me to help him shave his head, he didn't want to go through losing his hair on his own. So, that's what we did!

March 25, 2009- My dad had his check up after being done with his first 6 rounds of chemo. The doctor gave him and my mom the best news: He is in Remission!!

So this is an Ode to My Savior, for watching over my daddy and being with him during those moments where no one else could be. I believe that he cured my dad, he provided strength for my mother, and filled my family with hope and love for one another. This experience has only affirmed my faith in him.

There are lyrics from a song I feel describe what my Lord has done for my daddy:



Mighty To Save

By: Hillsong

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior, he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as you find me
With all my fears and failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
And now I surrender