Thanks!

 

Having brain surgery and being held up in a hospital and rehab facility for 5 weeks there is so much I don’t remember (or possibly never knew).  But there is one thing I will never forget – and that is how blessed I and my family have been to have great friends and a great church. I mentioned earlier that I would not be surprised if I was one of the most prayed for individuals on the planet. 

My brain tumor came as a surprise, I’d been battling for answers to symptoms that kept me tired, sluggish, headache prone, and blurry-eyed. Finally, numbness in my right-ankle caused me to change direction in my searching.  A Thursday afternoon trip to the Air Force base hospital led to a CT scan and the discovery of a tumor. An MRI the next morning confirmed it and I was on my way to the University of Cincinnati hospital for treatment. 5 days later I was having it removed (at least most of it).

In the meantime, you all were springing into action. My sister-in-law (thanks Carol) headed over from Eastern Pennsylvania to help take care of the household activities so Karyn could be free to be near me. My church and small groups began to pray and a schedule to provide my family meals was set up and filled up quickly. For over a month my family did not lack in meals or gift cards, nor did I lack in cards of encouragement.  Your response was overwhelming.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

When people face trials in their lives they usually respond to God in one of two ways.  They get angry with God and believe God is punishing them or just picking on them – or they draw closer to God believing God is working in their lives and preparing them for something better.  I have chosen to do the latter and it is the support that that I’ve mentioned above that has helped maintain that decision.

I still don’t know all of Gods purposes in this, but I have learned to trust in Him more and rely on His provision to sustain me through it. You all have been a big part of His provision and for that I am profoundly grateful.

Update: Next Friday I undergo minor surgery to have a feeding tube placed in my stomach (peg tube). This will replace the ng tube in my nose and hopefully make feeding time easier – and alleviate the annoyance of a tube in my face and down my throat. I still long for the day when I can eat normally.  But this week I have been able to eat a little bit of yogurt and applesauce - so progress is happening!   Praise God I can be back at my work, walk every day, go to church, enjoy time with my family, and write.