Walking with Jesus

“Jesus went with them…” - Luke 24:15

Walking is a lost art, but its been said that there are wonderful fellowships with a walking companion. I have been blessed with my companion - Gloria. My Bride has been on a fellowship not only with me, but with our Lord. Jesus walked with many a willing person on the road. He still walks with willing people on the road, those who see his presence. Scott, the South Pole explorer, with his team of devout men, trudged in peril through the snow and ice - apparently alone. When they finally rested out of harms way, each reported that they thought someone was with them. Jesus was with them, though they almost did not see him because they somewhat doubted his presence. What wonders are missed because our eyes are not focused to see!

GG and I really appreciate and love you all for your love, compassion and prayers. This has been a good week for us, comprised of prayer, rest, and reflection - with some special visits from family. My Bride has continued to be dedicated to exercise as much as possible, and I am so thankful to our Lord that she finally broke her fever she has had the past week.

This next stage of treatment is going to be starting soon. We are anxious, and resolute on this challenge. All of us have the faith, strength, and hope that the skill and knowledge of the doctors, medical staff and our good Lord’s blessings will prevail.

We met with the medical staff at the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute at Presbyterian-St. Luke’s (PSL) this past Wednesday. They are professional, skilled, and forthright on what my Bride has to overcome. They gave us an in-depth biology lesson on her leukemia, and the treatment regimen they will induce. They also related that GG is in remission! We truly feel that these doctors are the best at treating GG’s leukemia, and have the recognized expertise and knowledgeable staff to assist us along the way.

So, moving forward, we are on track for the Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant. GG’s younger brother was selected as her donor - thank you Brother! GG will begin the “Restaging” schedule this week; there is going to be a myriad of tests for both GG and her brother. These tests are to ensure that both are physically sound and compatible.

My Bride will be admitted into PSL on Friday, March 2nd. She will begin Chemo later that day then radiation until Thursday the 8th - TRANSPLANT DAY. GG may be in the hospital up to five (5) weeks (we hope not that long). Included is a link for the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute at Presbyterian-St. Luke’s to review this process.

Please keep all your thoughts and prayers coming - and rest assure Gloria is one TOUGH CHICK!!
AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

http://www.bloodcancerinstitute.com/bone-marrow-transplant/planning_for_a_transplant/basics_of_stem_cell_donation.htm

Opportunities

There is the movie scene in the comedy - Bruce Almighty - where Morgan Freeman (Playing the part of God) has a discussion with Bruce’s wife Joan:

God: [posing as a waiter named Al Mighty] I love that story, Noah and the Ark. You know, a lot of people miss the point of that story. They think it’s about God’s wrath and anger. They love it when God gets angry.Joan: What is the story about, then? The ark?God: Well, I think it’s a love story about believing in each other. You know, the animals showed up in pairs. They stood by each other, side by side, just like Noah and his family. Everybody entered the ark side by side.Joan: But my husband says God told him to do it. What do you do with that?God: Sounds like an opportunity. Let me ask you something. If one prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If they pray for courage, does God give them courage, or does he give them opportunities to be courageous? If one prayed for their family to be closer, you think God zaps them with warm, fuzzy feelings? Or does he give them opportunities to love each other? Well, I got to run. A lot of people to serve. Enjoy.

Since my Bride was released from the hospital (and before), the Lord has been giving all of us opportunities to embrace patience, love, and courage. Our family has done just that - embracing everyday! We have never left GG alone, one of us has been with her the entire time tending to her needs and loving her like never before.

There have been many letters, emails, texts, posts and calls from our dear friends, family and collegues - and GG (all of us) has appreciated all of them more than you know - THANK YOU, especially for the continued prayers! My Bride has been doing well, walking the treadmill daily, praying, watching some movies and TV, as well as needle point (her fingers arent very nible - yet … LOL), and reading. It has been nice being home and having her back.

GG recieved an email with the following link of a very moving pep rally at her high school, WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmDpsBnyZ7s&list=UUzvxIwW0llnhmxCkKOzFsKg&index=8&feature=plcp

We have also celebrated our son Joshua’s birthday from afar, my daughter LoLo’s 21st birthday here at home, and soon our daughter Ashley’s birthday! Wow, time flies!

There have been many positives we have gained out of this challenge, although I have to admit, the patience thing is a tough one. GG had her 3rd bone marrow biopsy Monday, and we are anxiously awaiting meeting with the oncologist very soon. As you can expect, its like, well its hard to explain. On the bone marrow transplant side of things however - we are happy and thankful to our good Lord that out of my Bride’s 7 brothers, FOUR (4) are matches!!!

GG is so strong, confident and faithful as always, she continues to leave me with an open jaw. She has the confidence in God like Joshua from the Old Testament. Joshua was entrusted with a great mission, God commanded him to face the perils and opportunities of the present - to go forward and read the bible, meditate daily upon its truth and to “do according to all that is written.”

“Be strong and of good courage, for the Lord God is with thee whereever thou go.” Jesus said, “I am with you always.” GG (all of us) believes that HE is before us, to lead us; HE is at our right hand to protect us; HE is above us to guard us; HE is within us as a companion and comforter. We take comfort with this faith towards what we will face very soon with the biopsy results - GOD Bless!

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM