Monday, April 21, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
We never thought we might be back to such an automatic response to questions of how we are... But in a way it's a comforting relief to just say, "We're good... And you?"
It's been nearly four weeks since Marsh was released from The OSU James Cancer Hospital, nearly two since he got the miraculous news that his body is cancer free... Praise God!
During that time he has worked to regain his strength and stamina, is walking better, looking great, and spending a great deal of time simply enjoying home and the glorious spring unfolding around us. He does regularly pine for hair, however. And if rubbing his head can be a stimulus for hair growth, the new crop will be luxurious!
Marsh is doing well enough that we actually have three trips planned: at the end of this week we will drive to Chicago to see middle-child Annie at Loyola (and tote home some of her stuff in anticipation of school ending). If possible, we hope to go home by way of Lake Erie to see my sister and brother-in-law.
That's the test-run for next week's adventure when we plan to fly to New Hampshire for Parents' Weekend at (youngest) Sarah's school. Marsh has not seen her (at least when he was in good enough shape to realize and enjoy it) since we took her to Shortridge Academy last August. What a reunion that will be!
While we're speaking of our wonderful children, Andrew (oldest) is on vacation, visiting friends before starting a new job... What a blessing he has been to us during the difficulties of the past many months. We are so proud of him for testing past dreams and dreaming new ones.
The third trip is in a month, when the whole family will converge on Denver to celebrate Marsh's mother's 80th birthday. What a wonderful time that will be!
For now, we're enjoying every day on Kent Road. Marsh recently told me that he had decided put as much as possible on hold and take the month of April off. He plans to emerge in May to face life anew, and perhaps come to understand why a path lies before him -- and which way to go on it.
In the meantime, we have learned of the deteriorating health of three friends with cancer, and the sudden death of another friend's husband... all so very hard to comprehend in light of our merciful renewal. Our hearts ache for them and our tears come often.
For now, we pray. We pray for you in grateful thanksgiving for your ongoing care. We pray for them, and for those they love. We pray for the hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- who will be diagnosed with cancer today. We pray for the thousands -- perhaps tens of thousands -- who are waiting or are fearful through testing and treatments and more. We pray, sometimes with words, but more often with gasps of delight at emerging flowers and sighs of grateful contentment while sitting in the sun, or groans of anxiety about the future or sharing the sadness for others...
We pray the prayer that never fails: Thy Will Be Done.
--c.
The "Doxology" exhilerates through all of our thinking. Thanks to you for keeping us so closely aware of how God is working in your lives and ours. WORD.
We celebrate you and with you and find ourselves again HUMBLED by that which continues to happen.
Have a wonderful "recovery" in every possible way. Our love to your children..each...The proof of your home and family is upon us all.
We love you with a shining head, too, Marsh.
Carol... only God !! But, you know that.
As ever, Aunt Barbara
Posted by: Barbara Pope | April 21, 2008 at 09:52 PM
I second all Aunt Barbara said. You all have been an inspiration to me and I love you.Aunt Peggy.
Posted by: Peggy Wilson | April 25, 2008 at 08:41 AM