I hope and pray everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have so much for which to be thankful!
We had Bryan's mom, Lucie, and his brother, Jeff, over for dinner. The girls and Daniel spent most of the day preparing a delicious meal. Daniel made the most outstanding gluten free, dairy free apple pie. This young man will be a chef, yet, maybe even a gluten free chef!
My thoughts were filled of Thanksgivings past...
The year Bryan and I both had fevers and the kids were sick, too. We still cooked that turkey and all the trimmings. When it was time to eat, we sat at the table and looked at the food said we were thankful and went to bed. Lots of leftovers that year!
Our annual tradition was to spend Thursday with my parents in Portland and then Friday with Bryan's parents watching the Cornhusker game. When my parents traveled to California to see my brother and his family, we usually celebrated Thanksgiving with military families in church. They often were far from "home." Good memories with great friends!
...and Thanksgivings future...
We really don't know the future and I am thankful we don't have a crystal ball to discover it. If I had, I most likely would have run away from the most sanctifying experiences of my life. God is good--all the time--and though there is sadness and heartache He bottles those tears (Psalm 56:8). He knows each tear and accounts for each tear. Bryan used to tell me, "It is okay to cry, it is your strength." He was so right! "This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. (Psalm 56:9b-11a)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
At Last....
I intend to keep up with the blog and apologize to those who have been looking for posts and not able to find them. We have been having computer troubles and are not able to access the internet for some unknown reason. My neighbors have offered the use of their computer to me this evening for which I am very thankful!
The services for Bryan were very God honoring and Bryan honoring, too. As someone said to me, Bryan would have enjoyed them. I was overwhelmed at the attendance and thankful for each one of you who took time out of your Saturday to attend. Regretfully, I was unable to speak to everyone there and have been pleased with the number of pictures people took which allowed me to see those in attendance with whom I did not get to speak. The service and photo montage were recorded and will be made into a DVD.
We continue to be blessed by the love and support of family and friends. The church ladies have been bringing dinners to us this week. We have received numerous offers of help in anything necessary. The cards and letters are so encouraging and supportive, too. I know we are not alone. God has provided well for us and will continue to do so. He has kept me strong throughout the past two weeks.
Tuesday, I returned some blankets to the Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center. The emotions took me by surprise as I walked up the front steps. My mind was flooded with memories of Bryan struggling to get up the stairs and then in recent days riding in the wheelchair. The nurses greeted me with hugs and to my surprise, the program from the service was posted in the nurses station. Dr. Chen had attended the service and brought it back to share with the others. I was able to personally thank each one for the care they gave to Bryan.
The children are doing well. Sweet James keeps telling us "Daddy died. Jesus." I am amazed at the comprehension he has for such deep theology. Each one is caring for me in their own way. I have a bed partner each night with my three youngest taking turns.
Tomorrow is Bryan's birthday. I don't yet know how we plan to celebrate. We had originally planned to have a beverage smorgasbord so he could participate in his birthday celebration. Now, he is feasting in heaven, no more drains and tubes, no more hiccups, no more fatigue, only the pleasures of worshipping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords forever more!
Hopefully, we will have our computer problem solved soon and I will be more faithful in posting here on the blog. Sharing our new journey....Susan for the Pollock clan
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A LOCATION!!!
Praise God! Through the diligent efforts of many a location for Saturday's services has been found!
We will gather at 11:00am at Life Center Church, 1717 S. Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405.
For driving directions:
http://www.life-center.org/WeeklyServices/DrivingDirections/tabid/216/Default.aspx
We will gather at 11:00am at Life Center Church, 1717 S. Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405.
For driving directions:
http://www.life-center.org/WeeklyServices/DrivingDirections/tabid/216/Default.aspx
Thank You
Louise would like everyone to know we have all the cookies we need. Thank you to all who have volunteered to provide this dessert.
Obituary
Bryan R. Pollock went home to be with the Lord Monday, November 9, 2009 following a long, courageous battle with cancer.
He was born November 21, 1951 in Albuquerque, NM, the second son of Ralph B. Pollock and Lucie L. (Nunns) Pollock. At an early age, his family moved to the Northwest where he attended schools in Washington and Oregon. He graduated from Sunset High School, Beaverton, in 1970. While a student at Portland State University, he came to the Lord through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. Following graduation in 1974, he worked a short time for General Foods then joined Campus Crusade as a journalist for Worldwide Challenge magazine. This work gave him opportunities to minister in California and Mexico. While in Mexico, the Lord called him to full time pulpit ministry. He left Crusade to attend Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. It was during this time he met Susan Lyn Phillips, whom he married May 16, 1987. Their first year together was spent in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada as an intern at Circle Drive Alliance Church. Upon completion of the internship they returned to the U.S. where he began his first pastorate at Bethesda Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA. In 1999, he left Bethesda to plant a new work, Pilgrim Bible Church, where he remained as pastor until his death. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and children: Sarah, Jonathan, David, Josiah, Esther, Daniel, Hannah, Grace and James, all of Tacoma; as well as his mother, Lucie and brother, Jeffrey of Sumner,WA; and father and mother- in-law Gerald and Joleen Phillips of Beaverton, OR and brother and sister-in-law, Jeffrey and Irma Phillips of Mission Viejo, CA and their children Brandon and Alexa; and many cousins, aunts and uncles.
A devoted father, Bryan, was committed to all aspects of his children’s lives especially their home education, which led him to serve on the board of Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington. But, most importantly, he shared his faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Bryan’s life will continue to stand as a powerful testimony to all who knew him. Stalwart faithfulness, holy affection for God, passion for the truth of God’s Word, loving father, husband, & pastor—these are just a few of the qualities that shone from his life.
A memorial service will be at 11:00AM, on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Life Center, 1717 S. Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405. A fund has been established for the ongoing support of his family. Checks made out to Pilgrim Bible Church can be sent to 14207 81st Ave. E., Puyallup, WA 98373 designated for the Bryan Pollock Memorial Fund. For more information, please go to www.bryanpollock.blogspot.com.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 253-584-0252 Please sign the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
He was born November 21, 1951 in Albuquerque, NM, the second son of Ralph B. Pollock and Lucie L. (Nunns) Pollock. At an early age, his family moved to the Northwest where he attended schools in Washington and Oregon. He graduated from Sunset High School, Beaverton, in 1970. While a student at Portland State University, he came to the Lord through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. Following graduation in 1974, he worked a short time for General Foods then joined Campus Crusade as a journalist for Worldwide Challenge magazine. This work gave him opportunities to minister in California and Mexico. While in Mexico, the Lord called him to full time pulpit ministry. He left Crusade to attend Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. It was during this time he met Susan Lyn Phillips, whom he married May 16, 1987. Their first year together was spent in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada as an intern at Circle Drive Alliance Church. Upon completion of the internship they returned to the U.S. where he began his first pastorate at Bethesda Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA. In 1999, he left Bethesda to plant a new work, Pilgrim Bible Church, where he remained as pastor until his death. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and children: Sarah, Jonathan, David, Josiah, Esther, Daniel, Hannah, Grace and James, all of Tacoma; as well as his mother, Lucie and brother, Jeffrey of Sumner,WA; and father and mother- in-law Gerald and Joleen Phillips of Beaverton, OR and brother and sister-in-law, Jeffrey and Irma Phillips of Mission Viejo, CA and their children Brandon and Alexa; and many cousins, aunts and uncles.
A devoted father, Bryan, was committed to all aspects of his children’s lives especially their home education, which led him to serve on the board of Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington. But, most importantly, he shared his faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Bryan’s life will continue to stand as a powerful testimony to all who knew him. Stalwart faithfulness, holy affection for God, passion for the truth of God’s Word, loving father, husband, & pastor—these are just a few of the qualities that shone from his life.
A memorial service will be at 11:00AM, on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Life Center, 1717 S. Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405. A fund has been established for the ongoing support of his family. Checks made out to Pilgrim Bible Church can be sent to 14207 81st Ave. E., Puyallup, WA 98373 designated for the Bryan Pollock Memorial Fund. For more information, please go to www.bryanpollock.blogspot.com.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 253-584-0252 Please sign the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Service Opportunity
Many of you have offered help. We have an opportunity presented. We need 125 dozen cookies/cookie bars to serve as dessert at the memorial service. The main food will be catered by John and Leslie O'Brien, we just need people to bring dessert. If you can help, please contact Louise Emery by phone or e-mail. Thank you so much!
Louise Emery
253-238-8621
alwayssandl@comcast.net
Brenda Ng, for the Pollocks
Louise Emery
253-238-8621
alwayssandl@comcast.net
Brenda Ng, for the Pollocks
Monday, November 9, 2009
He is Home!
My dad passed away tonight at 10pm. It was a peaceful passing as he merely fell asleep and awoke in Heaven. Though our separation is painful, we know that God causes all things to work together for good, and we rest tonight in His goodness."For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2nd Cor. 5:1)
We will post the time and place of the services as soon as they are established.
Rejoicing in the mercy of God!
Jonathan
We will post the time and place of the services as soon as they are established.
Rejoicing in the mercy of God!
Jonathan
Near Home
Bryan's condition has deteriorated significantly during the night, and it appears that he doesn't have much longer to live.
He's surrounded by his family and is as comfortable as he's able to be.
Please pray for a peaceful homegoing, and for encouragement for the Pollock family.
John Douglass, for the Pollocks
He's surrounded by his family and is as comfortable as he's able to be.
Please pray for a peaceful homegoing, and for encouragement for the Pollock family.
John Douglass, for the Pollocks
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday
Bryan is currently running a fever with chills. I spoke with Dr. Chen and he assumes it is an infection of the biliary drain which is no longer draining due to the blood clot. He has ordered IV antibiotics which will be delivered here tonight so we can administer them at home. I have not left his side all day; making sure I am there when he opens his eyes.
It is difficult for me to make these decisions alone. We have always prayed together and discussed pros and cons when making difficult decisions; I guess this is the beginning to my next chapter in life. Jonathan has prayed with me. He is such a strong support. I thank God for each of the children and the various needs God has prepared them to meet at this time. Even James has a smile and kiss for Bryan every time he comes into the room. I love to hear their play and banter as I tend to my husbands needs--this is not possible at the hospital, thus I choose to remain at home.
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
19 O that You would slay the wicked, O God;
Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.
20 For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
It is difficult for me to make these decisions alone. We have always prayed together and discussed pros and cons when making difficult decisions; I guess this is the beginning to my next chapter in life. Jonathan has prayed with me. He is such a strong support. I thank God for each of the children and the various needs God has prepared them to meet at this time. Even James has a smile and kiss for Bryan every time he comes into the room. I love to hear their play and banter as I tend to my husbands needs--this is not possible at the hospital, thus I choose to remain at home.
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
19 O that You would slay the wicked, O God;
Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.
20 For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Latest News- Good and Bad
It's been a long and grueling week!
Sunday- Bryan did not have the strength for church. We were very encouraged by the amount of bile draining in the new tubing, until the blood returned.
Monday- The bleeding continued and obviously his hematocrit and hemoglobin were falling due to his shortness of breath and increasing fatigue. Also, the edema increased rapidly in his abdominal cavity.
Tuesday- Chemo day! The increased fluid in his body makes walking and general balance virtually impossible. As a result, he fell going out the front door when he reached his walker over the threshold beyond his ability to step. Through valiant efforts of my sons, we got him into the wheelchair and into the car. The scales indicated Bryan was carrying 30lbs of fluid! No wonder it was so difficult; with a dry weight of 108lbs, his muscle atrophy cannot support 139lbs. The blood work indicated he was a quart low so Dr. Chen determined he should have a couple units of blood instead of chemo. Arrangements were made to transfuse at Valley Medical, a new hospital for Bryan! He was transported to Valley by ambulance, because he passed out while at the chemo center. It was a long night! Due to the excess fluid, the blood had to be transfused very slowly to prevent congestive heart failure. We arrived home around 3:00am.
Wednesday- We all slept -- except those who remained home Tuesday. The best news of this day, Sarah is now a licensed driver. This will help in many ways. Thank you to all those who helped her achieve this goal.
Thursday- Bryan stayed in bed all day. The fluid continues to increase and with it the weakness and inability to move his own body. Jonathan and I have become quite a team providing the care Bryan needs. I find God's ways unfathomable at times and yet I know "His lovingkindness is everlasting." (Psalm 136)
Friday- whew, we made it to today! You see, the doctors have determined they have done all they can do until his bilirubin level comes down. The bili can come down if the drain works and it can work only if it is not clotted with blood. The blood flows from the tumors in the liver which respond to the chemo that can only be infused with a lower bilirubin level. It is a vicious circle that only the mercy of God can break. Thus, we continue to pray for that miracle knowing that it can come here or on the other side of Glory! Bryan has asked that we don't call hospice, yet. He is still determined to overcome this disease. He is still fighting a very tough battle! We fight alongside--meeting all his needs to the best of our ability.
From Streams in the Desert:
God takes the most eminent and choicest of His servants for the choicest and most eminent afflictions. They who have received most grace from God are able to bear most afflictions from God. Affliction does not hit the saint by chance, but by direction. God does not draw His bow at a venture. Every one of His arrows goes upon a special errand and touches no breast but his against whom it is sent. It is not only the grace, but the glory of a believer when he can stand and take affliction quietly. --Joseph Caryl
Sunday- Bryan did not have the strength for church. We were very encouraged by the amount of bile draining in the new tubing, until the blood returned.
Monday- The bleeding continued and obviously his hematocrit and hemoglobin were falling due to his shortness of breath and increasing fatigue. Also, the edema increased rapidly in his abdominal cavity.
Tuesday- Chemo day! The increased fluid in his body makes walking and general balance virtually impossible. As a result, he fell going out the front door when he reached his walker over the threshold beyond his ability to step. Through valiant efforts of my sons, we got him into the wheelchair and into the car. The scales indicated Bryan was carrying 30lbs of fluid! No wonder it was so difficult; with a dry weight of 108lbs, his muscle atrophy cannot support 139lbs. The blood work indicated he was a quart low so Dr. Chen determined he should have a couple units of blood instead of chemo. Arrangements were made to transfuse at Valley Medical, a new hospital for Bryan! He was transported to Valley by ambulance, because he passed out while at the chemo center. It was a long night! Due to the excess fluid, the blood had to be transfused very slowly to prevent congestive heart failure. We arrived home around 3:00am.
Wednesday- We all slept -- except those who remained home Tuesday. The best news of this day, Sarah is now a licensed driver. This will help in many ways. Thank you to all those who helped her achieve this goal.
Thursday- Bryan stayed in bed all day. The fluid continues to increase and with it the weakness and inability to move his own body. Jonathan and I have become quite a team providing the care Bryan needs. I find God's ways unfathomable at times and yet I know "His lovingkindness is everlasting." (Psalm 136)
Friday- whew, we made it to today! You see, the doctors have determined they have done all they can do until his bilirubin level comes down. The bili can come down if the drain works and it can work only if it is not clotted with blood. The blood flows from the tumors in the liver which respond to the chemo that can only be infused with a lower bilirubin level. It is a vicious circle that only the mercy of God can break. Thus, we continue to pray for that miracle knowing that it can come here or on the other side of Glory! Bryan has asked that we don't call hospice, yet. He is still determined to overcome this disease. He is still fighting a very tough battle! We fight alongside--meeting all his needs to the best of our ability.
From Streams in the Desert:
God takes the most eminent and choicest of His servants for the choicest and most eminent afflictions. They who have received most grace from God are able to bear most afflictions from God. Affliction does not hit the saint by chance, but by direction. God does not draw His bow at a venture. Every one of His arrows goes upon a special errand and touches no breast but his against whom it is sent. It is not only the grace, but the glory of a believer when he can stand and take affliction quietly. --Joseph Caryl
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