We have all longed for a sunny day this spring, and today is it! Jonathan and Josiah cleared the garden patch and put in our one tomato plant. James working diligently right beside. Boy, that kid can swing a mean pickaxe. David was able to get the lawn mowed before heading off to a Civil Air Patrol encampment this weekend. My mom is visiting, so she and Sarah have gone shopping. Chicken is on the bar-b-que and potato salad is chilling in the fridge. This is the perfect time to sit down and update the blog.
Three years ago today, Bryan received his official diagnosis of stage IV recurrent colon cancer. Many things have changed since then, and many things have remained the same. I enjoy to see the laughter and smiles on my children's faces as they play together. I continually thank God for their smooth adjustment to life without Dad. Their activities and school form the structure for our days; beginning and ending with scripture reading, memory work and prayer. Our consistency in this area has greatly improved, which is a blessing to our family in so many aspects.
Last post, I mentioned a possible new house. I made several offers on one "perfect for us" property, but God didn't open that door. I know the right one will come in His perfect time and thus we wait. James continues to pray daily for the new house. He has added a few other requests; a new van, our trip and the church camp out.
His prayer for the new van was answered by "Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think." (Eph. 3:20) I searched for months looking for one that would meet our needs within our price range. Finally, I settled on a van in Portland and planned to travel on a Monday morning, by train, to purchase it. The day before, some friends said they wanted to bless me with their 2005 Chevy Express van since they were purchasing a new one. I was speechless. It has been an incredible gift. Not only did they give us their van, but it was personalized for our family. As you can see by the following before and after photos, we have greatly upgraded.
GO BIG RED!!!!
Amid thunder and lightning, rain and hail, Sarah was able to upload the pictures today. I wrote the original post on Saturday. There is still hope we will have another sunny day!
6 comments:
Susan- It is always a blessing and encouragement to hear about the Lord's provision and care for you all. And blessings to the family that gave you their van!
Our Lord is truly is able to do more than we can ever ask or imagine.
As always you are all in our prayers
Praise the Lord! What a wonderful testimony to His providence! Your precious family is in my prayers.
Hi Susan,
God gives and He takes, but I believe that what He has taken from you He has done for your safe keeping. When we are forward in our thinking we can imagine what a wonderful reunion we will have.
As for BIG RED it looks like they may be playing in the big 10 (11) conference.
My best to you and your children.
Art Lutz
Thank you so much for sharing God's great faithfulness and blessing to you! Your story and joy are an encouragement to me!
What a blessing! We love our Chevy Express.
Good to hear about you and the family again.
Hi Susan,
I just heard yesterday that Bryan went home to be with the Lord. My father only recently found out himself after visiting the church's website. It's unfortunate that our families lost touch for awhile - however, my siblings and I have many great memories of growing up in the church. Both of my parents (especially my dad) cherished their friendship with Bryan, and both had a lot of respect for him.
I was so sorry to hear about his passing, but am happy to know he's with God, and happy to read this update about your family!
I'm not sure how recently my parents were in touch with you, or if you knew this, but I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 (at the age of 27). It recurred in December of 2008; it metastasized to my spine and pelvis, so I am now a Stage IV. Right now, though, my health is stable -- in fact, I just learned a few weeks ago that I'm in partial remission (I now just have one spot on my spine, and recent scans showed it appears to be healing).
Cancer is such a complicated experience, but I think it's great that you have blogged about yours. I'm trying to get back into that habit myself (I have a Caring Bridge page; I will link to it below).
I haven't yet finished reading the entries in your blog but am going to do so as soon as I finish this comment.
Thank you for sharing your journey -- my best to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Tamara (Tillinghast) Haskett
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