Hard To Explain

This Thursday will be seven weeks out from John's surgery. He is doing pretty well but continues to have real issues with his shoulder on the side where the two ribs were removed. He also has diminished muscle strength in his upper back - probably from them cutting through so much muscle - and it is difficult for him to sit up in a regular chair for an extended period without pain. Hence, he loves his recliner and we are thankful to have it!

Progress is slow but he does not have to use pain meds much - maybe at night so he can sleep. We have been able to take a few short car trips on errands and that has been nice. He would like to make it to the Wednesday of Worship (WOW) Service at our church this week for a short period. Chemo is again this Thursday, the 31st. That will be two down, four (and hopefully that is all) to go!

We have kind of been in a strange time the last week. Chemo can make John a little emotional and when he is, I am big time emotional. Somehow, the feeling of relief we expected to have while on the run to home plate hasn't materialized. John says we lost our stride but we'll get it back. For me, the lack of time for prayer and Bible study has taken a real toll. I have felt lost, sick and exhausted. Fortunately, I'm improving and will get my game on. As usual, John bounces back quickly with grace and gratitude (and I love him so much for that and so much more).

I think the thing that kind of started the ball rolling in our slide was receiving a very difficult phone call from an old family friend of John's parents. John's folks had just seen this man and his wife at a military reunion and after they arrived at our house, he phoned to say he had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer, was refusing treatment and they were giving him a few weeks. We received another phone call from this gentleman after John's folks had left us, and it subsequently turned into one of those "good-bye" calls. The essence of it just kind of rocked our little world and many emotions spilled over. Our prayers go out for Jack and his family.

God continues to bless us with residual income for John, even though he is unable to work, and other support. We have so much to be thankful for.

May the spirit of the Lord wash over you like refreshing rain. Amen.

Pam