We're keeping our head above water... and having a pool party!

As most of you know a couple of weeks ago our family received sad news. Dad went into the emergency room because he was unable to swallow. Within 24 hours he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Cancer of the esophagus has metastasized to areas throughout his abdomen, and his condition is terminal. It has been quite a blow, one we are still dealing with day to day. Dad is doing good and actually is feeling pretty good. He has a feeding tube now, and is enjoying having more energy now that we are getting some food into him. Still trying to figure our how to stuff that steak into that little tube... but we'll figure it out! Haha! We have yet to meet with the oncologist... but there are several different treatments we are looking into. But I wanted to share this because of the good that has come from our situation.

Every day our family feels Jehovah lovingly grasping hold of our right hand and carrying us through this. While Dad has his times when he is down, he has a great attitude and tremendous courage. He says that at the front of his mind is to use every ounce of strength for Jehovah. His goal is not to let his health issues consume him to the point that every day is focused on that instead of his theocratic service. He doesn’t want to waste the time he has left, but wants to give it to Jehovah. This isn’t surprising to me, just fits the pattern of his life. He has enjoyed many fine privileges over the years… convention speaker, Hospital Liaison Committee, Regional Building Committee, and Bethel service to name a few. One of my favorite things he always says, “There are no ‘titles’ in Jehovah’s organization… only job descriptions. When you receive a new job description it only means more work and serving more people.” He has many skills, but his greatest quality is humility.

We have had many opportunities to witness to the hospital staff. One young intern had a lot of questions concerning the issue of blood transfusions. He wanted to know our scriptural reason for our stand. Dad was able to clear up a lot of confusion. After several different discussions, he said that our stand made sense to him. He developed a good rapport with my dad, and said that he was his favorite patient to visit, that Dad always cheered him up. He gave us his address so we could send him the video prepared especially for doctors concerning the blood issue, as well as more information about our beliefs.

Another experience was with one of Dad’s regular nurses. When she knew we were going home she came in to say goodbye. She said, “I just can’t believe how you all have handled this news. I have never seen a family deal with this with so much calm, love and patience. There is so much love in your family and you get along so well. Sometimes I see you all just give each other ‘a look’ and you know exactly what the other means. It seems like most families that are here just fight with each other the whole time. And your support group (the friends from the congregation) is amazing. So many people go through this virtually alone. But your church really takes care you!” Dad was able give Jehovah the credit and to share several scriptures with her including the fact that in the last days love is what would identify true Christians.

I have to share just one more experience. While Dad was still at the hospital were all at a pretty low point... Dad especially. So Mom said, "Maybe now would be a good time to talk to Jehovah?". So Dad said a heartfelt prayer and begged Jehovah to give us the strength to get through this... to keep a good attitude. He pleaded with Jehovah that whatever he could do to help us we would be so thankful for. Not five minutes later there, peeking through the door's window were a bunch of smiling faces! The whole Wilson family and Lindsey Myers... with cake! They had originally planned on bringing us dinner when we thought we were going home that night. When those plans changed, those dear people thought, "Why not? Let's take dessert to the hospital!" Their company and laughter was just what we needed. We are convinced that Jehovah moved their heart to be there that night. After their visit, we felt so well cared for by Jehovah, and were ready to face another day!

There have been so many more experiences, ones I know you all will enjoy, especially of the loving care from the congregation. I will share these with you soon! We are all in good spirits, just taking one day at a time... and cherishing one day at a time. Our home is a haven of peace and laughter as it always has been. No Gloomy Gusses here! I thank all of you, who knew of our situation already, for your kind words and prayers. Those prayers have power! Every day I pray for a calm heart and joy. Joy, I know, is not dependent on our circumstances, but is a gift from Jehovah, a fruitage of his spirit. And every day that is what I receive. I have never felt Jehovah’s loving care so personally, and am amazed at the calm and peace I feel. I know it’s only due to Jehovah’s strength. So, thank you Jehovah, my God and Friend.