Dale Sewall is a husband, retired Presbyterian minister, and a father to three adult women. He gives good counsel. He loves and serves the poor. He is a skilled negotiator and well versed theologically. Recently he’s had to undertake a more inconvenient role — that of brain cancer patient.
On April 1st 2011, Dale was officially diagnosed with oligodendroglioma; a cancer – like a mist – in the brain. The prognosis isn’t great. His doctor estimates there is 18-24 months left to live. The Sewall women are praying for a full recovery.
This blog traces the journey taken by all five members of the Sewall family from April 1st onward. Daily posts are the thoughts, reflections, joys, sorrows and miracles experienced in the day-to-day. It is honest. It is meant to inform (and occasionally inspire) the readers and friends that journey with us.
A NOTE ON THE BLOG TITLE: — In a condolence card, a friend described Dale’s condition as “Breathtakingly Suckworthy news.” The words struck us as funny and ridiculously true. A perfect description of this unexpected journey.
THE SEWALL FAMILY (the authors of this blog): Pictured left to right: Katy, Jinny, Dale, Dana, Sara
Dale as himself.
Jinny is Dale’s wife since his early twenties. Jinny is a retired elementary and preschool teacher. She’s also a pastor’s wife, a job that never truly ends. Both Dale and Jinny live on Mercer Island in Washington State.
Dana is Dale’s oldest daughter. Dana is a choir teacher and mother of two: Evan who is 7 and baby Gracie who was just born. She lives in Tacoma, WA and is married to Matthew Zahler.
Sara is Dale’s middle child. She sells real estate in Ennis, Montana, outside of Yellowstone National Park. Sara literally lives where the deer and the antelope play.
Katy is Dale’s youngest. Katy is a Seattle resident in the Ballard neighborhood. She’s also a radio producer for Public Radio.
EMAIL the Sewall family at: thesewallfamily@gmail.com
Hi Dale and Jinny – I wanted to write you this note to let you know how much it has meant to me, to have you in my daughter’s life. Regan is my daughter and we have met many times over the years. As for so many, the news has been difficult for those that love you both as well as for yourselves and family. There are many all over the USA that are praying for you.
I want to thank you both and your family for being an extended family to Regan when she so needed a friend and support group. Your nonjudgemental support and advise helped her through many stressful situations.
It is her church and faith that has kept her grounded and you both are to be commended for the care you have given your “flock” over the years.
Jinny, it was so important to have a group of women that understood and could help so many. Regan talked often of her lady friends and gatherings at the church. I am so blessed that she found a home with all of you.
I instilled the faith of God in Regan as she was growing up in hopes that she would land in the right hands. God took care of the rest as she could not have found a better pastor and church to attend along with adding her family.
We all will continue to support your causes, and keep you forever in our hearts and prayers.
God Bless you and your family for all you have done and continue to do.
Mary (Brotherton) Jensen Cinebar, Washington
Dear Dale and Jinny,
Thank you for your words and sharing your inner journey. All my love, Devon
Your posts are so real, so raw and so important to all of us out here who love you and pray for you everyday. I am humbled by the courage in your writings and each of your experiences during this time that is bewildering to us all. With love, Tess Hardwick
Dale …think about you often. Still hanging in there at Covenant Chruch Cleveland probably a couple of more years. http://www.covenantweb.org …you may not remember bu Carol and I went to the Tides Inn because of your experance there. Keep the faith friend! bert