As Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close, I feel thankful.
Thankful that Dale is feeling so well. He can do everything he used to do before the weakness in his hand led us to discover his brain cell cancer: type, write, trim trees, drive, wash dishes, walk, bike, use utensils, button buttons, rake leaves, and on and on. He can do anything!
Thankful that the two of us enjoyed a 6,414 miles drive across the country through 16 states to end up in PA to celebrate his mom Aileen’s 90th birthday with 35+ extended family members. Along the way we visited middle daughter Sara in Ennis, MT, friends in Brainerd, MN where Dale pastored First Presbyterian Church from 1981-1987, friends Roger and Trisha in Minneapolis, MN, nephew Jesse and family in St. Paul, MN, my sister Lynne and brother-in-law Jim in Middleton, WI, friends in Grand Rapids, MI where Dale was associate pastor from 1975-1981, and my brother Jeff and sister-in-law Fran in snowy Cheyenne, WY. We drove a 50-mile-long scenic drive through rural, historic southeast Ohio. It took us “up hill and down dale” through beautiful fall colors and forest vistas. We did wonder where people who lived there bought their groceries or sought medical help. But what a lovely place! We got off the interstate at Galesburg, IL in search of an afternoon milkshake treat. We discovered the 1878 birthplace of Carl Sandberg, a tiny three-room cottage on the edge of the prairie across the railroad tracks. Though closed to tourists, we were able to walk in the yard, reading etched “remembrance garden” flagstones taken from his writings. Two struck our hearts with special meaning about visionary Dale: “Nothing happens unless first a dream.” And “There are dreams stronger than death.” In NE, we traveled into the Sand Hills for several miles. What vast vistas are in the west! We never tired of looking off into the distance! We followed the Oregon Trail for much of the way home through western WY, across lower ID and northeast Oregon. Those were brave, courageous folks who took a chance on making a new life in a new place. Traveling in October was a joy. Dale and I enjoyed fall colors everywhere and were surprised that we hadn’t missed the colors here on our return. Now we’re busy raking them up!!
Thankful for small things: a late blooming garden rose, a flock of chirping bushtits massed on our suet cake outside the kitchen window, fresh eggs delivered to our doorstep courtesy of the neighbors’ hens, our hummingbird couple darting in and out of the Japanese maple to reach the feeder, a pair of geese honking high above as we raked the yard, the crisp smell of pillowcases dried on the line in the fall sunshine, a view of snowy mountains in the distance while we walked, a turkey roasted to perfection for twelve of us gathered for the holiday.
Thankful to learn the latest MRI report shows Dale’s cancer 60% smaller than last May. Dale is having a very positive reaction to his chemo drug Temodar.
Thankful to Dr. Chamberlain, oncology nurse Candace, and other care providers at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for their expertise, professionalism, good humor, encouragement, and honesty.
Thankful that so many people faithfully pray for us and that they continue to pray, even though our situation does not seem as dire as last spring. These continued, steadfast prayers buoy us up, encourage us, keep our hopes alive. They sustain us. They bring healing.
Thankful to God for the gift of life and for partnering with us in the living of it.
I can’t imagine a more beautiful life here on earth than the one you two are living right now! And the icing on the cake is the 60% reduction of the tumor! I’m so thankful to be a small part of this journey that you two deserve!
Love, Kathy
We are thankful for the opportunity to see you when you visited Brainerd! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, so openly and honestly. We love and miss you, and are happy that you were able to see the country as never before.
Much love and many prayers!
So reassuring to know that Psalm 23 talks about walking through the valley.
It has an entrance and an exit. Hoping you are nearing the exit ramp. Love to you both and thank you for your lovely note. After our marvelous evening, we’re missing you all over again.
love,
bob and rachel
I love the last line: Thankful to God for the gift of life and for partnering with us in the living of it. I am so thankful for that as well. And right now – overjoyed to hear that Dale is responding so well to the chemo treatment! PRAISE the LORD!
much love, Susan and Brook
Jesus is all about resurrection – His and ours. And as you said, He partners with us in living our lives. I am grateful for your posts, and this blog where your family pours out its musings. The news about Dale’s hand is simply wonderful. Go Dale! Continued prayers for all of you.
Love, Sue
What great news! We will continue to pray for a complete healing form the cancer. We so enjoyed seeing you both in Brainerd,although way to short to catch up on the last 12 years.
Your trip cross country sounded both meaningful and adventurous. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Love to you both, Tom and Julie
Sounds like an amazing trip! So happy for the reduction of the tumor, that is such wonderful news! I think about you all so much!