Cancer in 2 people I love-update

[possumtrot]

Doc,
 Pray that the Holy Spirit would precede in softening this man's heart and that you would be an instrument that the the Lord will use to bring the good news to him. Also thinking of Colossians 4:3... "praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; (4) in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak." It is good thing to be in prayer about how to approach people with the gospel. Paul did it and so should we. Otherwise, our outreach becomes "mechanical" and lacks the love that we should have for the lost and hurting... John

[BenBow]

AMEN

[Doc Nock]

Thanks, folks.  

I find that it is always more important to put the person's needs ahead of my own need to share--I have to watch I don't think I HAVE to be the one to make a difference.

I've known these folks for 22 years or more... have a key to their home...always have. They are ..well, ... family.

When I got there, Friday afternoon, I grabbed the li'l onery guy and gave him my traditional big ole hug...He used to balk...but gave up... and learned to relish them.  This time, though, he is using a walker and he didn't get up... I still leaned over and gave him my ole hug...and this time... he had tears in his eyes... and then the mask came back

He was pretty quiet all weekend... I worked on their wrought iron railing all weekend... it was in bad shape...Jack never once offered a suggestion or "critiqued" my work. That is also a first in 22 years!    Jack always had ....'guidance'  

We did get to talk some... In small sound bites. That is his way.  He feels he beat this cancer for 10 good years and there is nothing he can do about it... so why let it get him down. I talked about how God loves us, even when we're a bit onery like he and I and he smiled.  I told him if he had questions, I'm always there...and it's tween him and I.

I prayed for him and Louise at meals...and I almost lost it...  :(   It was an emotional time.

But it was precious.  Much was shared in quiet emotions and a few stories were retold from years gone by.  The job I undertook was grueling for an old guy like me...  But even though I had to stay an extra day..it's done.

I'll get back up in August after they take a short trip to his grandaughter's wedding.  

I kept hearing this "voice" tell me to open the door and then get my fat butt and ego outa the way and let jesus take it from there.

A buddy bought some arrows that are too short now and that paid for my gas $$.  

thanks for the prayers for jack...and for me.

His bride of 62 years is going to be the one needing a lot of prayer as she will bear the brunt of it. She's nursed 7 neighbors in their small town through cancer...people who all raised their kids together and she was their care giver through to the end..now it will be her own  husband.

Lord in your Mercy, hear our prayers...

Thanks folks...

[BenBow]

Doc prayers sent for them and you

[2dogs]

Prayers sent Doc!!!

[Doc Nock]

Thanks, folks. This one can't end well, but it will be God's will and His time.

Jack was recently back in the hospital with a swollen foot...turned out to be an infection. I guess with cancer in the lymph nodes, that will be how it goes...low immune ability and lots of infections.

He's missing his grandaughter's wedding. The son and his wife left today and Jack and his bride of 62 years stayed home.

I just got back so I have to call to see if he's home from the hospital yet.

No new news on my Uncle. they're just waiting till he's uncomfortable to do anything. His lung tumor is inoperable.

[Eastern fisher]

I am praying Doc. We found out last week that my mother has lung cancer.  I know how you and the rest of us who know people who are suffering from this damned hateful disease feel.

[TexMex]

Prayers sent

God Bless

[Mrs Stickman]

The challeges God lays before us in life are usually more difficult than we would ever want to bear.  But he does it, as he turns all things, for our good.  

I am blessed by your retelling of the beautiful, loving relationship that your "family" has had with you for these many years.  

The Father so richly loves you that he has placed these loving caring people in your life for the long haul.  Blessing you daily with a place in their family and they in yours.  

At this time in Jack's fight, he might be getting tired, his will to fight on through years more of chemo and radiation, may not be as strong as it once was.  But his love for one who is not his own, that is God given love.  

I will continue to pray Jack comes to the full knowledge and acceptance of the Lord before the end.  I will also pray for his wife and her continued strength and perseverance.

God bless them and you.

[Doc Nock]

Mellisa,

That is some of the most beautiful sentiments imaginable. Jack is an onergy, crusty ole sort and to see him well up w/ tears at being there, about tore me apart...but in a good way.

Love..well, it bears and carries pain the deeper it is known. Even Christ cried for his friend.

I'd shared he didn't say one word for 3 days of my working on hands and knees...later, on the phone I got to ask "why?"

I about split a gut...he told me Louise told him to keep his mouth shut and not criticize anything I was doing! We both howled... I told him that just won't do cause I thought he was depressed.

Last I checked, he was getting around. Foot infection diminshed enough to walk a bit... so he's very aware of the end...but is carrying good spirits.  

Thanks, for all prayers for Jack and Uncle Bob to know peace, strength and come closer to Christ with each passing day.

[TexMex]

My prayers continue

God Bless