“A Christmas Update on Karen”  December 23, 2015

From the time of the diagnosis in February we have sensed that we are not alone on this journey. It is interesting that as we together read the several books that were given to us; we were encouraged to trust God when all our friends would turn away. Several authors mentioned that friends would at first be shocked and troubled by the diagnosis of cancer. However as time would go along their lives would return to “normal” and we probably wouldn’t hear from them again.

We are sorry for the folks who have found this to be true. It must be unimaginably difficult to feel the profound sense of aloneness that apparently comes to some folks.

We have been so blessed in so many ways.

While your lives have gone on as you tend to your responsibilities, you have never turned away from us. Your cards, emails, private messaging, and gifts are vivid reminders that we are not alone on the journey. Many of you remind us, “We are on the journey with you.” Several have written, “Thank you for allowing us to travel on the journey with you.” Another has written and said, “Your transparency has so impacted my life. I am convinced that the Lord wants to be real in my life as well.”

Today your prayers have been answered and Karen has felt well enough to be in her kitchen making Christmas cookies. We worked together, laughed and talked, and baked. People with Stage IV lung cancer typically do not look like Karen looks. They do not feel like she feels and they are not able to do what she is able to do. I am absolutely convinced that this is in answer to your prayers.

The date to circle will be January 5th. Karen will have her next CT scan to determine how the mass is responding to the latest rounds of chemotherapy. I often ask my friends to pray that the chemo will “SMASH THE MASS!” Many respond by telling us that this is exactly how they are praying.

We want to thank you dear friends for your prayers. We can never thank you even for your thoughtfulness and for your willingness to travel with us on this part of our journey. Over the last few days we have heard from dear folks from our ministry in Conklin, Westfield, Marilla, and Binghamton, New York. Many of you have been traveling with us for many, many years. Karen and I love you and so appreciate you. I smile because so many conclude their email by saying, “And be sure to give your dear wife a hug from me.” I like that kind of request! Karen and I so thank you for your prayers and want to wish you and your family a very Blessed Incarnation Day!”