Looking Back at the Tall Weeds

"Looking Back at the Tall Weeds"
Friday, April 12, 2012
From Bob

We hope you had a great Easter. Emily's family was unable to come and so they were missed. It is hard to believe how quickly the grandchildren are growing up. Because of their order of birth, we have three groups of grandchildren: the "Big Boys,"Andrew (6) and Austin (5); the "Girls," Megan and Avery, both 2; and the "Little Boys," Riley and Anderson, the babies. (It is very misleading to refer to Riley as a "little boy.")

Megan (2), Riley (1), Andrew (6), Avery (2)

Anderson (11 months), Austin (5)

I have decided it is time to write my blog once a month rather than every week. My next blog post will be May 1, 2012 and, God willing, the first of each month thereafter. In the event unexpected events occur, I will blog earlier. If you want to make sure you receive any blog posts, please leave your email address in the block in the upper right corner.

I am humbled by those who have faithfully followed our journey for the past 2 1/2 years. There is no doubt in my mind that the prayers of so many people have sustained us. Thank you!

Many factors have led me to the conclusion that now is the time to do this. While I will miss writing weekly, the reasons for my decision are based on good developments. Moffitt Cancer Center recommended that bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients keep family and friends informed through a blog. We were admitted on February 23, 2010 and spent 30 days in the BMT unit. I thought I would be declared cured and the blog would be the only thing to die a natural death. In March 2010, I began the draft of my "final blog." It is said that if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. Unfortunately the bone marrow transplant was unsuccessful and the blog continued. Today's blog post is #174. Rather than a quick cure, this "nasty little disease" has been a roller coaster ride with respect to our emotions and treatment. The blog continued to be an effective tool for keeping in touch. It also served as a form of therapy because it provided an opportunity to express my personal thoughts regarding our experiences and I could explain how God was working in our lives.

One of the best reasons for writing less often is that I am doing so much better. While I still have some problems, particularly orthostatic hypotension, there are only so many words to describe passing out. I believe I have exhausted all of those words.

I have not been hospitalized in almost 8 months. What an answer to prayer!

Another reason for writing only once a month is that there are other things I want to do. For those who read the blog regularly, you know that I really hope to present my testimony to Bible studies and other groups. For months, I did not think that would be possible. But God is good ... all the time. I am also "dreaming" about going back to work part time. (Dialysis, which I will need to have for the rest of my life, necessitates that anything I do must be part time.) I am studying my Bible more vigorously lately. While these may not sound like very significant goals, for a guy use to sleeping at least 15 hours a day for 2+ years, this Rip Van Winkle is exhausted just thinking about that much activity.

I am excited. I don't know what the future holds but God has led me in the past and I know He holds the future. It definitely feels like we have made it through the "tall weeds."

Dear God: Thank you for the blessings in my life. May I be faithful to you. Thank you for the friends who have prayed for us and supported us in so many ways.

Until May 1st. God willing.
Bob