Dear Faithful Praying Family & Friends,
I’m back from the Blair Clan Reunion in Beech Mountain, NC, which was a wonderful respite from the reality of dealing with health issues.
Today I called Karen, my surgeon’s oncology nurse. She received the test results of the OncoTypeDx, which indicate that I have a 41% risk of a recurrence of cancer. On Monday, I will call and make an appointment to discuss the results with Dr. Mabry, the oncologist. Over the weekend, I will come to grips with the bad news: my cancer was more aggressive than I [or my medical team] previously thought. The good news [for my medical team] is that I now understand why further treament [which I had postponed] is necessary.
On a different note, last month, on 09.23.09, I received this blog comment from Rick & Carole Stewart, our dear friends and [also] Benjamin’s [other] grandparents:
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Your title for this entry reminded me of Hebrews 12:
“1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
2] Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
. . . We look forward to being your partners in grandparenting for many years to come. Hey! When can we walk to Paradise?
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Well, I read that phrase, “When can we walk to Paradise?” and thought to myself, “Boy, you have got that right! This world is not our home and we are but sojourners! [Then I began singing to myself]: ‘Deep river — my home is over Jordan! ‘ and ‘Gonna lay down my burden — down by the riverside!’ “
Then I read Rick’s comment again and realized that he was talking — quite literally — about walking to The Paradise Grill, a restaurant located within walking distance of our home! In the midst of the sober reality of this journey, I am grateful for these moments of levity.
So, I’ll pick up my burdens once again on Monday but, in the meantime, I’m thinking [truthfully] about how Walking to Paradise sounds a lot more pleasant than Running with Perseverance. Pray for me that I would not become weary and lose heart. And thank you, once again, for reading this blog and for encouraging me.
Margot’s Corner 
Precious friend, we are on our knees for the duration of this battle–your very own Aaron and Hur…. Love, Breck and Robbie
Last night I was at Bible study and we were talking about the holiness of God.
Isa 57:15…whose name is holy, who lives in a high and holy place BUT also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.
He was at the beginning, is now, and will be with us in the future and throughout our sorrows and cares. There is no rock like our God and He is there with you through everything! God has the last word!
I pray that your trust will continue to carry you down this path and that you will talk it all over with Him. Give Him your best and your worst because He wants to go through it all with you.
I am here if you can use me.
Meredith
hehe. i LOVE those encouraging words. It helps to visualize life…a race is a good illustration for so many reasons.
and i was laughing out loud about the walking to Paradise. I’ve often thought of that when my brother’s have before said “i’m at paradise” if ONLY! 🙂 Love you & thanks for being an encouragement even in the midst of this all.