Whoops!

[Gary]

Hi Everyone!
This will be my last post for awhile.I went to the doctor today and was given some bad news.I've got renal cell cancer,and it's already trashed my left kidney-so this next week I'll be having surgery to remove kidney,adrenal gland and some lymph nodes.I would cherish your prayers for me and my family.Please pray for God's perfect will to be manifest in all I experience.
For 35 yrs. I've had a secular job as a respiratory therapist,which has given me the priveledge of ministering to the the sick,both healing and dying.
Now the tables are turned and it will be me in the hospital bed.I pray that God will use me in that new ministry--I've been ministered to by many saints from their hospital beds before-and they typify my ideal of courage.
I believe that bravery is a loud thing.It's where a soldier overcomes foes in a battle,or an underdog defeats the sure thing team.It's hoorahs and hoopla.
Courage is a quiet thing.It walks on cat's feet.It's favorite hangout is hospital rooms,or disaster sites,or perhaps web sites such as this.I'll give you a perfect example of courage.
One night a few years back I was treating a 17 yr. old girl who had been in a car wreck.We had weaned her off of life support,and God had brought her out of a coma.Ahead for her was months and years of hard,painful rehabilitation,and coping with some irreversable brain damage.She was near the age of my youngest,so I identified readily with the parents.I tried to minister to them and be supportive-but one night I went in her room and found myself hoping the mother would be asleep-cause I was just "out" of anything to encourage her mother with.
As I worked on the girl I felt the mother's hand on my shoulder.I turned,to see a beaming smiling face looking at me."This is such a blessing",her mother told me.
Puzzled,I asked "How is that?" "Simple",her mother said,"I get to raise her twice."
Choosing to seek and find God's blessings in the midst of disaster is courage.
God grant me that courage.
With your kind permission,I'll let my better half drop you guys a note to let you know how the surgery goes-and soon as I can I'll be back.
Yours in Christ,
Gary

[Theodora]

Thank you for YOUR example of courage here. Yes....please do have your wife keep us updated as you can.

If she/you are interested, there is a very good supportive pamphlet series published by Abbey Press for dealing with cancer---including how it impacts the family. (Many other titles in that series as well---I've liked them very much because they are topic-specific, work with a good psychological understanding and GENTLY move you through consideration of the situation, without "preaching AT" the person. They also close with a good mini-bibiliography for further reading---or, occasionally, also have "hot-line" references for support groups.)

The on-line catalog is at http://www.carenotes.com

Do I understand that you also have children? There's a separate series for both children and youth too.

Grace and peace----

DO keep the faith and take things "one day at a time"---as much as possible. This is all SO scary---and, it probably DOESN'T help since you have more first-hand knowledge of some possibilities ahead for you.

You and yours WILL be in my prayers.

Theodora

--



Hi Everyone!
This will be my last post for awhile.I went to the doctor today and was given some bad news.I've got renal cell cancer,and it's already trashed my left kidney-so this next week I'll be having surgery to remove kidney,adrenal gland and some lymph nodes.I would cherish your prayers for me and my family.Please pray for God's perfect will to be manifest in all I experience.
For 35 yrs. I've had a secular job as a respiratory therapist,which has given me the priveledge of ministering to the the sick,both healing and dying.
Now the tables are turned and it will be me in the hospital bed.I pray that God will use me in that new ministry--I've been ministered to by many saints from their hospital beds before-and they typify my ideal of courage.
I believe that bravery is a loud thing.It's where a soldier overcomes foes in a battle,or an underdog defeats the sure thing team.It's hoorahs and hoopla.
Courage is a quiet thing.It walks on cat's feet.It's favorite hangout is hospital rooms,or disaster sites,or perhaps web sites such as this.I'll give you a perfect example of courage.
One night a few years back I was treating a 17 yr. old girl who had been in a car wreck.We had weaned her off of life support,and God had brought her out of a coma.Ahead for her was months and years of hard,painful rehabilitation,and coping with some irreversable brain damage.She was near the age of my youngest,so I identified readily with the parents.I tried to minister to them and be supportive-but one night I went in her room and found myself hoping the mother would be asleep-cause I was just "out" of anything to encourage her mother with.
As I worked on the girl I felt the mother's hand on my shoulder.I turned,to see a beaming smiling face looking at me."This is such a blessing",her mother told me.
Puzzled,I asked "How is that?" "Simple",her mother said,"I get to raise her twice."
Choosing to seek and find God's blessings in the midst of disaster is courage.
God grant me that courage.
With your kind permission,I'll let my better half drop you guys a note to let you know how the surgery goes-and soon as I can I'll be back.
Yours in Christ,
Gary

[Voyager]

I hope your surgery goes smooth and you have a quick recovery Gary.

:cool:

[Willow]

Gary... wow! I hope you recover quickly and fully! I am also praying for you and your family.

[Janice]

Yes Gary, we certainly WILL BE PRAYING! Having your "better half" keeping us posted is a wonderful idea!

[Katie]

Gary,
I am so sorry about your diagnosis. I will pray for your surgery and recovery.

[magicbear]

gary brother..... I dont know you since im so new but I was very impacted by your post!! Thank you for sharing with us and for being able too show "Christ in you" in the way you ministered too patients at your job and how you are doing so to all of us by your courage now!!! Rest in His hands brother and prayers that the surgery will be like a walki n the park for you!!!

peace-Robert

[Jerry]

Dear Gary,,,,
Sorry guy but I am one guy that isn't letting you opt out like that!!!!Yes this is tough stuff,,,,well we are tough friends,,,,,If you need to cry,,,,we are up to it!!!!If you need cheering up,,,,I have a whole repratware of really stupid jokes :D I can keep you rolling your eyes all through this,,,,,,,but I for one will not let you withdraw because your ill,,,,,,,,,,,,, :D so,,,,,,,,,,,no more of that shit!!!!,,,,,ok?????
Love Jerry

[Satscout]

Now, now, Jerry.... don't expect him to sit up at a computer immediately postop! :)

Will continue to pray in your SURGICAL recovery as well, Gary.

Sharon

[Jerry]

Now, now, Jerry.... don't expect him to sit up at a computer immediately postop! :)

Will continue to pray in your SURGICAL recovery as well, Gary.

Sharon
Dear Sharon,,,
Thanks for toneing me down,,,,my post was too strong,,,,but I wanted Gary to know I care.....Sorry Gary if my post was ,,,,,well you know :o
Love Jerry

[Willow]

((((((Jerry))))))
Sure do love ya bro :)

[Kerrin]

=magicbear]gary brother..... I dont know you since im so new but I was very impacted by your post!! Thank you for sharing with us and for being able too show "Christ in you" in the way you ministered too patients at your job and how you are doing so to all of us by your courage now!!! Rest in His hands brother and prayers that the surgery will be like a walki n the park for you!!!

peace-Robert

:)
What courage you have, your words reflect your heart and that shames me at the anger I felt when faced with a similar scenario.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers and pray your faith and love will shine through to those around you as you continue to minister to them even though you will be bed ridden for a bit.
Love Kerrin