Two weeks of labs, two MRI’s, doctor visits and her birthday have kept Donna busy and tired. Yet in the end your prayers are being answered.  There is a tangible undergirding of our faith, hope and physical stamina when you pray. We had good news on the platelets increasing to the normal range. That means we can resume immunotherapy treatments. Donna is such a warrior. Going through two MRI’s in 10 days takes a toll on her but the news that the tumor(s) are stable, no growth is such welcome news. We continue to make the most of each day the Lord gives us together.

Patio music, new flowers, meals out and family time all fill our days. We had a great time yesterday eating at Poe’s on their patio. It is like an oasis, with palm trees, a fountain and ocean breeze. We enjoyed lingering and people watching knowing this was a time of healing and renewing. Donna said could sit there forever and oh that we could. One day.

The strawberry jar continues to offer fun pictures and notes from our family. I set up a notebook to hold the pictures. Each time we get a new set they are added, and Donna reviews the entire notebook, and we talk about the memories. Even though the tumor has affected some memories together we share what we can. It is hard because Donna was always the one who remembered everything. We always joked about my memory, and it is challenged many times. But no matter, we do the best we can and that is good enough because we are together.

Please pray for upcoming treatments, a referral to the orthopedist for some pains in her legs and God’s daily encouragement through our Bible reading time together. We are learning that worry about tomorrow robs our joy today, so we are careful about what we watch on TV. Spending more time with YouTube music videos and TBN shows. Trying to watch what we allow into our minds. It is amazing how much the Bible talks about this. (Titus 3:5, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 5:26, Colossians 3:2, and Philippians 4:8 to name a few).

The end of Psalm 27 says: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait upon the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. And in Psalm 73 the last verse says, But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.

We are full of gratitude for his goodness that leads to kindness that leads to compassion and compassion breeds compassion. I am just beginning to understand what the means. May the goodness of God bring you joy.