I am so sorry to hear about your illness and I have been keeping you in my prayers every day. You have such a strong faith and I hope and pray that you feel in very tangible ways how much you are loved and how God is giving you his healing power. :)

Blessings and Prayers as you continue your journey :)

Ron, I so appreciated your note in the bulletin again this weekend. We are so concerned about you, it is heartening to actually hear from you! Thank you for sharing the story about the man at your door. It was a reminder to me that we never know how who we are and what we do in the world can be such a carrier of goodness and love......and that sometimes it comes back to us! Please know our prayers for healing continue for you and that we continue to gently lift you up in the silence of our hearts.

Tromping through the day in the relentless rain I wracked my brain to come up with something positive to say about today (part of my Lenten "sentence" is to think and say 'good' at least once every day -- at times, harder than you'd think). It seems the weather frequently affects our mood. Why is that?? Shouldn't I be more jubilant for yet another day on Planet Earth?

To put the weather-mood theory to the test, after dropping off the car south of downtown for servicing this morning, I walked to the light rail station, hopping aboard city-bound. Why not pop into a clothing store I like just for a 'look-see'? Yep. "Great idea", Cipolla, my other self remarked. Then, naturally, I found a couple of charming pieces that begged to come home with me. How could I say 'no'?! Laden a bit heavier for the visit, I parked myself at Dilettante's Mocha Café, pretending I was the idle rich who could linger wherever and as long as they want. Treating myself to a yummy latte and breakfast panini, I polished off every tidbit including one of my toted-along homemade biscotti. (Sorry you weren't there, Carol Yund! But I digress......) whilst reading my Spanish homework and writing a thank-you card (do people still do that?) for a couple of hours, before dusting the crumbs from my pants, heading back out the door.

Collecting my car to return home, the rain persisted with needled insistence , mimicking that nagging , tapping feeling monitoring my mood gauge. Yep, despite a full tummy, repaired car, and brand spanking new clothes, windshield wipers couldn't dispatch away that disconsolate mood.

So now, after sitting a while to consider my options (still, furtively and often, glancing outside to determine if the day hadn't yet had a slight, not to mention, complete change of heart), I've come up with a newly hatched plan to trick the spirit lifting. (No, it's not a glass of sherry; although, hmmmm....not such a bad idea....) It involves settling into my cushy settee surrounded by a suitable array of fingertip companions for a heart-to-heart. Summarily, they are introduced as: one joyful cup of piping hot tea, one toasty blanket, several tealight candles in a feng shui grouping, one person in the middle, me, of course, in hand clutching the captivating novel "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles.

Now, if all that sounds like the start of ingredients to a recipe, you'd be right. It would be entitled, "Home Recipe For a Good-Mood Adjustment."

Dear Ron,

I went on St. Anne's website to leave a message for Kathy P. (business-related) and happen to see the notice to "Pray for Ron." Read your message and am shocked and dismayed to hear your health news...know we will be praying for you at Bayview Vespers and I will
myself as well--I so respect and admire your leadership at St. Anne's and as my colleague and friend in ministry in the neighborhood.
I know your faith and your spirit is strong; at the moments when you feel weak or discouraged in any way, know that all of us who care
in the Body of Christ are "carrying" you when you don't have the energy. Prayers for your recovery--and may you discern whatever blessings may come along the way... Hugs and prayers, Jan Anderson, (Bayview RC Chaplain/Spir. Care Dir.)

Hi Ron, I certainly was astonished by the news that you are going through this challenge, and yes, I certainly will pray for your speedy and successful recovery. I think you have an excellent team there at Swedish. Best wishes, Judith R-G

Ron, we are praying for you here at St. Brendan in Bothell.

Rob, I have been thinking of you so much lately. After living in Chicago last year while Jebb finished his last fellowship at Northwestern, we moved to Austin, Tx for his job. We welcomed another baby girl into our family, sweet little Daphne is such an angel and we all adore and delight in her every day! I sent a Christmas card but it was very late and something inside me kept urging me to write you an email and check in but life got busy, as you can imagine with 4 little ones. And yesterday, my dear friend Jessica who still lives in a Seattle emailed me with your news and a link to this site and my heart just sunk. You have truly been a gift from God to me and my whole family as I’m quite sure you have been for so many other people in the St Anne parish! The Holy Spirit shines through your eyes and anyone who has met you would say the same! Jebb, Piper, Tatum, Brody and Daphne and I will be praying for you and thinking about you every day!! Sending you a huge hug!
Kate Baker

Ron,
Craig and I were so saddened to hear the news, but uplifted when Fr. Tony read your letter. We are praying for you and thinking only positive, healing thoughts. I look forward to seeing you back at St. Anne when you beat this disease. God bless you and give you strength.
Hugs,
Mary Ellen, Craig, Grace and Ryan

Hi Ron!
You have really been on my mind the last couple of months. I guess now I know why.
I'm thankful your kids set up the caring bridge. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. My friend had the same thing and has been cancer free for over 10 years now!
Let's do lunch again as soon as you are well.
You have been such a great friend to me!