Today marks the fourth year since I began posting this blog series, “You and God.” This is post #416. I have covered a wide range of topics bearing upon Christian living and am gratified that a few hundred readers follow these posts and read them regularly.
It was a little over two years ago that I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of the blood that attacks one’s bone structure. There is no known cause for this disease, nor is there yet any known cure; but with proper treatments, it often goes into remission for a time. It is treated with chemotherapy in pill form, along with monthly injections of some other high-powered and very expensive therapy. Thankfully, through insurance and other available programs, the cost of this medicine is covered. Insurance coverage and generous grants from non-profit foundations have enabled us to keep our heads above water, so to speak, financially, for which we give God all the glory, thanksgiving, and praise.
I want to take a “time out” in this installment of “You and God” to thank all of you who have faithfully prayed for Ellen and myself during this time. And when I mention Ellen, it is by design, for she has been a caregiver “par excellence!” Those of you who have suffered with, or are suffering with, a prolonged illness know full-well that the caregiver is placed under extraordinary stress, with demands that are life-altering on his/her time and attention.
Everyone with MM deals with different symptoms and side effects. It generally leaves one weak, especially in the extremities. I have not had a great deal of pain other than weakness in my legs, along with neuropathy. I do not have much energy, and my balance is pretty shaky. I have been blessed not only with an amazing caregiver here at home but with a team of superb Indianapolis doctors at both the St. Francis cancer center and the Indiana University Hospital, both within 15 minutes of our home. We are blessed with a devoted family; a caring church and pastor; and a cadre of praying friends hither and yon, some of whom assure us that they are praying daily for us.
One of my doctors told me more than a year ago that I would die of something other than MM. Well, I suppose that is a safe bet seeing that I am now 81 and it is certain that my normally allotted days upon this earth are soon to expire, one way or another! I have not achieved remission and may never, but for several months the doctors have said that I am “stable,” and they encourage me to “stay the course.” I have had the strength to preach a few times a month when called upon; and my desire to write has not diminished; so I feel blessed above measure. This summer, Ellen and I will celebrate 59 years of marriage, most all of which have afforded us good health, wonderful friends, fruitful ministries, and children who have always been loving, supportive, and caring. We would not have dared to pray for more than the blessings we have enjoyed!
So, since I generally do not like to make my health a topic of discussion—but am aware that most of you know of my health issues—I thought it appropriate on this four-year anniversary of “You and God” to take a “time out” to bring you up to date on what’s happening at our house, health-wise. Ellen is diabetic and has been able to keep that in check with medications and with meals that are recommended for diabetics. (That kind of diet is good for me, too!)
Again, thank you to all who assure us of your prayers! We do not have words for how much we deeply appreciate you all. Thank you for reading these bi-weekly posts and for occasionally replying with a comment. Life is good for us, and we surely have no complaints. Without a doubt, His mercies are new every morning; His love is matchless; His grace is all-sufficient; His Word is ever comforting, and His Spirit is a constant guide. His church is amazing, great hymns of the faith are inspiring, and our family is never far away—and always right here when needed. Yes, God is good.
“The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” (Num. 6:24-26)
FYI: All of the 416 posts are archived and at your fingertips. Here’s how to access them. Scroll to the bottom of this post until you read the words, “Read in Browser.” Click on that and you will get another posting of today’s blog. Scroll all the way to the bottom and past until, after the “Comments” box, you will see April 2024, March 2024, etc. You can find any month, all the way back to April 2020. Click on any one of those months and you will get a listing of the posts for that month with the titles. When you click “continue reading,” the entire post will come up and you can then read, copy, or send it.
Special thanks to my son Theo for proofing and doing some minor editing on my posts, and to my daughter Sandy Wagner who dresses each post up with some attractive design/artwork!
YOU and GOD 