What am I worth?

WHAT AM I WORTH?

Being in a position of having a nasty disease that has a reputation of taking out a lot of its targets has made me look at what I really value.  What about the future?  What would I be worth in my will?  As I ponder this, I am sure it really isn’t the money, position, or things that matter the most, but people and relationships.  

As I look at my sweet Christina I think what a rare and Godly treasure she is, always supportive of me, always wanting what is good for me.  Each of my children, along with their spouses, is my pride and joy.  My role as their father is an enviable position to any man.  I love it when someone exclaims, “You’re her/his father?!”  When our beautiful, smart, well-adapted, socially outgoing grandchildren call me their “Pop” it makes my buttons pop!  What more could I want?

But there is more.  My sibs are all respected leaders in their individual circles.  My in-laws (I don’t like that term, but you know who I’m talking about) are highly respected people.  I am related to clergy and church workers, doctors, lawyers, military officers,engineers, financial experts, architects, communications experts, real estate brokers, sales managers, professional counselors, teachers and professors, business owners, incredible parents, dancers, singers, artists, athletes,  drama and film producers, writers…phew, I have to take a breath! To say it simply, I’m rich!!

I have another circle, too.  It consists of my congregation at PBC, past congregations of UBCA, AHP, CCC, CLAG, GIC, SFGT, and AFAG.  Besides these, there are my friends and people I work with. Each of these groups has a special place in my heart.  This circle of my friends and spiritual family, with vocations and avocations more varied than you could imagine, make me very rich!

Besides all of this, I am a child of the King.  My sins are forgiven and expunged.  I wear His cloak of righteousness.  I have a grand, fine home waiting for me in heaven.  I have His Spirit in me and beside me, giving me guidance, courage and strength for anychallenge life can throw at me.  Cancer-shmancer!  I ain’t a-skeert!  The scans are completed and the results are pending, but I have no fear of the future!

Put it all together and I’d say I’m filthy rich!

The Appointment

We came up last night to spend the night with Lou (Christina's brother) and watch the Patriots beat the Steelers (sorry, Calvin) on the eve of a momentous day. Today is the day of the MRI! I have waited for this test for nearly two months. We will drive into Boston this afternoon. Again, I'm so glad the Lord orders my steps. Psalm 139:16, "In Your book were all written the days appointed for me." So, this is an appointment on an appointed day!
Last week I had a CT scan which, together with the MRI, should be a fairly good summation of what is going on with the cancer, which in turn should give directives for needed treatment. Just knowing it's there and feeling the occasional twinge makes me eager to be done with this. While I know this isn't the end, not even the beginning of the end, I'm hoping that I'm close to the end of the beginning. I am so appreciative of the prayer, emails, phone calls, hugs, cards, etc. I am especially aware of and dependent on God.
Gil

Tests Coming Soon

Hello friends.

   

Today our country celebrates the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.  I am thankful for the work he did in issues about equality.  He also shares his birthday (which was actually 1/15) with two incredible people.  They are Lisa and Colombo IV!  Their births made me a father and a grandfather!

   

We had a wonderful week going to Florida, and even though we were there only four days, it was a good break.  It was as much driving as visiting, but it was all enjoyable, even the four days in the car.  It is always nice to be with Christina’s brother Lou.  He is very knowledgeable about medical issues and willing to share what he knows.  We spent an afternoon with Bill and Anne at the beach.  We rode our bikes.  We had Eli’s barbecue.  Ahh!!  Life is good!

   

There are some changes since last week.  Around New Year’s I noticed I had some discomfort so when my doctor called last week, I mentioned it.  She immediately wanted a CT scan of my lower abdomen.  She also moved the MRI up a week, so this Wednesday, 1/18 we go to Boston and then again on Monday, 1/23.  My hope and prayer is that the scans reveal what needs to be seen so that this process can move along.

  

I still feel strong, with my spirits very optimistic.  I know I am in good hands, and I trust the Lord implicitly with my future and the futures of my loved ones.  I pray you all have a blessed day.

Gil

Waiting

Waiting. We all do it, though most of us don’t enjoy it.  We wait in store lines. We wait in restaurants with the buzzer thingies.  We wait for special days like birthdays.  We wait for special people.  Waiting usually depends on everything reaching the moment when the obstacles to our goal are out of the way so that the desired event can happen.  Summer has to arrive for school to end, the people ahead of us have to finish whatever it is they do to hinder us, sickness must run its course for us to feel better, etc, etc. 

I am waiting.  I am not waiting to start treating the cancer in my body.  I am still in the line waiting to see what the treatment should be.  I have to wait for the prostate to heal from the biopsy trauma so that a crucial MRI can be done.  I would like to get on with it, already!  I don’t have time for this, but it is out of my control.  So, I wait.

I wait, but not huddled in a corner tormented by worry or fear.  I am in Florida as I write this, not because I am running away from the wait, but to try to make the most of it and the best of it, like riding my bike with the woman I love.  I know God is faithful and provides.  By God’s grace and with His help I will wait for January 30 and the MRI and beyond.  I am waiting.

I am grateful and appreciate the love and support of my family, my congregation at the Putnam Baptist Church, and all the people who are praying for us and waiting with us.  Thank you all.

Love, 

Gil