I wrote the following words on January 11, 2015 in my piece titled, Our Spring is coming…
“We are looking forward to the end of this storm, this winter that we are in. We are looking forward to seeing all the signs of spring and new life…The crocus’ poking up from beneath the snow, the sun shining brighter, the patches of snow disappearing and the grass greening.
We are looking forward to spring with the hope of being home where we can live out what the medical staff is calling our new normal.”
As spring and the promise of new life arrived, we received the results of Bob’s spinal fluid and bone marrow biopsies, CANCER FREE! Two of the most beautiful words that we’ve ever heard!
Through the sovereignty of God and our son, Scott, agreeing to God’s plan through his bone marrow donation, Bob received a second chance at life; a rebirth so to speak.
After 8 months in this medical community, we thought by now we could make plans to return home but Bob is fighting an intestinal infection. The transplant knocked down his immune system so it will be an uphill climb for a year from the date of his transplant. The complete recovery process, at times, is grueling. What would be a minor illness for you or me, becomes serious for Bob.
What we have learned through this experience, right from the beginning, is that we never know what tomorrow may bring so we must hold tight to the ONE who holds tomorrow in His hands.
In the middle of our own medical odyssey, my dad had a heart attack and a stroke and is recovering nearby.
We’re a little battle fatigued but remain hopeful.
Our hope lies in the one who holds tomorrow in His hands and those hands are holding both of the special men in my life…my husband and my father.
I wrote a poem years ago that I completely forgot about until I received a letter in the mail recently. The letter came from a mission publication stating that they were going to publish my poem. It was an unexpected surprise. A gift of God’s timing. Here are those words:
Rejoice and Be Glad
Springtime brings new energy
And all nature is refreshed;
The veil of winter lifted,
Feeling by the sun, to be caressed.
The earth begins to come alive
As presenting a new song
And all that is within us
Begins to sing along.
God paints the earth with greenery
And colors every flower,
Showcasing birds against blue skies
With a demonstration of His power.
Somewhere deep within the heart
There’s a joy we can’t contain;
Surrounded by spring’s newness,
Hope and happiness remain.
Skipping to the beat of spring
Floods the soul with peace.
After the wilderness of winter,
God brings us sweet relief.
God is bringing us sweet relief slowly from our winter wilderness. What was buried beneath the winter of our souls, is emerging stronger, resilient, joyful and thankful.
Many of you have been part of this second chance at life for Bob — especially through your prayers — and for that we are thankful. We are thankful to God and to all of you. And now we wait in hope for God to clear up Bob’s infection and make his recovery complete.
Blessings,
Nancy ❤
Pens and Journals 
Nancy, beautiful as always. Rejoicing with you over all God is doing. Indeed, Lord, may the healing soon be made complete for both of your special men!And congratulations on the poem! Prayers continuing to come your way.
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Thank you, Marisa. Your prayers, encouragement and rejoicing with us over all God is doing means so much to Bob and me. We couldn’t make it through this without the support and prayers of dear friends. Blessings to you and yours! ❤
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Rejoicing alongside you on those two, life changing words!!!! Although we have not met, your words cross the miles. So happy for you. Continuing to pray for you both for strength, sustaining grace & complete recovery.
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Oh, Kathryne, thank you so much. We desperately need those prayers for strength, sustaining grace and complete recovery. I appreciate friends like you who continue to pray. Blessings!
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Congratulations on getting your poem publish! It’s beautiful !
And your pictures in this journal entry are as pretty as ever!
We continue to pray for Bob’s recovery from the infection as well as for your prayer requests and for your parents. Our prayers are being answered because I know that having that poem being published had to help encourage you 😊. It encouraged me too! 😍 Hang in there!
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Thank you so much, Vickie, for always being there and for your faithfulness in prayer. This infection is weighing heavy on Bob emotionally now. At times he feels it will never really go away. Our burden is the heaviest over that. Thank you for your prayers. We know that God is listening to our cries for mercy. Blessings my friend!
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Such wonderful news. Hugs to you and Bob. Best wishes for his complete recovery. Best wishes to your dad also. Lovely photos ☺🌷
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Thank you so much for your encouragement. It means the world to me today. ❤
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Hugs ☺🌷
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Such beautiful words, such difficult times, such a very long road you have been and are still on. Such encouraging news to know this most meaningful poem has been published at just the right time is more proof that God is taking care of you and Bob. We pray for healing, strength and encouragement for Bob and peace for both of you. Love you Dear Friends. xoxo
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Thank you my friend. All we can ask is that others continue to join us in prayer. The fear is that Bob may become resistant to the medication that they are using to try to fight off the infection since it’s recurring. Also with a lack of immune response — it gets very difficult to treat. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers! xoxo
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Praising God with you, dear Nancy! And praying for your man & dad. Hugs to you!❤️
Lori
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Thank you! Your prayers are so appreciated, Lori.
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Indeed, two beautiful words…wonderful news. Two more…praise God!
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Yes, praise God! He is good and He answers prayer. Thank you so much. ❤
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Dear Nancy, I’m rejoicing with you over those two wonderful words, and I’m praying with you over those two special men in your life (and God’s best for your son too). Your photos, your poem–both so beautiful. ❤ I delighted in praising God for your answered prayers today; thank you for allowing us to share your burden and your joy.
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Wendy, It’s wonderful to know that you are sharing in our joy and at the same time lifting up my husband and father as they both struggle to recover. I so appreciate you and your kind words. We could never get through this medical journey without the faithful prayer support of so many friends! Thank you again and blessings to you and your family! ❤
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Beautiful! Keep writing and taking photos. You have such a gift.
Diane
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Thank you so much, Diane. I needed to read this tonight. ❤
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There’s such beautiful life in your words! God continues to bless & keep you two. Even in the midst of all your struggles. We continue to pray. Love you two!❤️
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Thank you, Judy, for all your prayers and for the reminder that God is blessing us and keeping us even through our struggles. Love you! ❤
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Beautiful poem! God is truly a Heaker! He works everything out for our good in His perfect timing (Rom 8:28). Will continue to pray for both your father and your husband’s complete recovery. May you continue to stay strong in this process. Be blessed!
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Thank you so much! Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite verses. I appreciate your comment and especially your continued prayers for my husband’s complete healing. Blessings!
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I meant to say Healer😊 Be blessed!
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Cancer Free is great news. Congratulations. I hope your father recovers successfully as well. My best to you and your family as the summer of your lives returns 🙂
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Yes, very good news. Thank you for stopping by and reading some of my work. I enjoyed the post of yours that I read today. I’ll have to hop back over and read more! 🙂
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