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 