Please keep Bill (James' stepdad) and Nina (James' mom) in your prayers...fervently. Bill has been fighting cancer for over eight years now. Over the past week, we (meaning the family) have had to accept the fact that the battle is nearing it's end. In other words, Bill is dying. He is receiving Hospice care and from my conversations with him over the years, he's ready to die whenever it's his time. Our prayers at this point are focused more on him "dying well" (meaning peacefully, with little pain, and surrounded by love) than on any hope of healing. Of course, James and I are worried about Nina and her grieving process. James is actually in Indiana right now and will drive home tomorrow. Please pray that Nina will receive strength and comfort from God in this time...whether that comfort comes supernaturally or from fellow humans.
We've known this was going to happen for years...and God has granted Bill (and us) several extensions on time. The best one...and the true miracle...began in fall 2003. The doctors found a cancerous spot on Bill's lung and gave him 18-24 months. While we were up for Thanksgiving that year, we went to a worship service and people laid hands on Bill and prayed for him. We also began talking about Bill's wishes for the funeral, and his desire to see James get his PhD. The cancer didn't spread. In fact, the doctors couldn't detect it...although they knew it was in there somewhere. It lay dormant for over three years...until this winter, when it began to rear its ugly head again. A round of radiation did nothing to stop it...and Bill and Nina deciding to stop fighting and focus on the time he has left. He's starting declining so rapidly; just two weeks ago we were wondering if he'd still be alive when Susanna arrived. Now we're wondering if he'll be alive for the planned family reunion over Father's Day weekend. Only God knows; we're just staying ready to dash to Indiana when the time comes.
The awesome thing is...that three-year "reprieive" has allowed Bill to see so many things happen in his family. Two weddings have taken place, three babies have been born, and one (Susanna) is on the way. James defended his dissertation and received his PhD. Children have grown older and been impacted greatly by "Uncle Bill/Grandpa". Most importantly, Bill has been able to see God working in powerful ways in his life, and gives Him all the credit.
So, please pray...for Bill, for Nina, and for the rest of his family, including me and James.
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