HEALTH UPDATE XXIV

June 14, 2008


This is a year of reminiscing! Thinking of last year, what was, and what might have been. Every day, I say to myself, and often to my wife or anyone who would listen: “Last year at this time…” At this time last year, I had just completed one round of chemotherapy and two weeks of my seven-week radiation treatment schedule. I had begun to lose my appetite and hence had dropped a few pounds but still had the energy to do a 15 mile bike ride at an average 15 mph clip on Father’s Day. However, I began to anticipate the road ahead as I developed slight throat pain and my radiation oncologist advised me to fill the prescription for the magic mouthwash so I’d have it ready when the pain became more intense. It seems like yesterday. Every experience is etched in my memory and although the journey back to my former healthy life is still ongoing, I can thank God for bringing me through the valley of the shadow of death with renewed hope for prolonged blessings in this life and an eager anticipation for the return of our Savior.

I have two good reports: My friend, Dr. Vernon Andrews, is recuperating well after his open heart surgery and is looking forward to a life of vitality. He thanks you for the many prayers you have offered on his behalf. Also, there has been a significant reduction in the swelling of my throat over the last couple of weeks. Today, eating has become more comfortable and pleasurable. Some of my colleagues at work tell me that the spring in my step is returning.

Those of you who know me well remember me for my love of music, especially singing. I have had over fifty years of the most wonderful experience of vocalizing for appreciative audiences. One of my earliest memories is singing along with the congregation on my mother’s lap in a tent meeting. Today, the physiological and anatomical changes around my vocal folds prevent me from doing any meaningful, audible singing although my doctors promise that my voice will also return to normal. Last Sabbath, as I opened the hymnal to sing the closing hymn with the congregation I could merely complete two stanzas. The sound that emanated from my lips was not what most of you were used to hearing. But as the congregation sang the third stanza, the tears welled in my eyes as I was reassured anew by the God I love and the friend who has been so faithful to me. I could now listen to the sound of my heart.

Lead on, O King Eternal,

We follow, not with fears,

For gladness breaks like morning

Where’er Thy face appears;

Thy cross is lifted o’er us;

We journey in its light;

The crown awaits the conquest;

Lead on, O God of might.

Yes, even in death's shadow, he leads. And I believe that the morning of a new day is soon to come. To paraphrase a popular southern gospel song: “Some glad morning when this night is o’er, I’ll sing again.” Yes, I will sing again. Will you sing with me?

Love and Blessings,

Len