Health Update XXVI

One year ago, on August 21, 2007, I wrote the following:

Today is a special day. On August 21, 1977, a beautiful young bride, Nichole Ann Bovell, joined me at the altar of the Caribbean Union College church, where we pledged to love each other till death separated us. Earlier this year, we began planning a special 30th anniversary celebration – maybe a Caribbean cruise or doing some overseas travel without the kids who are now grown-up. We had frequently missed opportunities for anniversary celebrations as it seems that they always occurred during the first week of my college teaching and administrative responsibilities, or just as we were busy getting the children back to school after the summer vacation. This time it would be special. But this morning, I leave home early to continue my second phase of the chemotherapy, which began yesterday. Our plans were thwarted!

It was difficult to write those words as I ventured down the path of the unknown. One year later, the experience is still sharp in my memory. Although I trusted God to see me through this journey of faith, the future seemed dark, not only for survival of cancer, but enduring the excruciatingly painful accompanying experience. This year (August 21, 2008) I had a less intimidating medical appointment, a CT scan. I am reminded of another guided tour I took many years ago.

When my son Nicholas was about eight or nine years old, he attended a pathfinder’s summer camp at Camp Timber Ridge, Indiana. One Sabbath afternoon, Nichole and I went to visit the little campers and discovered them running though some caves and tunnels in the hillside that could barely accommodate a medium sized adult male. I watched as the kids entered the little holes and zipped through the exits a few minutes later. At Nick’s invitation, I attempted to go through the tunnel but was gripped by fear of being lost in its dark underworld or being stuck somewhere in the middle. After hesitating for a while, he grabbed my hand, looked at me in the eye and said, “Dad, I have been through these caves many times this afternoon and I know the way. Hold my hand and I will guide you through.” With my heartbeat increasing with every second, I held his hand and followed. “I will hold you! Keep your head down, don’t let go!” he shouted, as I followed him. After what seemed like an eternity, I could see a small glow of light illuminating the exit. I knew that I would soon safely make it through.

I am grateful to God for holding my hand and guiding me through the unknown. My recovery is still underway. I experience many side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy including, sleep apnea, trismus (restrictive movement of the jaw), xerostomia (dry mouth due to reduced saliva) and constriction of the trachea, among others. But I can see the light signalling the end. I can see the glow of the exit. I like the symbolism of the dawning of a new day and I am intrigued by the promise of Isa 60:20,22.

“Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your day of mourning will come to an end. …At the right time, I, the Lord will make it happen.” (New Living Translation) or

“Your sun will no longer set; your moon will not disappear; the Lord will be your permanent source of light; your time of sorrow will be over. …When the right time comes, I the Lord will quickly do this!” (NETBible)

What a promise! I believe it. Do you?

Love and Blessings,

Len

HEALTH UPDATE XXIII

May 18, 2008

I first met Dr. Vernon Andrews in 1972 when, as a student of the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, Trinidad, I made the unusual request to become a member of the Caribbean Union College choir which he directed. After a short audition, my brother, Austin and I were invited to join the group. We could have never imagined what a life-changing decision that would be. My spiritual and social development, the person I am today, and the life-long friends I have made, including the occasion of first meeting my wife on a choir tour to Guyana, are rooted in this decision. Vernon became my personal friend, musical mentor, big brother, advisor, counselor, and the one I trusted the most to help me with important life-altering decisions like: who should I date or should I go to graduate school. He was the one who substituted for my father-in-law and presented my bride to me on my wedding day. Vernon and his wife, Phyllis, and family remained our endearing friends.

A little more than a week ago Vernon’s daughter, Vernetta, called to inform me that her Dad was experiencing some mild discomfort and indicated that he and his wife were planning to come to Orlando from the Dominican Republic where they were visiting, for some medical diagnoses at Florida Hospital. My son made the necessary arrangements for physician visits and after he completed the initial screening and treatment it was deemed that further tests were necessary. Two days later he visited the emergency room at Florida Hospital, where diagnostic tests indicated an urgent need for an aortic valve replacement and triple by-pass surgery. We praise God for the fortuitous and timely intervention of medical science that was able to reveal his physical deficiencies. He is now resting comfortably at Florida Hospital Orlando cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), as he recovers from this very traumatic surgical experience and will be our guest for a while.

Unexpected events often intersect the trajectory of our lives with life-changing effects. These events can sometimes be deemed tragic but often bring immeasurable blessings. To a large degree the outcome depends on our faith experience bolstered by the faith of those around us. Without a doubt, that has been my experience over the past year. My journey has reinforced two truths:

1. God strengthens us to be encouragers and supporters of others

2. God has renewed my faith in the promise that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV), or “the prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with” (Message).

Over the past year, Vernon’s friendship and occasional emails, like many I received from some of you have been a source of constant encouragement. Many of you know Dr. Andrews and are his personal friends. Some of you have probably never heard of him. I urge you to join with me and do for him and his family what you did for me. Let’s ask God for his intercession and honor his will that “prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well” James 5:15 (Message). Just maybe, the journey we have been taking together over the past year was preparing us for the role of cheerleader, encourager, and faith-builder for this time.

Love and blessings,

Len

HEALTH UPDATE XXI

March 18, 2008


I believe in the power of prayer! I grew up in a home where the expression of faith and the power of prayer were as evident in our daily lives as a breath of fresh ocean breeze. During the last few months, the expression of prayer has played a key role in my speedy, miraculous recovery from surgery and the treatments of radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer. Miraculous, I believe, because the God whom we petition is a God of miracles; a God who specializes in doing for us what life itself cannot do; what medical science often misunderstands; and undoing what the ravages of sin bequeaths to us fallen humanity. My family and I have been strengthened physically, emotionally and spiritually during this experience. I believe that your many prayers have been answered over and over again as you petitioned God on our behalf.

A week ago, I informed you of a setback in my progress. We all prayed that by God’s divine intervention I would be spared another round of surgery. Today, I believe your prayers, our prayers, have been answered. The answer is a confirmation of your faith. The neck and throat swelling that I experienced last week has receded; my breathing is far less labored and near normal. After a visit to my otolaryngologist today, the report is: no cancer, no surgery. He declared that there was no longer a need for surgery since the swelling was far less severe and there was no evidence of active cancer. A later visit to the medical oncologist supported the earlier conclusion. Another follow up PET scan is scheduled for late June with follow up visits also scheduled. Meanwhile, a gradual return to normal activity, including exercise was recommended.

Although my words fail to express the depth of gratitude I feel, I found some which clearly suffice:

Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 145
17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. 18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He grants the desires of those who fear him;

Psalm 146
1 Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord. 2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.

Psalm 147
1 Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!

Love and blessings to you all!

Len