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

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