In Sickness and in Health

Just two months ago, our children surprised us with a big Christmas gift in the form of a 3 by 2 foot check with enough written on it to send us on a 40th anniversary vacation. Only one major stipulation, no camping.

Where we actually spent our 40th anniversary today technically meets the “no camping” stipulation, but I assure you that Beaumont Hospital was not on our radar Christmas day. Since January 22, Cindy’s has resided at Beaumont Royal Oak while receiving treatment for Acute Myelocytic Leukemia.  We don’t know when she’ll be returning home.

Now in the thick of a nasty fight, we walk in faith, trusting in our Lord, echoing our brother Job’s proclamation after he also suffered a series of catastrophes.

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21, NASB)

We didn’t really know the Lord when we married but becoming known by him was definitely a high point early in our married life together. To face a trial of this magnitude without him seems unimaginable to us.  We thank him for each of you out there in Cindy’s Village land who have come alongside us. Our fortieth anniversary “date” was sharing a simple meal in Cindy’s hospital room reading the many cards sent to us.

Tonight, we read each card and note aloud.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you*….

Jack & Jan; Sharon & Rick; Neil & Craig; Katie & Bob; Mark & Ruth; Ron & Char; Cherie; Doug & Debbie; Annette; Lisa & Craig; Mary; Gail; Lori & Craig; Jim & Karol; Marchetta & Ray; Suzann; Chase, Tracey, Charlie & Tripp; Melinda, Tim, Elizabeth & Charlotte; Adam, Laura & Michael; Rob & Rhea; Jill & Neil; John & Rita; Jessica; Mike; Marilyn; Nancy; Glenn & Lauralynn; Paul; Doug & Kim; Julie & Rich; Bob & Sharon; Jan & Brian;

Cindy-wise, a good day.  Ever-weary, they are treating for low potassium in her blood but tests this week of bacterial infection in her blood were attributed to her own skin vs. blood she received and nothing alarming.

Hair loss continues but Cindy is ready with colorful head coverings from Laura and Cherie.  
She rounded the oncology ward three times with her sister Judy.  Cindy W., a Grace friend, visited.

Cindy looked cute in her shorty PJs and ruby necklace from Glenn who brought in “gourmet” New England clam chowder for her and a sandwich for himself from Panera Bread.  We ate by LED candlelight with soft, solo piano music playing - favorites by Douglas Trowbridge and George Winston.

Quiet, peaceful, we were together as we have been from that day forward 40 years ago…

Having and holding … for better and for worse ...when rich and when poor … in sickness and health ... loving and cherishing … until one of us goes home to be with our Lord.

I warned her tonight, “You don’t get to be the one who goes first.”

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* If I missed mention of your anniversary greeting, let me know because I can edit this afterwards and slide your name in when no one else is looking. :) - Glenn