10.31.2008

There are times in our lives when our Father in Heaven presents us with gifts that we would never ask for or want...such as this cancer. We realize that this gift cannot be returned and we know that it was given out of incredible love, but more importantly we have witnessed our parents acceptance of this gift with the same incredible love. When we are on the receiving end the responsibility lies within each of us as to what we will do with our gift.

Our parents continue to teach those around them gratitude, patience, service, and humility as they have so graciously accepted the gift of dad's cancer. This journey certainly is not an easy one to take but our eyes have been opened to the endless blessings we are receiving. Our hearts are so full of gratitude for the many prayers being offered in behalf of our family, your prayers are encouraging and sustaining. We are deeply grateful for Heaven's design of family and for the far reaching sources of love we are receiving from our immediate, extended, ward, and community family members. Your presence, prayers, encouraging words, love and support are penetrating and inspiring, we thank our Father in Heaven for each of you.

The Infectious Disease Doctor that has been called in recommended that dad have a CT of his head and abdomen, he has also indicated that one of the medications dad has been taking to prevent seizures could be a reason for his temperature spiking in the middle of the night. The Urology consult took place while none of us were there to talk with the doctor, it appears that he found everything within normal limits, however, dad's urinalysis taken on Monday is the only thing that has grown anything positive. All lab results are going to be somewhat altered because of the antibiotics that were administered early Monday morning and the IV antibiotics started in the ER.

Mom, Marty, Dave and I spent the evening with dad, we tried encouraging dad to drink some of the Jamba Juice we picked up on our way. Dad is very weak and tired, sucking out of the straw proved to be a difficult task. We will try again tomorrow.

Each day arrives bearing new gifts, we untie the ribbons and learn to enjoy.