Today's Celebration

Today is a celebration day for our family.   A lot of you know the story I am about to tell, but the events of today make it worth repeating.   We have three grown children, two boys and a girl.  They had what I would refer to as a "normal raising," and in spite of their daddy, turned out rather well. 

Our family was shaken beyond description in 1988 when we learned Russell, the middle child had a brain tumor. He was 16 at the time and had spent his summer working part time jobs to buy an old pickup truck.  The discovery of his tumor brought all our schedules and plans to a halt.  Everyone in the family suddenly became dedicated to Russell's cause, to see him through this physical dilemma. 

Following a lengthy surgery to remove the tumor, Russell recovered  quickly and before long was back in school.  He resumed his normal activities, was making acceptable grades, had lots of friends, all blessed by his good spirit and good example.  His return check-ups looked good and he only had to return to the doctor at 6-month intervals, just to make sure the tumor did not come back.

Eighteen months after his original surgery, the MRI revealed the tumor had returned.  Again we were devastated, but still devoted to seeing Russell through another surgery after chemotherapy could not dissolve the tumor. That surgery was followed by radiation treatments, and we were assured he was tumor-free. 

 

Russell recovered well again, and before long was in college.  He married Saundra and they served the Lord's church in the capacity of youth ministry, while Russell was finishing his schooling. He has worked for several churches, and is now the pulpit minister of a church in Kenedy, Texas.  His ministry led him into an interest in working with prisoners at the local prison in Kenedy.  He is now a prison chaplain for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

Noticing some problems with pain in an arm, the year was 2008 when he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his arm.  (Yep, my response was, "Here we go again.")  After a biopsy to determine the type of cancer he had, he chose a doctor which actively pursued that tumor with a mixture of chemotherapy drugs, and Russell became part of a program which studied the success of those drugs. 

Today, Russell had what we hope is his final visit to that doctor. He has finished the study program, followed all the directions, and has been pronounced CANCER-FREE!  We are happy for him, but more than anything else, proud of his attitude, his "never-fail" spirit, and especially the strengthening of his faith. 

I probably should tell you both of my other kids have also had life-threatening health problems, but currently are doing well. All three of my children are now parents, and have spouses that we are equally proud of. (I could write volumes about my grandkids!)  I can say we are blessed because they are all Christians, active in their respective churches, and good examples for all of us.  They will all tell you to never face anything like they have faced, without God, nor without the prayers and support of a loving church family.  To GOD be the glory.  We are a blessed family.   

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