Dear Friends,
Thank you for your love and support. We feel completely surrounded by the peace that only comes from prayer. The biggest question is "How is Jon?" He is a little stressed trying to keep up at work in addition to planning his Dad's funeral. Many of you know that Jon is an only child. As you can imagine, that puts a lot of responsibility on one person. I think Jon has done a healthy amount of grieving, and now he is taking care of business relating to his Dad. More waves of sadness will surely come.
Eugene's funeral will be Thursday, April 24. There will be a viewing on Wednesday night from 5 pm to 8 pm at Rose Hills. You can also view on Thursday morning from 8 am until 10:00 am. The service will be at Hillside Chapel in gate 17. Do not go into the main gate (unless you want to ask directions). There will be a graveside ceremony immediately following. Everyone is invited back to our house in LaVerne for a late lunch.
In addition to reflecting on Gene's life, we have been looking back at our life this past year. Saturday, April 19th, was the day that changed our life forever. It was a year ago on that day that Jon and I were called into Dr. Woodward's office and told that I had something very serious happening, and it did not look good. It would be six weeks before I was fully diagnosed and could see some light coming through the dark clouds that hovered over me and my family.
When we entered into "the valley of the shadow of death" that night, we could have never imagined the incredible ways that God would provide for us in the weeks and months to come. We have a loving and gracious God, who has gifted us with amazing friends and family. I am reminded of that beautiful poem, "Footprints". My family has not set foot on the ground for a year. We have been carried by Jesus every day.
There is no doubt that the biggest gift from God this year is this blog. The amazing part is that the gift was not just for us, but for hundreds of people around us. It was one big gift! Jon and I have only been the caretakers of this beautiful site. I wondered eight months ago how long we could keep this up before people would not care anymore. Jon and I are humbled that God is still working through us a year later.
Because our life has become such an open book, I want to share with anyone who is interested the details of that day, and the days after. I feel compelled to write such intimate details because I want you to see the astounding love that God displays when you put your trust in Him. There were moments of having to trust him one hour at a time, because it was all we had in us. We have stood on the word of God this year, and the scriptures in the Bible have given us hope. We have claimed promises that we never knew existed before. These promises pulled us through the dark and into the light. There are so many promises, it is hard to pick a favorite. To start with, I would have to go to the very first promise that was made to me the day after we got the news. It came from a Sunday School lesson. It is a promise that has already come true.
And we know that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
I can say with confidence that there is nothing I would change about this past year. All of the events that have taken place because of my cancer have been worked for the good because I love Him! I have found my purpose!
Thank you is not a strong enough sentiment to describe how grateful we are for the love, prayers, and support you have given our family. The story is still being written. Watch and see what wonders God will reveal this next year!
Love,
Sandy
