Well, some of you may know that Barb and I are leaving tomorrow night for Southern California for the purpose, first of all, to meet with the MDS Specialist on the 9th of August. It was a visit that my Oncology Doctor has encouraged (even though he doesn't see much in it himself). So we have made arrangements to park our 5th Wheel at Mission RV Park in Redlands, California.
Once we arrive, our first priority is to get California ID's so we will have a part-time residence. I have already set up a banking account there so we have more documentation for our dual residence. Then we will go to the Department of Economic Services (DES) and complete the process of applying for State Aid. This is the only way, according to the City of Hope, in Los Angeles, for me to have sufficient insurance to get through this battle.
I don't know how long we will be there. We may see the specialist and he may tell us we've wasted our time and we might as well go back home (hopefully that won't be the case), or he could have a completely different view of my medical situation. They have all of my medical records and I am really up and looking forward to this meeting. I will say that because I have always allowed God to control my emotions concerning these multiple cancers, I "will not be moved" according to his thoughts.
My favorite scripture passage in all of the Word of God is the promise from Jesus in John 14 where He says, "Do not be afraid, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (paraphrased)
There is not a one of us that has an "expiration date" stamped on the bottom of our feet. Our lives are preciously laid in the Perfect hands of God and I trust Him completely. For some of you who may have trouble with my attitude, know that your most important trust factor in life is the One who created you.
My prayers for all of you is that you find that trust, that you receive that "peace that passes all understanding", that walk with the Father that fills your spirit with joy. I wish to be known forevermore as a man who, first of all "walked with God" and secondly made His presence known to everyone I met. I know that my body is very, very sick...but God!
(our email addresses and phone number are always the same...papadave3@gmail.com & grammybarb2@gmail.com and 623-243-2030 is Barb's phone number)
Dave
3 comments:
Dave...I can't express appropriately what our relationship means to me...you know the Lord told us to be "salt and light" and when the Lord brings you to my mind, or even more distinctly, when I am literally in your presence as I was last weekend I taste God's goodness in and through you as salt sweetens watermelon, you sweeten the lives of those you touch...experiencing your interaction with perfect strangers...but honestly it seems you don't perceive them as strangers but fellow travelers who you seek to guide to the light of Christ which imminates from your smiling face and what out of the context of your personality may appear to be silly at best or perhaps even ridiculous if utter by another well meaning but just not as capable person such as myself...I am amazed by the ease by which you share Christ and sometimes envy the warmth of your connections to persons you've never previously encountered...the light of Christ radiates from you but It also sustains you because you have entered His rest and the peace that passes earthly understanding abides in you...I honored to be called your friend...because of Christ, Thom
I too, honor your friendship, Thom. You sir, are the Most Godly person I know. Bless you my friend. I'm reminded of a line in Tombstone where Texas Jack asks Doc Holliday why he continues with Wyatt Earp. Doc responds "He's my friend.". Texas Jack says, "Heck Doc, I've got a lot of friends" to which Doc replies, "I don't".
Dave
Best of luck to you Dave. Hope it goes well for you and it is always in God's hands but we can't help but still want things to be good. Blessing and prayers your way!
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