For those of you that can't access
I am posting that journal entry here.
Hi Everyone,
I was not going to do any more updates because we thought John would be going back to work this week. However, they did an assessment on him at the Cancer Center this morning and they feel he is NOT READY to go back to work yet. While his heart is willing, his body momentarily fails him. The fall he took last week was a bad one and he is still bruised and sore. He cannot get a deep breath, nor can he move freely-thus making it impossible for him to do his job as a chaplain adequately.
Once again John is on that rickety old bridge that crosses the cancer chasm. He is certainly closer to the final shore of healing than he was--but he is not there yet. He talked to the head of his department today and it appears that they will hold his job for him. That is comforting because it is one of the things that has spurred his healing. He wants to go back to work and minister to people. We will have to deal with some insurance issues but we will skirt that pot hole in the bridge when we come to it.
This past week our sweet Mindy came to visit us with little Anna Ireland. She came to watch one of our other granddaughters, Maria, compete in a dance competition.
I was not going to do any more updates because we thought John would be going back to work this week. However, they did an assessment on him at the Cancer Center this morning and they feel he is NOT READY to go back to work yet. While his heart is willing, his body momentarily fails him. The fall he took last week was a bad one and he is still bruised and sore. He cannot get a deep breath, nor can he move freely-thus making it impossible for him to do his job as a chaplain adequately.
Once again John is on that rickety old bridge that crosses the cancer chasm. He is certainly closer to the final shore of healing than he was--but he is not there yet. He talked to the head of his department today and it appears that they will hold his job for him. That is comforting because it is one of the things that has spurred his healing. He wants to go back to work and minister to people. We will have to deal with some insurance issues but we will skirt that pot hole in the bridge when we come to it.
This past week our sweet Mindy came to visit us with little Anna Ireland. She came to watch one of our other granddaughters, Maria, compete in a dance competition.
Wish you could see little Anna's arms.
She has a wonderful TATTOO that she
did all by herself as mom drove from
Indiana to Wisconsin.
It is a work of art and covers her whole arm.
At least she hasn't learned to write
naughty words yet!
Our little Maria walked away with top honors.
She is the best of the best.
Watching her dance is like watching wind blowing across a sheaf of silk.
She is pure poetry and beauty in motion.
Last week she took top overall in Madison, W.
She won a one week workshop with the Rockettes in NYC next summer. She was thrilled and we are so happy for her, She works hard to perfect her art and it is all self-driven. There is no stage-mom in the family; the inner spirit of dance comes from Maria's soul. Watching Maria dance is pure joy for John. He loves his grandchildren and is so proud of all their accomplishments.
So-that's it, folks! That is where we are at today. While the progress is slow it IS progress and that is what matters. Slow and steady wins the race..and he is winning
So-that's it, folks! That is where we are at today. While the progress is slow it IS progress and that is what matters. Slow and steady wins the race..and he is winning
THE BATTLE AGAINST CANCER!
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and cards, letters & support.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and cards, letters & support.
Love you all!
Keep up the fight...work will be there.
ReplyDeleteI know he in spirit he is so ready to get back to ministering to those in need, but glad the docs are listening to his body. However, just a thought should he regain some strength...would it be possible (better question would be, would HE even CONSIDER it), to maybe have someone "team up" with him to do "rounds"??? Maybe a young person considering his field, someone he could mentor while they "pushed" him around????? I think a younger person could learn so much from him, and it would also allow him to go about his job without too much strain in the beginning. However, if he is stubborn like most men are, I know that won't happen. LOL
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful to have grands that can take your mind to a beautiful place..... if only for a little while! prayers for your sweet family....hugs....
ReplyDeleteYour grandchildren are precious, my friend. And oh my, that Anna Ireland is darling!
ReplyDeleteMaria is lovely and what a blessing to have such a talented granddaughter - I am sure she will go very far :)
I always appreciate your updates, dear one. Hugs!
You are so right, Diana, slow and steady wins the race. John will get his strength back in time. Considering all that he's been through I'm amazed at how far he has come. Let's face it, he has been through the mill!
ReplyDeletePlease tell John that Tim and I are lifting him up and prayer.
Maria must be really talented to have been given this opportunity to train with the Rockettes. She looks so willowy...I can see how she would appear to float across the stage.
Your little Anna sounds like an aspiring artist!
I have been wondering how everything was,, such beautiful photos of the girls, I'm glad John is still making progress, any progress is good, day by day,
ReplyDeleteSorry that John couldn't fulfill his desire to return to work but I am so glad they are able to holding his job for him.
ReplyDeleteI personally know how slowly healing can come and I encourage you to continue to hold on - not that you wouldn't anyway. I just want to tell you it will come and that I am so proud of all you have accomplished. Blessing to John and you, too.
Love,
Lily
Sorry to hear that John was unable to go back to work as planned, but he is getting there! Considering everything, it sounds as tho he is doing remarkably well! Prayers continuing for his complete recovery! Congrats to your grand daughter!her dance photo is gorgeous! Absolutely stunning! Love and Hugs, Leena
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that John was unable to go back to work as planned, but he is getting there! Considering everything, it sounds as tho he is doing remarkably well! Prayers continuing for his complete recovery! Congrats to your grand daughter!her dance photo is gorgeous! Absolutely stunning! Love and Hugs, Leena
ReplyDeleteI am glad to read your update...though your hero must wait a bit longer for his body to be ready to go back full time. Your little dancer is darling as is the tattoo artist! Dancing is wonderful. I studied ballet as did my daughter. My continued prayers are with you. One step in front of the other dear! sheila
ReplyDeleteHi Diana! Oh, poor John. I know he was wanting to get back to work but glad he can stay home until he's really able too! You crack that whip! Your little granddaughters are just adorable! Love the tattoo and your little dancer is so pretty and congratulations to her!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I'm so sorry things didn't go quite as planned. YET! He'll get there. In the meantime he can work on designing his own tattoo commemorating beating cancer! Maybe a huge lion covering his back :)
ReplyDeleteHe is healing, just so much going on, it is taking awhile. And he is lucky to have an old bat (haha) like you to push him along. Maria is a beautiful girl, and so very talented.
ReplyDeleteDiana, Hug John for us. He will recover from that fall and get back on the road to recovery. He is working to be well , so he can work to help others. Great fellow you have Diana. I am praying everyday for all of you.
ReplyDeleteI am beyond excite for Maria(Lulu?) Tell her I want to be a rockette too. LOL She looks fabulous. I love how she is holding the wee one. Tattoos?? what is going on. Haha. I bet your daughter thought..OMG when she saw that. I know it was a good laugh. Blessings to all of you, I love you guys, xoxo, Susie
I'm sorry the process is taking longer than you all anticipated...but there is progress, and that is a good thing! Your little girls are precious, but you know that already. Oh, the joy they must bring to your hearts. Thank God for all the blessings He is bringing to your lives.
ReplyDeleteLove to you, dear Diana.
Debbie
xo
So sorry to hear about your husband and I am glad that his progress is coming along. I haven't been blogging at all so I missed it. Prayers to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that they will work with John on this and that he will be given the time his body needs to heal. Progress is progress and it is good.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your granddaughter enjoy her dancing and do so very well. She does have lovely form. As for the little one, hope that there are no more tattoos on her precious little arm. What a cutie pie she is!
Love the tattoo. If I ever change my mind about getting one, I'll give Anna a call! The picture of Maria is so beautiful. Grace in Motion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. It always helps when we pray for John to know where he is in his journey. I love the tattoo artist. HaHa. And what a graceful swan....beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI remember when my Don had his 5 bypasses years ago, the hardest part for him was the 3 months when he could not preach, teach, or visit the church members. I know John longs to be back in his "seat" love on the people he cares for. Love and Hugs and continued prayers.
Diana... I'm glad they'll hold John's job for him... the most important thing is him getting healthy. .. I'll continue to pray and send out good thoughts for him ♡♡♡
ReplyDeleteHi Diana: Will continue to pray for John. God is amazing, can't wait to see what He will do for you and your family. Blessings, Martha
ReplyDeleteI have asked you this before, don't you have any UGLY people in your family? Apparently NOT!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dancer! AND that tattoo artist, too funny!
Prayers for John and his healing. Prayers for my friend, Diana to hang in there and keep being strong. xx
Well you two are still going strong - I know it has been hard for you both in different ways. Man what a tough batter you two have been going thru. And your granddaughter - JUST BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to read last week that John was going back to work so soon in his recovery.. I am glad to read that he has been given more time to rest and heal.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity it is for your granddaughter to attend a workshop with the Rocketts! That is a wow, wow, wow.
Rest is good for your husband, but that is so wonderful they are going to hold his job and he has that to look forward to. Your granddaughter is beautiful! And training with the Rockettes???!!!! That is so exciting! I was a dancer most of my life through my teens and it's a passion of Kathleen's also. So beautiful to watch.... Take care!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
I hadn't read the update on Caring Bridge yet - I saw your blog post first. On one hand, I'm sorry that John won't be able to go back to work as soon as he had hoped, but on the other hand, I know he needs more rest and time for healing, so I trust this is for the best.
ReplyDeleteYour granddaughter, Maria is amazing! How wonderful that she won top honors and that she gets to go to NYC and dance with the Rockettes. Wow! She looks so young, too. She's obviously very talented. But that little Anna Ireland is one talented little girl, too...I mean, doing her own tattoos? Very artistic!
I keep you guys in my prayers all the time. {{hugs}}
PS - So sorry to hear about your friend, Ron. :-(
I'm glad to hear John's job is being held for him.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your granddaughter for her performance. She must be so much fun to watch.
I'm sorry that John can't return yet, I know he was looking forward to it, but hopefully, it will be soon. I will continue to pray that a little more rest will do the trick. That baby is adorable and the tattoo is awesome...and The Rockettes? Congratulations! My mom used to sing at Radio City. It's going to be an amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the job delay. But, I'm sure the doctors don't want him back in the public before he is really ready. Progress is so slow but sure. And even surer is the Lord's promises and care. Your granddaughter just looks like a graceful swan - even when she's standing still. I know you are so proud of her. I know how those little ones can brighten a day.
ReplyDeletePraying for you constantly.
Judy
Sorry to hear about the delay in John returning to work, but glad to read that he is making progress, slow or otherwise! Congrats to Maria - what an achievement to win the workshop with the Rockettes! That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteRecovery takes so long, but we never give up! He is going forward step by step. Loved the children, how precious!
ReplyDeleteLove, Roxy
I'm so sorry that things did not work out the way John had planned, but I'm so glad he listened to his docs. I continue to pray for continued healing for John, and my hope is for a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs,
Carol
Baby steps, baby steps...but I'm sure it gets frustrating. Please tell John to hang in there as we are all rooting and praying for him. :-) I laughed out loud over the tattoo. That is the only tattoo in my life that I have found darling. Ha! Congratulations to the beautiful dancer. That last photo of her is truly breathtaking. All I could think of after I was dazzled by her beauty was that my hip would totally spasm if I even tried that. LOL Prayers and hugs sent your way, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteForward and back again can be so frustrating. Praying for patience and healing in God's time. Your granddaughter looks so elegant and graceful in the photo.
ReplyDeleteI just watched a documentary about ballet dancers.. they must be driven to perfect their art! Your granddaughter is beautiful and obviously graceful! something Ive always wished to be! lol! but Im more of a clod hopper!
ReplyDeleteI do hope that John is able to return to work soon.. still in my prayers!
xoxo
vivian
I'm so proud of your granddaughter!! Look at that form - she is on her way to great things!!! I can't wait to see her in Saratoga when the nyc ballet comes there some summer and she is the lead dancer in the troupe!!!! Xo
ReplyDeleteJust looking at her photo you can see the grace and style of your granddaughter. I look forward to seeing her as a professional in the distant future! My lights are still turned on each morning with a prayer for you and John. I know soon I will be able to put them away until Christmas, but until then they glow for John.
ReplyDeleteGood news and bad news... But hope it will all be good news, soon.
ReplyDeleteGentle hugs,
Tessa
(with someone in hospital here, too)
You and John are so lucky to have such precious grands. Healing takes time, and your husband will be better and able to do what he needs to do soon. Strength for you all. Linda@Wetcreek Blog
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteWell I am relieved to hear that John won't be going back to work right away, I wondered if he would be up to it. I know it's got to be a disappointment to you both, but hopefully he can get some rest and recover a bit more before returning. You must be so proud of Maria. That is awesome about her trip to NYC! And little Miss Anna is just adorable, "tattoos" and all!! Hang in there, my friend. Love you!
Holding his job is an answer to prayer!!!! I know a slow recovery is not what you want. He wants to be WELL! And you want him to be WELL!! But everything is for a reason. I continue to pray for you both. Your granddaughter is beautiful :0!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Maria!!! That's wonderful news, and that workshop is such a great opportunity! I'd love to see a video clip of her dancing. You should try to get a cell phone video of her sometime, but I know a lot of places don't allow video taping. Love, love, love the tattoo! Lol! Guess she was amusing herself back there, huh? :) That's disappointing that John can't go back to work yet, but you're right, slow and steady wins the race.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear of his continued healing... AND, congrats to Maria!!!.. so beautiful - and what a gift, to be making her dreams come true - the rockettes!! WOW. My cousin was a rockette for a brief while many years ago, what an experience.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana! Personally I have always felt it was too soon for John to go back to work. After what his body has been subjected to, it needs time to recuperate, to bounce back. I continue praying for the two of you on a daily basis. It's a blessing that he gets to keep his job. I am very happy about that. It will give him something to look forward to as he gets his strength back. Your granddaughter seems to be an accomplished little dancer. You must be very proud of her. The little one is growing so fast, it seems like just yesterday that she was just a baby. They all provide you with beautiful memories! Each and every one of them is a precious blessing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless John and God bless you dear one! I am thankful he is not going back to work, healing is most important and yes at home with you!! Maria is absolutely stunning, so much to be proud of and little Anna, a doll!
ReplyDeleteHugs blessings, Diana.
Nancy
xo
Good to hear that they are holding his job and that you had your grandbabies visiting. Congrats to the Dancer. They are both so pretty. Will continue adding you all to my prayers.
ReplyDeletecongratulations to Maria! That little Anna is a cutie. Love the tattoo! I am glad your hubby will get more rest before returning to work. Praying for you too!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs to you all. I am glad to hear they are holding the job and it is good for John to have time to get stronger.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of the dancer and little miss cutie, that smile on her, 100% mischief. ;-) So happy for Maria, that is wonderful.
Carla
So happy that John is winning his battle. Hope he feels better from his fall quickly. Your grandchildren are all so beautiful and special. Each one unique. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you and family. I have not been on computer much lately. Fighting insurance issues and my phone is not working properly either. I am not complaining when others as you have so such a heavy burden. I understand from friends of mine, that sometimes the entreating is wose than the cause. My sincere prayer and wish for all of you peace without suffering. Never tire of seeing the little ladies. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news to hear, Diana...especially your hubby but also the girls (because the little one just needs to learn to put it on paper to become permanent!!)...:)JP
ReplyDeleteSo frustrating for John not to be able to go back to work yet. All in good time, as they say. How wonderful for Maria to take top honors and then to go to NYC and hang out with the Rockettes! So exciting for her....how old is she to be accomplishing so much?
ReplyDeleteRia sure looks graceful in this picture, Diana. I would love to see her glide on the dance floor. Your granddaughter is getting bigger, and oh my, look at the tattoo she drew on herself.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry John is still going through difficult times, but it sounds like he'll be back to work in no time. Wishing him well. He is definitely a trooper.
love, ~Sheri
I'm sorry John can't go back to work yet. How wonderful that they are holding his job open for him.
ReplyDeleteYou are almost at the finish line. Saying a quick prayer for you all.
You and John are still in my prayers. And you must be so proud of you Ria. She is lovely in that photo. So graceful. That little one is something, isn't she :) Gotta love her.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself.
Janet W BIG HUGS
You know I try to visit your CB post each time, so I leave my prayers and comments there for John. Here, I just want to say what cute grand kiddos you both have been blessed with. I love little Anna's art work, so precious and I'm sure (definitely sounds like) Maria is a wonderful dancer! May all your days be blessed with JOY! Cindy xo
ReplyDeleteContinued love, hugs and prayers for you, John and your whole family.
ReplyDeleteJust seeing that picture of Maria makes me want to see her dance. Congrats on her doing so well and winning a week's workshop with the Rockettes, how exciting is that?
FlowerLady
Sorry John couldn't get back to work as planned but that is good news about his job being held for him. I hope the insurance will find a way to keep things going. Isn't it wonderful how Maria has embraced this art form of ballet so nicely. She looks like an angel dancing on the stage. How fantastic that she's going to NYC to work with the Rockettes. The experience will be unforgettable! Little Anna is in that mischievous stage! She's too cute!
ReplyDeleteDiana, isn't it wonderful that your girls are such sparkling stars in your life. I know you are so proud. I continue to have much hope for John gaining strength and returning to the work he loves. In the meantime, I really admire your constant support and encouragement that you give to the one you love so much.
ReplyDeletehugs
Sissie
Diana, I'm so glad to hear John is winning this battle. I can imagine how ready he might be to go to work and to settle into his regular routine, but oh boy, our minds always travel faster than our bodies.
ReplyDeleteYou said, the Rockettes? Woohoo, such a wonderful opportunity. Congrats to Maria!
Always great to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he wasn't "forced" to go to work. His body needs to rest. Your granddaughter in that pose reminds me of a butterfly.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I'm sure he must be disappointed about not going back to work, but all in time, it will happen! Your granddaughter Maria is so beautiful, and I was tickled about the tattoo artist, Miss Anna! LOL! Praying for all of you that this creaky old bridge finds its way to steady ground again soon! You are in our thoughts and prayers!!!
ReplyDeletePoor John, but I am glad that his job is secure. You must have that insurance.
ReplyDeleteRia has grown into such a beautiful girl and clearly such a natural dancer. Congrats to her and I can't even imagine how excited she must be to go to NY and spend a week with the Rockettes. I'm wound up about that myself! Go Ria!
Little Anna...must take after her Nana and her wild ways. She's the cutest little thing...look at that smile. What a treat to spend so much time with the the grands and with Mindy, too. Hang in there, you'll be sending a stronger, healthier hubby off to work very soon. Love you!
One day at a time and he will get there. You all have been through so much. Ria is so graceful and beautiful. Little sweet Anna is adorable. Have a good weekend and Happy Mother's day. xo
ReplyDeletecontinued prayers! Glad to hear the good news and see pictures of your beauties.
ReplyDeleteI can see it now. Little Anna will have her own tattoo show.....she is an amazing talent. Such a beautiful and graceful pose from Maria. Congratulations to her!! How proud you must all be. I hope John feels better soon and can return to work. It must be hard to want to go back but not be ready....but I know he is probably glad to be at home with you and your bats!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful Grandchild and her pose is so elegant.Beautiful, beautiful she is. Nice John has his job held for him. I would never expect the company would not when having cancer and him a man of God.
ReplyDeleteI put up my blog after my eye being done yesterday. I would like prayer for a beautiful lady name Margaret Rae. She is holding her own in I.C.Unit. We do not know what has happen family is not saying. Her family let her hear a tape of her fav Gospel singing Friday. She has responded. It is a day to day condition it seems with Margaret. If the Lord is going to take her or let her be hear for a while more. Time will tell. I knew her living in Canada. She now lives in Ireland. She is a lady in her 80's. Always she has prayed and cared for others.A real prayer warrior like yourself. Now it is her time to have back prayers for her. Keeping you and John continued prayer.
So glad that your dear, sweet hubby is on the way to a full recovery. I have prayed for you both and thought about you often. I didn't know he was a chaplain. I was a chaplain as well. Of course they will save his job for him!
ReplyDeleteLook at your beautiful granddaughter. She looks so graceful.
Bless you, sweet Diana.
You know that my old blog was hacked and my blog was stolen. That's why you don't see me in blogland anymore, but I sure miss all of my lovely friends so much. Come visit and leave me a comment at my website when you get a chance.
xoxo.
Mary
hopefilledliving.com
Diana-I changed my blog design and now I don't see blog updates on my sidebar. So...it's been awhile since I've visited. I'm so sorry you are going through this rough patch, but sounds like things are looking up. I'm glad for you!
ReplyDelete