I consider myself privileged to be the daughter of Harold Johnson. For 90 years he has enjoyed outstanding health and has used that energy to encourage thousands of people with his ready smile, acts of kindness, and exuberant singing. In the last year his health situation has changed dramatically as he is fighting prostate and bladder cancer. And fighting he is.
Last fall Dad had two stents put in. It was a more complicated surgery than expected and the benefit did not last as long as we hoped. Early this week he had emergency surgery to insert another stent. The doctor was surprised to find such aggressive cancer in a man his age. Dad asked his doctor to do everything he can even though surely there is only so much a 91-year-old body can take. Dad is not giving up easily. He was released from the hospital and has just moved into an assisted living facility.
Until very recently the Energizer Bunny (as mom called him) was going to Mom's nursing home every day to play Scrabble with her. She still enjoys and excels at Scrabble even though dementia has robbed her mind of short-term memory. Dad told me he thinks after he dies mom will follow him to heaven shortly thereafter. None of us know when we'll die, but I'm certain of their destination and believe God is looking lovingly at His dearly loved children and has just the right timing all worked out.
I am asking God:
• to give my parents strength for each day and freedom from pain
• to make it possible for my parents to be in the same facility so they can see each other more easily (neither of them are presently very ambulatory)
• to lead me as to when I should go to Indiana to see my parents and help clean out Dad's apartment.
• to get my new passport to me quickly as it is currently being renewed
• to work out Russ' care needs while I'm gone (there are so many details)
• for grace, strength, and wisdom for my siblings as well as me with our many responsibilities
I was greatly encouraged with these words from Isaiah 30:18 today.
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
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