Thursday morning we had the privilege of visiting with Lisa's Aunt Joanne and Uncle Jim!  It is always special to catch up on their family and all the grand children's activities...sports!  We love them so much and are so appreciative of their love, prayers and support.

We received in the mail yesterday a new web-camera/microphone from Tom's parents!  We were using an old camera and microphone set that we had to "jerry rig" to make work.  We skyped with them last night and they said they noticed a big difference in the quality of picture and sound!  If you live far from us and have the ability to skype...give us a call at lisa.anglea sometime.

The assistant principal at WCHS, Dave Muschott, stopped by after school to deliver some more get well wishes along with additional monetary gifts!  We are so blown away by the generosity and love poured out upon us from the WC community...THANK YOU!  Dave and Tom were able to talk "shop" for a little bit too.

Tonight we enjoyed a visit from church/school friends, Dan & Jeanette Swetnam!  They brought a can of tennis balls to let us know they are praying for Tom's complete healing so we can get back on the tennis courts with them!  We so enjoy their friendship and appreciate their love and concern for us.

Today was another good day for which we are so thankful.  Tom is looking forward to no radiation treatments for two days!

"I love those who love Me;

and those who diligently seek Me will find Me."

                                           Proverbs 8:17

The Sun is Shining!

There is SO much to rejoice about today...the sun is out!  We have had so much rain lately.

"Taste and see that the LORD is good.

How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

Psalm 34:8

Also, we rejoice that Tom has not had any side effects from the Temodar.  He continues to be tired and that is very normal after all he has been through and the with radiation that is to be expected.  The doctor believes the few side effects Tom was experiencing last week were from "over doing it".  So far this week he has not gone into work and really has rested, therefore he's feeling better!

We also are thankful for a brand new toilet installed by our good friend, Elden Deskins.  Our poor old toilet was just ready to retire!  It took many people, parts and patience before Elden said it was time for a new one.

After Tom's nap yesterday he asked me what I was doing and I said making a new recipe and he "groaned".  I was very disappointed that he is becoming discouraged with the new way of eating...healthy.  After dinner he apologized because it was absolutely delicious...eggplant parmigiana.

Last night we enjoyed a visit with our long-time friends (since Bryan College), Doug & Carylee Meyers.  They have been through "life" with us and continue to stick by our sides and encourage, pray and be there for us in any way they can.  Doug's father also had a GBM about 23 years ago.

Our son-in-law was recently at a conference where he picked up a booklet "Don't Waste Your Cancer" by John Piper.  It's a very tiny book that Tom and I read and were very encouraged and challenged by.  There are 11 chapters/challenges that we want to encourage you with.  You definitely don't have to have cancer to be convicted of these things:

1 - We waste our cancer (life) if we don't hear in our own groanings the hope-filled labor pains of a fallen world.

2 - We waste our cancer (life) if we do not believe it is designed for us by God.

3 - We waste our cancer (life) if we believe it is a curse and not a gift.

4 - We waste our cancer (life) if we seek comfort from our odds rather than from God.

5 - We waste our cancer (life) if we refuse to think about death.

6 - We waste our cancer (life) if we think that "beating" cancer (life) means staying alive rather than cherishing Christ.

7 - We waste our cancer (life) if we spend too much time reading about cancer and not enough time reading about God.

8 - We waste our cancer (life) if we let it drive us into solitude instead of deepen our relationships with manifest affection.

9 - We waste our cancer (life) if we grieve as those who have no hope.

10 - We waste our cancer (life) if we treat sin as casually as before.

11 - We waste our cancer (life) if we fail to use it as a means of witness to the truth and glory of Christ.

We pray that today you will be encouraged to "live as Christ"!

He is Risen!

This pot of tulips showed up at our home on Saturday and they are beautiful!  We trust whoever sent them will read this and know how much we appreciate the beauty of God's creation they sent us.  It was 26 years ago the bridesmaids in our wedding carried tulips because I love them so much!  Thank You!

I feel that so much has happened since last writting on Friday!  Saturday was a "stay-at-home" day to catch our breath and relax.  My parents came over so that my mom could give me my annul home perm!  Woo hoo!  To top off this experience, good friend Suzanne Homoelle, stopped by to drop off a beautiful bouquet of flowers, get well cards and a devotional from her sister!  What a treat for her to get to see me in perm rods!  Thanks, Suzanne!

Sunday morning we celebrated Christ's resurrection at church with 15 of the 24 Kline clan at our church.  It was a beautiful celebration and touching service for both Tom and me.  We have such gratitude for God's great gift and sacrifice of His only Son...what amazing grace!  We were honored that so many of my family wanted to join us at Grace.  After church Tom and I came home so he could rest before the large family dinner at the Herbst home.  We all met back at Lisa's sisters at 3:00 to a feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus, greek salad, cucumber salad, fruit salad, deviled eggs, rolls and desserts!  We were so thankful to have Zac and Sarah be able to drive in from Indiana to join us for the family dinner.  It was a great day.

Our Easter evening was topped off with a visit from dear friends who now live in North Carolina, Ray and Matsi Slagle.  What a joy to visit with them (and the Deskins) and catch up on all their family and what God is doing in their lives.  We pray that their new granddaughter (born today) entered this world healthy!  Congratulations!

Both Grace College and Mt. Vernon had classes off today so we enjoyed the kids being home.  I was up and out the door early this morning to work, leaving the kids in charge of dad!  They did a great job.  While I was at work the radiation technician called to say Tom's treatment was cancelled due to a machine down.  Tom was thankful to have another "free" day and yet realizes this just prolongs treatments.  We continue to trust the Ultimate Healer and His timing in regards to these situations.  Tom had a 3:40 doctor appointment with the oncologist today.  Dr. Keubler was very encouraged with Tom's progress since he last saw him in the hospital...what a dramatic difference.  Tom's chemotherapy drugs arrived via FedEx today!  He will be taking a pill form of chemo called "temodar" along with the radiation.  It has many of the same side effects as the traditional IV form of chemo so we pray that they are minimal.

After enjoying a family "cookout" tonight the kids are all on their way back to school.  We pray that their travels are safe and that as they reflect on their time here they will know how much their parents love them!

Good Friday...Sunday's Comin'

Our spirits are low today...thinking of Christ's horrible betrayal, being beaten & crucified for all of humanity... is beyond our comprehension.  We do believe the damp, cold Ohio weather isn't helping our spirits either.  Tom is feeling the effects of radiation, Lisa is having sinus "issues" and Matt woke up with a cold today!  We're a mess but God still loved us enough to send His only Son to die for us and to give us hope even when our days are dreary...we are so thankful there is more to this life than the temporary ailments we face today.

Tom has completed three radiation treatments...27 more to plug away at!  He has felt some jaw pain, had metal tastes in his mouth, some headaches and much fatigue.  He doesn't complain and continues to be upbeat and positive.  If you know Tom, you wouldn't expect any less! 

We are so thankful for our new lawn service, B&B Lawncare!  I remembered to get their picture when they were here yesterday.  Thanks Rick & Ethan...

Kyle Pyne stopped by today with a sweet Easter card and a vegetarian cookbook!  Thanks Pyne family...

Kathy Foreman also stopped by with a freshly baked loaf of bread, get-well cards for Tom and a Raisin Rack gift card!  What blessings from the Foreman family...

Each day our mailbox is overflowing with cards of love filled with your generous thoughts and prayers for our family.  It is so overwhelming to know so many love and care for us...we are eternally grateful to each of you.

We anticipate a quiet Saturday...resting up for Easter Sunday to celebrate our Risen Lord!
Happy Birthday to Tim, Mike & Rachael!  We Love You!!

1 Down, 29 to Go!

"Blessed be the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies & the God of all comfort.  He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Christ.  If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort & salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in the endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer.  And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will share in the comfort."

II Corinthians 1:3-7

This was one of the passages from devotions this morning.  The whole chapter is worth your time to read and reflect upon.  Tom and I both have felt the comfort of God.  We are amazed at the way God uses His Word, His people and His Spirit to bring us comfort during this trial.  Thank you for lifting us up to the throne of grace that we may be the recipients of His comfort.  This picture reminds us of how God uses time to bring comfort too.  We look forward to how we can make the most of this time of trial that God has allowed for us to experience. 

Yesterday and today Tom was able to go into WCHS to work for a couple of hours!  This is a huge praise and still a huge prayer request.  It is a delicate balance of pushing him and yet knowing when to stop.  He feels at times incapable to remember all the tasks he once did and yet he is quite able to perform many of the duties.  One of his biggest challenges is reading.  Much of his job requires a lot of reading!  I believe the time spent at the high school will give him back the confidence he once had in doing his job to God's glory.  One of the other challenges he has is remembering every one's name.  He has always been so good at knowing every one's name and takes pride in that.  He spends his summers studying the 8th graders pictures and names so that when they come to high school he can look at them and call them by name!  Please know that when Tom sees you that if he doesn't come up with your name, it's not because he doesn't know or recognize you, it's just that the retrieval system in his brain has to take a different route!

Today was uneventful in that the radiation came and went just as they said it would.  Tom was in and out in less than 15 minutes.  We pray that as the treatments accumulate that they would not cause any more interference to his brain functions, that he would be able to maintain his current activities and fatigue would remain at a minimum.

Great Harvest & Goodie Basket Deliveries!

Saying good-bye is never easy.  Tom's parents flew out today back to warmer weather in Orlando.  We are so thankful we will get to see them in less than a month for Sarah's college graduation on May 14th!  We are also thankful to Tim & Julie for inviting Pops & Granny to their lake house in South Carolina for Easter!  We know that they are excited to be with family for the Easter holiday and also get to visit Granny's brother, Y.T. & Patsy in Atlanta on the way.

After taking Tom's parents to the airport we arrived back home to a package of Great Harvest Bread:  two loaves of bread, pancake mix, cranberry oatmeal and even a few oatmeal cookies...YUM!  Tom's eyes lit up like a child when he saw it and immediately asked "can I eat that?"  Thank you to the Merino family for such a treat.
We enjoyed a quiet afternoon and after dinner took a stroll around the block.  Tom is enjoying NBA playoff games...funny, he's never been much of an NBA guy, but it sure is holding his attention these days!

Tonight the phone rang and I was told there was a package on our front step!  What wonderful friends and neighbors, the Mitchell family, left this beautiful basket overflowing with special items!  Thank you, Julie.

Fabulous Parents!

We worshiped during first service and were able to see some friends we missed last week at second service.  It is so good to get hugs from our friends and be encouraged by the body of Christ.  Pastor Ed DeZago preached from Philippians 1:21 "For me, living is Christ and dying is gain."  Powerful words that take on new meaning at this point in our lives.  We realize that because of Tom's diagnosis that we have a platform for Christ.  We pray that our Lord will find us faithful in realizing what it means to 'live as Christ'.  Our prayer for YOU, especially this week leading up to Easter, is that you KNOW Christ and then make Him known in your circle of the world.  We saw a poignant video clip encouraging us to invite someone to our Easter service.  Will you pray for us as we discern who God would have us invite and we'll pray for you as you discern who you'll invite!?
After church Terry, Kelly (sister) and Zac were able to stop by and see Pops & Granny!  Terry & Zac were off to an AAU basketball game so Kelly stayed and joined us for black bean burgers grilled by Matt!  I'm so thankful Matt was here to grill because the propane tank ran out!  I'm even more thankful for my husband who has always been a planner who had an extra filled tank in the garage.  Matt was able to change the tank and keep the burgers warm too.
Happy Birthday! Emily Grace Herbst!  It was a special treat to have Emily and her fiance, Travis, stop by for a quick visit and get to wish her Birthday greetings in person.

Tom and I have always said how blessed we are with the most amazing parents.  We believe if they lived near each other they would be best of friends.  We always enjoy getting our families together.  Tonight we enjoyed burritos and then UNO...a lot of fun for all, but no victory for me.
Please pray for Tom's parent's safe flight back to Orlando tomorrow.  They fly out around 3pm and should be home in time for a "normal" dinner!!

Pops & Granny Fun!

Tom was able to have his staples removed on Friday!  We have confirmation that radiation will start on Wednesday, April 20th and continue for 30 treatments.  He will have a "run-through" appointment on Tuesday to make sure all is lined up and ready for Wednesday.
We enjoyed the weather on Friday and got out to walk the dog and exercise our legs on the Xenos trail.
Friday night was homemade whole wheat vegetable pizza that turned out pretty good.  We are all so impressed how well disciplined Tom has been to the special diet...even when he sees his dad eating turtle tracks ice cream each evening.  (Someone needs to get it out of the house!)
Our Friday night ended with some rousing games of UNO.
Saturday morning brought whole wheat waffles with fresh fruit for topping.  This seems to be one of Tom's favorite breakfast selections.  We even got Tom's dad to omit the butter from his waffles!  "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Pops, Granny, Tom and I were all glad to have Matt come home from college today.  He brought his usual hamper of laundry and he is becoming a pro at getting that done without moms help.  We appreciate his helpfulness around the house.  We all look forward to being in church together tomorrow.  It's times like this that we miss Zac and Sarah even more than usual.  It's hard to believe the next time that we're all together it will be for Sarah's college graduation on May 14th!
We enjoyed "skyping" today with Tom's brother, Terry & family.  What a neat way for us to connect across the miles and be able to see smiling faces too!
After a dinner that didn't get big reviews (portabella mushrooms, quinoa, asparagus & salad)...I'm learning and will know better next time what NOT to do...we enjoyed more UNO and then Matt taught us all how to play a new game, Phase Ten.

Parents, Chapel & Fruit

This morning at 10:05 a.m. Tom's parents arrived safely at Port Columbus Airport from Orlando.  We are so thankful to have them here with us for a long weekend visit.  They arrived to a beautiful Columbus spring day, full of sunshine (a rare occasion).  We went directly from picking them up to WCHS for Thursday morning chapel service.  What a blessing for us to worship/sing, be challenged from God's word by Troy McIntosh, have Tom "interviewed" by Tom Burns and enjoy fellowship with the students and staff!  We were all encouraged by warm hugs and words of cheer.  Tom says he's ready to go back...this is good.

We came home to lunch and a visit on the patio.  We are so thankful to family who helped get our patio furniture out and that we can use it in April!  During our lunch we received a delivery of an amazing Edible Arrangement from the WCHS PTF!  Of course I forgot to take a picture before we began to devour it!

Tom proceeded to fertilize the lawn after he had his mom read the directions to him on the bag.  We know it made him feel good to do a little work.  Then is was naptime.
We enjoyed a fish dinner and then some wild rounds of UNO!  Thank you Lord for a beautiful day.

Good Friends, Good Food & Good Weather

So much to be thankful for...it was so good to wake up to sun beams breaking through the blinds this morning! 

Tom enjoyed another Raisin Rack lunch brought by good friend/WCHS athletic director, Kevin Weakley.  Before Kevin arrived, Tom was sitting at the table waiting in anticipation for a delicious meal and fun conversation with Kevin...then Scott Weakley, friend/coach/painter, showed up and the fun really began!  Sorry Scott we took the pic before you got here.

My parents came by after lunch so I could go to the grocery store and run errands.  My mom accompanied me and my dad stayed with Tom.  Tom had a 3:45 dental appointment that my dad took him to so that we girls didn't have to "rush" our shopping trip...thanks dad.  Dr. Brad Fulton, and Murph, were so glad to see Tom and even prayed with him before he left.

B&B Lawn Care came after dinner (that's Rick & Ethan Burby) to mow our spring lawn.  My dad even joined in the team and there were dueling mowers with Ethan edging...what a blessing.  Susan Burby visited with Tom, Mom & myself while the "team" got our lawn looking great.  Once again I forgot to get a picture of the lawn care team.

The picture of the food is from last nights dinner...my own creation!  I'm really freaking my husband out with my cooking.

So many people have commented on the blog and how much they enjoy it.  That is funny to me because I don't consider myself to be good at writing/English...so for all of you who are correcting my grammar, forgive me.  When I was sitting in English class many years ago I never dreamed of this "opportunity" to share our life's story this way.
Prayer Requests:  This week Dr. Megan DeHaan, radiation oncologist, is mapping out Tom's therapy.  Please pray that God's hand would be upon her.  Pray that HE would give her & her team great wisdom.  We ask specifically that no radiation beam would cause any further damage to Tom's brain or his optic nerve.  Tom's vision has been effected from the original surgery and we definitely don't want him to lose any more of his peripheral vision.
Thank you again for all of the love gifts, cards, and most of all your prayer!  Please know it is in my heart to send a "thank you" note to each person who has been so kind to us over the last month, but it overwhelms me.  So PLEASE accept this as your thank you note knowing our Father in Heaven anticipates your crown with extra jewels!  We love you friends and family.
P.S. Happy Birthday, Nathan!!

Clean Shave

Today has been a quiet day to clean the house and get ready for Tom's parents who will be here on Thursday. 
Tom decided he would take the razor to his face and get himself "cleaned up".  I have to admit the kisses since then have been sweeter!
Tom received the sweetest card and gift via UPS today...the blanket in the picture.  A WCMS 7th grader, Elizabeth Pridham, had her grandma knit the blanket for Tom.  It is so beautiful.  What a precious gift.

Troy McIntosh, friend/WCMS principal/asst. superintendant, stopped by to visit and catch Tom "up to speed" on all the happenings at Worthington Christian.  I really wanted to take a picture of Troy and Tom together.  I had even put my camera where I would remember!  Oops...I had to find a photo (google search!) to put in the blog for today, sorry Troy.

Carylee Meyers stopped by to visit with ME...most visitors come to see Tom, so it was a pleasant surprise to have her say she was here to see me!  I wanted a picture of Carylee and I too...but had to resort to an old baseball photo from Matt and Ike's senior night.

Staples Out - NOT!

Well, today didn't go quite like we thought...we are learning how to live life not as we "planned".  We arrived at the surgeon's office at 10:00 this morning prepared to have Tom's staples removed.  After filling out much paperwork we were escorted to an exam room by the physician's assistant.  The PA looked at Tom and said "how long ago did you have surgery?", and we replied, "ten days ago".  He said normal procedure is 14 days and he would be right back.  When he returned he said he had good news and bad news!  He proceeded with the bad news first, "your staples cannot be removed", good news, "you can go ahead and have your MRI today."  My first response is "why did they schedule us for today when they knew this wasn't procedure?".  He said this is happening all too frequently and that he would be sure to address this with the scheduling department!  So we will be back to the surgeon on Friday.
We left there and went to the post office to mail tax forms and W-2 forms to Matt at MVNU because Matt was randomly selected by our government to have his FAFSA reviewed!  Can you believe that?  Of all the times!  Anyway, we did get the required paperwork together and in the mail so that the "audit" can proceed!
We then stopped in Raisin Rack (local health food store) to browse their selection of healthy food.  Since it was almost lunch time we decided to order carry out.  We were quite impressed with the selection and even more impressed after eating our delicious lunch!  We definitely will be back...an option for us to "eat out".  So I guess you can say we had our first date since 3/7 at Raisin Rack...I'll never forget it.
We then were at Riverside at 1:00 for Tom's MRI.  Uneventful and out of there by 2:30.  We were both very tired and once home we both took a nap!  I usually don't nap, but today was one of those days I couldn't keep my eyes open.  I'm not sure if it's the haul of the last month, the week with no caffeine or the rainy day...anyway the nap felt good.
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."  I Corinthians 2:9
Lord, thank You that You prepare our every day and KNOW exactly what we need...we love You!

Sunday Worship

What a praise to be able to sit with Tom, Matt and our church body this morning and worship our Lord together!  It was such a blessing to have the WCHS Choir sing in service...it was very emotional for both Tom & I to see each choir member come in and fill the stage, they are amazing!  I am so thankful for that gift and then to top it off, Pastor Jim used Tom as an illustration in his sermon from Philippians 2.  Like Epaphroditus, v. 28 "...you may rejoice when you see him again..." the congregation rejoiced when they saw Tom!  Thank you for surrounding us with your love.

We stopped on our way home from church to wash our very dirty car.  Once home we ate some lunch and then Tom crashed!  While he slept I vacuumed out the car and washed the car windows of winter grime...what a good feeling.  I then swept out the garage knowing this would make my husband quite happy.

We were glad to get word that Zac & Sarah made it back safely to Grace College early this morning in time for the Leesburg GBC service.  And then just as glad to hear that Matt made it back safely to MVNU's campus after saying good-bye to us in the church parking lot.  What a treat to have the kids home for the weekend.

A Weekend At Home!

It has been a true joy for Zac, Matt, and myself to be home this weekend!  What an amazing difference to see the improvement in Dad just in 2 weeks.  We are so thankful that his speech continues to improve and most importantly that Dad is laughing and joking!  :)

Today was a very relaxing day.  We enjoyed omelets this morning and then played Hand and Foot as well as Uno.  Dad and Zac were able to go outside and pick up wood as well as the gumballs!  I think it was refreshing for Dad to get outside.  Mom made wraps for lunch and they were delicious.  She is becoming quite the 'organic/healthy cook'!  She is incredible.  After lunch, Dave and Jill Petrel stopped by for a nice visit.  We enjoyed catching up with them and chatting.  Right before they left, Dave asked a profound question that I was just tickled to hear my Dad's response.  He asked something like this, 'Tom, we know this has probably been some of the hardest weeks of your life, however, what is something that you have considered a blessing throughout this experience?'  Without hesitation Dad quickly responded, 'My Wife!'  I think this just goes to show how terrific my parents are and their unconditional love for each other.  They reflect Christ in all they have done and are doing through this process.

I am thankful that we serve a sovereign God who has us in His hands!  We are taking one day at a time and enjoy every moment we have together. It was an awesome weekend and we look forward to being back soon!
-Sarah

Doctors Appointment - Confirmation

God has met me again today and confirmed in my heart (& Tom's) that Riverside is where we will get his treatment. As I spent time in God's Word, this is the verse that He gave me "Peace to you!" Luke 24:36b. We are confident that God has ordained our steps to Riverside and that God has, can and will continue to use the physicians, nurses, aides, techs, and any person who comes into contact with Tom as tools in His hands to bring about His perfect will. As we met with Dr. Megan DeHaan, Tom's radiation/oncologist, we once again felt confirmation that this is where God wants us. It was almost exactly 22 years ago that I was treated with radiation at the exact same place (my Dr. is still there)! When we were greeted at the door by "Gail" it was the same "Gail" that greeted us 22 years ago...and she remembered us! She loves Jesus and also knows some students at WCHS. Not only that but Dr. DeHaan had Hodgkin's Disease just like me when she was only 17! Please don't think that these two "coincidences" are what made us make this final decision about treatment at Riverside. We want everyone to know that many people, hours of research and much prayer have led us to this point.
Tom was able to have his mapping mold done of his face today and then on Monday will have the MRI/CT scan to complete the requirements for Dr. DeHaan to put together a perfect treatment plan. We were informed today that Tom did not qualify for the clinical trial we enrolled him in. We knew it was questionable since he had the emergency surgery for the bone flap removal. We have prayed that God would make if very clear as to whether or not he should be in the trial and today we are able to praise God for making it very clear!
We are so thankful that Zac & Sarah arrived safely last night. Tom & Zac took on Sarah & I in a round of Hand & Foot and the boys dominated...we girls will have to take them on again with more aggression! Everytime Tom beats me at a game I just say "I'm taking it easy on the sick fella!". It wouldn't matter what the circumstance...Tom beats me at everything! I've always said the fun is in the playing...not the winning...or I'd never have fun!
Matt arrived home safely this afternoon from MVNU and we are looking forward to a family meal and then I'm sure a competition of some sort!

Georgia Visitors!

We were blessed to have Tom's cousin, Doug (husband of Amy) & daughter, Anna Stroup, here to visit today!  They were on their way to Dover, OH for the weekend and it worked out for them to stop by.  We enjoyed fellowship & prayer.
My dad, brother, brother-in-law, & nephew stopped by and put our patio furniture out!  We are trusting we will be able to use it soon.  My brother then hauled our winter/Christmas decorations into the attic.  There are SO many things that Tom does that we are realizing now that he can't do them!  We are so thankful to our family for all their help.
Our "big" doctor appointment has been shortened due to the fact that Tom's staples can't be removed until Monday.  We will have a doctor appointment tomorrow, it just won't include the MRI/CTscans.  After the staple removal on Monday we will then go and get the MRI/CTscans...so Monday is now our long day.
Matt is also coming home this weekend and our whole family is looking forward to being together at home and not at Riverside.

Days of Healing

I haven't "posted" in a couple of days so thought I'd fill you in.
At the top of our "to do" list is rest and rejuvination!  We are so thankful for this time to process what God has set before us with devotions, scripture reading and prayer.  We are so thankful for the overflow of cards of encouragement and gifts of love that are sent our way, we are so blessed.
We have had several visitors:  much of the "Kline Clan", niece Brittany from MI, Jim & Terri Parrish, Kevin, Katherine & Megan Weakley, Kent Homoelle, Leigh Wigton, Elden & Jennifer Deskins on a walk through the neighborhood, Tom's WCHS secretaries, Cathy Smith & Liz Bookheimer, WCHS assistant principal/friend, Dave Muschott, WCHS Bible teacher/friend & Dominican leader, Tom Burns, and today my dad, brother & brother-in-law came by to fix three things while I ran errands:  an electrical outlet, clogged sink & toilet.  Tom was to nap while they made repairs...when I got home I found the four of them around the kitchen table playing cards!  They did get one of the three jobs crossed off the list...I will need master repairman, Elden Deskins to finish the job!!  I think the card game was therapy for all four men.  Tom napped when they left!  Tom so enjoys the visits and hearing all about what is happening "out in the world".
We are looking forward to having Zac & Sarah back in town this weekend for a visit!  Then next weekend (April 14-18) Tom's parents from Orlando will fly in for a much needed visit. 
Tom has a long (4-5 hrs.) doctor appointment on Friday (4/8) afternoon.  This is his normal naptime so pray for endurance.  We ask you to pray too for God to ordain the steps and wisdom in seeking a second opinion.  We are on track for this but I am not sure how the timing will work out.
We are adjusting to being on a "rigid" medication schedule along with a big adjustment in our eating habits.  I have enjoyed surfing the net to find healthy recipes then implementing them onto our table.  We so appreciate the love, prayers and concern of each of you.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9

Family

Home Again!

Tom was released from Riverside Hospital today around 1:00. Once at home Tom enjoyed a shave (trim), hot shower and big-time nap! He is refreshed and watching golf. Tom and I will enjoy dinner for two, first time since March 9th! We are starting a new, very strict, diet/nutrition plan. I do believe hospital food is designed to keep you in the hospital! Anyway...we are going to cut out sugar, red meat and hydrogenated oils. Tonights menu includes baked sweet potatoes, black beans, asparagus, spinach salad and fresh pineapple for dessert. Tom thinks I'm going to starve him, but I assured him that he won't go hungry! Thank you again for your love, prayers and concern for our family. "O Lord, because You are our help, we sing in the shadow of Your wings. Our souls cling to You; Your right hand upholds us." Psalm 63:7-8

Flap Replaced!

Tom is on the other side of surgery and trying to catch up on lost rest and food! We are thankful for the non-complicated surgery and uneventful night. We continue to wait for the doctor to let us know when Tom's drain tube, from the wound site, can be removed. After the drain is removed they can then let us know when we are free to go home!
Tom will now be "helmet free" with his skull "flap" back in. We will still need to be careful since Tom's head finds things hit at much more frequency than the normal height person! Most people need helmets because of fall risks...Tom needed a helmet to prevent hitting his head on doorframe tops, etc.! It will be nice for Tom not to wear the protective device while riding in the car as he watches motorcycle riders go by helmet free!!
Because Tom has such a large "following" of family and friends, I am asking that if you would like to visit with Tom, please either text, Facebook, or call me (Lisa) to set-up a time that would be good for us to visit. We are really wanting the next 2 weeks before treatment starts to be a time of healing and rest to prepare for therapy. Thank you so much for understanding.