Voluntary Surrender

This year is the year that both Tom and my driver's license expire.  We ventured to the BMV office last week with a hint of apprehension.  Not only is a trip to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles an interesting experience, but we also knew what needed to be done that was sobering.  Tom has not driven since March 10th, 2011.  What a sinking feeling I had when I had to check the box marked "Voluntary Surrender" of Tom's current driver's license.  Another sad moment in our days of releasing freedoms.  You all know, if you know Tom, that he is handling each of these momentous events with ease as I nearly crumble at each turn.  He continues to tell me "it is what it is".  He has taken what God has, written as his story, in such amazing style, but that's Tom's style...amazing!  Take a moment and think of the time when God has asked you to voluntary surrender something...it's not easy.  I remember with great clarity when God asked me to voluntary surrender my life to Him.  It was with much guilt and embarrassment over my sin that I bent my knees, my life and my will to His and I've never regretted that decision!  If you have never "voluntarily surrendered" your life to Jesus Christ...what are you waiting for?  Tom and I beg you to consider what a life-change for eternity this will be for YOU.  Don't wait, you won't regret the incredible love, peace and mercy you will receive...life everlasting!

"Let them take hold of My strength and make complete surrender to My protection,

that they may make peace with Me! Yes, let them make peace with Me!"

Isaiah 27:5

Life continues here at our home even with news that could rock our world.  We take our days just like you...one day at a time!  The weather is amazingly beautiful and that always helps when we can get outside and enjoy life beyond the four walls of our home.  What fun it was to go to our nephew's soccer game on Tuesday evening.  Great job Zac and fun to see a warrior victory!

Tom & Troy cheer on the Warriors!

Meals this week:

Steak, Baked Potatoes, Fresh Garden Tomatoes

AND

Key Lime Pie

Thanks Bright Family for another amazing meal!

Taco Pie, Salad

AND

Cherry Crisp

Thank You Holly Varian again for an awesome meal!

Sarah made chicken shish-ka-bobs for dinner on Wednesday since she invited her Chinese conversation partner and family to dinner.  What a colorful presentation only to find out that the last time we had them over for dinner we prepared the SAME thing!!  Too funny.

Zac has become quite the "grill master" since Tom is unable to!

Zac, Sarah, Kamin, Leeshing (almost 11 months) & Haifeng

What a fun evening we enjoyed together.  They had never had a s'more before so Zac made a fire in the fire pit and they got to experience their first s'mores!



Sadness

"Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
So I will meditate on Your wonders.
My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your law."

Psalm 119:27-29

I'm not sure exactly how to share the news we received from Tom's MRI on Wednesday, other than it wasn't good news.  Our hearts are extremely heavy and we feel as though the wind has been knocked out of our lungs.  I guess because Tom has been doing so incredibly well that we were surprised by this news.  I believe the doctors, nurse practitioner and other medical staff were also surprised that Tom was doing so well even though the MRI showed he should be experiencing more "symptoms".

I do want to share some "highlights" of our day on Wednesday.  Tom's MRI was at OSU East where a dear friend of mine, Ingrid Morris, works.  When I left Tom in the hands of the MRI technicians I went to the waiting area and text Ingrid to see if she was working that day.  She text back and said she would be right there.  I certainly enjoyed catching up with her during that time and it made the wait go all too quick!  She walked us out to the car and encouraged us both with her cheer.

We had time between the MRI and the doctor appointment and since it was an amazingly beautiful day we decided to go to the OSU Medical Center and enjoy the courtyard and play a round of SkipBo while we waited!  It was gorgeous and enough time for Tom to beat me in a round of SkipBo.

As we met with the doctor and he delivered the bad news of tumor regrowth, he then proceeded with more "options", more paperwork to read up on the different chemotherapy and a new device called a NovoTTF.  We then met with a specialty pharmacist and a NovoTTF technician to hear about these options.  With heavy hearts, information overload and hungry bellies we headed out of the hospital.  At one turn heading out of the James Cancer Hospital we literally "ran into" Dr. Elder, Tom's neuro-surgeon from December.  As our eyes met I said, "do you remember us?", with which he replied, "certainly", and then he looks at me and said, "you got your haircut"!  I guess neuro-surgeons pay close attention to details!!  I told him about our appointment with Dr. Cavaliere and he said not to be discouraged, many patients have MRI's that don't "look good" and actually the tumor regrowth may be scar tissue, which Tom has plenty of.  We left with a little more air in our lungs after hearing his encouragement.

We arrived home to three beautiful children who greeted us with much love.  They shared a story that made us laugh:  as I prepared to leave that morning I had gone to a lot of trouble making sure the bedroom doors were shut and placed aluminum foil on the couches to keep our dog, Addy, off the beds and furniture while we were away.  Unbeknown to me I shut her in our bedroom instead of out!  She enjoyed the comforts of our king size bed most of the day until she decided she wanted out and then proceeded to scratch the door until the paint and toenail marks were severe.  Matt was able to sand and repaint the door before we arrived home!  Thanks, Matt...you're a gem.  I will pay closer attention next time we leave!  This is why I'm not a neuro-surgeon!

Thursday evening we had the pleasure of enjoying dinner with and by a dear friend, Ginny Englehart.  Not only did she bring dinner, but she stayed to "liven" up our table of two and made it three.  Her husband, Tom, is in the Army Reserves and was just this week deployed to Afghanistan.  He is an anesthesiologist here in Columbus and serves in a medical military unit.  We are so thankful for our friendship over the years.  What fun we have had raising our children and serving the Lord together.  Our time together was therapeutic for all of us.

Homemade Mac & Cheese, Zucchini Casserole, HoneyBaked Ham & Zucchini Bread

AND

A Variety of Cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Factory!

Wow...what a treat!

Lisa & Ginny

Thanks Ginny for the nourishment & cheer!

Back to School

It's so hard for us to believe that just one year ago Tom was busy preparing for the 2011-12 school year, ready and prepared for what was "norm" for us after so many years of the "back to school routine".  Unimaginable that just 6 short weeks into the Fall school year that he would experience the hardest set-back yet, never to have another "back to school" experience.  We haven't talked much about it...I sense it in his spirit that this has been harder than we thought.  In June, when we cleaned out his office, it was a relief off of his shoulders...just as any other summer season, but now with that behind us, the cooler temperatures, the "back to school" advertisements, the plethora of school supplies that greet us at the grocery store and the schedules of friends being filled with school activities brings us back to the reality of "what was".  We grasp at the hands of Jesus, cling to His Words and breath prayers to sustain us through these seasons of life experiences.  We know from our life experiences that He has always walked with us through whatever lays ahead and we take comfort in His mercies that are new every day. 

Your hands made me and fashioned me;

Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

May those who fear You see me and be glad,

Because I wait for Your word.

I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,

And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,

According to Your word to Your servant.

May Your compassion come to me that I may live,

For Your law is my delight.

Psalm 119:73-77

As I think of the students who will be heading back to school it reminds me of all that Tom has had to relearn over this past year.  He has come so far from last October and we give thanks for the abilities he does have and try not to focus on the ones he hasn't regained.  As the 'classrooms' of life continually change it becomes very clear that we are constantly learners at the feet of the Master Teacher who grades with grace and guides us with  much patience.  It is our prayer that at whatever learning experience God has us in that we will grasp His grace and learn from His amazing wisdom as we graduate from one life experience ready to fully absorb and pursue Him in and through the next phase of life.

It seems a little ironic that Tom's next big check up is this Wednesday.  With the "back to school" clamor, Tom's MRI and doctor appointment, we feel an unmentioned tension in the house.  I see it in my hangnails, "twiddle" at the side of my head and sense it in Tom's demeanor.  Even though we fully trust God and His hand upon us...our flesh is weak and  we are still human!  As I put Tom down for his afternoon nap he broke the 'unmentioned tension' with; "I'm okay with Wednesday".  It's what I needed to hear...if he can be okay, then I will be too.  Thank you in advance for lifting us to the throne of God's grace as we faithfully trust Him through all of our tomorrows.

So thankful to Karen Estabrook for our delicious dinner on Saturday...

Spaghetti Pie, Garlic Bread, Salad

and...

Chocolate Cake!

Thank You Karen...you're a sweet blessing!

"Teeny & Big" Cindy & Dale Dunn

What fun we had on Saturday night having Dale and Cindy (who were free from grand-parenting) to come and play cards with us!  After two rounds of Hand & Foot and the guys defeating the gals, badly...we decided to stop and teach them how to play SkipBo!  It was a hit...however, the guys continued to bring the "heat" and beat us girls again.  Thanks Dale and Cindy for a fun evening!

Zac & Sarah return from Ashland, Ohio with an amazing homemade peach pie!

Thanks Elaine for once again blessing us with your amazing baking!

Sunday Evening BBQ!

Thank You Pete & Karen Huling for a fun treat!

and...

more treats (because we don't have enough around here!)

Pete's "famous" Hot Salsa & Chips too!

Zac & Matt loved it...not too hot for them!

I thought it was pretty amazing in very small amounts!

Berkley, Malayna & Dawn McMahon,

Steph Smith & Tom

What and honor and privilege to have a visit from WCHS teachers Dawn & Steph the day before school started.  They assured Tom they were ready and prepared for today.  Dawn and her husband prepared Chicken Enchiladas for our dinner Monday night!

Chicken Enchiladas, Chips, Salsa...

Muffins & Cookies too!

Thank you, Dawn & Brian...we are blessed!

P.S. - We are so blessed by so many who have brought and continue to bring us amazing meals...PLEASE remember that even though Saturday and Sunday are options for meals, only ONE day is supposed to be filled!  Thanks again for your love, prayers and support during this life experience.

Catching Up

After a week of vacation we came home (or at least I did) fairly exhausted!  I do believe we are caught back up on our rest and back into our quiet routine.

(L to R) Doug, Morgan, Joel, Ike, Carylee,

Papa (Lowell), Granny (Barbara), Lisa, Sarah, Zac & Tom

Last Sunday evening we had the wonderful privilege of going to our dear friends, Doug and Carylee Meyers for a family picnic.  It was so special they included my parents who decided to come to Ohio after our family vacation for a week.  What an enjoyable evening we had together eating, laughing and reminiscing over our lives since college days!  It was very special getting to meet Joel, Morgan's "friend" she met while working at Beulah Beach Christian Camp this summer in Vermilion, Ohio.  What a great guy who loves the Lord and is serving Him in a neat camp ministry.  We certainly missed our youngest boys, Jess and Matt...we'll have to do it again when everyone is accounted for!
Thanks again, Doug and Carylee for a special night.
Monday Tom had another Avastin infusion that went very smoothly and we were home in record time.  It is so nice to know a wonderful meal would be delivered to us after a day at the hospital.  We are so thankful to Mindy Barlow, who has delivered many wonderful meals to us over the past 18 months, and she was the "slot" filled for Monday.

Salad...

Chicken & Rice, Broccoli...

AND warm Banana Cake!

Thank You Mindy...it all was so delicious.

Tuesday Tom was thrilled to know Margaret Paparella would be coming to give him his massage!  What a delight Margaret is and we are all becoming fast friends/family as she serves as Tom's therapist...not just a Christian massage therapist, BUT more importantly as a friend who brings much cheer, joy and laughter to our home...which makes her a "heart" therapist for both Tom and me!  While she was here the previous time I was dismantling my electric knife that wouldn't "spit" the blades out.  After getting the blades out and replacing them, they were stuck again.  After dismantling it another time I realized a piece of plastic that would push the blades out was broken I tried to "jerry rig" it to work with hot glue and a toothpick...only to realized my quick fix wouldn't work!  When Margaret appeared at the door she was holding a new electric knife!  What a gem she is...thank you Margaret.  Now when Thanksgiving rolls around I won't have to carve the turkey "manually"!

My "new" Electric Knife

De, Melissa, Susan, Nightingale & Lisa

Back in 2004 I had the privilege of leading a small ladies Bible Study on "The Age of Opportunity" by Paul Tripp, a biblical guide to parenting teens.  There were eight ladies in this 12 week class that instantly bonded and drew closer to the Lord and each other over our time together on Thursday mornings.  Sometime in July I was asked if we could have a "class reunion" and what date worked best for me?  Well, that date was Thursday evening and five of us dear friends reunited for a delicious meal and fellowship in the beautiful home of De Davenport!  How fast our time went as we enjoyed sharing what God is doing and has done over the past eight years.  Several of us have watched a child get married, one becoming a grandmother, all of us watching children leave for college, several adjusting to "empty nest", dealing with aging parents, losing a parent, dealing with life altering situations and job changes...life.  Each of us agreed that this life, with Christ at the center, is "an age of opportunity", and we are so thankful for the encouragement God, His Word and each other bring to the different life stages we are in.  Thank you De for the amazing hospitality and for each of you sweet 'sisters' who bring joy to my heart...I love each of you!

Not only did we enjoy sweet fellowship, but sweet treats after an amazing meal of salad, rolls, bread, and Chicken Parmesan!

We were blessed with amazing fresh peaches from our dear neighbors

John & Lois Hildebrand...

Thank You!

Happy Birthdays to Jason & Brinley!

Jason...with his two sons, Kyle & Max...#3 son on the way in November!

Jason & Kyle ready to tube!

"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:14

Hannah & Jason

Jason's birthday was actually yesterday...August 11th, however with the vacation timing I wasn't able to get his special "post" until today and thought I would link his birthday with his niece, Brinley since her special day is today!  Thanks Jason for understanding!  Uncle Tom and I pray for you often and give thanks for your love for our Lord, your beautiful wife and your precious family.  We pray that the Lord will continue to bless you as you serve Him at the Christian school in Elgin, IL.

Today Brinley celebrates her 4th birthday!

We are so thankful for the short visit we had with Brinley this summer.  We pray that she will continue to grow with Jesus and allow Him to shape her into a godly young lady who will serve Him like her mom and dad.  We love you Brinley and pray for your safety and readjustment to life back in Madagascar!

Brinley tubing with her dad...not sure she likes it!

Lake Keowee, SC...family vacation 2012

Makenna, Aunt Leah & Brinley sporting their shades!

Pelotonia 2012

Over 6,000 Riders!

Jake & Chris

Jake, Chris & Carrie

"Team Tom"

While on our vacation I received a text from Dr. Chris Houts (riding for Tom in Pelotonia)...while training for this weekends ride he had a biking accident which sent him to the hospital overnight with several fractured ribs!  He said while he was in bed at the hospital the Lord put upon his heart to ask Jake Custer (WCHS Alum, graduated with our Sarah) who is an avid triathlete to ride "proxy" for him on Saturday and prayerfully Chris would be well enough to ride the Sunday portion!  I received a text at 6:40 a.m. this morning "Romans 8"...I'm assuming that Chris is riding today!

COLUMBUS -- The largest charity bike ride in the U.S. rolls out this weekend, when Pelotonia 2012 kicks off downtown.

More than 6000 cyclists will participate in the weekend ride, which has raised more than $25 million for cancer research since 2009. Pelotonia organizers say 100-percent of rider-raised dollars goes toward the effort to find a cure for the disease.
2012 participants will begin at 7:00 a.m. Saturday at Columbus Commons, and will make stops in Pickerington, New Albany, and Gambier during the 180-mile ride.
More than 1800 volunteers will support riders by providing snacks, beverages, first-aid assistance, and bike maintenance.



Kline Family Vacation 2012

We praise the Lord for His hand of protection, provision and peace that we experienced while on our annual Kline Family Vacation to Norris Lake, Tennessee this past week.  We want to thank you for joining us in prayer as we stepped out in faith on this journey of the unknown.  The rental home that we had stayed in for many years had become too small for the 25 of us, so we ventured away from "Barefoot Landing" and God provided a beautiful new rental, "Pure Fun II" which fit our family nicely and accommodated Tom's wheelchair too.  It was so nice to have Tom "hang out" on the deck within ear and eye shot of the dock where the majority of us spent much of the week.  We are blessed with a family who made this vacation possible and we want to share just a sampling of our week in pictures with you.

8 BR & 7 1/2 BA + 25 people = priceless vacation

Tom enjoys sights, sounds & skipbo partners from the upper deck!

The double-decker boat dock with double slips, picnic tables, lounge chairs & grill fit our needs (wants) with easier access to the house...nice!

A stocked pantry on "day 1" brings much delight to Matt!

Boat #1...

Boat #2...

A Jet-Ski...

A Fishing Boat...

Several Tubes...

Conquering Skiing Feats...

Matt, Cassidy & Dan...Sea World "Wanna Be's"...

Papa still ski's...

A baby for us all to love on...

Brittany, Declan & Dan enjoy the water...

Uncle Nathan, Declan & Aunt Aubrey look very natural with a baby...

Aunt Emily gets "practice" with Declan...

Travis & Emily will have Annie Grace join our family in December...

We look forward to having another baby to love on next vacation!

Aunt Cass & Declan...

Uncle Zac gets "Declan Time" too...

Papa T & Nana can't get enough Declan snuggles...

Gigi (Great Granny) & Declan...

Lauren & Declan...

Erin & Declan...

Morgan & Declan...

Braden & Declan...

Zac & Declan...

(I personally like this...what is to come...hopefully soon!)

Matt & Declan...

Great Uncle Mike & Declan...

Great Aunt Cheryl & Declan...

Great Uncle Tom, Declan & Great Aunt Lisa...

A Highlight...Tom gets to drive again!

Our last day, 4 strong, strapping young men carried Tom (in his wheelchair) down 3 flights of stairs, a massive amount of stone stairs outdoors, onto the dock and into the boat!  Never thought it could happen...he was quite happy to have the adventure.  We started out this adventure in beautiful sunshine and ended the adventure...

...soaking wet, wrapped in garbage bags as we returned home in a rainstorm!

Notice:  Tom is still smiling!

PRICELESS

"He only is my rock and my salvation,

My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

On God my salvation and my glory rest;

The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us."

Psalm 62:6-8