September 23
It was two months ago yesterday that we learned of Gary’s brain cancer and, in two more days, he will have completed the radiation and chemotherapy regimen prescribed to deal with his condition. He’s tired, weak, and forgetful, but delightful company just the same, and good laughter has been a part of everyday. (I blame medicine for his recent rash of conspiracy theories and his preference for cooking shows over football, but expect all of that to straighten out once he completes treatment.) It will be nice to have days without trips to the cancer center and we’re trying to figure out what our routine will be, given Gary’s present limitations, once mornings and mid-days are our own again.
About a month from now, we expect to have an MRI done to measure any change (hopefully for the better) in the size and nature of the tumor. Till then, no meds, no doctor visits, no hospital. Days at the farm should be good therapy in the meantime.
Gary wrote a letter about a month ago and asked me to post it for him. I think I forgot to do so. I hope I’m wrong but include it here to be safe.
Let me add my thanks to his for all your emails, letters, calls, and prayers. We are grateful, really.
August 21, 2011
“In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
One again, I am at a loss for words to thank you all for the expressions of Christ’s love that I‘ve been shown over the past days and weeks. My memory is not working as I would like but I can never forget all the kindness shown me through this whole ordeal, and that continues to be shown daily. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I will never be able to repay you all as I would like so this general letter will have to do. I have started chemo and radiation. The treatment thus far has been pretty uneventful. I am told that in three weeks or so it will take a harder toll on my body. Pray that I’ll be able to be helpful those around me at the hospital. So far I don’t feel that I have been able to share and witness as I would like. I usually show up for treatment and leave. I’m trying to figure how I can care for others that are getting treatment. I really want to minister to those around me but I’m not sure how this is going to look. Pray that I will have wisdom about how best to redeem the time in the hospital, and who to spend time with. I want to see a harvest and to minister to the body of Christ that needs ministering to. … One thing I don’t want to do is be always in a hurry. I want to be available and willing to spend time with others, especially those who might not have anyone walking through their treatment with them.
I’m still trying to figure this out and would appreciate your prayers to guide me. I am thankful for family and friends who, I know, really want us to use this time to see folks come to Christ. Pray to this end and let’s make the most of every opportunity, whether in good health or sickness.
If there is anyone you’d like me to meet with let’s make this an opportunity for doing so.
Again I’m at a loss of words to thank you all for the love of Christ that you’ve shown me. My cup runneth over. No one could be more blessed a man.
I love you with the bonds of Christ,
Gary
Gary & Allen,
How much we continue to learn from these postings, even as we share, insofar as faraway friends can, this perplexing part of your shared journey. To wait is surely one of the greatest challenges, yet awaiting the word and timing of Christ is just what your words help us learn to do.
“To not be always in a hurry:” How rare this is, and what wisdom. He will show us what is good. Praying, praying, praying, for the chapters ahead and, especially, that your wish to be His light and His hands in others’ lives is daily granted.
So very, very thankful for your words & life,
pat
Allen, Thanks so much for keeping us updated on Gary’s treatment. It is a blessing that he will soon be finished with that part of the journey for awhile. Thank Gary for his letter to everyone. It is wonderful to be reminded that we should be sharing Christ and caring for others no matter what our circumstances are.
Love, Karen
Cancer and chemotherapy will slow you down. I encourage you to enjoy that about this time. It is a good feeling. Besides those others in treatment you have a great opportunity to witness and be an example to those techs and nurses who tend to you. I am certain they can see something “different” about you and in the sometimes dark and fearful faces they see daily I would imagine that your countenance is an experience they don’t see often enough. Praying for you all, as I have come to believe that it is somehow easier to be the patient than the sibling or parent, spouse or child. Shalom.
I so love you all. I can only imagine how this is tiring, but am encouraged by the deep love you have for each other. What a family! As one of your sisters in Christ, I carry my stone with me wherever I go. You are all in my heart and in my prayers daily…. several times. Know that all of this is a true testament of Christ walking with us in the storm! Praying hugely for good news on the MRI. Love,
Susan Walker Timmerman
Allen and Gary,
Please know that you made a difference for my husband Ricky Rogers. He has been touched by your presence at the JBACC. Ricky finished his treatments on Sept 7. He has not regained his ability to eat, and has almost completely lost his voice, nothing above a whisper. I set up a link for him to this blog so he can get to it easily. As he is starting to feel better, he is getting on-line to check for updates on Gary. You are in our prayers. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your wonderful testimony of God’s love.
Love, Bronwen Rogers
Well Gary… There is your answer. The question?……. Were you able to minister to others that were being treated……., that were providing you treatment…….., that were there with somebody receiving treatment…….. all while you were being treated. Was there any doubt? Brother that is what you do. You inspire and share the good news!! Thank you for being you.
A&G I would love to come share a little of the same airspace at a porch pickin’ or something while ya’ll are sitting around for the next couple of weeks shaking off the effects of the chemo. Have guitar will travel!!!
Keep up the optimism, laughs, smiles, wit, faithful obedience, and ministering. Your prayer team is hard at work….
Grandin
What a witness Gary is just because of his heart’s desire to minister as he is going through treatment. I hope you guys are seeing the rewards already both of your godly demeanor and of the treatment. Praying you are enjoying this time together and that health is returning. A book came to mind that you might also enjoy: Walking with Saints by Calvin Miller. You’ll be in like company as you read it. Blessings to you both.
ALLEN AND GARY, THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH FOR BEING SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO ME. GARY, YOU MAY THINK YOU ARE NOT WITNESSING, WHEN NOW YOU ARE THE GREATEST WITNESS OF ALL. YOUR STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND LOVE ARE A TESTAMENT OF GOD’S GRACE AND LOVE. YOU ARE RIGHT NOW POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS AND TO WHAT HE DID FOR US ON THE CROSS. YOU AND ALLEN AND HIDA AND AC AND BETH HAVE BEEN IN MY PRAYERS EVERYDAY. I LOVE YOU ALL AND I WISH THERE WAS SOME WAY I COULD HELP. PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM WITH YOU IN MY HEART.I PRAY THAT THE CHEMO AND RADIATION WILL SHRINK THE TUMOR TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY AND THAT WHEN YOU GO BACK TO GET YOUR MRI, IT WILL BE GONE. LOVE YOU! PATTY BRANCH
P.S. ALLEN YOUR STORY OF TWO BROTHERS AND YOUR SONG AT THE RIVERCENTER WERE SO MEANINGFUL AND TOUCHED ME SO , AS I AM SURE IT HAS EVERYONE WHO HEARD IT. HANG IN THERE BIG BROTHER. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW TOUGH THIS
Thinking of ya’ll!!!
Grandin