We had a good rain last night, with brisk winds, that might well bring the first big downfall of autumn leaves in the next few days. This is usually my busiest travel time of year, which means that time at home, in the past, has been shared with time out of town. This year, I’ll be here, to enjoy Gary’s company and to take in the fall season without the interruption of travel. I’m grateful to be right here, right now.
Many of y’all have asked about Gary’s situation. He is still recovering from his cancer treatments (I heard an interesting definition of medicine recently, one that seems especially apropos for radiation and chemotherapy – “it’s poison with some good effects”) and seems more tired, more weak, and more forgetful than at any time since his tumor was discovered. Aside from a rash of headaches, his condition is pain free. We go for a follow up MRI next week and will meet with his oncologists the following week to discuss the findings. Gary is delightful company to keep and a typical day includes a healthy dose of good laughter.
This morning, as others in the last week or so, we will be in the studio to record Gary singing some of his favorite hymns. My piano sidekick, Dewayne Creswell, came up last week to record some slow arrangements of the songs and we are getting the vocals done at a pace of one a day. Gary can sit still for about an hour before he starts getting too tired to concentrate. His rendition of the hymns, with a slightly less than healthy voice, is beautiful. I make these recordings knowing what they might mean to us, his family and friends, in years to come.
Thank you again for your concern and your prayers. We feel very loved and cared for, and we are grateful. 
Allen – thank you for the update and please know we continue to lift you all up in prayer. The first cool day of Fall always brings to my mind’s eye the golden-leafed tree you sing about in one of your many beautiful songs. How it shines among the others in an often damp and dark climate…like Gary (and you) is (are) doing now! Praying for continued healing & comfort!
Always – Connie
Levi,
“Sing a song, tell the story,” and here are you all living out those very words, reminding us, step by step, of what matters most of all. We do not understand the Master’s ways here, but know that truth and good and love and light are still daily given. Thank you for letting these gifts shine through.
From the lighthouse,
pat
Thanks for keeping us updated, Allen. Love this pic of you and Gary. So glad you are doing the hymns with Gary. Look forward to hearing them. Still praying for all of you daily.
Always anxious for updates. When my daughter was receiving treatment, it came to me that right in the middle of chemotherapy is MOTHER. A mother’s heart sees what is invisible to the eye and I know your Mom is so proud of you both as you take this journey together. Love & Prayers
P. S. recently took a trip to “Oliviatown” via way of the Springer and I’m here to report that everythings still fine
I have not checked the blogosphere for almost a month. I was glad to see that I hadn’t missed any Gary updates. We will continue to pray for him and you.
Praying for Gary and you and all your family. Thankful you can spend so much time with him this fall! Love Allison
Allen…. You are right where you are supposed to be as is Gary. That it is in the same room… and that room being a sound studio…. and that ya’ll are spending time singing songs in praise to Our Father… How much more “right” could that be?
I would love to report that I have been spending plenty of time on bended knee in prayer for all things “Levi” however since I cannot get onto my knees and I have to do my praying sitting down I will not mention which body part I have been spending time on while I pray. You can probably figure that out. You can use whatever adjective to describe it that you want to. Most people preface it with the word “smart!” LOL!!!!
Please don’t have a porch picking without sending word across the county to the west. It’s that time of year!!!!
Love and prayers to all,
Grandin
What wondrous love is this….
praying for the Levis and celebrating brother love
Thanks for the update Allen. Can’t wait till the next time I see you.
Thank you Allen, we look forward to each update. Our prayer is, “may God’s grace and peace to continue resting on the Levi family”.