General Update

 

From Paul:

Cycle 6 of 24 Finishing this week

As we tick off these cycles (now up to number 6!) I find myself looking forward to the next cycle because numbers mean something to me, and this means to me that we will have completed one more step of the 24 steps on our way to full healing. We will also be meeting with Doris’ oncologist/hematologist who will be able to answer questions and give a clearer picture of what is ahead.

The hardest things about this journey at this stage from my point of view, in watching over my sweetheart as she goes through this, is a) It seems like a long time, and b), Doris is not feeling better from week to week. She still deals with pain in her joints, unpredictable, yet not devastating gastrointestinal issues. Still, the blood work, the CT (Computed Tomography) Scan was very positive. Her blood work is positive, and we need to continue our diligence in physical activity. I credit Doris for her drive and dedication to her walks. She would not likely admit those two attributes, but she might be willing to admit to ambition, persistence, and determination. As her walking partner, I benefit as well from physical activity that I enjoy from the walks, as well as time with her in the surrounding beauty of God’s creations.

We enjoyed celebrating the week of Thanksgiving and looking for ways to give more thanks. While we had fewer family members with us than we originally expected, it was pleasant to be with Scott and Andrew for a few hours.

This came to my mind as I reflected on the long journey that we have begun:

Does the Journey Seem Long?

1.      Does the journey seem long,

The path rugged and steep?

Are there briars and thorns on the way?

Do sharp stones cut your feet

As you struggle to rise

To the heights thru the heat of the day?

2.      Is your heart faint and sad,

Your soul weary within,

As you toil ’neath your burden of care?

Does the load heavy seem

You are forced now to lift?

Is there no one your burden to share?

3.      Let your heart be not faint

Now the journey’s begun;

There is One who still beckons to you.

So look upward in joy

And take hold of his hand;

He will lead you to heights that are new—

4.      A land holy and pure,

Where all trouble doth end,

And your life shall be free from all sin,

Where no tears shall be shed,

For no sorrows remain.

Take his hand and with him enter in.

 

From Doris:

One of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King!

Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,

What does it mean to receive my King and to prepare room for Him in my heart?

I know he is my Savior and Redeemer, but I must do more than acknowledge His power. I must humble my heart, access the power of His Atonement through daily repentance, ask for His help, trust in His promises and keep His commandments. It is my hope and prayer that at this Christmas season I can more fully receive my King.

In April 2025 General Conference Elder Patrick Kearon gave a talk entitled, Receive His Gift.  He said,“To truly receive a gift, we come to value it for ourselves, put it to full use in our lives, and then remember with thankfulness the giver.”

Jesus Christ willingly gave his life for me. He is both the gift and the giver of the gift.