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Still praying, Gordon. My 84-year-old MIL underwent a horrific surgery last summer, one she should not have lived through, much less recovered from. She told us the Lord showed her she should "try," because "I still have some people who like to see me from time to time."

Your Dad has those people, too. I pray you get to see him for many days to come.

Katy McKenna Raymond www.fallible.com

Good.

so sorry that your dad, or anyone has to go through this. my cancer returned and i was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in August of this year. i just started chemo again this week. in total, since diagnosis in May 2003, i have had 8 surgeries related to my cancer, 35 radiation treatments, 10 cycles of chemotherapy, and 8 months of Herceptin treatments. it's been a long grueling road and one that has had me spiritually mixed up a few times. cancer just sucks at any stage, any type, and any age. but i was 30 when diagnosed. i am now 33. i still have my 3 kids under my wing. my chemo nurse friend told me that last week they lost a 32 year old patient who was diagnosed with colon cancer when it was found during her cesarean. that was 3 years ago. she left behind a 3 year old child. sometimes it seems cancer is so much more unfair to some than to others. how can a 32 year young mother possibly have said everything she needed to say? and that does seem so important, but death doesn't wait for it. God determines when it's time. so i guess not everything we think is supposed to be said will be said? we all have to live life like today is our last day on earth. but even with terminal cancer i fail to do that. what a horrible human nature we have. yet God's Grace and Mercy seem that much more abundant because of it. i would tell you i will pray for your father, and i did just say a prayer, but truth is, beyond this moment, i can't even pray for myself right now. but i do know that God will be faithful in that way, and will raise up people to intercede on your father's behalf, and on your behalf as well.

Always in God's Grace~ ______
 
"Coolness might help in your negotiation with people through the world, maybe, but it is impossible to meet God with sunglasses on." ~ Bono

Gordon:

As someone whose father is also aging and sick a lot, I understand all too well what you are feeling. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

God bless.

- nathan

I do my praying before dawn as I walk around my block before getting ready for the work day. Hollie and the rest of your family are the first item on my list. I know I speak for many other interested folks who feel a kinship with you through RLP, but have never written. I'm sure our numbers are more than you can imagine, and our prayers for all of you stretch around the clock, and around the world.

Grace, Love, and Peace be with Hollie and your whole family,
--JoAnne in Virginia

i have no words, but here's a hug. *HUG*

Dear RLP,
Your Dad's diagnosis sounds so much like my fathers many years ago. He did have successful surgery, and some really good years that followed. I am really NOT a fan of C&W music, but the sappy "live like you were dyin" one does come to mind here. My Dad did not ride any bulls, but he said and did so many encouraging things for people during his last years. He just kept reminding my Mom that he understood grace and was not afraid of death. He had dished out a good bit of pain on my Mom during a rather long and ugly mid life period, and he got to really apologize for that and thank her daily for never having given up on him. He was a blessing during those last years. He died with great grace. Wishing you many, many grace filled years with your father. Prayers, too, your way.

Gordon--Ever since your first essays about your faith, I have thought so highly of your parents, who seem to have demonstrated so faithfully their love of God in the care of their fellow humans. I'm glad to hear that your father came through the surgery well. I am praying for all of you.

Aimee--I know that feeling of being unable to pray for yourself. So, if you don't mind, I will put your name on my own prayer list. I am so sorry for your suffering. May you somehow find peace, comfort, and strength for your journey today.

15 hours? Aiee! Happy for the hopeful outcome, and please let me add a few to the incoming flood of hugs and ongoing good wishes.

Carroll

Hollielujah! Hollielujah!

Sorry. I bet your dad has hear that one before. Still, it is wonderful in a time of hard news to hear something that feeds hope.

You and he and all those near and dear are in our thoughts and prayers. Be well.

-bigbrotherinlaw

Gordon: I'm glad you were able to check in and that the surgery went well. I sure your dad and mom are comforted to have you there with them.

Aimee: Cancer totally sucks and I hate it and I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with it all.

Lissa

RLP: You and your father are in my prayers. Hang in there, sir.

Aimee: I read your blog as well. And I keep you in my prayers.

This whole thing is so difficult to wrap my head around. Perhaps I should stop trying to understand it and let it be.

Peace,

Tripp Hudgins

http://www.anglobaptist.org

Gordon

Ginger and I have been praying for all of you. I'm glad the report was the best case scenario. We love you.

Peace,
Milton

Gordon,

I am very glad to hear that your dad made it through surgery, and is in recovery. I do, hope, however, that his recovery is swift, sure, and also a time for you to get checked out as well. Cancer is hereditary; and one hint for us is that evryone related to your dad should be getting checked yearly for signs of cancer. EARLY DETECTION, Gordon. I want you AND your dad around for a long time.

Just found you. God bless you and your father. Amen

Maria
www.inhishands.co.uk

I only found out. I wish he could have been saved from the cancer and the knife by the grace of God. I will add Hollie to the giant prayer chain at christianhealingmin.org for physical healing -- we have seen a lot of cancer healed at their request to God. I saw a 75% improvement rate and 40% healed rate when I was there.

--Tim Temple
christheals.org

Dear Pastor

it is good to know the even the circumstances are tough...God is still good. May his goodness comfort your hearts in times of trouble. Love from Brazil - to all your family.
Lu

ah... I forgot to log in.. This "Lu" it is me.. olhosdemar, from Brazil.

Peace, thinking of all of you, and sending healing thoughts.
Geodog

Coming in late but with fervent prayers for Hollie and for all of you as you deal with this miserable thing. Glad that the first signs are good, though the next days and weeks will be tough I know.
Love and prayers,- Kathryn xx

Thanks be to God!!!

Pax

So thankful that he has come through well. I'll will continue to think of him, and say my prayers. Take care of each other.

~ Mary Jo

(((((RLP and family)))))

Mich

I'm just now catching up to this and immediately recognized your dad's name (I graduated from ETBU in 2000). Lots of hugs and prayers to all of your family. I'm glad you've had some good news.

i pray for your dad these days. i hate that this is happening to him and your family. you are kind to share this with all of us. i remember seeing him with your mom on the one visit i made to your church. they both were so humble...and so proud of their son (you greeted them for the congregation)

It will be a privilege for me to pray for Hollie. He has been special to me for a long time....since he was the pastor for my mother and father for a time in Marshall. I will never forget the comfort he was to me and my sisters and the funeral he preached for my mother. My friends who were there still comment on it as well.
And we said Goodbye to my sister Marilyn in August this year after she waged a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. I am a breast cancer survivor of four years so far. What a mean disease!
Kate Bennett Fite
daughter of Howard and Mary Lee Bennett

I am a friend of your brother Hugh and went to first grade - 12th grade with with Melissa. I was in their wedding (as were you:)and we all worked at Sky Ranch. I was there from the beginning and the beginning with the two of them. You are all in my thoughts during this recovery time. He is blessed to have such a wonderful, loving caring family.

Be well,

Sarah Sloan

Continuing prayers for your dad, Gordon.

deb@sugarfused

Eight years on from chemotherapy, I feel a shock of recognition in reading others descriptions of chemo brain. WBR LeoP