When one is preparing for a road such as a stem cell transplant, many thoughts run through your mind. Do you do the "bucket list" thing, trying to do all the activities, see all the places, that you think you might want to accomplish in your life time and now try to cram it in a few months? It does make one examine priorities. We could run after the sun and do the "farewell tour".
Does that not denigrate your life up until now, as if it were something to endure while you waited for something better to come along? My life has been, is, and will be, worth living in the setting God has placed me. A husband, father, grandfather, church member, family member, friend, worker in God's Church and Kingdom, vocation. Our prayer is that God will grant us many more years of service.
What we have tried to do is enjoy and celebrate the good gifts we have. We have a camper and we did use it this summer. In the first week of May we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on a 5 day trip along Georgian Bay and Muskoka and into Algonquin Park. Barb's parents celebrated 60 years of marriage in March, so we are half way, and Barb is checking contract language sure that 60 years is in there somewhere.
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| 30 years together! |
In mid June we camped for 2 nights out near Mike and Rachel's and had Peter and Aaron join us for a night in the trailer, what fun! We went to Zooz in Fort Erie for a day and had a lot of fun together.
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| Having "coffee" with Grandpa in the morning |
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| Three little men (l-r: Peter, Aaron, Nate) |
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| The Vander Deen family at Zooz! |
The next week out by Lake Huron near Jeremy and Sarah's place. Robert and Matthew joined us for a night in the trailer as well. We did biking, mini golf and splash pad even though it was quite cool. Grandpa had to lead them into the water to make it work.
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| Waving at Grandma! |
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| Matthew |
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| Matthew and Robert taking Grandma for a ride |
In the end of June we went camping with extended family members near Trenton for the occasion of Dan and Tanisha's wedding. Andrea and Derek were ready to go with us but Andrea was called into work and was unable to come. Karen was with us and Dave and Bethany joined us for a day and night. We camped with Ben and Sandy and Chuck and Julie and their families. We also spent 2 nights at Ben and Sandy's cottage in Michigan in second week of July.
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| Karen and Dad at Sandbanks Provincial Park |
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| Mr. Cool Dude Derek trying on his wedding clothes |
The focus in July was Dave and Bethany's wedding to be held in Brighton/Trenton on Aug. 4. It was great to put transplant thoughts to the back burner. Transplant is A.W. (after wedding). What a good gift to enjoy the wedding weekend in Trenton. We are thankful that the Lord has brought them together and trust in His blessing in their marriage and home.
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| Mr. & Mrs. David and Bethany Vander Deen! |
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| Three Generations |
We were able to spend a wonderful day after the wedding with the Vander Deen clan in Presquille, as some made going to the wedding an opportunity for a holiday. It was special that Rudy and Pat came down for the best part of a week, to spend with the family, attend the wedding, support for Dad. Rudy and Pat and Dad came for supper and the evening on the Tuesday before they went back to Alberta.
Karen spent a good part of the summer break from school at home, and no shortage of good discussion. Andrea often made supper for us on medical appointment days, a wonderful thing to go to her place for supper! During July and August we would have Derek for 2 days a week while Andrea worked, a joy for us!
That was our hope for the summer, to spend time with our children and grandchildren, to support each other in preparation for what lies ahead, to praise God for the blessings He has poured on us, and to make good memories to cheer us on the tough days.
We held a Sibling Day on the last Saturday of August for Barb and my siblings. The fall will be tough to see each other so we had an opportunity to see and enjoy each other's company and to encourage. A wonderful day was had.
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| Opa Vander Deen and Grandma Dekker enjoying conversation while all the young ones were in the pool. |
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| Enjoying a campfire with George, Clarence, Irene, Opa, and Gord |
The Labour Day weekend was our family time. Big campout at the homestead, with everyone over from Friday until Monday. What a weekend. We worked, played, ate, swam, talked, cried, prayed! By the time the weekend was over, the pool was closed, outside repairs completed, corn bin almost emptied, upstairs of house painted inside 2 coats, and a great day of worship and rest on Sunday. Better than we imagined. Thank you Lord for that great blessing.
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The men closing the pool for another season
(l-r: Dad, Jeremy, Mike, Dave) |
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We painted and painted and painted
in preparation for recovery and semi-isolation at home.
(l-r: Rachel, Mike, Karen, Bethany, Sarah) |
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Aunt Andrea did an amazing job of keeping 7 boys happy all weekend. :)
(l-r: Matthew, Nate, Lucas, Peter, Robert, Derek, Aaron) |
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| Grandma reading stories at bedtime. |
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Our blessings overflow!
Thanks to Julie and Chuck for these precious pictures! |
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| Watching our children and grandchildren |
On Tuesday we were able to attend opening assembly at CCS where our oldest grandson, Robert, begins Kindergarten and where Karen teaches. On Wednesday, we surprised Mike and Rachel by making it to Peter's bus stop in St. Catharines when he got off the bus from his first day of school in HCS, and where Mike teaches.
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| Robert getting off the bus at school! |
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| Grandpa giving Peter a hug after his first day of Kindergarten |
Lord, continue to bless us a family, that we all love and know you as our Redeemer, and live faithful lives as part of your Church. Bless our homes, our marriages, vocations and may all we set our hearts on, be glorifying to you. Thank you for grace as we approach the transplant and we count on your faithfulness and love to carry us through. Lord may your will be done in our lives and your Name glorified.
During the summer we received many timely phone calls, cards, visits, words and hugs to encourage us, prayers offered on our behalf. Lord you have been good to us and continue to prepare us. We count on your grace.
Psalm 46:1-3,10-11
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress."
8 comments:
Lovely pictures - indeed many great memories from over the summer, and many blessings to cling to in the tough times ahead
Rachel
What a beautiful post and a beautiful testimony! Praying for peace and patience, strength and recovery and grace to face each new day. from your "extended family"
Danielle and Timothy
Thank you for starting this blog and through it, sharing with us your experiences, in a small way. For can you even begin to share the conflicting thoughts that must be in your hearts? It has been a busy time for you since the diagnosis , with many doctor visits, tests,waiting times etc. And a treasured time of visiting with family and friends in praying, crying, laughing and working together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you start treatment this coming week, may the Lord grant you courage, strength and peace to face each day with all it's challenges. With love from the Mussches.
Will be thinking of you and praying for you from Smithers, British Columbia.... Thank you for your testimony of faith and trust: a God-given gift and evidence of His power and faithfulness! Greetings from James and Miriam Slaa and children
Barb and Richard you have shared a wonderful testimony of God's Love and Grace for us all.
We pray and think of you daily.
We Love You Both
May you be granted God's ever present Strength during these trying times.....
Love Henry and Mona
Barb hang in there.....love you.....Mona xoxox
We wish you continued strength and comfort as you begin the next step in this heartwrenching process. May God hold you all close and bless you with complete healing! Your testimony brings glory to Him and comfort and strength to all who care about you! We continue to bring you before the throne of our Great Physician, the One who knows your pain and will wipe away all tears.
Sincerely, Bob and Janine Janssens
I really enjoyed this post and loved all the pictures! What great memories made this summer.
Praying for you all in the coming days, weeks and months for strength and peace.
Steve&Karen Werkema
We will continue to pray for all of you, that God will bless you with the comfort of his nearness, and the peace that passes all understanding. May you receive the strength to persevere through this trial, and may you always be aware that he has engraved you on the palms of his hands.
Will and Christina Dokter.
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