God is Good All the Time, Even When Life is Not

The year has not been off to a good start – Taylor was let go from her full-time job at the first of the year, and then we got Art’s cancer diagnosis. But, God was telling us, “I’m still here” even in these unfortunate situations. How are we going to respond? Sometimes it’s hard not to be overwhelmed, but we still have receipts of His goodness to us. Sometimes we just have to dig a little deeper to see those blessings. What are some of those blessings?

• With Taylor fun-employed, she was able to come home. Jannae was approved to work a modified schedule so she has also been home. TBH, I didn’t think they would come back. Art and I had been entertaining thoughts of moving into a retirement community since we didn’t think either of the girls would be able to care for us in our golden years. After all, Jannae’s response to caring for us was to point us to a senior living community by her place. (Turns out it wasn’t even a senior living community but just some new housing.) I’m so grateful they’re here, and they have been helping out in so many ways. It’s been really special to have everyone back home.  
• Our first trip to the ER was strongly suggested by a doctor friend who we were able to contact. Taylor had just arrived home and was available to drive us to the ER. I’ve always heard stories of the long wait at the ER, but we were seen immediately.
• When I shared Art’s diagnosis with a friend, he was at work, and he prayed. His co-worker asked him about prayers, and he was able to share the purpose and power of prayer. 
• During his 10-day hospital stay, Art had some very caring, gentle nurses who spent extended times talking with us, gave us hugs, and said that they were praying for us. A couple of them had lost their homes to the Eaton Canyon fire, but they were still caring for others. 
• I worked with a new insurance broker for my own insurance needs. When we found out there was still time for Art to switch from HMO to PPO, I contacted the broker immediately, and he got Art switched over before the deadline.
• While Art was in the hospital, a dear friend heard that I was going to be spending the night at home alone. She picked me up from the hospital and spent the night with me. That’s what friends are for. 
• Other friends picked up Jannae from the airport and brought her to the hospital so Taylor didn’t have to. But, the first stop was In-N-Out.
• A doctor friend was available to be on the phone when the oncologist made her rounds and asked questions that we didn’t know to ask; other friends/family were also with us to help take notes. 
• Clarification: the last post on Insurance Woes wasn’t really insurance woes, but more like hospital oncologist woes. Art was supposed to have his second treatment as an outpatient with her. While in the hospital, the doctor knew we were switching to PPO and said her office accepts PPO. But lo and behold, that wasn’t the case when trying to make the appointment for the second treatment. Although the second treatment may be delayed in our eyes, we aren’t denied. It’s God’s protection over Art in not having to deal with the hospital oncologist’s lack of response. We are so looking forward to the consultation at City of Hope. (They call it COH but I may call it HOPE cause that’s what it’s offering us.)
• A former coworker of mine now works at HOPE, and she has been helping us maneuver through the process of registering and has been keeping the oncologist up to date…another Godsend. 
• Visit from the “ETC boys” (Eternally Trusting Christ, the high school fellowship where we served as advisors). They shared words of how this fellowship brought them together, how they remained connected, and the impact that Art made on their lives. It’s been over 40 years!
• We were all able to attend service in person this weekend. There’s something about being with community in person although Art was pretty tired afterward. 
• We are so touched and blessed by all the prayers, texts, notes, food, and support from each of you. We feel the love.  ❤️

Prayer requests:

• Art stays fever-free, and his appetite increases. 
• Strength to fight the next battle. 
• Consult with the oncologist at HOPE is Feb 12. Wisdom for the oncologist to determine the right treatment plan for Art and that it could begin immediately. They have received some reports. (One last thing to have to take care of, thank God!)

“Even there your hand shall lead Art [in this cancer battle], and your right hand shall hold him.” -Psalm 139:10

[Side note: Neal is here for another 2 weeks. I finally cleared out some drawer and closet space for JanNeal. Heard that Neal is very happy to get some closet space since he doesn’t have much at home. Even Sprocket, their dog, had closet space!]