I sometimes try to compare what I do to the work we are having done for us at the clinic. There is a lot to learn about business from the Mayo Clinic. Some good, and some not so good; anyone would have to admit. But the treatment end of things is top notch. Like chemotherapy for example. It is systematic, comfortable (as much as can be expected), informative, and pleasant. And man can they pump out production. That particular service has to be a money making machine.
We do chemotherapy of sorts at my work, only on trees. We protect large elms and oaks from diseases that would kill them and ash trees from deadly insects. We don’t quite have as many patients as the clinic, and we have to go to them since our patients are immobile. We dose our patients based on their DBH, which is diameter at breast height, 4.5′ above ground. Good thing they don’t dose patients that way at the clinic. My guess is that if they dosed Tara that way it would cost……well I should leave that one alone.
We are so thankful for our physicians and surgeons. I spoke much earlier about Dr. Gostout and her team who did the surgery. How crucial that thorough surgery was. We feel just as fortunate that we have Dr. Bible for our oncologist. This guy is perfect for the job. I think I mentioned earlier that we are also dealing with a tumor on Tara’s thyroid and some other enlarged lymph nodes up by her neck. Well, Dr. Bible is the only one of the oncologists who specialize in both ovarian and thyroid cancers. His expertise is critical for us.
Bible study with the kids was particularly special tonight. I needed to slow down and refocus as I was grumpy much of the afternoon. In our bedroom where our filter is broken and things just plop out the second they enter our minds, beauty was spoken; Through the mouths of my wife and children. Words of God along with honest questions. When will mom be able to do the things she used to do? How will mom get healed? (answered immediately by one of the kids, “the power of God”). What are the things that Jesus wants from us most? (answered with “brokenness, humility, kindness, selflessness, and a few more”). These are words of dependence, even weakness. Some say dependence is weakness. But I say with certainty, it is our strength.
Sleep well. We will.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
He gives us beauty for ashes for certain. We all get grouchy when our strengths are tapped dry….good thing you know who can give you more strength for the journey. Rest well.
I read these entries everyday and I am so amazed as to how all of you are handling this. I can see how God is working thru you and it makes me pray everyday to be a blessing to others.
When I was reading the entry about Tara driving the carts it made me remember when I used them when I had broken my ankle. I learned real fast which stores I could turn around in the aisle and I was very grateful to the stores that had them because they are a blessing. Say hi to the kids and your parents for me. God Bless you and I pray everyday for you.
Sitting up with Auggie this evening, I finally got him to close his eyes and eagerly open my email to read your latest.
Between Steph’s slow recovery from the C section and my job stresses, Augie sits in what would seem an unenviable position when it comes to my patience and mood.
To my surprise, every time he wakes me up or interrupts my work, I have a patience and calmness that seems foreign to me. I appreciate the interruptions and value these short lived inconveniences.
Your loving updates have moved me to more deeply treasure any chance I get to share life with him. Thank You.
Not to fully diminish the above statement, but it is kind of cool changing his diaper too. I wonder when we evolved to the point it became unacceptable to lay on your back and just freely pee on ourselves and others?
Thank you for the update on everyone! After reading about the hospital stay the other day my first thought was “shoot”. Now my first thought was “yes” as our peace and strength are in our weakness. We are without light and life when full of ourselves but completely the perfect opportunity for God’s purpose when we are empty. A situation like cancer leaves you empty but filled and thanks for sharing this. We are praying. For healing. For mercy and strength. Amen.
One of my dearest friends echoed your closing sentiments well…her motto was “Liveweak”. She knew all about Lance Armstrong and his “live strong” campaign but knew that the bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, ” that Christ’s power is made perfect in our weakness!!!” How great that? In our weaknesses Christ’s power can be perfectly displayed and His grace is enough! Rest in that Maier family and LIVEWEAK!!! God’s got this!!! We love you!
Wow, does Dr. Bible believe in his namesake? So thankful he is the expert you need. Just a gentle reminder that the normal recovery after a routine surgery is 4-6 weeks. That means a surgery that is generally far less extensive than the one Tara had. That means a surgery not immediately followed by weekly cell-killing, body-draining chemotherapy. I know you are all anxious to have things back to normal, but sometimes it is helpful to (and I mean this with the utmost kindness) lower your expectations a little. I know that’s hard. But this isn’t just a matter of will; it’s different from a fight in the ring where you can muster enough strength and will to withstand and even defeat the enemy you are facing for the amount of time on the clock. This is an ultra-marathon, full of ebbs and flows. And it’s an ultra-marathon on a body that has just been brutally attacked. I know it’s hard to wait when progress seems slow. But recovery isn’t an enemy that can be beaten into submission, as much as we would like it to be. “Precious Lord, while we ask you to beat this enemy, we pray that you will cause our hearts to somehow rest in each day; to be able to accept the pace, even when it is slow. And thanks for understanding and loving us even when we are grumpy.”
Mercy to you all, Becca Murray
Waiting stinks–I think of all the times in our lives we are called to “Wait.” This morning, during my own private Bible reading, I came upon my favorite verse–my favorite from my early days when I was afraid to walk through the ninth graders’ hallway at junior high…”Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14. Tara and Jay, continue to depend on God–you are right, He is your strength. I’m praying for you all.
Heidi
As you know, Aunt Sister and l continue to pray for Tara and for your family, for the LORD’s peace for you all and for His supernatural healing for Tara. We make this a daily event in our lives.
Love you,
Uncle Wayne
This is just weird. I was listening to this song and thought about you guys. So I come to the site and the title of your latest blog is “Strength.”
“Stronger” – Mandisa
Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain’t right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you’re asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather
Oh, don’t hang your head
It’s gonna end
God’s right there
Even if it’s hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain’t gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you …
Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it’s gonna end
God’s right there
Even if you just can’t feel Him
I promise you that He still cares
‘Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I’m sure that He’s gonna help you get through this
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain’t gonna last forever
In time it’s gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
jay, your blogs are an inspiration to us. Thank you for sharing your walk with the Lord with us.yes, he is our strength.