We walk by faith and not by sight...2 Corinthians 5:7.
Tonight our dog Sam died. He would have been 11 years old in September. Very good natured dog, an Airedale Terrier. He was laboring to breathe and my husband and I both prayed, Dear God, take him and don't let him suffer. With his hand on Sam's chest, my husband felt his heart stop beating. Sam died quickly while lying on the patio. No more breathing...stillness set in. He was gone.
On Wednesday I celebrated my 55th Birthday and I was determined to have a HaPpY one and would not be taking any phone calls from the Doctor's office to let me know what they found out from my thyroid biopsies...I already knew in my heart that it would be cancer. I was determined to celebrate my birthday with joy not sorrow. ON MY BIRTHDAY, the phone rang and it was the doctor's office. The young lady left a message on my answering machine to call her, etc.
Well happy birthday to you and by the way you have cancer.
On Thursday, I was not able to catch up with her, but on Friday morning at 9 am she called and gave me the news. You know, it would be helpful that when they call to give you the low down that they have your chart before them...she had turned it over to be scanned so it would be in my file...after awhile...I called her back and told her that I wanted a copy of this report and one thing lead to another and I told her that you may deal with this thing everyday, but this is my first time to deal with it and the sooner you get a copy made of this report for me the better.
Within the hour, she had a copy of the report and I would drive 30 minutes to get the copy and read the news myself. My husband brought me home a dozen red roses.
Saturday, my sweet husband continued to work on the building of a new porch. We had no idea we'd be crying about Sam and telling him that you're a good dog, Sam.
Come what may...I walk by faith and not by sight. My life is in God's hands and I'm trusting Him to walk me through my health issues. When others are so nonchalant about cancer, sickness and disease...I know that it is my God that really cares about us. He truly is the only one that can comfort us when we are in trouble.
He is the author and finisher of my faith.
~Deanna~
21 comments:
Deanna, I got up early this morning to contact you. Just wanted to leave a few thoughts...
Years ago when LT and I had been married just a few years, we discovered suddenly that LT had a siezure disorder that changed his life. After 5 years of going from pillar to post looking for a doctor that could help, he ended up in a hospital bed at the University of Florida, preparing for brain surgery that would remove the portion of his brain that was causing the problem. LT is a contemplative soul, a deep thinker, and I can say, a Christian with a testimony of God's Amazing Grace. He had handled well his trial over the past 5 years, but I knew there were, of course, scary days ahead. The night before the surgery he was extremely quiet, and as I kissed him goodbye and headed out to the hotel for the night, my heart broke that he would be in that room alone all night before this frightening experience. The next morning I was allowed to see him for just a few minutes. He was so calm and clear thinking, with directions to me to be calm, take help from those that were there to sit through the long wait with me, etc. I incorrectly assumed the calm was from medication; I had no answer for the clear-headedness! Much later, after a long recovery, LT told me about his experience the night before his surgery. He had asked the Father to keep him strong for his family, to guide the surgeon's hands, and to calm him for restorative rest before his long ordeal. As he began to thank God for the blessings of his happy youth and Christian family, his loving wife and beautiful baby daughter, and supportive friends, the fear and worry began to leave him. He says he slept that night with "the peace that passes understanding." The promise was there, in God's Word, just waiting for LT to need it and claim it. I am praying for you, that you will have "the peace that passes understanding" so that you will have the strength and everything else you need as you prepare for battle. Be strong, my bloggy friend, and know many will be praying for you.
1 John 3:3 - Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
God will be with you thru this just as your loving husband and your blogging friends. Pamie G.
Hi Deanna,
I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved Sam and also the news about your health.
I pray your health will be restored and I know your faith and family will help you through this.
Take care,
Carolyn
Bless your heart - dealing with diagnosis can be such a needlessly difficult situation. Medical personnel need to be reminded - this is a LIFE - a gift from God which is about to be tried in a way it hasn't experienced before. Many options available - actually have 3 women in our small church who have made fabulous recoveries from thyroid cancer. As my husband said when we got his diagnosis (not cancer but a progressive and fatal lung disease) - well we've talked the talk - now we get to walk the walk.
You won't be walking alone - no trite answers - you'll have enough energy and faith for each day.
Such sad news but such a thundering of witness of your faith in God. He knows who can handle which struggles. I have prayed your name since I first met you and now you officially on on my heal D. list. Love you gal.
QMM
Thank you for a sincere post. We are praying and standing in agreement with you guys during this test. The Lord gives us the strength we need and is our comforter. HE is Jehovah Shalom, our PEACE!
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
Love you all!
Anthony
Dear Friend, So sorry about all of this "disaray" that has happened! Oh! my gosh! About your Sam, I have been there done this! in fact w/2 of my little dogs! For about 2 wks. after I had to put my 17yr.old "Missy" down, I could here her in another room, I thougt! Still miss her!,and about the cancer Girlfriend I will be lifting you up daily!,but I do believe that if we serve a God that can part the "Red Sea", I know we serve a God that can Heal! In Jesus Name! I am at the foot of the Cross Praying Now, as we speak! Love ya! Girl:),To God Be The Glory!
Deanna, I do not have any better words to add then the amazing ones already offered, except to say, I will pray for you and your family. This is a week you and your family will never forget, for the sadness and distress that has entered your lives but I want to wish you a Happy Birthday because you serve a God who can take fears, tears,& bad times and turn them into true peace, joy, and happiness . "The peace that passes understanding..."
Oh D, bless your sweet heart. I too can't add anything to what everyone before me has said. I have dealt with hypothyroidism for a long time now and have been told that thyroid cancer has such a huge success percentage. I know that you will be fine, I just know it.
What a wonderful post, your strength and faith brought tears to my eyes...
Hugs and Love,
Lynn♥
My dear friend, Deanna,
My deepest condolences for the loss of dear Sam. I know you and your sweet husband will miss him.
Now on to face this next challenge. Thankfully, you have the strength of our Lord to carry you through each and every day. May His peace surround you and fill you every moment...may He place a hedge around you, your family, and your home, so that no penetration of doubt will make its way through. May He place His healing hands upon you and guide your doctors in their decisions for treatment.Please be sure to call upon your friends to be there with you...to assist you when needed, to pray for you when you might feel low, to support your husband while he waits for you. Let them show you their love...and God's love. (I learned this from my SIL these past few months as she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. She, like you, has such a trust in God, that her peace about all this was remarkable...and all went well.)
Praying for your healing and peace...
Jane (Artfully graced)
Deanna -- I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet dog - they steal our hearts and take a part with them when they go.
I'll pray for God's embrace for you during this frightening time and during your treatment and recovery.
Sending the warmest of good thoughts and hugs to you.
Martha
Dear Deanna,
So very sorry to hear about your dear dog Sam, I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a beloved pet, sending hugs.
I will pray for your healing dear friend, at this very difficult time. You have a beautiful family and many friends, that will be praying for you.
Sending hugs and prayers for you.
Carolyn
Deanna,
Although I am a new follower, I want you to know I understand a bit of what you are going through right now. I have heard those awful words " You have cancer" not once but twice. I am a two time cancer survivor and have been cancer free since 2005! :) I understand the thoughts, feelings, the fear, the anxiety of the unknown...how you go to the store and cannot understand how people could be going about their lives, how dare they... Don't they know what you are going through? I do not wish any of this on anyone!!! I cannot stand cancer! It is UGLY! I pray for a CURE of cancer in our lifetime! I know that as Christains we have the support of others praying for us and of course we have the LOVE and faithfullness of God. He is there for us.
Phil. 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. ( NIV)
Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE. (NIV)
I will keep you a fellow cancer SURVIVOR in my daily prayers. Know you are loved and being thought of and prayed for.
melody
So sorry to read about your dog dieing. It is so sad to lose a special pet.
I had thyroid cancer 45 years ago and am still here. It is one of the easier ones to treat. My thoughts will be with you.
aww deanna,im soo sorry sweetie about your sweet dog Sam,i will keep you in my prayers sweetie about your health,always know im here for you.gentle hugs Cilla
Hello Deanna,
I'm so sorry about your Sam. These furry family members are such wonderful blessings from our loving God, and their departure is just so difficult. I'm praying for you today that you will feel His peace with regard to Sam and this diagnosis of yours. I am facing some medical issues that are potentially serious myself...my heart goes out to you sweetie. He is our hiding place, and will fill your heart with songs of deliverance. Coming alongside you and joining your heart in prayer.
I tried tracing back which blog I came from and couldn't find it. I think it was Nana's Nuggets.
It's a pleasure to meet you. I will be back often.
Blessings and big hugs,
Becky
Marmie...
I love you~
Ashley
Was a bit odd this morning to go get the dogs from their garage sleeping room and take them out to their kennels for the day and Sam's sleeping kennel was empty. He was always the patient one, waiting till his turn to go outside, then happily inspecting the whole yard before heading for breakfast. His morning routine was at his pace, and nothing could be done to speed him up. I will miss him.
I am thankful we walk by faith (our assurance of salvation through Christ Jesus) and not by sight (our limited view of the road ahead).
I'm praying for a skilled surgeon, surgery with no complications, that the cancer be completely encapsulated in the thyroid, and for your complete healing and restoration.
On with the porch, hope you will blog about our progress as we move forward.
Love you Sweet D!
Rg
Deanna: Yes I agree with others - God is more than able. Oh how we love those pets - man's best friend for sure! My prayers are with you Deanna! Our hope is in the Lord!
Dearest Friend,
I had to go out to the garden before I could write. I will be joining all those before me in praying for you, your family, and your doctors, and nurses!
Your words have given me comfort many times and I hope I can return some of that to you.
Dogs are our special friends and we do miss them when they are gone. Their unconditional love is somewhat like that of our mighty God. It was such a good plan for Him to have animals for us to love!
Grace and Peace to you. ♥♫
This week-end was rough...I'm emotional when my mind goes wild with so many thoughts. I suspected that I would be.
I have an appointment Wednesday with a surgeon.
This all seems kind of like a dream.
Been praying and I admit I am more human than I want to admit. The tears flow and I am very, very touched by those that are praying.
Thank you for caring, sharing and praying.
We miss our Sam. It was sad to watch him die before our eyes. He was a great dog.
Precious friends, family, you mean more than words can completely express.
Thank you for being there for me and my family.
God loves you and so do I,
d
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