8-15-09
My last update was on 7-22—--I try not to send out too much info, but perhaps I’m erring on the other side. I’m sorry if this caused you concern
We’ve had three weeks of interesting developments in Tom’s health. Twice we went to the ER because of intense pain at different levels and different places. We now know that’s how it will be so we will just treat him with pain meds and it passes. This seems to be working okay. His voice improves at times so he can talk almost normally, but it doesn’t last long. We are thankful that the paralysis isn’t total and permanent. Tom can manage about one event a day now (usually a visit to a doctor {smile}.) He is still driving most of the time. We don't go out in the evening anymore because he doesn't have the energy by the end of the day. (This is going to be a challenge because Casey is playing football again this year--his sophomore in high school-- and we want to be there to cheer him on.) Tom is sleeping well and eating okay...still maintaining his weight which is good since his appetite is poor. Though his strength is waning, his spirit and sweetness remains strong.
Recently our pastor asked to video Tom and me concerning our attitude about death/dying. It was shown two weeks ago at our church here in Dallas and will be shown tomorrow morning (16th) at Southern Gables in Denver. After a standing ovation at Woodcreek Church, I wrote to our pastor: “What does one do with something like that? Just humbly pass it to the One to Whom it belongs. There is no way we can express our deep, deep sense of awe as we stood to acknowledge your very gracious presentation of our story. To have your life subscribed to the words "to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" has got to be the highest honor one can have on earth. Thank you for allowing that to happen. “ How we pray that the hearts of our dear friends at Woodcreek, Southern Gables or others who view the video on line, will turn in reckless abandon to the will of our Lord, who loved us so much He willingly gave His life for us.
Our son, David, whose business is Initial Productions Group in Arvada, CO recently had the privilege of doing sound, lights, video for Promise Keepers in Boulder, CO. It was a wonderful event—one of the largest he has done (11 semis of gear). Today (Sat) he is in Grand Junction, CO to provide sound for the town meeting with Pres. Obama. His life certainly isn’t dull.
We paid off our bill at M.D.Anderson Cancer Center…it was $3800--about half of what they had quoted. And all of our other medical expenses are paid so far. Is the Lord good or what? And thanks so much to those of you who provided the funds. We are deeply grateful.
Have you heard the Gaither song: “In the upper room with Jesus, sitting at His nail-scarred feet, Oh, what blessed sweet communion, fellowship divine and sweet.” That describes our living room when it becomes a sacred sanctuary each morning. Wish you could join us. We just enjoy Him so much and thank Him each day for being together and sharing peace and joy in our journey. Yes, this is the good life. Thanks for being such a special part of it. We love you so much!
Seeking to finish well in TX....
Dotty Hash (for Tom too)
326 Highland Ridge Dr
Wylie TX 75098
214-501-2527 cell: 720-480-7487
