The Gold Beads...

Mike is home and ready to eat after not having food since last night. A bison burger is on the way. The procedure went very quickly and smoothly this a.m. We left the hospital with Mike walking to the car. Today's difficulty will be trying to keep Mike from working :)

After speaking with the radiation oncologist this morning, we know the radiation treatment is definitely the direction we need to take at this point. The doctors are very hopeful that this treatment will shrink the tumors and Mike will be back in the saddle very soon after the radiation. On Thursday he will have an MRI with a physicist present and Mike will then be fitted for another mask (this one will cover his head and shoulders.) The exacting of the treatment will be figured out and then the actual radiation will take place at the beginning of next week.

Yesterday Mike received a "prayer shawl" which was specifically made for him. It is beautiful and a beautiful sentiment. The note with the shawl said "Shawls...made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusivee, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles..." It is with extreme gratitude that we accept this gift.

We also were participant in a healing meditation with some good friends yesterday. our positive energy was directed at Mike. We were deeply touched by the sentiment of our friends who initiated this exercise with us.

Our optimism is in place. Again you have lifted our arms when they have hung low. We are walking by faith at this point. We will face the next hurdle when it comes. God is good. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.

This morning I read these words to the hymn, "Master the Tempest is Raging"...
Master the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o-er shadowed with blackness. No shelter or help is nigh.
Carest thou not that we perish? How canst thou lie asleep?
When each moment so madly is threatning A grave in the angry deep?
Master, with anguish of spirit, I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled. Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o'er my sinking soul,
And I perish, I perish, dear Master. Oh, hasten and take control!
Master, the torrent is over. The elements sweetly rest.
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven's with in my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer Leave me alone no more,
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor and rest on the peaceful shore.

The winds and the waves shall obey thy will: PEACE BE STILL.
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea, or demons or men or whatever it be, No waters can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and sky. They all shall sweetly obey thy will: PEACE BE STILL, peace be still. They all shall sweetly obey thy will, PEACE, PEACE BE STILL.

We are being peacefully still, trusting in the will of our Heavenly Father.