Well, what a week we have had! We spent the past week at Forest Rock Camp. The week was a great time for our family to enjoy the beautiful creation and forgetting about our life back in Goderich. The camp has not changed since Stephen and I had been going as kids ourselves. Although the cabins could use a bit of an update, we were blessed with wonderful weather and a beautiful surrounding.
The week was filled with frog hunting, minnow catching, lots of fishing, playing at the playground, swimming out to the raft and in the lake, badminton, boccie ball, Dora Uno, talking with the girls, campfires, boating and lots of relaxing and rest.
I have to report that the girls did not catch a bigger fish than their dad, but they each had the opportunity to go out fishing one on one with him and help him haul in the big ones. There are plenty of the usual pictures of Stephen and the girls holding a stringer of the day's catch. One time, Stephen and Nicole were out on the lake and around the bend in the bay, I could hear the excitement of the big catch. I had to laugh from my perch at the cabin, as Stephen's excitement echoed across the water -- it truly was a "Steve" moment.
We are beginning to see how Nicole is growing up. There were plenty of times when she would just pull up a chair and sit and chat. She "had to" take the camera or the video recorder to capture some moment be that Stephen taking off to go fishing, Meagan and Sarah at play, the ducks swimming by, or the blue heron on the raft. One afternoon I enjoyed playing badminton with just her. It was not just the exchange of the birdie but the conversation back and forth that captured my heart.
We are constantly amazed at the creative mind in Meagan's head. She had drawn an elaborate "sunshine and feeling" sand drawing. She had made a hidden office in the woods. Also she had built a campfire by the water so that she and Sarah could warm themselves. Boy, does she love the natural world. She was mesmerized with trying to catch frogs and net minnows.
We enjoyed the adventure and zest for life Sarah has. She just went and talked all day long. She attempted to play trackball, needed to be pushed at the swings, and loved swimming. One afternoon, although it was a little cooler and cloudier, she desired to be in the lake. With her life jacket and floatie, she was determined to swim out to the raft all by herself.
This week was one of the most enjoyable and difficult times for me. I was blessed with this family time without interruptions. It was a time to enjoy and praise God for the joy that Stephen, Nicole, Meagan, and Sarah bring into my life. To observe the wonderful qualities developing in these young girls. To be thankful for the man I love dearly and am dearly loved by. To enjoy the wonderful world which God has created for us to live in - the quiet of the lake, the blue heron, frogs, minnows, the mist over the lake in the morning, and the clear starlight nights. All these good things, to name just a few, were mixed with some difficult moments. I experienced great discomfort in my joints and muscles as a result of the new chemo drug I was given. Stephen would send me to the cabin to rest while he was with the girls. Although this allowed me to try and rest, it was during these moments that I became an "observer". I could listen from the cabin and hear the delight of a swimming out to the dock, or the fussing of putting on life jackets, or the sound of the boat leaving the dock. Although it was hard not to be a part of it all, there was some peace in that maybe this was God's way of showing me how things will be all right during the next months when I will not be able to be around for everything -- that things are going to be 'okay' .
Cindy
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Well, I am finally writing on this update. Although I have been keeping a personal journal or my thoughts and experiences about this time in my life, it is about time I fill in a few words on this page too and relieve Stephen from filling you in.
I am glad to report that I have made a milestone on this "journey" as some people like to call it. I have now completed more chemo treatments then I have left to undergo. I am now on the downside of the chemo treatment. This past treatment was an experience -- although each time seems to be a new adventure or new "news". Stephen and I had a good laugh at this treatment. I have gone from not only from looking like a "bald eagle" to now looking like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. It is really a pretty sight! I am wrapped up in warm blankets from neck to ankles with ice mittens and ice slippers on. The mittens and slippers are on to reduce the circulation in my extremities so that the nail damage can be kept to a mimimum. Just another possible side effect.
We are planning to go away with the girls to get away for some down time before school starts over the next week. We are off to Forest Rock Camp! This is a place that Stephen and I enjoyed as children and we are hoping to create some wonderful memories with our girls. Stephen is looking forward to doing some fishing while I am looking forward to just relaxing with a few good books. Nicole and Meagan are going to catch bigger fish than their Dad. So much for Stephen's quiet time in the boat. Sarah is excited about the playground.
I have been blessed and overwhelmed by the support during this past months from prayers, phone calls, meals, cards, visits, jewellery and a quilt to name just a few things. Each action I hold dear to my heart as I experience the outpouring of God's love extended through each of you. Today, I received a wonderful surprise of encouragement - it is a series of pictures spelling the word "Courage". We were told that when this gift was purchased, the next Sunday Stephen had a fitting message on this theme. There have been many moments in which courage is not how I would describe how I have faced or handled this journey so far. But this gift will, for me, be a reminder that we can have courage or strength to take on each and every moment only when we rely on God to carry us through.
Till, I write again.......
Cindy
I am glad to report that I have made a milestone on this "journey" as some people like to call it. I have now completed more chemo treatments then I have left to undergo. I am now on the downside of the chemo treatment. This past treatment was an experience -- although each time seems to be a new adventure or new "news". Stephen and I had a good laugh at this treatment. I have gone from not only from looking like a "bald eagle" to now looking like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. It is really a pretty sight! I am wrapped up in warm blankets from neck to ankles with ice mittens and ice slippers on. The mittens and slippers are on to reduce the circulation in my extremities so that the nail damage can be kept to a mimimum. Just another possible side effect.
We are planning to go away with the girls to get away for some down time before school starts over the next week. We are off to Forest Rock Camp! This is a place that Stephen and I enjoyed as children and we are hoping to create some wonderful memories with our girls. Stephen is looking forward to doing some fishing while I am looking forward to just relaxing with a few good books. Nicole and Meagan are going to catch bigger fish than their Dad. So much for Stephen's quiet time in the boat. Sarah is excited about the playground.
I have been blessed and overwhelmed by the support during this past months from prayers, phone calls, meals, cards, visits, jewellery and a quilt to name just a few things. Each action I hold dear to my heart as I experience the outpouring of God's love extended through each of you. Today, I received a wonderful surprise of encouragement - it is a series of pictures spelling the word "Courage". We were told that when this gift was purchased, the next Sunday Stephen had a fitting message on this theme. There have been many moments in which courage is not how I would describe how I have faced or handled this journey so far. But this gift will, for me, be a reminder that we can have courage or strength to take on each and every moment only when we rely on God to carry us through.
Till, I write again.......
Cindy
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hi Everyone:
Well today we went to london to see the doctor who will oversee the radiation treatment. Radiation treatment will begin around six weeks after surgery. That means it will probably begin sometime in january. The doctor said that cindy will have to have at least five weeks of treatment five days a week. There is a chance that she will have to have six to seven weeks of radiation but that will depend on what how the margins are following surgery.
After our doctor visit we went shopping and then out to lunch. We had a nice day, but it is always difficult to here what Cindy will have to go through over the next half year or so.
On Thursday we go to london for Cindy's 5th chemo treatment.
Have a great day
stephen
Well today we went to london to see the doctor who will oversee the radiation treatment. Radiation treatment will begin around six weeks after surgery. That means it will probably begin sometime in january. The doctor said that cindy will have to have at least five weeks of treatment five days a week. There is a chance that she will have to have six to seven weeks of radiation but that will depend on what how the margins are following surgery.
After our doctor visit we went shopping and then out to lunch. We had a nice day, but it is always difficult to here what Cindy will have to go through over the next half year or so.
On Thursday we go to london for Cindy's 5th chemo treatment.
Have a great day
stephen
Monday, August 18, 2008
Good evening everyone:
Well it is monday evening and thought would just write a little note on the blog.
Tommorow Cindy and I have to go to London to see the radiologist. She is going to explain to us about radiation treatment which will take place after cindy has surgery. So I am sure that we will recieve alot of information and have to make some descisions.
Yesterday we were in Strathroy. I preached at East CRC. It was a good service (at least I think so) and it was nice to be able to preach in the church my opa help found and my parents where married in.
We have had to make another important decision this past week. It revolved around where are children will be attending school next year. If our children attended the christian school in Clinton they would have to leave our house no latter than 7:25 am and be home about 4:30pm. With our present situation we felt that this would be a long day for them and we would not be able to spend the time with them that they require. Therefore for the coming year we will be sending them to the public school by our house. As I said this was a very difficult decision. We really appreciate Clinton Christian and the education they receive there. But for this coming year we felt it best to have them home more.
Next week we hope (if cindy is feeling good after her next treatment) to go to a cottage in Bracebridge. The place is called "Forest Rock Camp". Both cindy and I went there as children, though on different weeks. It will be nice to show our children where we went. Actually this is the first place I kissed cindy. (Nicole said "yuk Dad")..With all the decision we have had to make and with the stress in our life it will be good to go down memory lane and spend a nice quiet week with our children.
have a great evening.....
stephen
Well it is monday evening and thought would just write a little note on the blog.
Tommorow Cindy and I have to go to London to see the radiologist. She is going to explain to us about radiation treatment which will take place after cindy has surgery. So I am sure that we will recieve alot of information and have to make some descisions.
Yesterday we were in Strathroy. I preached at East CRC. It was a good service (at least I think so) and it was nice to be able to preach in the church my opa help found and my parents where married in.
We have had to make another important decision this past week. It revolved around where are children will be attending school next year. If our children attended the christian school in Clinton they would have to leave our house no latter than 7:25 am and be home about 4:30pm. With our present situation we felt that this would be a long day for them and we would not be able to spend the time with them that they require. Therefore for the coming year we will be sending them to the public school by our house. As I said this was a very difficult decision. We really appreciate Clinton Christian and the education they receive there. But for this coming year we felt it best to have them home more.
Next week we hope (if cindy is feeling good after her next treatment) to go to a cottage in Bracebridge. The place is called "Forest Rock Camp". Both cindy and I went there as children, though on different weeks. It will be nice to show our children where we went. Actually this is the first place I kissed cindy. (Nicole said "yuk Dad")..With all the decision we have had to make and with the stress in our life it will be good to go down memory lane and spend a nice quiet week with our children.
have a great evening.....
stephen
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Good Morning:
Well it is saturday morning and even though I am supposed to be on vacation I am sitting in my office preparing for tommorow. Tommorow I will be preaching in East CRC in Strathroy. East is the church that my parents are attending since they moved to strathroy. It is also the church that my parents where married in and that my Opa helped to found. So maybe in someways (though I have never lived in Strathroy) it is like a homecoming. I look forward to leading worship tommorow and pray that the service may be filled with joy and hope.
This week we went to visit my brother Kevin and his wife Melissa in Orangeville. it was great to see both of them and spend a night at their house. Kevin and Melissa have done a great job in fixing up there house. I am amazed that my little brother was able to finish his patio. But Kevin it looks great.....and you did really amaze me.
As I said tommorow I preach in Strathroy and so this afternoon we are heading over to my parents house to spend the night with them. I think that we will also see my sister Anita and her family since they are coming to my parents tommorow.
Next week Cindy has too appointments. The first is on Tuesday as she will be seeing the Radiologist. During this appointment we will learn more about what we can expect once radiation starts. Then on Thursday Cindy will be having her 5th chemo treatment. This treatment is different than the first four ( a different drug) and some of the side effects that could happen are not very pleasant. Please keep Cindy in your prayers this week. Pray that this treatment goes well, pray that she may not be too nervous about the new medication, pray that the spirit will surround her with his grace and peace, pray that the God of all healing will touch her and heal her.
One final note...Last night as we were driving home from Kev and Melissa's we had the joy of listening to "Miley Cyrus" also know as Hannah Montana. If you don't know who this is then you don't have young girls. Anyways the song Miley was singing was called "I Miss You". She wrote this song after her grandfather had died. The first few verses and chorus of the song go like this...
You used to call me your angel
Said I was sent straight down from Heaven
You'd hold me close in your arms
I loved the way you felt so strong
I never wanted you to leave
I wanted you to stay here holding me
I miss you, I miss your smile
And I still she'd a tear every once and a while
And even though it's different now
You're still here somehow
My heart won't let you go, and I need you to know
I miss you, sha-la la la la, I miss you
You used to call me your dreamer
And now I'm livin' out my dream
Oh how I wish you could see
Everything that's happening for me
I'm thinking back on the past
It's true that time is flying by too fast
I miss you, I miss your smile
And I still she'd a tear every once and a while
And even though it's different now
You're still here somehow
My heart won't let you go, and I need you to know
I miss you, sha-la la la la, I miss you
As this song was being song our daughter Meagan said "Mom if you die of cancer i will sing this song for you." Wow, did our hearts drop....we both started to cry......we don't always realize what are children are thinking, or how this dreadful disease is affecting them.....but when our daughter said those words we realized how they think and that it does affect them deeply. Our children are young, and I don't know why they have to go through this...At times I am mad at God for this....and I get angry....and I say the words of Habbakuk "How long oh Lord must I call for help, but you do not listen"....Please pray for our children, pray for their little hearts, for their emotional well being...Pray that Meagan, Nicole and Sarah will not have to sing this song for a long long time. Pray that they be filled with Joy...laughter...innocence...and God's spirit.
Tommorow I am preaching about joy....Paul's Words say "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice"....I hope that tommorow the joy we have in our hearts because of Jesus will shine....and that our family will be able to see the joy of Jesus....
This was hard to write....
Stephen
Well it is saturday morning and even though I am supposed to be on vacation I am sitting in my office preparing for tommorow. Tommorow I will be preaching in East CRC in Strathroy. East is the church that my parents are attending since they moved to strathroy. It is also the church that my parents where married in and that my Opa helped to found. So maybe in someways (though I have never lived in Strathroy) it is like a homecoming. I look forward to leading worship tommorow and pray that the service may be filled with joy and hope.
This week we went to visit my brother Kevin and his wife Melissa in Orangeville. it was great to see both of them and spend a night at their house. Kevin and Melissa have done a great job in fixing up there house. I am amazed that my little brother was able to finish his patio. But Kevin it looks great.....and you did really amaze me.
As I said tommorow I preach in Strathroy and so this afternoon we are heading over to my parents house to spend the night with them. I think that we will also see my sister Anita and her family since they are coming to my parents tommorow.
Next week Cindy has too appointments. The first is on Tuesday as she will be seeing the Radiologist. During this appointment we will learn more about what we can expect once radiation starts. Then on Thursday Cindy will be having her 5th chemo treatment. This treatment is different than the first four ( a different drug) and some of the side effects that could happen are not very pleasant. Please keep Cindy in your prayers this week. Pray that this treatment goes well, pray that she may not be too nervous about the new medication, pray that the spirit will surround her with his grace and peace, pray that the God of all healing will touch her and heal her.
One final note...Last night as we were driving home from Kev and Melissa's we had the joy of listening to "Miley Cyrus" also know as Hannah Montana. If you don't know who this is then you don't have young girls. Anyways the song Miley was singing was called "I Miss You". She wrote this song after her grandfather had died. The first few verses and chorus of the song go like this...
You used to call me your angel
Said I was sent straight down from Heaven
You'd hold me close in your arms
I loved the way you felt so strong
I never wanted you to leave
I wanted you to stay here holding me
I miss you, I miss your smile
And I still she'd a tear every once and a while
And even though it's different now
You're still here somehow
My heart won't let you go, and I need you to know
I miss you, sha-la la la la, I miss you
You used to call me your dreamer
And now I'm livin' out my dream
Oh how I wish you could see
Everything that's happening for me
I'm thinking back on the past
It's true that time is flying by too fast
I miss you, I miss your smile
And I still she'd a tear every once and a while
And even though it's different now
You're still here somehow
My heart won't let you go, and I need you to know
I miss you, sha-la la la la, I miss you
As this song was being song our daughter Meagan said "Mom if you die of cancer i will sing this song for you." Wow, did our hearts drop....we both started to cry......we don't always realize what are children are thinking, or how this dreadful disease is affecting them.....but when our daughter said those words we realized how they think and that it does affect them deeply. Our children are young, and I don't know why they have to go through this...At times I am mad at God for this....and I get angry....and I say the words of Habbakuk "How long oh Lord must I call for help, but you do not listen"....Please pray for our children, pray for their little hearts, for their emotional well being...Pray that Meagan, Nicole and Sarah will not have to sing this song for a long long time. Pray that they be filled with Joy...laughter...innocence...and God's spirit.
Tommorow I am preaching about joy....Paul's Words say "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice"....I hope that tommorow the joy we have in our hearts because of Jesus will shine....and that our family will be able to see the joy of Jesus....
This was hard to write....
Stephen
Monday, August 11, 2008
Good Morning;
hope that everyone is doing great and enjoying the summer (even though it has rained alot). Last week Cindy and the girls went camping with Denise and Scott and their children. They had a great time and they enjoyed the fact that it did not rain at all.
Starting tommorow I will be on vacation until September 2. As a family we hope to go to Toronto and maybe go to a cottage for the last week of August. Cindy will have her next treatment on August 21. This treatment will be a little different than the others ones that she has had. The chemo medication is different and some of the side effects will also be different. We hope and pray that Cindy will not have too many side effects.
Other than day to day activities not much is new with us. We are trying to cope as best as we can with what we are going through. It has not always been easy and at times we still struggle with what Cindy and our family has to go through. We try each day to see the goodness of our God and all the good things he gives to us but this is not easy. We know that each one of you is keep us in your thoughts and prayers and for that we are grateful.
Well I have to go now....
Have a great day
stephen
hope that everyone is doing great and enjoying the summer (even though it has rained alot). Last week Cindy and the girls went camping with Denise and Scott and their children. They had a great time and they enjoyed the fact that it did not rain at all.
Starting tommorow I will be on vacation until September 2. As a family we hope to go to Toronto and maybe go to a cottage for the last week of August. Cindy will have her next treatment on August 21. This treatment will be a little different than the others ones that she has had. The chemo medication is different and some of the side effects will also be different. We hope and pray that Cindy will not have too many side effects.
Other than day to day activities not much is new with us. We are trying to cope as best as we can with what we are going through. It has not always been easy and at times we still struggle with what Cindy and our family has to go through. We try each day to see the goodness of our God and all the good things he gives to us but this is not easy. We know that each one of you is keep us in your thoughts and prayers and for that we are grateful.
Well I have to go now....
Have a great day
stephen
Friday, August 1, 2008
Hello Everyone:
Yesterday Cindy went to London for her 4th treatment. The treatment went well. She was also imformed about what we can expect in the next half year. Cindy still has four more treatments of chemo. Then roughly five weeks after chemo is done she will have to undergo surgery. Five weeks after surgery she will begin radiation. Radiation will be five days a week for 5 weeks. So Cindy still has a long journey....
Next week Cindy and the girls are going camping with Denise and Scott at Point Farms. I will go there at night. So we are looking forward to spending some time with them, and even having some good laughs.
Also maybe some have heard that my sister Anita torn her Achilles tendon. She is going to have a long journey to recovery as well. She had surgery to repair it and presently she is not able to walk on her leg for two weeks. Maybe she will add a comment to tell you more of what is going on. We are praying for you Anita. I don't know how you are going to be able to just sit around for that long. maybe God will teach you patience through this......
Anyways this Sunday we have our outdoor worship service. The service begins at 11 am and it will be held at "The Square" which is Goderich's downtown. So if you are in the area come out and join us as we worship God.
Well got to run...have a great long weekend
stephen
Yesterday Cindy went to London for her 4th treatment. The treatment went well. She was also imformed about what we can expect in the next half year. Cindy still has four more treatments of chemo. Then roughly five weeks after chemo is done she will have to undergo surgery. Five weeks after surgery she will begin radiation. Radiation will be five days a week for 5 weeks. So Cindy still has a long journey....
Next week Cindy and the girls are going camping with Denise and Scott at Point Farms. I will go there at night. So we are looking forward to spending some time with them, and even having some good laughs.
Also maybe some have heard that my sister Anita torn her Achilles tendon. She is going to have a long journey to recovery as well. She had surgery to repair it and presently she is not able to walk on her leg for two weeks. Maybe she will add a comment to tell you more of what is going on. We are praying for you Anita. I don't know how you are going to be able to just sit around for that long. maybe God will teach you patience through this......
Anyways this Sunday we have our outdoor worship service. The service begins at 11 am and it will be held at "The Square" which is Goderich's downtown. So if you are in the area come out and join us as we worship God.
Well got to run...have a great long weekend
stephen
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