Go West, Old Man!

The year 2008 brought dramatic change for Helen and me. A year ago right NOW our house on the Cape was for sale, but we had little hope of selling as the market had begun flooding with foreclosures, the Cape prices falling ahead of the general market it seemed.

I was serving on staff in a Methodist church that showered us with love and provided plenty of opportunity to minister.

Then in rapid succession I went to the hospital with a fast infection that refused to be knocked down with the strongest IV antibiotics. In and out again and finally diagnosed (after bone marrow examination) with CML, a serious form of leukemia. Then our oncologist (or person in his office) located a foundation which underwrites the really expensive co-payment for a 'miracle' drug which does not cure, but keeps the production of cancer cells from happening; side effects are a bother but manageable-- then offer to buy-- at $100,000 LESS than what we were assessed taxes for-- decision to go for it--

...then Mark and Joy and Steve and Sharon along with Ben and Russ and Russ IV climaxed the packing of 18+ years of accumulation into a PODS unit-- after we had FILLED a large dumpster with stuff-- some semi-precious but only to us-- years worth of notebooks, etc-- gave away boxes of books . . . drove to oHIo and lived with Sharon and Steve for two or three months. They had set up our own bed and very comfortable quarters.

We began looking for permanent housing solution . . . ended up in a condo that seems near perfect for us. Were able to pay cash, andf anticipate that the monthly condo fee will be manageable- no snow to shovel or grass to mow. Found doctors. Found library. Found swimming pool (Helen's therapy!) Have NOT found church home- (have Bible, will travel!)

We've had several things published this very year, and submitted a book October 31 (on deadline) that was written (finished) in the midst of all this change. I do feel useless at times, but that ultimately, is the problem of my Owner. He has taken good care of us, and we are profoundly grateful.

It is a cliche I suppose that growing old is for the brave.But we (Helen and I--this is her 76th Birthday TODAY) are looking forward to the new year with anticipation of bearing fruit even when we finally get old! (John `5:8) And we are even claiming the promise that not only will the Lord not forsake us but that even in this economic stress our children will not be begging bread (Psalm 37:25).

Happy New Year! Godf bless you!