Next Saturday, June 9, will mark the one year anniversary of Jerry's diagnosis of AML. I'm writing about it now, because on June 9 we really don't want the AML diagnosis to be what we remember on that day. June 9 is a very special day. A day we want to celebrate. It will be our 45th Wedding Anniversary. It will be a time of celebration.
But almost a year ago on June 9, I can still remember the doctor coming into the room and telling us that Jerry had Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I can still remember we had went full of hope that it would be nothing and they would be able to take care of it. But God had another plan for our lives.
In May of 2011, Jerry had accepted the pastorate of Resurrection Baptist Church in Circleville, Ohio. We had already started packing and getting ready for the move. In the meantime, we thought we better get physicals because we knew we would be without health insurance. Jerry's Complete Blood Count came back showing that there was some kind of problem. Our doctor called him back in the next day and set him up an appointment right away with an oncologist. He did a bone marrow biopsy which revealed the leukemia.
Our lives changed completely. We stayed in Greenville, NC, where with the support of our Pastor, Tim Butler, and our church, Jerry was able to get treatment. Jerry took an early retirement and disability, because the doctor told him he would never be able to work again.
This year has been spent in hospitals, weekly visits to oncologists, chemo treatments, and transfusions. God did not choose to heal Jerry. Sometimes we ask why, but we know that God's ways are so far above our ways.
Through this year we have seen and felt God's love more than any other time in our lives. We have felt His love, and the love of our family and friends. We have grown closer as husband and wife.
We are so blessed.
This year has been spent in hospitals, weekly visits to oncologists, chemo treatments, and transfusions. God did not choose to heal Jerry. Sometimes we ask why, but we know that God's ways are so far above our ways.
Through this year we have seen and felt God's love more than any other time in our lives. We have felt His love, and the love of our family and friends. We have grown closer as husband and wife.
We are so blessed.
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
I am honored to have walked and worked beside you both. I look forward to our upcoming visit.
ReplyDeleteGreg Wilmore
We love you both and are continuing to pray. We know God is not finished yet! God bless!
ReplyDeleteJune 9th, 2011 was not a good day in your book of life nor in the lives of your family and friends. We thank God for all of his blessings in your life and in our lives this past year and beyond. God is so good even through the bad of life.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what June 9th, 1967 really strikes with me is the day of your wedding. I remember many wonderful times in your 45 years of marriage and all of the time and blessings you have given to our family with your love and attention. We Love you and wish you a very Happy 45th Wedding Anniversary. XOXO
p.s. Praying for God's blessings
When I think back a year ago on June 9th and what you were told, I think of our wonderful loving Father. Our Father who designs the plans for out life. Our Father who knows more than the doctors. Our Father who is control of our future. When I think of all these things.... I thank Him! I praise His Holy Name for what He has done for you! Happy Anniversary! Love you both, Mary
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