Strength Needed for the Journey

I had trouble thinking of a title for this post.  If you read Sarah's updates you know that what Caleb is going through now is almost beyond a word-like description.  In my middle-aged life I've been through some medical experiences with my dad who battled cancer four times-winning three.  I've been through a heart surgery and back surgery a few years back.  These experiences weren't easy, but pail in comparison to what my brave son Caleb has been going through these last five days.

After a final round of Chemo before his bone marrow transplant Caleb went home to Bullhead City feeling ok and having higher blood work numbers than ever before.  We were hopeful that this time Caleb would be able to handle the Chemo without a trip to the hospital.  But after being home for almost five days Caleb returned to Vegas and became very ill.  He was throwing up constantly and was admitted to ICU.  Caleb was unable to avoid a very serious bacterial infection of his abdomen. Antibiotics were ordered and the infection was killed, but the affects have been very hard.  Caleb is now sleeping peacefully, but full of tubes and lines.  His abdomen has swollen and the doctors are concerned that there is some damage of his colon.  The doctors would like to do surgery but feel that the risks are just too high to do it.  The uncertainty about this this part of Caleb's journey has been tough for Sarah and I to handle.  Caleb is very sick and we are praying for God to work a miracle in his body.  We are trusting only on God to help us.  Please continue to pray for Caleb's complete healing from this sickness and the Leukemia.

Caleb is fighting this situation with all his might.  We are trusting that healing will come in the good timing of our God.

I was encouraged by one of our relatives in this great old hymn:

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.