Patience with Patients

This past Mothers' Day we received one of those phone calls you dread. My 33 year old brother, Brian (Condie) hadn't been feeling up to par for some time and went to his family doctor, later that day the doctor's office called back and said, "Get to the E.R.!!" That phone call began what has been a horriffic rollercoaster ride for Brian, his wife Elisha, and their two young girls. Brian was diagnosed Mothers' Day with rectal/colon cancer and is currently undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation in hopes that the tumor will be shrunk to operable size in about a week. After the surgery, he'll do chemo and radiation again for 6 weeks or so.

Brian (below, (pictured at a wierd angle!) with his wife and my daughter, Eliza) is one of those people you love the minute you meet them. He is hilarious, a great big brother, a fun "tickle monster" uncle and a total sweetheart and it breaks my heart to hear of him in pain. I abhor being so far away when he and his sweet family are going through such a trial! There are so many friends and family that have stepped up to take care of them, but I feel badly that all I can do is fast and pray long distance! I pray for him daily to feel the tender mercies of the Lord during this difficult time. If you're "list of people to pray for" isn't too long-please add Brian!! He is definitely in need of some miracles in the weeks ahead.

(Below) Jax getting the wrath of the "tickle torture" machine. Now, let us not forget the other PATIENT in the family...(pictured below with Jax and Eliza) not to be "one upped"...my beloved Father, whom I have fondly nicknamed after the Biblical Job..."JOB-less" because he more or less has had to endure as many inflictions and trials in the last few years as his namesake (save being deserted by those whom he loves!!)...had to do another bout of chemo himself a couple weeks ago!! My poor Daddy and my poor mom are a bit emotionally and physically stretched right now...so you know what...add them to your prayer rolls too for me OK?!! Both men have been patient patients and I send them my love and love to their amazing wives!!