Blessed in the Midst of Stage 4 Cancer

Year's end, Christmas and six months since venturing into the world of blogging * brings a time for reflection, for thanksgiving, for praise.  🙌 From  oncology professor to  occupational therapist, social worker to sister, elder to palliative care expert, GP to Google(!) the bleak advice turned our eyes toward a heavenly home. Yet we are here together, participating  in a living miracle.  Instead of farewelling our dear husband, father, son, pastor and friend we are enjoying earthly experiences impossible six months ago!  Joy in gathering for grandchildren's birthdays  🎂 with Grandad!  🎈 Joy in the presence of our sons and daugthers mixed with gladness over love out-poured and sadness upon parting. 🚙 👋 🛫 When Ruth and family returned to WA to pick up their car and caravan, tears expressed the possibility of a final goodbye. More recently, with the wonderful improvement in Dad's condition, Naomi's departure held the hope of future vis...

During Geoff's first week in hospital, the development of double vision was a clear sign of the cancer's invasiveness. It seems that a tumor in the base of his skull causes pressure on a vital nerve impeding the movement of muscles essential for focussing. While the combined effect of targeted drugs attacking cancer cells and reductions in medication has resulted in resolution of many early symptoms, the diplopia has continued. The more Geoff's condition improved, the more aware he became of the limitations due to the diplopia and the more determined to find a solution. Research led to the idea of specialised glasses. The Lord had another miracle in store! After four trips to the optometrist, including two very long appointments, Geoff is happily seeing ONE of everything! H is new glasses for general use have prism correction which aligns the two images detected by his eyes. The only drawback is that prism isn't compatible with multifocal lenses so when Geoff took off h...

The incredible love shown by each one of our children in their own unique ways according to the capacity of their circumstances has been a blessing beyond our hopes or imaginings. This post highlights some very practical demonstrations of their care, ensuring minimal ongoing home maintenance for us. Three years ago in collaboration with our sons, Geoff launched into unchartered territory, taking on the role of spare-time owner-builder for the construction of a carport. Positively impressed by the planned father-sons project, I happily agreed to the idea, not realising that building a carport would involve remodelling almost every square metre of our block. 😲 Geoff's diagnosis came when the carport aka garage was built but the chaotic yard would have rivalled a worst-imagined building site. From removing outside junk and culling indoor clutter, to stonemasonry, landscaping, welding and painting our children willingly tackled ... ... and tamed the backyard ... ... the skyline jobs...