In my last blog posting in January 2011 (I can’t believe it’s been that long!) I ended with the sentence “I was amazed at the speed with which God had answered my prayer of desperation!” Well, fast forward 40 years or so years to 2011. A lot of great things have happened in those intervening forty years…I have a wife of 38 years, 3 great sons and their wives. Four wonderful grandkids. More friends that a guy should deserve. A good job with a great purpose. The list can go on and on.
In January during a physical for a life insurance policy I was applying for, the results of a blood test for blood glucose came back with an A1C level that indicated that I had Type II diabetes (what they used to call Adult Onset Diabetes). My own doctor had been watching my blood glucose levels for that previous year or so and was concerned that I was at risk to be a Type II diabetic. Well, sure enough…that what I was now! I have been watching it closely by eating better and exercising more by running and going to Gold’s Gym regularly, as well as having been prescribed oral medication that I take twice a day.
In January I applied with the VA for special monthly compensation for Type II Diabetes due to Agent Orange exposure during my time in Vietnam; the Phu Hiep area was sprayed with Agent Orange area during the time I was there between February 1968 and June 1970 (http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/agentorange/chi-091204-agentorange-map,0,1959438.htmlpage). In June I began receiving 20% disability compensation from the VA.
A couple of weeks ago I had a routine blood panel done and was very surprised to find out that my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level was higher than the recommended level of between 0 and 4.0. On Friday September 23rd I had an appointment with a urologist who recommended that I have a biopsy taken to determine what kind of prostrate cancer I have. (The elevated PSA level is enough of a symptom flag that a biopsy is an appropriate in determining what the next step(s) should be in treatment.)
To be honest, for about two weeks the “c” word (“cancer”) was right at the front of my mind during every waking hour. But gradually I accepted that the fact that I probably have prostrate cancer, no matter if it is benign or otherwise, was indeed a fact. Karin and I decided that we would face this head on, together, and with the knowledge that God is indeed in control of this just as He has been in control in every aspect of my life from the get go. I was talking earlier today with a friend of mine who I’ve reconnected with in the past few months after 4 decades since the last time we saw each other. I shared with Dave that it has been amazing to me to see how God has kept us all in contact with each other after so many years! I’m absolutely astounded at the circumstances that were begun and orchestrated when I was 20 or 21 years old at Phabulous Phu Hiep by the Sea that has led to me writing this note tonight! No one can tell me that there is no God, simply because I have experienced him in the most profound ways through my friendship with you guys who I served with in the Army so many years ago.
This brings me back to the “c” word. Yes, the “c” word can mean “cancer”, a scary, chilling, maybe even terrifying word.
But I know another “C” word that is filled with hope, love and peace…that word is Christ! I met Jesus Christ a little over 40 years ago at a coffeehouse in Bellevue, Washington, and He changed my life and is continuing to change it daily…and that change has always proven to be for the better. And I’m betting that this prostate thing will be another change for the better.
In a capsule form this is what I know: I know God loves me and you. I know we all will live forever. Every one of us. If I know Jesus Christ as my personal savior and lord (and I do!) then I will live forever in Heaven. I know I if I didn’t know him, in other words rejected his offer of unconditional love, I would live out eternity in utter aloneness, separated from God forever. I know Hell is not living with others in sin and fire, as some have portrayed it. It is being utterly alone. My vote is for living in Heaven forever, for eternity.
Here is a little more that I know…no matter what the outcome of the biopsy, God is in the middle of these circumstances, all part of the continuing adventure of my life. I was talking with my good friend and brother Tony Chapa earlier today and he reminded me of the a verse in the Old Testament in which God says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future….” (Jeremiah 29:11) So I have no reason to be afraid of the future.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope that you take it to heart; I would really like to see all of you in Heaven! If you have questions, please feel free to write me, or phone me (my number is on the OV-1 Mohawk Association website under the Board of Directors).
(Be sure to look into reading "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn ISBN-13: 978-0842379427, it's a wonderful read with some great insights.)
