We are well-past the timeframe that Jeff’s doctor had given him. And though his sight is almost completely gone, he is still living. I don’t mean merely surviving, I mean truly living.
It would be easy to fall into despair having heard the news that he had only weeks to live. But Jeff has taken charge of his situation: insisting we take that vacation, recording audio and video messages for our kids, spending time with friends and family, having dinner at our favorite place downtown.
That’s not to say there are not moments when we wish this wasn’t happening. Or days when Jeff just feels too tired to get up off the couch. We have those, too. And we are spending increasingly more time driving to and from the doctor and the pharmacy.
This past week, he has been battling a blood clot and bronchitis. The kids have been sick as well. We are feeling rather cooped up. But everyone seems to be on the upswing now, and we are really looking forward to attending our daughter’s musical, Guys and Dolls this afternoon.
Jeff won’t be able to see her, but Megan will see him in the audience. We may even go to the movies this weekend. Even though he can’t see the screen, he can hear the story and he loves popcorn!
I just want to encourage you that none of us know when our time will come. Even when the doctors think they know, they are often wrong. Either way, long or short; in light of eternity, our lives here on Earth are so brief. Make the most of yours. Invest your time in things that really matter. Be sure of your eternal standing. If you do these things, then should you receive news that your time will be sooner than you expected, it will be easier to bear knowing you have truly lived.
And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. --Abraham Lincoln
P.s. I apologize for allowing so much time to pass without an update. Something’s gotta give, as I am sure you understand. (I feel guilty blogging when the house is a dust-covered disaster.) I am thankful for your inquiries and prayers. Encouragement is a beautiful gift that makes this road easier to travel!
14 comments:
Amen to everything you just said. Take it from one who walked this path...squeeze every last drop out of the life you've been blest with so when the day is done you have wonderful memories, and no regrets. Hugs, love, and prayers...
It is encouraging to see your peace and your faith during this time. I'm glad you are enjoying the moments in living!
You make me want to laugh and cry at the same time! Life is short- Love is long- and God's love is forever, connecting us to Eternity.
I admire your faith and your relationship, holding your family up in my prayers and asking for grace and mercy and peace.
Thanks for the update.
Thanks for including us into your circle of loved ones and sharing the beauty of this time spent together.
Blessings, my friend.
Heidi
You are such an amazing encouragement. If I'm ever faced with what you are facing, I hope I can do half as well.
Dear Jesus please continue to bless this time they all have together.
I was just wondering this morning how you are doing, thanks for the update. Knowing how to pray helps keep focus. I'm thankful you are still enjoying life together and thankful for your example to us all.
love, LauraLee
Adrienne, You and your hubby --and family are just amazing people, filled with God and a strong faith. I can just FEEL it when you talk... You are right. None of us know how long we will be on this earth. We ALL need to LIVE it fully, each and every single day. May God Bless You, Jeff and the children.
Much Love, Prayers and LOADS of Hugs,
Betsy
Adrienne, I had been thinking about you, and then you posted a comment on my blog. Please take a tiny bit of comfort that people like me whom you've never met are thinking of you and your family.
I've just read your post and my eyes are teary. So well you are at putting words to the page that brings out and encourages our strength because of you and your strength and faith.
I too have never met you and Jeff and your family but my prayers go out to you all and my thanks to you both for the gentle reminders to really LIVE each day as if there were no tomorrow.
Adrienne, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I never seem to be able to find the right words to say the things I want to say....but I hope you know how much you are a blessing to those who read this - and what an inspiration you and Jeff are to all of us.
Oh my, Adrienne! What a witness you are to the grace of God! I just found your blog, and your words touch my heart and put life in perspective. I pray that God's peace and strength will be especially real to you in these difficult days.
Always thinking about you and your family. I hope you are okay and God is taking extra special care of you all.
God bless always......peace and courage.
Amy
Adrienne,
I am so happy that God has given your family more time to be together. I know that the time schedule predicted was very short indeed, and that every day probably feels like borrowed time. If only we could all view life that way...none of us knows how long we have. I often wonder if I knew when I was going to die, would I waste my time on so many trivial things? The older I get, the faster life seems to be rushing by. Watching my children grow only reinforces what a short time they will be with us before they leave and start their own families. I'm trying to maximize this time with them as much as possible. Even through all that you are going through, you are such an encourager and a motivator!
I was touched by your tender words about Jeff and your family, and your words of encouragement for your readers.
I love how you are living each moment and relishing the days. You are a treasure.
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