Our Journey: Who is Really Driving?
After 3 days of contemplating the words of Bobby’s doctor, “go home to think about hospice and your plans,” my spirit was still screaming “NO.”
I knew it could be a bad case of denial, as many would probably agree, that after getting the worst case scenario, it’s only natural to respond this way – but the nagging in my spirit just wouldn’t go away. "Where are you taking us, Lord?"
I then heard from a dear friend who was also fighting brain cancer. She was receiving encouragement and proposed treatment from Dr. Allan Friedman of Duke University. Upon googling for information about the doctor, I decided to call and uttered a silent prayer “Is this is your will, Lord?” I was amazed the call actually rang through to Dr. Freidman’s voicemail and I received a return call from his office within an hour. Copies of Bobby’s medical records were overnighted that day.
Within 3 days we received a call, asking us to come to Duke and meet with Dr. Friedman, Head of Neurosurgery, Dr. Jim Vredenburgh, and the doctors of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. Remarkably, their logo at Duke contains the words, “where there is hope.” That is just what we needed because if they did not offer us anything else, we were out of options and time. I don’t think you could get more concrete affirmation that God had something else in mind for us.
We packed our bags, our hopes, gassed up the car, and began our long drive to Durham. God definitely has a sense of humor, and the enemy is definitely a prowling adversary because at 8:00 p.m., forty miles from our destination, we heard a loud thud, grinding sound, and our entire car began to shake. Our speed went from 70 mph to 35 mph, with tractor trailers passing us at 80 mph, in the middle of nowhere. We were now stranded five hours from home. We had come this far, and now we’d possibly miss our appointment at Duke.
Armed with prayer, we began searching for a place to stop - anything that would provide some help for us. We crept along, shuddering and grinding, and feeling very helpless and frustrated. But, we finally found an exit and at its end there was a wonderful surprise. There was a Hampton Inn, a Cracker Barrel, and three car dealerships! Hallelujah!!! God is definitely a God of provision… a good place to sleep, some delicious food to eat, and an opportunity to have our car repaired.
We made it to Duke with 4 minutes to spare before our appointment in the morning. We also have a new, more reliable car…my Christmas present from God and Bobby.
We walk (and drive) not by sight, but by faith. Cancer is a journey of faith in a God of hope, mercy, and grace. He is our provider! To date, Bobby is still on the clinical trial with Duke. He has long since passed his man given expiration date. We are very grateful to Duke and to God. i have learned that it is God - not man - who holds the roadmap, the timeline, and the keys of life in His hands. - ES
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Verse of the Day
In the ever-changing circumstances of life, there is a faithful, never-changing God in control.
Every day begins and ends with His purpose - there isn't a detail that escapes His eye... a trial that doesn't touch His heart... or a single experience beyond His compassion.
Every moment of your life is in His care - and I pray that He gives you overwhelming peace and hope today.
Linda McStowe
