The Gift of Today
Dear Friends & Family,
I wanted to give you an update on Curt’s health as it has been awhile since I’ve written.
First, thank you all for your prayers for our family and the practical support you have provided us this past year. We are grateful for the cards, texts, financial help and the spirit of genuine care that has surrounded us.
It has been a year of intense suffering, uncertainty, angst of spirit, mishandled medical care and emotional upheaval. In the midst of this, we have seen the faithfulness and love of God. Last January, Curt’s chances of surviving this terrible disease were not looking hopeful. We changed oncologists and Dr. Segal took Curt on as a new patient. With his expert care, he began trying to save Curt’s life. Enduring harsh chemo, terrible side effects, a stem cell transplant, intense sickness, so much is just unspeakable, Curt battled through it by the grace of God.
The chemotherapy and stem cell transplant allowed him to achieve a complete hematologic response which means he is now in complete remission. His oncologist will watch his numbers carefully. Because there is no cure and remission is temporary, the goal is to extend his life by God’s mercy.
Yesterday we walked three miles. Curt is still recovering from the transplant and is immune suppressed but he is so much better. I almost can’t believe it, I truly can’t. I have no words to convey what it is like to see him walking around the house, doing the dishes, loading wood, and reading to our grand-kids.
Today is the miracle. I read a book recently by Gregory Boyle, Tattoos on the Heart, and Boyle writes, “Our true home is the present moment, the miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on earth in the present moment”. The ancient Desert Fathers, when they were disconsolate and without hope, would repeat one word over and over, as a kind of soothing mantra. The word was “Today”. It kept them where they needed to be.
This is where we are. Today is enough. God has seen us through some terrible days, but because of the gift of our faith, we were never without hope. We walk into 2020 in hope. We have received encouragement from new friends, fellow sufferers, and books that have ministered to us by others facing adversity. Curt is desiring to write a book in the next year, telling his story to help others facing serious health issues Your prayers would be appreciated as he writes that God will give him the health he needs to complete it.
Wishing all of you a new year filled with the peace and love of God.
Jenny
I am so very glad to hear that there are smiles after some very hard days. I know God will stay with you and sustain you through this trial, as that is what he tells us in His Word that He will do.
We are praying for Curt and the family.
❤️ So Happy to hear this news Jenny. 😘😘😘😘😘
Thank you Jenny!
Your testimony is a comfort to me.
Today.
It’s enough!
Our prayers are with you every Sunday at family time….what a happy New Year’s Eve for you!
Love,
Misty
Thank you for the update Jenny. My prayers continue for you both. Love you and Happy New Year.
Thank you for the update Jenny. Happy New Year!
What a blessing! So glad to hear that Curt is doing better; and will prayerfully continue to get better. Love hearing from you all. Jenny, thank you for sharing the update. Happy New Years to you, Curt and your family.
Blessings,
Laura, Tim, Jared and Hanna Petchell
Much love and continued prayers. xoxo
This makes me so happy for both of you and your family, Jenny!
You’re in my thoughts always.
Blessings of much health in 2020.
Much love,
Maria
Great news Jenny. Continued positive thoughts and virtual hugs for you and Curt. Love you cousin and hope to see you both soon.
That is so beautiful. God is so good. Thank you for his goodness to give all of us another day. Such great news. Happy new year to your beautiful family.
We will never stop praying. I have seen God’s grace and healing in Katie and Jordyn. When we are told there was no hope, God proved otherwise. I know he is in control with Curt and so very thankful that he is. Sending much love to all of you.
Curt , Jenny and family
I do not think anyone of us understands God’s Grace until we go through something that effects our whole life and those around us.
In the days to come God will continue to use you as He works in your body and Spirit. Our light that we share never goes out even when the dirt is thrown on our box. This is our temporary home. Your faith and story will go on. It will encourage and help others. God takes the bad things that happen to us in this world and uses them to help others draw closer to Him.
I personally want to thank you for your faith and wittiness. We will continue to pray for you.
Rob and Becky
Cousin Jenny, I want to purchase the first copy off the presses of Curt’s book. What an example you both have set. I have a “short list” for prayers every night, and you and Curt and your family have been on it all year. I get more detailed with each update you guys post, so I really appreciate the updates. Today is good. No sense worrying about tomorrow. God bless you both. Love to your whole family.
thank you lord for your gift of healing through faith and hope we live and please God and have our being
Happy New Year!
May God raise you up in his mighty love…joy and peace
Great News!
thank you lord for your gift of healing through faith and hope we live and please God and have our being
Happy New Year!
May God raise you up in his mighty love…joy and peace
Great News!
O Happy Day is Today! I want to sing it every day! Thanks for the update. So good to hear from you. We will hope for a day on the mountain maybe? Our love and prayers continue. Fred and Bonnie
Jenny, thank you for the update. Please give Curt my love. May the God of all comfort comfort you both.
What a great report and update. Today and this very moment is all any of us are sure we have on this earth. I am so happy so many prayers have been answered for Curt and you. We will keep praying that life continues and that you are both able to complete what God has given you to do. Can’t wait to read the book when it is finished. May God strengthen, lead and guide Curt in writing every word and may it strengthen both of your faith in His goodness and faithfulness in the process.
The Lord will FULLY heal him with no reoccurrence, we MUST believe this and his words. The Lord heals ALWAYS – if we believe as he is NO RESPECTER of person. I have said so many times my husband was given 3 months to live. That was 20 years ago with no treatment. His bone was GONE – totally black on xrays. He had multiple myeloma. I believe he will live a full life. Doctors are not God and only HE decides our numbered days. I pray for Curt every day. The Lord is good always and has this. Blessings ❤️💙💚
Beautifully written Jenny! I am astounded by Curts strength and courage and yours as his advocate!. His book will be a profound inspiration for others fighting life threatening illnesses. 🙏📚
We are glad to hear of the good news. We continue to hold your family in our prayers!