Saturday, February 5th

Today was a good day all around.  In case you have not heard, Laura's white blood cell count did go down dramatically, and she had no fever.  Also, the doctor described her pancreas as "smoldering."  Basically, they feel her pancreas is cooling down slowly but surely.  So, if all of the results look good tomorrow morning, then she will most likely have her gallbladder removed tomorrow.  The doctor told Laura, "I see no reason why we can't schedule your gallbladder surgery."  Of course there is always a catch...believe it or not, there is a debate over which doctor will be performing the surgery.  Dr. Bosco, who we feel like has been the best person so far, wants to do the surgery but does not work Sunday.  Dr. Freidlander, who has performed surgery on me twice, IS available tomorrow.  Anyhow, Laura and I feel peaceful about either (although we lean towards Dr. Bosco!)

That was pretty much it for the day.  All of the news we were waiting for came early,  then Laura and I got to just talk more.  We have fallen in to a groove of spending the first few hours just talking.  I've learned how to listen better through this, that's for sure.  And she still has a way of asking the right questions to me to make me talk.  You know, the questions you hope that people won't ask.  That's my wife.  She finds those questions and loves watching me try and figure out how to answer them.  We had a good morning.  Spent some time in prayer.  I watched her sleep for a bit, then left for lunch.  I still find a lot of comfort in watching her sleep.  I like to know she feels comfortable enough to relax.  Watching her helps make me peaceful.

The day continued with a few visitors.  She spent some time with Holly, which is always good.  They always tell me to stay and sing with them or read with them, but I really feel like they need that time together.  There is something about their time that I admire and hope continues outside of the hospital.  So, I was able to go to church during that time, and it was a blessing to see so many of you there.  Thank you for coming up to me and talking to me about Laura.  It feels good to just fill some of you in face to face.  The true concern for Laura shows in your expressions and I really appreciate that.  While I was at church, some of Laura's college friends from Simpson came by.  I am told 10 or 12 girls came, but all I know is that I love you all for taking the time to do that.  It means a ton to Laura to get to see all of you, and she said you all prayed together.  Amen!  I know some of you have strayed a bit in your walk and so my question is simply: Why?  It matters to Laura that you all love God and chase after Him.  Please spend some time trying to reconnect with your God.  He is so ready to welcome you home.  Laura and I talked about a committed time of prayer for all of you, so know that if you need anything we would love to love on you.

Anyhow, tomorrow is another important day in this process.  Please be praying for the lab results again.  We should know fairly early if Laura will be having surgery tomorrow.  I will text out an update as soon as I know.  Also, thanks again to everyone for providing meals for us today and investing into the kids.  It touches my heart to know that Kaitlyn and Kaden are lifted up to our God in our lives.  Thank you.

Finally, Laura really wanted me to send the lyrics of a song out to you all so here you go....


My soul finds rest in God alone. My rock and my salvation...
A fortress strong against my foes and I will not be shaken.
Though lips my bless and hearts my curse, and lies like arrows pierce me,
I'll fix my heart on righteousness.  I'll look to him who hears me.
oh praise Him hallelujah, my delights and my reward.
Everlasting, Never failing my redeemer my God.
Find rest my soul in God alone, amid the worlds temptations.
When evil comes to take a hold, I'll cling to my salvation.
When riches come and riches go don't set you heart upon,
the fields of hope in which I sow, are harvested in heaven.
I'll set my gaze on God alone, and trust in Him completely,
with everyday pour out my soul and He will prove his mercy.
Though life is but a fleeting breath. a sigh to break a measure,
my King has crushed the curse of death and I am his forever!
Oh praise him hallelujah, my delight and my reward, everlasting never failing my redeemer my God.