Leaving the Valley

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

I spoke this verse on repeat during the last few weeks of Michael's hospital stay, and it was a necessary reminder this last month, too. There was a profound shift in my spirit a few days before that fateful Saturday when we were told Michael was dying and there was nothing more they could do. The truth of those words became our banner - a banner that wrapped us in a cocoon of joy, hope, and peace that allowed us to walk in full faith through the battles that came next.

And it was a truth that was still needed - maybe more than ever - after Michael came home. I don't think either of us could have imagined how difficult it would be in the beginning, nor were we prepared for the uphill climb; we had just been so focused on the miracles that happened, and every answered prayer. But now we were exhausted, beat up, bloody, and had a mountain in front of us. And this time, we had life that resumed in full - kids that needed our time and attention, a company that had been put off for two months (at least for me), grief that had been pushed aside that came roaring back, a myriad of appointments, and every task at home involved both of us.

Distractions are the thief of peace. The storm picks up, your eyes drift, and whatever is around you tries to steal the very thing you need most. But what's true in the valley is true on the climb out. The Lord is with you. He is for you. He is right there waiting for you to lift your eyes again. And He provides places of rest and beauty along the way. I'm thankful Jehovah Shalom continues to pursue us with goodness and mercy all the days of our lives - not just the days we have it all together. What a kind and faithful Father we serve!

A Word From Mike

I just wanted to thank everyone for their fervent prayers and encouragement. We’re so grateful to those who sent food, cards, gifts, bought t-shirts, and blessed our kids. It’s truly humbling to be on the receiving end of so much love and generosity. We’ve been reminded again and again that we’re not walking this road alone, and we’re so thankful for the ways you’ve carried us through it.

Recovery this past month has felt slow. It’s been challenging not being able to do the things I used to do, but Julia reminds me that the progress I’m making is faster than expected. I’ve also been battling a cough and flu-like symptoms on and off. Since chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, my focus right now is on getting better and rebuilding my health. The Lord’s been teaching me to slow down, trust Him with what’s next, and rest in the assurance that restoration is coming, even when the progress feels small.

While in the hospital, my last remaining tumor marker rose to 73,500 (normal range 0-15). During chemo treatment, that number dropped to 19,200. Three weeks after that treatment, that number dropped to 2,000. As of 10/23, we were encouraged to see that my last remaining tumor marker is down to just 800! Nearly a month after chemo, it dropped 1,200 points, praise God! We’ll likely have another scan in about 4–6 weeks to see how my lungs are looking.

We’re thankful for every good report, for how God is healing, and we will continue to trust the Lord with each step ahead. We know there’s still a road in front of us, but we’re choosing to take it one day at a time, grateful for every sign of progress and confident that He is with us in the waiting.

Looking back at the fifty days of hospitalization, I’m just in awe of what God did and how He used that time. We can see that each day was planned by Him. Recognizing His hand in those days helped us embrace the season rather than fight against it. I am thankful for every opportunity to pray with others, share the gospel, and encourage those the Lord brought across my path. It was an interesting position to be in - being brought low and relying on others for basic care, but being able to show love to those serving me at the same time. At the weakest points in my life, I could just cry out to Jesus, and He met me each time. His strength became my strength.

One thing this season has reminded me is that our circumstances don’t have to be good for God to be good. Even in the moments when I felt the weakest, when I couldn’t do much for myself, and when the future was uncertain, He was still working. Sometimes His goodness looked like a breakthrough, and other times it looked like the strength to endure another day - the kindness of a nurse, a conversation with a stranger, or the prayers of friends and family. I’m learning that we don’t have to understand everything God is doing to trust that He is present in it.

My encouragement for anyone going through a valley season is this:

• Wake up thankful - every day is a gift.

• Count your blessings, including the little things.

• Look for opportunities to be a light.

• Take God at His Word. It’s full of promises for you - believe and accept them.

• Speak life over yourself, over your family, and over your situation.

• Keep your eyes up. Lift your eyes to the One who will hold you together in it.

  
  

Thank you again for continuing to pray for us, loving our family, and walking alongside us in faith. We’re taking things one day at a time, trusting in the Lord’s goodness and looking forward to what He has ahead.

Love, Mike