Many have asked me recently how the family is doing within our current reality. This battle with cancer involves not only myself, but all those who live with me, and care for me. I am trying real hard to not let my disease define how we all live. The desire is to go about our day as close to normal-- as defined prior to the cancer diagnosis--as we possibly can. Of course, our reality is quite different than before the diagnosis, and concessions must be made to the very existent battle that we engage in using some very powerful, and destructive, chemicals. So with this introduction allow me to update you on the family, and how they are doing.
Let’s start with the Van Horn girls. There are two pieces of big news coming from Oklahoma. Both Nichole and Heather are engaged to be married. This is fantastic and we are so excited about two weddings in the near future. Also, they both graduated from college last May, Yoohoo!!
Nichole is now 27. How can that be? Her fiancé’s name is Jake, originally from Louisiana, and he is a great match for Nichole. They are recently engaged with no specific wedding date set as of yet, but their desire is to be married on the beach somewhere. Sounds great to me.
She graduated with a degree in interior design, and shortly after, through divine appointments, was offered a short term employment gig with the state. This led to an offer for full time employment with the State of Oklahoma which includes a great benefits package. We are so proud of her and her accomplishments over the last years and know great things are in store for her and Jake as they forge their future together.
Nichole came to see me just as the diagnosis was established and surgery was planned. It meant so much to have her here as I recovered as she blessed me with her wonderful smile and love at a very critical time.
Heather turned 25 this year. She and Brian have been together for 6 or 7 years. I am a little bit foggy as to the exact amount of time, but needless to say an engagement is welcome. She graduated with a degree in Psychology with a minor in science and is planning to take the dental school entrance exam soon. She has wanted to be a dentist for some time so we are hoping for a good result.
Heather was here to visit over the Thanksgiving Holidays. It was a joy to have her here at that time. I was recovered from the surgery and was able to enjoy her presence. She has such a happy personality and is a joy to have around.
Our oldest son Clint is now 16, a junior at Shadow Mountain High, and is looking forward to driving. Police officer Uncle Steve has taken him out for a driving lesson, and from what I heard it was all about driving backwards. Must have been fun.
Clint is playing baseball. The season is in full swing with at least two games per week and practices the other days. He loves the game and I love that he does. He took time off during fall ball to spend more time with me, missing a tournament in California. That was a sacrifice for him and a blessing to me.
Matthew, aged 15, is also at Shadow Mountain. He is on the tennis team which makes Vanessa, and me, but especially Vanessa, very happy. We are delighted that he found a sport that suits him. His goal is to someday beat her (Vanessa) in tennis. I don’t see that happen in the near future. Tennis is her game after all.
Matt’s real passion is not necessarily tennis, but more likely music, specifically guitar. He plays all the time, learning new songs with a pace and completeness that amazes me. His favorite band by far is “Switchfoot”, but likes the American classic rock music and so called alternative music as well (whatever that really is).
Now on to my beloved bride, Vanessa, what can I say to express what she has meant to me over the years, but especially in this new reality in which we find ourselves? There aren’t words available to me that can fully articulate what my heart wants to say. She has accommodated her life to my illness in love and encouragement. Notice how that word encouragement has the word courage in it? The concepts of bravery, nerve, valor and audacity are represented in the concept of courage, and Vanessa displays all of these as she stands with me in the battle.
Vanessa loves me through the tough days of chemo symptoms without giving in to my tendency to whine. She just gives me compassion and understanding. Not enabling, but wise in advise is she in the midst of my complaints. With an abundance of love she manages her day in accordance to the demands of family life in which I am not able to always be fully involved.
She is still teaching Special Ed LD at Sunset Canyon Elementary School. It seems to get harder every year with all the cutbacks in education due to the lack of funds available to the state within the context of the current economic conditions in Arizona.
Well, this is a short catch-up on the family. We are doing well and really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers for us in this season of life.
Grace and peace,
EL
Unless the Lord Builds the House
Psalm 127: 1-4
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
