A Journey of Pain, Presence, and Restoration

A Son's Timely Rescue

When severe abdominal pain began sending me repeatedly to the hospital, my son drove all the way from Ohio to Greenville to help us. While I was in and out of the hospital, he lovingly packed our belongings into a rented SUV. His plan was simple but full of compassion: bring Sandy and me back to Ohio so we could be surrounded by family during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives.

Months of Struggle and Unexpected Closeness

Moving to Ohio marked the beginning of many challenging months. I struggled to eat and rapidly lost weight. Yet, in the midst of the suffering, God gave Sandy and me an unexpected gift. We spent nearly every waking hour together in our son's townhouse. Sitting side by side in the living room with our computers and the television, we watched her favorite programs and simply enjoyed being together. Those quiet days deepened our friendship and brought us closer than we had been in many years.

The constant pain affected all of us. It was the first time I had experienced prolonged physical suffering, and my family—especially Sandy and our sons—carried the burden with me. Even so, God used the trial to strengthen the bonds within our family.

A New Church Family and a Deeper Dependence on God

During this season, my son introduced me to a strong church in Dublin, Ohio, whose services were broadcast online. Because of my pain, weakness, and heavy medications, I was largely confined to the living room, so those services became a lifeline.

Eventually, Sandy, Aaron, and I moved into our own townhouse in the same city where my son Shane lived. Having family nearby became one of God's great provisions, surrounding us with encouragement, practical help, and love.

The Lowest Point: Pneumonia, Rehabilitation, and Hospice

After many months of declining health and continual weight loss, my weight dropped to only 118 pounds. I was hospitalized with pneumonia and underwent ECT treatments. After I stabilized, I was transferred to a rehabilitation facility for elderly patients, where I slowly began eating again.

While there, God gave me the privilege of sharing the gospel with my elderly roommate.

Soon afterward, my doctor placed me under hospice care because my condition had become life-threatening. Many believed I was nearing the end of my life.

Freedom on the Brink of Death

Yet standing so close to death brought something I never expected—a profound sense of freedom, joy, and peace. Deep within, I never truly believed that I would die, but the experience transformed me.

In hospice, I found myself openly sharing with nurses, aides, doctors, social workers, and visiting pastors about our family's journey and the remarkable ways God had spoken to me through years of memorizing and meditating on the Psalms.

Rather than living in fear, I felt liberated. God had brought me to the edge of life, and instead of despair, He filled me with purpose. As I slowly regained weight, He opened door after door for ministry. My caregivers became more than medical professionals—they became people God had placed in my life for a season. Sandy and I spent countless hours talking about God's providence, His faithfulness, and the divine appointments He continually provided.

In many ways, I almost hated leaving hospice because of the rich fellowship and ministry opportunities God had given us there.

Graduation from Hospice and Continued Healing

After six months of gradual improvement, my appetite returned, my weight increased, and my vital signs stabilized. Eventually, I was able to "graduate" from hospice.

Although I still experienced lingering pain from the effects of such severe weight loss and continued receiving ECT treatments, God had preserved my life. I continued seeing specialists, steadily regained strength, and began to experience renewed hope.

The Breakthrough: Cancer Removed and Strength Restored

Then came another answer to prayer.

Long before my abdominal pain began, I had developed a skin growth near my windpipe that slowly became cancerous. My dermatologist had removed part of it earlier, but additional surgery was necessary.

Just four days ago, the remaining cancerous tissue was successfully removed from my upper chest near my windpipe.

Yesterday, for the first time in a very long time, I was free from pain and able to eat normally. My strength has returned. Last night I joyfully texted members of my church, telling them that I hope to begin attending services in person again.

Looking Back with Gratitude

Looking back, I can clearly see the hand of God throughout every step of the journey. He was present through every hospital stay, every pound I lost, every painful day, every rehabilitation session, every hospice conversation, and every opportunity to speak about His goodness.

What Satan intended for harm, the Lord used for good. He drew our family closer together, deepened our dependence upon Him, expanded opportunities for ministry, and demonstrated His sustaining grace in ways we never could have imagined.

Today I stand on the other side of that dark valley with renewed strength, renewed hope, and renewed expectation. The God who faithfully carried me through suffering continues to guide my steps, and I look forward with gratitude to whatever ministry He has prepared for the days ahead.

To Him alone be the glory.