Better Each Day
We have just completed a week with Roger out of the hospital again, and so far things are going alright. That first night he was home was pretty challenging in that neither one of us had the strength to get him up off of the sofa, but we finally managed and from that point on, he is gaining strength each day. This week, he began physical therapy, and that is helping. His muscles have been seriously weakened by the steroid regimen he has been on to treat the Graft vs. Host disease. It's not unexpected, but it is a new side effect to deal with.
The good news is that the GVHD seems to be under control, and as of yesterday, Roger was released to eat "whatever he can tolerate".......so, I guess my days of not cooking are over for a while! Actually, I am glad to have that little "problem". He is still having to go for treatments on a daily basis, but that is better than being in-patient.
We had hoped that he would feel well enough to be in Tomball, TX tomorrow with the group, but that will still have to wait a while yet. Disappointing, but we can deal with that. It won't be long until he is back in full swing, so we will concentrate on getting him stronger until then!
Reality has crowded in on us here once again this week, with the death of another friend. Unfortunately, we are in a place where we are surrounded with the possibility of death. We just cling to the hope that comes with the assurance of God's promises and to the knowledge that there are many, many friends and strangers here who will walk through those doors on their way home after being cured. We've said it before, and we still agree that this is a wonderful place to be if you have to be somewhere for this reason. We've had the privilege and honor to meet so many dear people here whom we would not have met except under these circumstances, and I hope that their paths were brightened by having met us, as much as ours have been by having met all of them.
As I said, we lost a friend this week, and she was one that you have been praying for. Please remember the Hills again, as they adjust to a life without their precious 23-year old Shareeka, who leaves behind a 2-year old son, as well as her parents and the rest of her family. Shareeka put up one of the bravest fights a young person ever has, and her family will miss her dearly. I feel a deep grief for my friend Sherry, her mom, as I came to know her well. They will need many prayers in the days ahead to remind them that their dear loved one is now in the best place of all: face to face and for eternity
In His Grip,
Debbie
Dear Roger and Debbie:
What a blessing to know that Roger continues to make improvement day by day. However, that is what we are praying for and we know that God hears and answers our petitions. I'm sure the weakness is difficult when you have been so active but praise the Lord, you are seeing progress.
We are sorry you have lost a friend. That is never easy but I'm sure you have had many opportunities to share God's love for many of those you have come to know.
May God continue to heal your body and give you greater strength day by day.
Holding the ropes for you,
Marilyn Crabtree
Pioneer, CA
Posted by: Marilyn Crabtree | January 13, 2007 at 07:32 PM
Dear Debbie,
It is great to hear how Roger is coming along. My husband had a lot of trouble with steroids when he was taking treatment for Lymphoma. The first one made his mind go faster than he could get the words out...that is sort of a problem for a preacher! You are right that M. D. Anderson is a wonderful place for people who need it...we would recommend it highly! I am so sorry to hear about the Hill family...I know God will give them the grace to keep going. We had a preacher friend who was in a terrible accident several years ago near DeKalb, TX. His wife & 2 granddaughters were killed...he was the only one who survived. I wanted so badly to wrap my arms around him and help him, but I realized only God could give him what he really needed! We have just gotten back from College Station, TX, where we attended our precious grandson's first birthday party! Oh, what blessings we have. There was a lot of flooding near there...I hope you guys don't get washed out in Houston!
Take care,
Ruth Gilbert
Corsicana, TX
Posted by: Ruth Gilbert | January 13, 2007 at 07:32 PM
Debbie,
It is such good news to hear that Roger has made it a week at the apartment. I know a little about daily physical therapy. I thought that I would literally put my body out of whack, but the Good Lord took care of me. He will hold Roger and you In His Grip. Now fix the food that will be best for him. Take care and remember we pray for you daily.
Henry and Peggy B.
Posted by: Peggy B. | January 13, 2007 at 07:41 PM
Hello Roger & Debbie,
Our prayers go out to you all, and especially the Hill family. May GOD contiue to wrap his loving arms around all of you.
In His Grip,
Traci
Posted by: Traci Hallmark | January 13, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Hi Debbie and Roger,
As one who has been blessed by Roger's ministry for over 20 years, I just want to say: Thanks for the way you guys have conducted yourselve's during your loooong loooong Road to Recovery.
Just wanted to let you know that I have been helping to "hold the rope(s) for over 10 years now, but this is my first time to post a note.
I am pretty average.....and probably there are at least 999,000 other rope holders that you don't know about because they have never posted.
Perhaps, about a hundred years from now, when we all get home, All of the rope holders can have a convention and invite you and Roger as the Guest's of Honor.
What a time that will be, when all the "rope holding" is over, the journey is complete and Jesus Himself declares: "Behold (LOOK AT) all the children God has given me."
As Eva Mae says: I can't waite!!
Making the trip in His grip,
Paul & Rosa
Hickory, NC, USA
Posted by: Paul Greer | January 13, 2007 at 07:55 PM
Hi Debbie and Roger,
What wonderful news that you are still at the apartment!!!
I'm so sorry to hear about the Hill family's loss. God is the only One who can give them the peace needed to go on with life.
Debbie, take care because I know it's taxing to go back and forth each day and it's hard for both of you, even though you don't go through the physical therapy personally, you are feeling the sense of pain because you see Roger go through it. So much for so long but it WILL be worth it all.
Praying for you both as you stay in His grip.
Ann in snowy Washington
Posted by: Ann Woodward | January 13, 2007 at 09:34 PM
We are thankful to hear that Roger is progressing. We will be praying for the Hill family as they draw near to God for strength in the coming days. Thank you for keeping us posted.
The fans in Arkansas
Posted by: Greg Hazelrigg | January 14, 2007 at 06:59 AM
Dear friends in Christ,
It is good to hear that Roger is taking physical therapy. Your body responds so much better and quicker after having PT. In the past I have had to go through PT twice after serious operations and long hospital stays. It was rough the first couple of times but it got better and soon I looked forward to the PT because I realized I was getter much better. It is like using spiritual muscle you haven't used in a long while. It may be uncomfortable at first but, when you start to see results you enjoy it so much. Our prayers and good thoughts are with you each day. Although we hate to lose you as neighbors ( here in the Houston area), we are anxious to see you well and back doing what God has given you as a vocation and ministry.
Blessings,
Rev.Ronb
Posted by: Ron Bishop | January 14, 2007 at 09:08 AM
We are so grateful to the Lord to hear that Roger is doing better. He is in our prayers daily and we also pray for his family.
Legacy will be in Wichita, Kansas on March 4th at Immanuel Baptist Church. We'll be praying that perhaps Roger will be with them.
All our love & prayers,
Posted by: Richard & Jane Hitchcock | January 14, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Thanks be to Jesus for once again coming to you with His strengthening hands. I watch for your post everyday knowing that it may be new or that you have been to consumed with duties there to write. Thanks for the good news of yesterdays post. God grant you the peace and joy that can only come as He walks this road with you daily. That's his promise..."I will never leave you or forsake you." PTL! Now that is comforting news isn't it? We continue to pray with and for you both.
Ruth McKenzie
Posted by: Ruth McKenzie | January 14, 2007 at 04:10 PM
Good news and bad news, although the "bad" news isn't all that terrible, I suppose. Good news in that Roger is progressing so wonderfully. Bad news in that your young friend died and left a grieving family, but "good" news in that she is now in a place with no pain, and with a loving Father. As we all know, it's very hard to lose a friend, no matter how long or short the relationship.
I can identify with both of you in trying to get Roger off the sofa. I had a friend with MD, and very often I was the one who had to get her up from various places. Fortunately, she had good upper arm strength, but since MD turns muscles into fat, and she was quite heavy, it was oftentimes almost more than either of us could do. However, we always got out of whatever situation we were in (mostly with God's help more than ours), and the two of you managed to get Roger up. People don't believe me when I tell them "I can help you up" because they look at me and think, "No way!" But I still remember the "lessons" I learned from working with Pam. She left us suddenly, at a young age, and I still treasure her friendship.
We have a WINTER STORM WARNING in effect here in Austin, from 6PM tonight until 6PM Monday, and if it's as cold in Houston as it is here, Roger is definitely better off staying there. He'll have lots of opportunities to be with the group. As I keep saying, he has to be ready for Terrell, TX, in June, and that's only about 5 months away. I know he'll be there.
From a COLD group in Austin, to you folks in Houston - - with lots of love and God's continued blessings.
Vicky, for the Schnorbuses and the Wilsons.
Posted by: Vicky Schnorbus (Jay's Aunt) | January 14, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Hello Roger and Debbie!
I am so glad to hear that you were able to eat some of your good food! I'm sure you just savored every bite of it!
I am very sorry to hear about your friend. We pray that God gives her family the strength to get through this difficult time. It is always so hard to hear about friends that we have been praying for, or see everyday, and we deeply miss them. It is very comforting to know that she in the hands of God and has the arms of angels surrounding her. We both know that you are in the best place possible, and while it's difficult to experience, I think this journey we have been on makes us more aware of just how precious and fragile life really it. You appreciate those simple moments, and enjoy them to their fullest.
The best way for me to deal with the loss of a loved one is relying on the fact that God has a plan for us all, and just to trust in Him. When one of my dear friends make their journey to Heaven, if brings me comfort to hear the song from Brad Paisley and Doly Parton called "When I Get Where I'm Goin..."
"When I get where I'm going, there'll be only happy tears. I will shed those sins and struggles I have carried all these years. I'll leave my heart wide open, I will love and have no fear. Yes, when I get where I'm going, Don't cry for me down here.
I'm gonna walk with my Grandaddy, and he'll match me step-for-step, and I'll tell him how I missed him every minute since he left, and then I'll hug his neck, Yes when I get where I'm going...
I'm gonna land beside a lion, and run my fingers through its mane, and I might find out what it's like to ride a drop of rain...
When I get where I'm gooing, on the far side of the sky, the first thing that I'm gonna do is spread my wings and fly...
Yes, when I get where I'm going, and I see my Maker's face, I'll stand forever in the light of his Amazing Grace. When I get where I'm going, there'll be only happy tears, I'll shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years. I'll leave my heart wide open, I will love and have no fears, yes when I get where I'm going, don't cry for me down here."
Love with Attitudes of Gratitude, Ashley
Posted by: Ashley | January 14, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Dear Thanks for the update and sorry to hear of Hill's . I have followed you from t6he catherals and Legacyfive is such a blessing. Daily I check my e-mail for the lastest report Roger. God is still in control.
Shirley MunroedeathRoger and Debbie
Posted by: shirley Munroe | January 14, 2007 at 09:17 PM
Dear Thanks for the update and sorry to hear of Hill's . I have followed you from t6he catherals and Legacyfive is such a blessing. Daily I check my e-mail for the lastest report Roger. God is still in control.
Shirley MunroedeathRoger and Debbie
Posted by: shirley Munroe | January 14, 2007 at 09:20 PM
Hello Roger & Debbie,
So glad that Roger is doing better & is able to be out of the hospital. Hang in there!
Sorry to hear of the passing of your friend.
Tina
Finger, TN
Posted by: Tina | January 14, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Praise the Lord that Roger is feeling better! Bring on that food!! Will continue to pray for his healing & for strength for both of you. Will keep your friends, the Hills, in our prayers as well, I have a 23 year old & can't imagine the pain they must be going thru. Thanks for keeping us posted!
Love & Hugs, Jessie & Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | January 15, 2007 at 12:01 PM
I'm so glad that Roger is making progress. My prayers are with you all. Thanks, Debbie, for being so faithful with updates. God bless you.
Posted by: Elaine Harcourt | January 15, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Greetings in the name of the Lord! So glad to hear from yuu for I was getting a little concerned since I had not seen a posting since Jan. 5th. I know it must have been a busy time for you both, getting used to being "on your own" after being cared for in such a fine hospital. I know it must be great to be at your apartment. No place like home, even if it is a "home away from home." So sorry about the loss of your newfound friend who left this world for her Heavenly home. I can understand how it is to lose a child, having lost our third child with leukemia at age 8,32 years ago. It can be so fresh at times yet seem a hundred years ago since we saw him last. Treatments are so much better since 1974 so, with the help and grace of our Lord Roger will be out and about, playing his beautiful piano before you know it. So glad to read that he is doing so much better. I pray that he will want to eat anything in sight and not be quesy one bit or hurting in his stomach one iota. Keep us posted.
Hanging in there with you all,
Margaret from Cedartown, GA
Posted by: Margaret Harmison | January 15, 2007 at 06:23 PM
We have been following you since the Cathedral days and have talked to you at several concerts through the years. We have all of the Gaither videos that the Cathedrals, Legacy Five, and the Bennett kids have been on. We monitor your online journal and pray for you daily but this is the first time we have posted. Back during the Cold War you would have called us "Fellow Travelers". We have been blessed by the testimony of your faith and God-given strength during this long ordeal. We pray that this time you will leave M.D.Anderson forever and go on to serve Him for many healthy years to come. God is still in the healing business!! I sent you a cassette tape entitled "God's Darkness" by Ken Owen, Chaplain of the National Hot Rod Association. I wonder if you ever got it and have been able to listen to it. I Have used it in several teaching situations and it has been a blessing and encouragement to many. I sent my local phone number and E-mail address with the tape and would love to hear from you if you have time. We live in Friendswood, which is only about 45 minutes away, and would be glad to help you in any way that we can. I's wonderful to see the obvious strength in your marriage that is evident in your postings. We will be celebrating 55 years of a God centered marriage on Thursday and we are still, In His Grip Bob & Margaret Hahn
Posted by: Bob & Margaret Hahn | January 15, 2007 at 07:15 PM
So glad to hear of Roger's progress. Very sorry to hear of the Hill family loss. My prayer will be that God will provide the grace and comfort to see them thru. Thanks to the person who posted the words to "When I Get Where I'm Going". That was my wife's favorite song until I lost her in April at age 55. Then I lost my dad in July and my mom in November, all in 2006. I say all this, not to gain sympathy, but to praise God for His wonderful mercy to be with us through ALL that happens to us. He will not place on us more than we can bear.
Posted by: Jim W. | January 15, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Roger and Debbie, God is so good! Glad to hear you have enjoyed some time in the apt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily from West Monroe, LA. And as you know, God is still in control. Your daily walk has ministered to so many thru the years........thru the good and bad! May God continue to watch over you and keep you safely in his arms..........
Love in Jesus.....olyce bennett
Posted by: Olyce Bennett | January 15, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Roger and Debbie,
What a wonderful God we all serve for Roger to be doing so well. As for the Hill family God is in control there and will wrap his loving arms around them and get them thru the days ahead.
As I type this I think back to nine years ago today when I lost my beloved Mom to dementia. God was there and has gotten me thru the rough times.
This past October our 19 year old grandson decided he didn't want to live any longer and that is by far the hardest death I have experienced since there are no answers.
We pray for you daily and continue to follow the doctors orders.
See you soon.
Alma in Snow covered Michigan
Posted by: Alma | January 15, 2007 at 10:22 PM
Just a note to say we love you both and are thankful for the good reports from Doug and your posts. God Bless!
Posted by: Bob & Glyndene | January 15, 2007 at 10:22 PM
Dear Debbie...In the midst of so much trial yourselves, still you and Roger are thinking of others and I know that the Lord is so pleased with this!!
Praying that everyday will be seeing dear Roger a little stronger and his being able to do the thing that he loves and that is playing his piano and singing encouragement to others. God bless you both Debbie....Love Bernie and Terry
Posted by: Bernie and Terry Shirkie | January 16, 2007 at 03:07 AM
Roger and Debbie:
You don't know how much it means to receive one of your e-mails and updates to see what God is doing in your lives. We just praise God for all the good reports and trust him to iron out the rusty ones. You all are such an inspiration to other people and God I am sure has allowed you to be in touch with other folks lives to encourage them and speak the love of Jesus to some who may not hear that. We don't know God's reason for letting things happen but I am sure You and Roger have brightened many peoples lives by just being there and giving them encouraging words. Of course, likewise the other folks I am sure have had same effects on yours and Roger's as well. No one can really sympathize with you until they have walked in the same path. May God continue to bless and keep you in his grip. Love you guys! Love Peggy Jackson
Posted by: Peggy Jackson | January 16, 2007 at 07:33 AM