I never thought I'd start a post by quoting Steinbeck, but during the last 48 hours, every plan I made was met with a resounding NO!
Check this out.....
Saturday (today) was to be our first of 3 days of home rest here in Houston. I was so looking forward to it. The weather is beautiful and I wanted to think and see anything but the hospital for 3 days.
Not so fast Bennett! Yesterday morning I came in for a simple blood draw and a vital sign check. Still so far so good, then the thermometer had its say. 102.4 I believe is what it read. The staff and M. D. Anderson don't mess around with fever. So I was immediately taken to the ER, where Deb and I stayed for nine hours being treated, taking more tests, waiting for a room. They admitted me at about 8 PM last night.
Ok, I thought, I can get over the fever tonight and still be out in the fresh over the weekend. Not so fast Bennett. I was at least 2 units low on blood (which I'm getting as I type). I don't know what the price for a unit of whole blood is, but I feel sure it must cost more than filling up my gas guzzling, global warming SUV. And!!!!, you can't get a Zero candy bar and Dr, Pepper in the mini mart on a protective environment floor. (note to self, have Debbie smuggle up Zero bars and Diet Dr. Pepper)(She's too pretty to go to jail!)
Anyway, you have to become flexible, because the Dr.'s are paid not to do shoddy work. (I still want to go home but there it is)
I'm doing well and am extremely optimistic about the outcome of these many days of fighting.
So now that we are here in Houston full-time, I'll be able to keep up my posting schedule a lot better. When I can't, the best writer/editor that I know will be putting in her 2 cent's worth! What would I do without my Debbie?
I hope you all have a great weekend. I can make a money back guarantee about one activity you might be able to attend.
Surf over to www.legacyfive.com/concert_schedule and see if the fellows are singing in your area. I promise you will not be disappointed. In the unlikely event that you don't like the concert, ask Scott Fowler for a refund!!! (good luck! ha)
Love to all, be of good cheer! Jesus has overcome the world and we who know Him are,
In His Grip!
Roger
Roger & Debbie,
I am so amazed at your sense of humor during the recent round of issues! Thank you for keeping us up to date in your progress. We are believing the Lord for his touch upon you and are praying daily for your healing. As always, know that we love you so much. Thank you for your friendship, witness and the song that the Lord continues to put in your heart!
Sincerely,
Rev. Gary, Lori, Alex, Tucker, Makayla, and Bennett Fowler Jones!
Posted by: Gary J. Jones | October 28, 2006 at 06:44 PM
Dear Roger and Debbie, We want you to know that you are in our prayersin a way that we are empathizing with you both. Our son fought multiple myeloma for seven years with all he had but the lord saw fit to call him home last month. We have been following your story now for over three years and have attended the gospel convention in Fresno the last two years and have enjoyed L5 these last few years. L5 has been a great blessing to us. Hang in there and stay true to the Lord as we know you will. We will keep praying and we know that the Lord is going to be returning very very soon. Our love and prayers go out to you both. Jim and Myleen Mc Culloch
Posted by: Jim And Myleen Mc Culloch | October 28, 2006 at 06:56 PM
Hi Roger: Just checkin on your journal and latest pictures. You forgot to include Kim Collingsworth in the pianarama photo at NQC. She is the best by far!! Sure was fun to have Dino there and the dialog between you two. God bless you in the next days ahead.
Posted by: Kay Shanks | October 28, 2006 at 07:46 PM
Roger: I am praying extra hard for you and your family throught these trying times. I do like your sense of humor that you show even when the tough get going. I just saw L5 in Lansing Last night and they are doing a great job and we even said a prayer for you and your family. Keep a tight grip on the rope and all your prayers will be answered through his grip
Your Loyal Fan
Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 28, 2006 at 08:33 PM
Dear Roger..What an upbeat person you are..It seems like you are the one that is comforting us and yet you are the one that is so ill.
How proud George would of been of you or should I say as he ALWAYS was proud of you he would be even more PROUDER!!
God bless you and I hope you and Debbie have a blessed Lord's Day...love Bernie and Terry
Posted by: Bernie and Terry Shirkie | October 28, 2006 at 09:57 PM
MY STRAWBERRY FRIEND---I JUST FINISHED WATCHING A RERUN OF THE AWARDS PROGRAM-THAT YOU AND JANET HOSTED--IN MY OPINION L-FIVE IS THE BEST GROUP EVER AND SCOTT FOWLER IS THE BEST TENOR EVER-YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT THE KITTENS THAT CHELSA WAS TAKING CARE OF--ALSO YOUR GROUP IS A GROUP FROM GOD AND NO PUN INTENDED,BUT WAS NO NEED TO GO TO AFRICA!!! DEB-I WANT YOU TO KNOW MY DEAR OUR PRAYERS GO UP FOR ALL OF YOU DAILY-AND WE ALL LOVE ALL OF YOU---A ROPE HOLDER AND ALWAYS IN HIS GRIP--THANKS FOR THE UPDATE AND GODLY WORDS YOU ALWAYS HAVE--OUR LOVE IN CHRIST--EVELYN BLACK
Posted by: Evelyn Black | October 28, 2006 at 10:42 PM
Dear Roger, Bless your heart. It is nearly midnight and I was resetting the clocks but decided to check the computer and there was your recent update. You were greatly missed at the concert in Lansing last night. When Brandea realized that you were not going to be there, she told me she needed to stay home because she would cry at the concert because she was missing you. So you see how important you are. I keep reminding God how much you are needed and what a blessing you are to people. You all are in our prayers. May His healing touch be upon you and give you a good night. We know that He never fails. Debbie may God give you a special touch for the days ahead. God Bless. You are loved. Geneva
Posted by: Geneva Speas | October 28, 2006 at 10:56 PM
Roger and Debbie,
Hang in there! You know we are praying for you daily as so many people are. Keep your chin up and
remember we think of you often. We
know that you are 'In His Grip.' We will continue to hold on to our piece of the Rope!
Henry and Peggy B.
Posted by: Peggy B. | October 29, 2006 at 11:38 AM
Wow. There is always something new along this road isn't there?
We continue to pray each day for your courage, comfort and for volumes of hope. You have so much to offer all of us, even as you sit in the hospital receiving blood.
Time for us to go and listen to you sing 'Lord, stay close to me'.
That song speaks volumes, even in it's simplicity. Thank you for singing, for encouraging all of us, for being such a trooper along this challenging journey.
Wishing you a day filled with peace and the assurance of the prayers of sooooooo many who care so much.
Warmly, Karen and Landon Ritchey
Alberta, Canada
Posted by: Karen and Landon Ritchey | October 29, 2006 at 11:45 AM
Hi Roger,
So glad I checked your journal before we left for the airport to fly to Fl for the Singing At Sea Cruise. I will truly miss you being with the guys but you have work to do now. Perhaps God is getting all the STUFF cleared out of your system so when the transplant takes place all will be ready and you will be WELL again.
Praying for you daily and be sure to listen to Debbie.
Love in Christ,
Ann, your Washington friend
Posted by: Ann Woodward | October 29, 2006 at 12:36 PM
Roger,
You are a great testimony! You have ministered to so many in the years, what a great way for us to thank you and send our prayers to you and your family.
We saw Legacy 5 at Renfro Valley last weekend and they were great. Lots of prayers went up for you. We will continue to hold you in prayer!
Posted by: Maggie and Gary Alcorn, Louisville Kentucky | October 29, 2006 at 01:26 PM
Hi Roger,
I am continuing to pray for you and I know that God always hears and answers prayer. I pray you can keep your spirit up, as I know you are a blessing to so many people who are suffering. May HE bless you and all your family. We all love you. Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Roberts | October 29, 2006 at 05:28 PM
Unlike one commentor I do not wonder how you keep your humor. In the few years I have known you I have seen a man who knows his Lord and relies totally upon Him. God gave you a warm and inviting personality and sense of humor. Not only did He give you the tremendous gift you have for music but He created in you a spirit that relates to His children. Through that spirit He encourages you as you encourage so many others like me. I know there have been times you have been frustrated with events related to your illness but, that gracious spirit has always brought you back to where the Lord wanted you to be for your sake, your families' sake, your fans' and brothers and sisters in Christ sake, and for His dear Son.
I had to rush to the Emergency room this afternoon and evening as my mother was carried by ambulance. She just got out of the hospital Friday after being treated with Chemo for her Leukemia. As you may remember I am fighting my own battle with Cancer and hope to be declared free of the disease very soon. Every day I am sick or my mother is sick I fret and worry a bit and then remember the truths you have taught me about faith and facing trials. That wonderful sense of humor has communicated to me as much as the music at times and for that I am so eternally grateful to you but moreso to the Lord who gave it to you. So, hang in there dear friend, there are more lessons to be learned as you and I are taught by the Master's hand.
Blessings my friend,
Ron
Posted by: Rev. Ron Bishop | October 29, 2006 at 06:58 PM
Even in the midst of your suffering & frustration, you still manage to find humor & bring us all a smile. Thank You!! We'll be praying that everything goes well & that this time, God will bring quick & complete healing. Hang in there & we'll all keep holding the ropes. Love Y'all, Jessie & Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | October 29, 2006 at 10:31 PM
Roger,
No matter what you are dealt you carry on with a smile & a good sense of humor, not to mention an ever positive attitude. Many times dealing with physical illnesses a huge factor in recovery is the attitude,outlook & general dispostion that matters a lot!
When you are faced with one of those valley's in life you climb to the top of the highest mountain smiling, singing & praises the Lord. How awesome! Roses will bloom again!
Tina
Finger, TN
Posted by: Tina | October 30, 2006 at 12:28 AM
Roger,
Not sure I think Zero and Diet Dr Pepper go together - if Debbie can handle the Diet Dr Pepper part, I can raid our snack machine here at work and send you all the Zero bars out of it - (you do know though that not everybody knows what a Zero bar is - only those of us "old" enough to have had them when we were kids and glad to have them back in our "adult" lives).
You are such a blessing to all of us who continue to read and laugh and pray with you. Thank you for who you are in Jesus Christ. cjc:)
Posted by: Coleen Jo Caldwell | October 30, 2006 at 09:35 AM
Roger,
My heart feels heavy for you today with the latest set-back, however, I too am believing for your deliverance. Continue to "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand"
and be encouraged in the Lord today. My/Our prayers are with you.
Ruth McKenzie
Posted by: Ruth McKenzie | October 30, 2006 at 01:27 PM
Hey! Roger & Debbie,
It was good to read the posting and to hear that things are coming along. I pray for you all every day and every night. I hope that everything will turn out good.
Roger be strong and you will be back in good health soon.
Trust in the Lord!
I love you all with all my heart!
And we will always be in His Grip,
Mark
Posted by: Mark James Cave Jr. | October 30, 2006 at 01:39 PM
Roger,
This I know, our sovereign God is in control. As I have been praying for those of you who are facing battles with cancer, there is a song that keeps coming to mind.
"What the storm does not know...is over me, it has no control.
I'm waiting safely with the Master for the calm that will come after
I will hold on for I know what the storm does not know."
I'm so glad you know and hold fast to the Master of the storm. I will continue to pray for you and your family as you ride out this storm. May God's presence totally surround you.
I am looking forward to L5's concert in Vancouver, WA. Carol
Posted by: Carol | October 30, 2006 at 01:39 PM
Your ministry continues to thrive through your faith and teaching while you are off the road. You are a constant source of encouragement to many. May God bless you with renewed health,
William Wooden
Murrells Inlet, SC
Posted by: William Wooden | October 30, 2006 at 01:42 PM
Dear Roger and Debbie,
I guess I am a day late and a dollar short since I haven't checked on my PC since Friday and here it is Monday 10/30/06.But just read your latest post and want you to know our prayers are still with you and Debbie. I know that Jesus is still a miracle working Father since He healed me recently of a brain aneurysm and I know as much as your music blesses so many HE will heal you too!! Just keep holding tight to HIS GRIP.
Bob and Evelyn Lanham
Posted by: Evelyn Lanham | October 30, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Roger, I love your marvelous upbeat outlook! What an inspiration to all of us!
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. May God bless you & heal you, Roger. Love you.
Posted by: Elaine Harcourt | October 30, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Roger & Debbie, Can we just skip all nominations, voting, etc. & appoint you two as Superman & Superwoman. And that is here, just can't wait to see your new home. Thanks again for being a "living example". We Love ya'll.
Posted by: Wess & Susan | October 30, 2006 at 09:34 PM
Dear Roger,Debbie and family-
Thank you for update. We will put in extra prayers for you all. We have you on our church's prayer list but will remind all to ask God for a healing and to give your family the strength and patience that they need in these times.
Of course we learned long ago that you can ask-you can beg and plead but in the end you just have to say we love you God and know that you will do what is best.
Praying for you all--Mary Alice and Ed Haldeman
Posted by: Mary Alice Haldeman | October 31, 2006 at 06:01 AM
Just wanted to let you know that we saw Legacy Five in Lansing Saturday night and they did a great job. They really got to cutting up in the second half. We missed you though.
Praying for you and Debbie. Hold on tight to that rope.
Sonia in Michigan
Posted by: Sonia | October 31, 2006 at 08:03 AM