tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546974547686146902024-03-13T06:09:25.834-07:00Bless BonnyEmma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-63724837075788855672013-03-04T20:26:00.000-08:002013-03-04T20:33:16.966-08:00Missing Bonny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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All of us here at Rambellwood are doing well, as we have been<br />
making adjustments to the absence of our sweet and precious Bonny.<br />
We never knew that grief could be so real, so physical and all<br />
encompassing. We have been endeavoring to stay close to each<br />
other and make some new memories. We have also found it<br />
important to do some things specifically in Bonny's memory.<br />
For example, we are doing a small garden in honor of her, as<br />
this was one of her passions. We are finding that although it is<br />
painful at times, embracing those memories is healing.</div>
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We all want to personally thank you for reaching out to us and<br />
especially for your prayers. As the healing from our loss slowly<br />
moves forward we welcome any words of encouragement and<br />
continued prayers. I have attached our local obituary of Bonny<br />
and a link below for the video Samuel made that was played at<br />
the memorial. Future updates may be sparse, but we welcome<br />
any contact you may want to make with us.<br />
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We are blessed to know you all,<br />
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Cary, Johanna, Grace, Sarah Anne and Matthew<br />
(Sam & Dusty, James and Emma)<br />
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-68338633062490646962013-01-29T20:18:00.001-08:002013-01-29T20:18:07.258-08:00Memorial Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Dear friends and family,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There will be a memorial service for Bonny this Saturday, February 2nd, 3 pm, at First Baptist Church, 200 W. Broadway, in Winnsboro. (903) 342-3538. Following will be a time of fellowship with refreshments served. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Visitation/Viewing will be Friday, February 1st, 6 to 8 pm, at Beaty Funeral Home in Winnsboro. 816 W. Broadway. (903) 342-5211.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The family will have a private burial prior to the memorial.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Please reply to this email with a possible number if planning to attend the memorial service. Feel free to forward this to help spread the word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Missing our dear Bonny,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cary and kids</span></div>
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-89515348749120942232013-01-29T09:16:00.001-08:002013-01-29T09:16:24.630-08:00In His Presence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bonny's fight is over. She took her last breath about 2:20 am this morning and is now with the Lord. I will send out another email when service arrangements are made. Please wait a bit before calling or visiting as we are all exhausted and have much to think about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thank you all, for the prayers of support that have carried us for so long. April would have been three years. Pray for the kids and I as God continues His work and healing in us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cary</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><b>Precious</b> in the sight of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the death of his faithful servants.</span></div>
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-86613706689663723252013-01-13T22:34:00.002-08:002013-03-04T20:30:29.645-08:00Love Hopes All Things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Bonny has made some improvements. One of which is movement in her right fingers, hand and whole arm. She has not been able to move her right hand at all since mid August. Wow! The bumps on her head have also reduced in size significantly and seem to be drying up. Double wow!! We are watching her toes and legs for returned movement. She is still eating three meals a day and drinking as much as she can. Pain levels are under control most of the time. We all want to see the glory of the Lord in full measure upon her body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There are still some concerns that we have to continually give to the Lord. Her blood pressure is pretty low, heart rate high and skipping, and urine output up and down. There has also been a decrease in air movement in the lower right lung. The nurse feels sure it is pneumonia from aspirating water or food into that lung. She is taking antibiotics and nebulizing to combat that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We had a special Christmas time with all our kids and also enjoyed the snow we had that day. Johanna is managing the home, while Grace, Sarah Anne, and Matthew focus, once again, on their school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We always appreciate the notes of encouragement and prayers, knowing you are all there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Love hopes all things...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cary</span></div>
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-37561731288005165612012-12-05T12:01:00.001-08:002012-12-05T12:01:41.868-08:00Heart of Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonny is hanging in there...such a desire to live. There have not been many changes since the last update. Good news is, she was able to get off the morphine pump by an increase and change in some other pain medications. She has had more tremor and seizure activity and is still eating well. She still has a hard time communicating what she is thinking, but gets emotional about many things close to her heart.<br /><br />Where the "rubber meets the road" is throwing away any notion of understanding, with the mind, God's plan in all this. When you have walked with Him all your life, as we both have, and <em>think</em> you halfway know His will and mind, you find that you must abandon reason (seemingly spiritual understanding) and simply trust with the heart. This has been the greatest challenge of faith yet! Not in believing that God is the healer, but that He simply IS.<br /><br />Praying that we all have ears to hear,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cary</span></div>
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-15145008201516041702012-11-01T12:00:00.001-07:002012-11-01T12:00:31.148-07:00Trusting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bonny had to go on a morphine pump due to the ineffectiveness of oral morphine tablets. Her hospice nurse feels that something went wrong in her digestive system (GI tract) to prevent absorption of the oral drugs to help ease pain. The majority of this pain was in her abdominal area. On the morphine pump she is not in pain, for which we are all thankful for. It was so hard to see her suffering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">She is still eating well, but is having some issues with normal bowel movements. She is fairly lucid on the pump, but has a hard time putting words together. I feel that part of this problem is also from the brain metastasis she deals with, since this was also the case before the morphine pump. I'm a bit concerned about kidney function at this time as her urine flow greatly slowed for a long period of time yesterday (seems back to normal now). There have only been a few tremors since her last seizure. She is on an anti-seizure medication now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">She is so precious and sweet as she attempts to communicate with us. We are having some very tender moments with family and friends.</span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We are all processing things relatively peacefully. At times our emotions and the stress levels overwhelm us. The Lord our God is our Rock, our Hope, the One we are trusting and holding on to regardless of the outcome of this journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Trusting our God,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cary</span></div>
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-45252924492901815612012-10-22T11:59:00.000-07:002012-11-01T11:59:44.188-07:00Please Pray<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bonny had another seizure last week. She has been disoriented and in more pain since. We all need your prayers holding us up. We are all straining to trust the Lord, crying out to Him in this heart-wrenching hour. Bonny has not given up and continues to call out to Him. God's Love will win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thank you for being there in prayer,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cary</span></div>
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-14711178696720685532012-10-07T11:58:00.000-07:002012-11-01T12:00:14.107-07:00Faith to Live<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know it has been a while since I've given an update on Bonny. I will not typically send out an update unless there has been some kind of significant change. Since the last update, Bonny's pain has increased some. She has also had the challenge of tremors as a result of the brain tumors. One night this lead to a siezure, which frankly shook me up pretty good. We had family and friends standing with us through this. She now has some medicine that helps control tremor activity.<br /><br />Enduring throughout this journey has been one of the greatest challenges. In fact, much of our current focus has been to stay strong in the fight, to "...not throw away <i>our</i> confidence...endure...in doing the will of God." To be "...not of those who shrink back...but who have faith." Hebrews 10: 35-39. What an opportunity we have been given.<br /><br />Bonny loves to get out in the wheel chair and sit on the porch in the fall weather we are having. Our youngest, Matthew, recently picked up a piece of chalk and began to write the word "LIVE" everywhere outside. We love it...the faith of a child...no need for understanding here, simply belief. Momma will live!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We are very thankful for the support that continues to encourage us in every way.<br /><br />Cary</span></div>
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Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-62478672883410610262012-09-01T16:35:00.002-07:002012-09-01T16:38:52.020-07:00Unceasing Prayer<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I just want to say </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">"thank you"</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> for all the </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-large;">prayer</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">
that is going up for Bonny and all of the Ramsey family. Please continue to cry
out to God on our behalf. As the battle rages on and has become increasingly
difficult to fight, continue to ask our Father, in Jesus name, for the
impossible. That the pain and all its source would cease. That Bonny's pH
would rise and remain at 7.4. That her body would rise to fight and not give
in. That cancer is defeated by the </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>stripes Jesus bore,</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> as clearly stated in His
Word. (1 Peter 2:24; Isa. 53: 4-5; Ps. 103:2-5; Malachi 4:2; James 5:16; Matt
4:23; Matt. 8: 16-17, etc.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="text Luke-11-5" id="en-ESV-25402" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>And he said to them, <span class="woj">“Which of you who has a
friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three
loaves,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-6" id="en-ESV-25403" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have
nothing to set before him’;</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-7" id="en-ESV-25404" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the
door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give
you anything’?</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-8" id="en-ESV-25405" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>I tell you, though he will not get up and give him
anything <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25405K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>because
he is his friend, yet because of his <em>persistence</em> he will rise and give him whatever he
needs.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-9" id="en-ESV-25406" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>And I tell you, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25406L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>ask,
and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25406M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>it
will be given to you; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25406N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>seek,
and you will find; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25406O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>knock,
and it will be opened to you.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-10" id="en-ESV-25407" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks
finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-11" id="en-ESV-25408" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a
serpent;</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-12" id="en-ESV-25409" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>or if he asks for an egg, will give him a
scorpion?</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-11-13" id="en-ESV-25410" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>If you then, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25410P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>who
are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the
heavenly Father <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25410Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>give
the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”</span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="text Luke-11-13" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Persistently
asking and expecting,</span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="text Luke-11-13" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cary</span></span></span></div>
</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-9664358882671341792012-08-18T07:32:00.000-07:002012-08-20T07:35:20.324-07:00Resolute to Speak Life<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Although many outward signs would declare
otherwise, we here at Rambellwood are fighting the good fight. The call to
declare life. <strong style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018:21&version=ESV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Proverbs
18:21</a>:</span></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><i>"Death and life are in </i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><i><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">power</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tongue</b></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>,
</i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><i>and those who love it will eat its fruits." </i> </span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">...If you
all could see Bonny now. She loves life and <i>will speak no evil.</i></span> (<strong style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter+3:10&version=ESV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:10</a></strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;"> </strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Please understand that we are not denying the possibility
of death, only choosing to give God full reign in our home and
lives.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We have moved Bonny downstairs to the parlor and
into a hospital bed to make things more comfortable for her. She also had to
have a catheter put in. There was some kind of blockage that would not allow
her to urinate. Also, it was painful for her to be moved to the bedside
toilet. This has been somewhat hard for her to adjust to emotionally, but she
is doing better. We all like her downstairs. Since she cannot walk or use her
right arm, we move her around through the house with a wheel chair so she can be
a part. Her pain level is stable. She is eating three balanced meals a day and
taking some very high quality supplements. Johanna has been very diligent in
applying essential oils to needed areas and other regimens for removing
toxins.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I continue to be her primary caregiver, which
requires me to be at home most of the time. Any who would like to help with
current expenses or outstanding medical bills would be greatly appreciated.
Hospice is a great support, coming in about four times per week. We cannot
express enough how much your love, prayers and support mean to us. This is
where the body of Christ really shine. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white;"><div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Loving life... <i>from Rambellwood</i></span></div>
</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</div>
</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white;">
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cary</span></div>
</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-1734702004274881552012-08-04T21:36:00.000-07:002012-09-01T18:48:14.670-07:00God's Kingdom and Purpose<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">Jesus's <span style="font-size: x-large;">kingdom</span> is NOT of this
world <i>(Jn. 18:36)</i>. If we are His, only He knows the purpose we are here for.
Here lies our faith in God, and continues to be our focus as we enter into more
uncertainty concerning Bonny's health and future here on earth. Many signs
point in an undesirable direction from our perspective. His will and purpose is
what we seek.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">Bonny
has weakened to the point of barely being able to walk. She has not been
downstairs in almost two weeks now. She needs continual care and better pain
management. I love to care for her but have felt unsure of how to manage the
pain. As a result, we have gotten hospice involved. This, by no means, defines
the end of her life <i>(God has numbered her days)</i> ...Only a way to get help with
managing the pain. So far, transition from one drug to the next has been
somewhat difficult. Hospice has also provided necessary equipment for dealing
with her lack of mobility. We are hoping to get her downstairs today for a time
of worship with the family.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">Our
trip to </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Cancun</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"> in July was amazing. We are so glad we went when some were
telling us not to. We were both ministered to in <i>every regard. </i> The Lord knew
just what we needed.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRVZDTtyjsQ/UEK43KmR_yI/AAAAAAAAA1k/Mzsy02M6F2I/s1600/IMG_1343-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRVZDTtyjsQ/UEK43KmR_yI/AAAAAAAAA1k/Mzsy02M6F2I/s640/IMG_1343-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36gb2SNK8TE/UEK4zwjmn9I/AAAAAAAAA1c/ksrDCQ5AbdA/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36gb2SNK8TE/UEK4zwjmn9I/AAAAAAAAA1c/ksrDCQ5AbdA/s640/IMG_1331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hFiG_5a6xM/UEK6jQyvMDI/AAAAAAAAA1s/YXsNrdsR6tE/s1600/IMG_1344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hFiG_5a6xM/UEK6jQyvMDI/AAAAAAAAA1s/YXsNrdsR6tE/s640/IMG_1344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">Your
prayers are not in vain. Regardless of the earthly outcome, we will <i><span style="font-size: large;">praise
Him.</span></i> This is the cry of Bonny's heart. Please lift my name to the throne as
well. I need God's strength more than ever. Also, all seven of our kids. They
are such amazing people, trusting in God and keeping a good
disposition.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">We
love you,</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif';">Cary</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-23658279654919802942012-07-03T18:16:00.000-07:002012-07-17T18:29:59.335-07:00New Findings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Bonny has been having extra pain in her back. She
also has been having some kind of episodes where her right leg involuntarily
shakes for a few minutes. There has also developed an unusual bump on her head
that did not look normal. Today we had an MRI of her brain as a suggestion of
her Mexican doctor and also her previous oncologist. </span><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">We found out through the MRI that this bump on
her head related to the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">leg shaking.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> The MRI revealed two 3 cm tumors in her
brain along with several other lesions. These tumors are pressing against the
motor sensory area of the left lobe causing the "tremors" in her right leg and
side.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">We do not know where we will go from here,
medically or proactively. We only know to continue to trust a good God, who
knows all and is able to do as He pleases in our lives.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Tomorrow, Bonny and I leave for <i>Cancun, Mexico </i>
with two very special people who are funding this trip. Many others of you
contributed for celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. We are looking
forward to relaxing and enjoying each moment together. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Thank you, each one. Pray...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">He is
God.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Cary</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-72047255663333361662012-05-30T13:27:00.000-07:002012-09-01T18:30:10.323-07:00God's Goodness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The goodness of God certainly abounds. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i>"His Love
endures forever". </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">All around are signs of God's love and kindness towards
us. Many times we are blind to His goodness in our lives and our future seems
uncertain. That's because when we see "our life" from our point of view, we
want to control its outcome. However,when we see life as a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-large;">gift</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> from God and
begin to find thanksgiving in the world around us, He opens our eyes to find
enjoyment in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">all circumstances.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Bonny and I recently had a party here at
Rambellwood celebrating our upcoming 30th anniversary and a local wedding
reception for our son, Sam, and his wife Dusty. We are so glad some of you were
able to attend. We have much to celebrate. It was a wonderful
time.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHCTu2OPH5Q/UAXKWkj30gI/AAAAAAAAAyA/6-ih8PT0rQM/s1600/IMG_4432-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHCTu2OPH5Q/UAXKWkj30gI/AAAAAAAAAyA/6-ih8PT0rQM/s640/IMG_4432-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f55wUDw_Wzc/UEK2QQl6GxI/AAAAAAAAA1M/XcPca0RLHd0/s1600/Dad+and+Mom+run+the+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f55wUDw_Wzc/UEK2QQl6GxI/AAAAAAAAA1M/XcPca0RLHd0/s640/Dad+and+Mom+run+the+race.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Bonny is feeling stronger and doing much more
around the house. Her blood levels are much more stable now and she has gained
some weight back. She continues with non-toxic infusions from her Mexico
treatment and takes another supplement that helps to change her body's internal
environment, so that the cancer cannot live. She also does a daily Far Infrared
Sauna to detox, getting the dead cell matter out. This makes room for healthy
cells to thrive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">There are always uncertainties when you walk this
journey. We must choose to enjoy each moment God gives. Thank you, each one,
for your prayers and financial support. We are so grateful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Cary, for <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rambellwood</span></i></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-77776259603632539282012-04-20T09:15:00.000-07:002012-04-20T10:13:25.543-07:00Results on CT Scan<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<pre><tt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bonny has finally gotten over the initial side effects of her treatment
in Mexico. She is able, and wants to eat regular meals. She has not
gained any weight back, so is eating several times a day to get optimum
caloric intake. Her potassium level has come up. However, her red
blood cell count is very low. We are hoping that it will dip no lower,
so that she will not need a transfusion. She is able to do some
activity around the house. We are all enjoying seeing her downstairs
more often and able to come to the table on occasion.
Monday she had a CT scan to see if tumors had shrunk. To our
disappointment, there appears to be no change. Some areas seem to show
a slight increase in size and further spread. We are waiting for her
doctor's response to know what else we may be able to do.
Each day we thank God for each other and endeavor to focus on His
goodness in all the little things around us. Instead of doubting, we
are looking for His kingdom and righteousness in the everyday. He is
being glorified in ways none of us really understand. In this walk, we
have been on almost two years now, we are learning to abandon the need
to understand and trust that His purpose will be accomplished. That is
where all striving ceases and His peace saturates ever thought.
Cary</span></tt></pre>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-30725582649253531752012-04-09T08:35:00.000-07:002012-04-20T09:08:04.274-07:00Feeling Better<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Thought you all might enjoy a few pictures of Bonny on an outing tonight...dinner for her mother's birthday. She is</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> eating better</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> and has <i>gained some weight back</i>. She goes for another blood test tomorrow to see how the potassium level is after her infusion last week.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">It is so nice to see her smiling face again. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Cary</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-30422750672121708622012-04-04T09:09:00.000-07:002012-04-20T10:25:23.663-07:00A Mother's Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We wanted to share an article write-up, done our local </span><a href="http://www.texascooppower.com/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Texas Coop Power</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">, about our family. Click </span><a href="https://acrobat.com/#d=oczOc0wGfSXDDxGchFaD9Q"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>here</i></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to read the article. I love the title they gave the article; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">A Mother's Song</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. If you all could hear the sweet melody that goes up from Bonny's lips as she trusts God with all her heart. She knows her life is in His hands and that He is not through with her yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We got Bonny's blood lab work report this morning and found that things were all askew. Her red blood count has been low for a while. More importantly, her potassium level is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>very low.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> I contacted her original oncologist here with this report. He is more than happy to help Bonny and will be giving her an infusion of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">potassium chloride</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> in the morning. This will make her feel much better and give her added <i>strength.</i> He said that her red blood count is low but does not require a blood transfusion at this time. That's good news.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">This has been a rather hard week for me. I am grateful to have a cabinet job to start, but seem to get stressed very easily. A former employee is coming to help for a season. This will be great help in relieving some of the load of the shop.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I am realizing that our choice to trust God and draw out His grace, blessing and goodness in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">all</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> circumstances is a<i> must.</i> The opposite is just NO fun and leads to <b>one </b>misery after <b>another. </b>This is a deep truth that I know God is opening my eyes to, as you pray for our family. As you pray, our seemingly weak knees will continue to stand...for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>We love you,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Rambellwood</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">jcr</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-91097460752456204282012-03-26T12:13:00.000-07:002012-03-26T12:36:12.903-07:00No Place Like Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">Bonny and I have returned from Tijuana and have been settling into a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">different </span>daily routine...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">Actually, we have not found a rhythm in that yet. The treatments Bonny had in Mexico have taken quite a toll on her body. Primarily the radiation, which caused her stomach and intestine walls to lose their lining. This was expected and will rebuild itself by some time early next week. Meanwhile, Bonny has been losing weight because she has no appetite and food makes her very sleepy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">She is getting IV infusions here at home of one of the products she had in Mexico. I am able to do that through a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">PICC line</span> and can also give her pain medication this way. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">She has been in a lot of pain and abdominal cramping for the last three weeks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">We expect the tumors to shrink from this treatment. She will have a CT scan in about <i>four weeks</i> to determine progress. If the tumors become isolated enough we can return to Mexico to have them removed surgically. This would be followed up by more low dose chemo and cobalt radiation. Of course, this all depends on how she responds to the treatment. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">We are asking all our family and friends to pray for strength and wisdom. This has been taking a toll on all of us. The kids are weary, I am weary, and we ask you all to <i>band</i> together with us in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">prayer. </span>We are doing what we feel is right, but cannot walk this path alone. We are so grateful for everyone's support, without which we could not have helped Bonny so far. I am endeavoring to return to cabinet work, but hesitate to become entangled in anything that will keep me from helping my beloved bride from getting well.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking to <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jesus</span> for strength,</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">Cary, Bonny and all of Rambellwood</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-87832189242765100562012-03-03T16:25:00.000-08:002012-03-03T17:24:39.035-08:00Much Hope!<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font: 19px Calibri; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bonny has completed her first week of treatment here in </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tijuana, Mexico</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. She is resting now, after a full day.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">We are very pleased with the knowledge Dr. Vargas has in treating cancer. He spent several hours with us explaining the treatment and answering the many questions we had.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">A typical day at the clinic starts with low-dose Vitamin C, then Laetrile. Then a different type of low-dose chemo, each day, is infused Monday through Wednesday. Bonny’s nurse, <em>Angelina</em>, really knows what she’s doing. Cobalt radiation is done each day at another location. Kristina drives us around wherever we need to go. Below are pictures of Bonny with Angelina and Dr. Vargas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dr. Vargas</span> believes in what he is doing and has confidence that these treatments will help Bonny. Because of the advancement of the cancer, there is much to be done. As of now, the cancer’s progress has been halted. We expect to see the tumors shrink and die. Bonny will be going through some challenging times as these changes occur in her body. Dr. Vargas has given us a game plan to meet those needs.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP5hVvnmjqg/T1K18kEdUDI/AAAAAAAAAn8/RvUzlNZld9I/s1600/Bon+&+Dr.+Vargas+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP5hVvnmjqg/T1K18kEdUDI/AAAAAAAAAn8/RvUzlNZld9I/s400/Bon+&+Dr.+Vargas+2.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">It is somewhat of a challenge adjusting to being out of the U.S. Communication around town, pesos, Spanish, and eating...all feel awkward at times. We are thankful for God’s provision through so many of you who have given.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you, thank you for loving us. We feel your prayers and are also so very grateful for the monetary gifts so relevant in this journey. We miss our family and friends and look forward to being reunited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Cary and Bonny</em></span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-86154044587632973882012-02-24T10:48:00.003-08:002012-02-24T12:50:02.677-08:00Another Adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What more can we do? </span></i> This is the tough question we have been grappling with for two or three months now. Knowing the adverse effects chemo has on the body...this did not seem the answer. We have been diligent with all of the alternative treatments that seemed to work before. But, this time the tumors continued their assault on Bonny's body. We could no longer just ignore the physical changes we were seeing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">This last weekend changed all that. We met a lady who was given a grim diagnosis as well. The Lord led her to a oncologist in Mexico who combines low doses of <b>chemo</b> with <b>cobalt radiation.</b> This woman is cancer-free. We believe that this connection was not an accident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">As a result Bon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">ny and I are flying to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tijuana, Mexico</span> this Sunday and will be there about three weeks. There she will undergo a specialized treatment that, we believe, will get control of this awful disease.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Here's where it gets hard. We need financial help from anyone who has the ability and would like to help. The cost of the three week treatment alone is over 18,000 plus airfare. I would not want to be anywhere else, with my wife in Mexico, but by her side. Being self-employed, this stops the source of our income. If you would like to contribute, you can mail a check to:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cary Ramsey</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">2216 CR 4760</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">If anyone would like to write or has further questions concerning the treatment Bonny is undergoing we can be reached via this email address: <i>cbramsey@peoplescom.net</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Most of all, thank you for bringing our family before God. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">We will continue to <b>trust</b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Him</span></i> with all that is within us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Cary</span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416688929079190293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-61821177589302670482011-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:002011-05-02T21:00:23.210-07:00A Year Later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It was a year ago</span>, nearly, that Mom and Dad drove to Sulphur Springs, to have tests done, to see what was wrong. It was a year ago, that Johanna and I sat with Dad, outside, and heard the words that struck fear against our souls. Mom had Stage 4 Cancer. <i>The doctors could give us no hope.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMla5YASnGc/TblwE3Xx8WI/AAAAAAAACQM/0-5kAnVFLEA/s1600/IMG_9217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMla5YASnGc/TblwE3Xx8WI/AAAAAAAACQM/0-5kAnVFLEA/s400/IMG_9217.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't think I really believed it</span>. Not then. It wasn't the sort of thing that happens, not really. We were shaken inside, trying not to think of what it would be like, how life would change, if our fears were realized. But we turned our thoughts from those fears, and pressed forward. We fought every inch of the way, getting Mom into M.D. Anderson, starting the chemo that stopped the cancer's progress, praying and worshipping every evening we could, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">seeking the Lord's face for wisdom.</span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67srLwfT7xc/Tb2likDWfAI/AAAAAAAACQk/JLwa9Id6QvE/s1600/IMG_8872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67srLwfT7xc/Tb2likDWfAI/AAAAAAAACQk/JLwa9Id6QvE/s400/IMG_8872.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I got caught up in the every day, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in surviving each separate moment</span>, in weeping with the blessings, with the precious gift of all the dear people who supported us. We all did, I think. We did what was before us, because it was given us to do.<br />
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Now, standing nearly on the other side, it feels like waking from a dream,<br />
looking back, and realizing, suddenly, the immense miracle of 2010,<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">the year that changed our lives forever.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzg40AYP41s/Tb2gaYAUyII/AAAAAAAACQg/VAJ-Kj75euw/s1600/IMG_9966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzg40AYP41s/Tb2gaYAUyII/AAAAAAAACQg/VAJ-Kj75euw/s640/IMG_9966.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The Lord has blessed us, beyond belief. And we have something to share with you, a new measure of proof. The Lord made a way for us to pay for a sonogram, and Thursday, Mom and Dad went to Tyler. The results? The tumors are not gone, but they have shrunk to half the size.<br />
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<blockquote>"5 lesions are identified in the liver. All of the lesions are significantly reduced in size, with only two small lesions showing color flow. The spleen is normal in size and texture. The low density lesion in the posterior aspect of the spleen described in earlier reports is no longer visible. The kidneys are normal, and the mass in the pelvic area is reduced from 6.1 x 6.3 to 4.4 x 3.2. Some color flow is noted."</blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: right;"><i>-paraphrased from sonogram report </i></blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Isn't is wonderful? </span> And Mom, free of medication for nearly 4 months, has <i>no pain.</i> Her hair is coming in thickly, and she is blessing us daily with her beautiful self. <i>Mom is nearly back.</i><br />
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We are still struggling financially. Business in the shop is slow, and Mom's supplements and weekly IV treatments run up quite a sum. Staying in the black is a daily challenge. But the Lord is with us, every step.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_Cbli0D8wg/Tb2oEJKmMsI/AAAAAAAACQo/wJK5vGdlQEQ/s1600/IMG_5677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_Cbli0D8wg/Tb2oEJKmMsI/AAAAAAAACQo/wJK5vGdlQEQ/s640/IMG_5677.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">How can we doubt him?</span> <i>How can we fear? </i>How can we do anything but trust after such a miracle? There is no logic in fearing when we have such proof of His love.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">No matter what happens, we are <i>His.</i></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wishing you a peace without measure,</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emma</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>and the family at Rambellwood</i></div></div>Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-69748003117660240382011-01-23T17:18:00.000-08:002011-01-23T17:19:48.918-08:00I Feel A Need<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I feel a need to share</span>, not because so much time has passed, not because so many people want to know how Mom is doing, but a need, merely because my heart is full. A need, because life can grow so heavy when one does not share the burden.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTjoLDL8VSI/AAAAAAAACNo/eNEoucpjQtI/s1600/12-29-10+099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTjoLDL8VSI/AAAAAAAACNo/eNEoucpjQtI/s640/12-29-10+099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Life is different for us, different, because we have, at last, accepted that Mom is not herself, that even though we feel she is on the mend, she cannot do everything she has always done. She cannot, though she wants to so badly, carry the responsibilities she has always held.<br />
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The doctors have not definitely said it, there is no medical proof of it,<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">but <em>we feel</em> that Mom is over the worst</span>. We are seeing this time as a time of recovery, and we are moving carefully toward that goal, day by day, moment by moment.<br />
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We are eating and living as organically as possible. Mom is doing coffee enemas, juicing greens and wheat grass, having weekly IV doses of Vitamin C, and spending time in an infared sauna. <br />
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At this point, Mom is <i><u>completely off all her pain medication</u></i>, which, in itself, is amazing. Despite that, there are still lingering effects of the drugs. <br />
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Our goal now is for Mom to be free of withdrawal symptoms, and, if <em>at all possible</em>, <span style="font-size: large;">herself </span>again. But, that requires patience, and courage. It is a daily battle for Mom, fighting weariness and depression, fighting a <em>strange </em>weariness, where she feels too tired to rise and do something, but not tired enough to rest. She is caught between the two, and it is a burden that makes her struggle to hold her head up.<br />
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And it is hard for all of us, hard for Dad, because some of the order of his life seems gone, hard for we children left at home, because we are not accustomed to bear our Mother's burdens, and hard for Mom, because she does not want us to.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTih9TW-87I/AAAAAAAACNg/JgYdQWXBQK4/s1600/12-29-10+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTih9TW-87I/AAAAAAAACNg/JgYdQWXBQK4/s640/12-29-10+009.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
We do not notice how heavy this new life is, how firm the weight of new responsibilities hangs on our shoulders. We do not notice till we bottom out, and beg the Lord to please, end this thing.<br />
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We have been so, so blessed, honored by gifts beyond our belief... and we have grown, so, so much, felt our hearts touched by truths we never knew existed. And our minds tell us we must be strong, we must keep on, <span style="font-size: large;">we must hold our own against the storm.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTii3hchIOI/AAAAAAAACNk/92u90D5ujQ0/s1600/12-29-10+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTii3hchIOI/AAAAAAAACNk/92u90D5ujQ0/s640/12-29-10+031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But our hearts</span>, our hearts tell us we can hold on no longer. We must find rest. We must release this "burden of care", and rest. And this is where the difficulty lies.<br />
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We must <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">lean on Him</span></i>, every moment, every hour of the day. We cannot survive if we do not. We must learn to trust Him even more, to hear His voice when so many other voices crowd our souls. <br />
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It isn't easy. In fact, it's terribly hard. <i>But is this not the struggle of all our lives?</i><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTj1CggNprI/AAAAAAAACNs/ldqKMyDUF7M/s1600/12-29-10+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTj1CggNprI/AAAAAAAACNs/ldqKMyDUF7M/s640/12-29-10+056.jpg" width="426" /></a><i><br />
</i></div>Here in this place, in this journey, God has given us a window, a window to discover Him, to pull him close and never let go. I do not know how long the window will stand open, or how long the storm will come rushing in, <i>but we cannot see it as a torment, </i>nor as a battle we are too weary to fight. No, we must see it as a challenge, as a challenge to meet the Lord in our weariness, and find a strength that <span style="font-size: large;">no army can conquer.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTo7BRDPXFI/AAAAAAAACNw/1sZ4cnKo9TM/s1600/12-29-10+170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TTo7BRDPXFI/AAAAAAAACNw/1sZ4cnKo9TM/s640/12-29-10+170.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<em>Emma</em><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">and the family at <span style="font-size: large;"><em>Rambellwood</em></span></div></div>Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-56503091484605439942010-12-07T20:11:00.000-08:002010-12-08T21:16:01.669-08:00Spilling Out<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>It is Christmastime at Rambellwood.</i></span> All of our lights, the white stars that adorn our home, wrapping around a stairwell, around a porch, are holding their own against the cold winter weather. All of the boxes are unpacked, and much of our evenings are spent in the living room, lulled by the gentle cracking of the wood stove and the glimmer of our Christmas tree.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TQBl8NDUwAI/AAAAAAAACMs/CxB0BTUpIXg/s1600/IMG_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TQBl8NDUwAI/AAAAAAAACMs/CxB0BTUpIXg/s400/IMG_2749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Remember, how the Lord spoke, a while back? That when He had<i> finished His work in all of us, He would bring us back together again? </i> Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm sentimental, but I think this is the time. Here we are, preparing for a season that, for us, means spending time together, celebrating our unity as a family, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">celebrating each other</span>, and celebrating Him. And, here in our midst, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He </span></i>stands, slowly granting us the deepest desires of our hearts, even the ones we cannot put into words.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Yes... dear friends</span>, there is news, great and wonderful news. We might even call it a miracle. This story is not over, but God's part among the pages is clearer than ever.<br />
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So, here it is. Mom had a test, two weeks ago, a PET-CT that lights up problem areas to show activity. One week ago, the results came in, and Dad called our doctor in California to hear the results.<br />
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At the beginning, when we first found out the tumors in Mom's body were really and truly cancer, and heard how quickly they were invading her liver, the world we held in our hands shook from our grasp. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We had to let go.</span> We had to lay our fears and our worries and our sorrows at the feet of the Lord.<br />
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And guess what? Now, <em>seven</em> <i>months later</i>, the reports show that there is little, to no, activity in Mom's liver. The only activity shown is shadows, shadows our doctors believe to be scar tissue<i>. Only shadows</i>! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Can you believe it?</span> Can <i>we</i> believe it? My heart still trembles at the incredible truth of it.<br />
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No... this is not the end of the story. We have no definite report on the other areas of Mom's body, and the test showed a lighted area in her thyroid that had not been there before. Our doctor tells us the test would show a path from one tumor to the other if these were malignant. So... there is no, "this is over... it's all gone" report, but there is physical evidence that cannot be denied. Mom has been slowly lowering her heavy pain medication, and by the end of this month, may be completely without it. The only effects of this have been withdrawal symptoms caused by the heavy narcotic. There has been NO pain. How amazing is that? What glorious truth shows in that thought! <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> She has no evident pain caused by cancer.</span></i> When she is not dealing with withdrawal, she is her normal, busy, motivated, amazing self. No matter what the tests say, the proof stands before us. Mom is regaining her strength, <i>and her hair</i>. I smile at the thought, because it seems so trivial, but, in the face of such news, it seems a gift beyond belief.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TQBlLDuAxGI/AAAAAAAACMo/UQyyf7jsDG8/s1600/IMG_2663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TQBlLDuAxGI/AAAAAAAACMo/UQyyf7jsDG8/s400/IMG_2663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So... here's the deal. Mom has been denied Medicaid because her type of cancer is not primarily breast or cervical. Though the alternative treatment is considerably less money, it is all on our own budget. The <a href="http://www.isselsmedicalcenter.com/">Issels</a> protocol includes things like high dose Vitamin C from an IV, scheduled lab work and imaging, a solid, organic diet, daily vegetable juicing, and numerous supplements. But these things, like so many good things, cost money. At this point, our fund is all but empty, and our own bills are hard to maintain as it is. It is frightening, to look at it logically, to stare in the face of money, and attempt to shake away the cold finger of the red numbers.<br />
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But... there is something much greater than all of this, something that does not go away, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">not ever</span>. How, again, can I put into words these mixed feelings of blessing and lack? What is money, when there are such joys as we have been given? What is hardship, when all of us walk it together? What is life, when we follow our Father's path? It is a blessing, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">each and every day</span>. Every moment of our lives is emblazoned with the truth of God, <i>if only we can see it.</i><br />
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So, here on this page, my fingers are spilling our story into words. And here, from the bottom of my heart, <i>and from all of us at Rambellwood,</i> is a....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: angelized, Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas!</span></b></span><br />
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Praying you all the brightest and best of Christmases, crowded with the joys that <i>only He can give</i>.<br />
<br />
Emma,<br />
<i>and all of us</i>Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-84934470857148993722010-11-07T11:46:00.000-08:002010-11-09T19:12:45.955-08:00WholenessThey arrived in time for dinner Monday night, Dad, Mom, Johanna, Sarah Anne, and Matthew. They are home, and we are together again. On Thursday, preparing for their homecoming, tying my apron around my waist, I heard Grace, home from San Antonio, touching her fingers to the piano, and filling the house with music. Mounting the stairs, words pushing at my fingers, I laid my hands across the keys of my typewriter, and spelled out these words.<br />
<div><br />
</div><blockquote>I can feel it. Rambellwood is coming back together. I knew it when the strains of Grace's music, made by her fingers treading the piano keys, began to flow across the lonely floors of the house. I can feel it now, as the Lord presses words from my heart, here onto this page. Two days and they will begin their journey home, four days, and they will be here. Four days and all of us, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine of us, will stand together, <span style="font-size: large;"><em>one</em></span> again.</blockquote><blockquote><i>We... the family at Rambellwood.</i></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNn9kZZ6XzI/AAAAAAAACIc/PPmiwhc7Mog/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNn9kZZ6XzI/AAAAAAAACIc/PPmiwhc7Mog/s400/IMG_2109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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And so it happened. They drove in, at last, lifting their weary souls from the car. Matthew went tearing out across the grass in his bare feet, thrilled to be home.<br />
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We had dinner, and celebrated Samuel's birthday, and talked, until Dad, weary from long hours driving, had to retire. And then we all went to bed, and I marveled to see each room, quiet at the closing of the day, each bed occupied by its old inhabitant. Rambellwood felt warm, and <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">wonderful.</span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNoAZJZzVbI/AAAAAAAACIg/t5cdT8ZuNtE/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNoAZJZzVbI/AAAAAAAACIg/t5cdT8ZuNtE/s400/IMG_2103.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
But, our lives have changed, and are changing still. Mom is on a strict diet, that builds her immune system, and starves the cancer cells, and our already health conscious household is undergoing major adjustments. We drove to Dallas on Thursday, to stock our pantry with organic produce, and purchase organically made personal care products, soaps, toothpaste, etc. Everything made with artificial processes and harmful chemicals is disappearing from our shelves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNoLh_gy3SI/AAAAAAAACIo/27PoZCUQfSI/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNoLh_gy3SI/AAAAAAAACIo/27PoZCUQfSI/s400/IMG_2077.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
What a whirlwind it has made our lives, but what new joys we are blessed with! Mom is her old, energetic, self, and yet a new woman. She is planning our new life with the gusto and fervor I know so well. Her treatments in California strengthened her immune system, and gave her body the impetus to fight for itself.<br />
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As of yet, we do not have medical proof of improvement. No official tests have been made, <i>yet</i>. But, the proof is in Mom's very life, in the return of her energy, of her health. She lowered the dosage of her pain patch, with, unlike her last attempt, positive results.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNoNly4gyCI/AAAAAAAACIw/wo9jfOZCFMs/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-dLtKbJnQTc/TNoNly4gyCI/AAAAAAAACIw/wo9jfOZCFMs/s400/IMG_2065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
What else can I say? Despite no official results, we <i>know</i> that she is healing. We <i>know</i> these new treatments are working, and working extremely well. We know, and we are blessed beyond belief in the knowledge. And slowly, week by week, the Lord is putting the pieces of our life together, like a scattered jigsaw puzzle, piece by piece, becoming a whole picture. I can feel that wholeness, wrapping His warmth around us, binding us to each other, and<i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">binding us to Him.</span></i><br />
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With all my heart,<br />
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Emma<br />
<i>and all of us at Rambellwood</i><br />
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Note: If you have any questions, please let me know. So much happens, it is hard to put it all into words. Some of your questions may be difficult to answer, but others I may simply have forgotten to mention.Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-32291385758413282272010-10-11T19:45:00.000-07:002010-10-11T19:45:58.825-07:00Another Update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So... here we are, the nine of us, separated by innumerable miles, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">watching the Lord work</span>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Grace</i>, in San Antonio with dear friends, learning and growing,</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span>becoming</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> the woman of grace He has molded her to be.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sam</i>, in Denton, pursuing his future, and here at home, pursuing </span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">our</span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> future, as a family, and as </span><em><strong><a href="http://thegreatinterference.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">a band</span></a></strong></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Mom and Dad, and Johanna and Sarah Anne and Matthew</i>, far away in California, settling into their apartment, into their life, and into the routine at the clinic, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">seeking God's peace </span>through the passing days.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>And James and I</i>, here at home, continuing our lives, moving forward with what He, our Father in Heaven, has for us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Today is Mom's birthday, and the thought of her, and all the years our family has spent together, tugs at my heart. How do I put this feeling into words? This incredible, wistful longing for my family to be together again, mixed with an unbelievable hope that, as Johanna said to me in a chat, </span><br />
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<blockquote>"the Lord wants to do something in EACH of us... and when He has done that work, He will bring us back together again."</blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And those works are beginning. The Lord is working in us, <i>and through us</i>. Here are Dad's words on their experience so far at the <i>Issels Clinic</i>.</span><br />
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<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The care Bonny is getting is very diverse. She gets an IV bag each morning which contains a long list of vital nutritional components for building her immune system. We both meet with one or two of the three doctors available to us. Today we were told that the </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1286566668_5" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">initial blood test</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> revealed many good levels, including in her liver. She also has massage, acupunture, hyperberic oxen chamber, and sauna treatments, all natural ways of building the body to fight the disease. Even this description barely scratches the surface of all that we are experiencing.</span></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Issel</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">s there is quite a team of caring people who have had many good results with their treatment protocol outside of traditional western </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1286566668_2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">oncology</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and medicine. One thing that was obvious to us our first few days is how careful they are in mentioning anything spiritual. One of the doctors who spoke to us </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1286566668_3" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">on Tuesday</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, during lunch, was talking about drawing from a higher power and used the term, "the </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1286566668_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">infinite energy</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> of the universe". He said to be "relentless in your pursuit of this positive energy connection". Whoa now! This, at first was disturbing. But, as the Lord confirmed through another speaker today, God is not limited by this in our lives and rather uses it to strengthen our resolve. Our "relentless pursuit of this infinite energy" is not to an unknown force. His name is Jesus, our Savour, and Friend. He has called us by name. We are His. Bonny told this doctor that her hope was not in</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Issels</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> but in Jesus. He agreed."</span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dad told me stories of Mom, of the light she is in that place. Her condition is rare, and it is easy to be discouraged about ever finding a treatment that could work, but, as Mom spoke, in her own words. "I am not trusting this IV (they are feeding treatments into her body through the IV) to save me. I am trusting Jesus to save me."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There are no truer words than those, no greater hope than that. No matter what comes our way, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">we must trust Jesus to carry us through it</span>. Pray that we will find our trust in Him, that His strength, unending, will buoy us up in this struggle.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And for that, thank you. Thanks to all of you, for your prayers, and your thoughts, for your donations, and the efforts you are making on our behalf. We are blessed beyond belief by the army that surrounds us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will try to post again soon, as soon as we hear more definite results from the doctors at <i>Issels</i>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Emma</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>and all of us from Rambellwood</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span>Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-454697454768614690.post-39356939796999238932010-09-30T12:20:00.000-07:002010-09-30T12:20:23.639-07:00On the Road to California<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">After much prayer, research, and consideration, Bonny will be starting a new treatment in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1285865915_0" style="color: #366388;">Santa Barbara, California</span>, at the<i><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1515795642"> Issels </a></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1285865915_1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; color: #366388; cursor: pointer;"><i><a href="http://www.issels.com/">Medical Center</a></i></span>. Though chemo had been holding the cancer at bay, it by no means was applying a cure or allowing her body to resist the disease. Rather, the chemo was breaking down her body's own immune system and ability to fight. For many weeks we have struggled with this and have explored other means. <i>Issels</i>, as you can see from their web site, not only offers non-toxic treatment, but has the history of helping people who were given no hope elsewhere. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span> </div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Since we will be traveling outside of Texas, Medicaid will not provide for this treatment for Bonny. This has been another huge step, but we know God will provide. Her life is to too precious to settle for less. We will be able to get the ball rolling at <i>Issels </i>with the donations so many of you have blessed us with. We do anticipate a need for more funds and are inviting anyone who is able to help.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span> </div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">We are leaving early this morning. Driving for three days to <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1285865915_4" style="color: #366388;">California</span>. Bonny, Johanna, Sarah Anne, Matthew and I will be staying for approximately one month there in an apartment that <i>Issels</i> is providing, only charging us utilities since we are cash pay. Grace will be staying with dear friends in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1285865915_5" style="color: #366388;">San Antonio</span> and James and Emma will be here at home. Of course, Sam is still in school, UNT in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1285865915_6" style="color: #366388;">Dallas</span>.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span> </div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Your prayers have been felt by all of us. We are hanging on to every word God is saying to us through His word. We will keep you informed as much as possible while away.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span> </div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Trusting the Lord,</span></div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span> </div><div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Cary</span></div>Emma Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05748489776196996868noreply@blogger.com0