April 4, 2004

Main Page • John's Journal (2000-2003) • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 132:11

(Click here for larger versions of the pictures)

I have no idea how to start this. Yesterday was simply indescribable!
The Fife School District staff, students, and community (as well as some other friends and neighbors) held a work party for our family. The turn out
was unbelievable. There must have been forty to fifty people here. It was amazing what we were able to get done. An entire summer's worth of work
was accomplished in one day As I reflect back on yesterday, the best part has to be the feeling I got seeing all these people here to support me and my family. As I said earlier, the feeling was indescribable. There was a lot of love here yesterday.

Like the Toby Mac song says:

"When love is in the house, the house is packed. "
(There was a lot of love at our house yesterday and the house was definitely packed.)

My family and I want to thank everyone for giving of their time and for working so hard yesterday. Also, a special thank you to my good friend and colleague, Kirk Dodge, for all the time and effort you put into organizing the work party. It was a great day! We are truly blessed.

I have more good news. Thanks to a great tip from our friends David and Karen Gustafson, we were able to secure a wonderful apartment to rent during my three month stay in Seattle. Karen is recovering from a successful transplant and it is the same apartment she stayed in. The apartment is six minutes from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and it will be a nice home away from home. Finding housing can be very difficult, so I am grateful David and Karen were able to help us find a place.

As I make final preparations for transplant, God is clearly in control. Everything appears to be falling into place. As long as everything goes well on my donors end I should stay on schedule for April 13th pre-transplant work ups and a May 4th transplant. I feel good physically and am mentally ready to go. If it is God's will, I am ready to win this cancer battle once and for all.

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