Greetings Dear Friend:
"How are you doing?"
This is a question we have been receiving a lot lately. It's really hard to answer this question. We are hanging in there. We have had appointments and meetings every week since the tumor diagnosis. We have been overrun with information. We have felt overwhelmed by blessings. We have received so much love and support. We have had no choice but to be humbled. We are also going about business as usual. Justin hasn't missed a day of work. I continue to tend to the home while perfecting my new job of chauffeuring. We have had to confront hard realities. We have had tough conversations. We have also had fun. We have laughed. We have loved. We have lived. The interesting thing is that there are moments of pure bliss and then there are moments of fear. We are human, but we are resilient. We are weary, but we are hopeful.
At 9am in the morning (September 13), Justin will endure a 6-8 hour craniotomy to remove this brain tumor. We ask your prayers for the following:
1. a successful surgery - 100% tumor resection with total margins and no deficits
2. that all medical staff will know clearly what is needed, with focused minds and steady hands
3. comfort and peace for ourselves, family, and friends
4. the tender hearts of our babies, Barrett and Tatum
5. that we will be prepared for what is next in recovery and beyond
6. that we are able to exhibit the fruits of the spirit through this trial
7. thanksgiving that God has truly provided for us in unimaginable ways
The only true manual we have for navigating something so blindsiding as the news of a brain tumor is the Bible. Consulting the Word of God has been very comforting to me...seeing so many verses in a new way, with a new lens. We have so much hope because our home has never been this fallen world. Our home is the perfect one Jesus is preparing for us in Heaven. In Psalm 30, David alludes to this joy that we have, contrasting our inevitable death with the eternal life that will follow. Even though I find myself weeping more often than usual, that blessed joy is coming in the morning.
Please remember us in your prayers.
LOVE, THE DUFFEYS
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 NKJV
Your faith and trust in the Lord is inspirational. As you have said lean on him and he will get you through. Prayers for Justin, you, and your family. Your writing about yours and Justin's journey is amazing. I sit here and think to myself that I have questioned my faith in all that has happened in my life. Then, here is this amazing family with great strength and faith. That will get through this journey because of their faith alone. It's truly inspiring. Prayers for you all
ReplyDeleteLord God we lift this family up to you.
ReplyDeleteYou know them well for they have followed you faithfully for many, many years.
Please be with them and give them peace.
Please be with all the medical staff and give them clear minds and steady hands.
We ask for things that only you can do.
We ask for a successful surgery, a quick and complete recovery, and we ask all these things in your name and for your glory.
We love you.
We trust you.
Amen.
We love you guys. Anything you need we are just a phone call away!
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ReplyDeletePrayers for all you asked for! Love from the Millers!
ReplyDeletePraying God’s hands on this surgery and recovery!
ReplyDeletePraying for Justin as he is in the care of the doctors today. May God's grace be with him and everyone involved. Prayers for comfort and peace for his family and friends, to know God has
ReplyDeleteJustin in his hands.
Charlie and I are praying for all of you!
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