Something to Really Be Thankful For

The following email came from a friend of mine who I am sure wouldn't mind their story being shared, but I am going to change (will be in italics) their names and their business type because I haven't asked their permission to use them. If you don't believe in miracles, this is a true miracle that my friend knows God gave him.

Ronald had a tumor on his right kidney that the doctors said was 85 - 90% sure the tumor was cancer. The kidney was removed and when the tests came back - no cancer. Now you know of a true miracle!

This email is written by Ronald's wife.

When we count the things and people we are thankful for on this Thanksgiving, all of you are at the top of our list. We are so thankful for all of our friends near and far who have prayed for and thought about us over the past few months.

We are also thankful for the outcome of Ronald's health. He is feeling pretty good and not so tired. The left kidney is not functioning as well as hoped and the Drs. think it has some of its own issues. It is only functioning at 20%. That's what it was doing before surgery and it didn't pick up anymore, but hey, we're thankful for that 20% and that there is no cancer because that leaves alot of options open for the future. The Drs. say he could go on 20% for a long time, everyone is different.

As much as Ronald's illness has stressed us out, alot of blessings have come out of it. God has directed us in alot of different directions in 2007 and one of them was for me to get involved in the day to day business of the family business. After being married 26 years and working for Ronald a couple times before, I knew some about it but Ronald had a hard time letting me organize things. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to find anything, but when his illness came up and we didn't know what the future held, we both knew that I had to get in there and learn the business to help take stress off of him and I have done just that.

We have been working great together and alot of changes have and are being made at the family business. Not only did we invest in a computer and a family business program for the computer, we are proud owners of a WEBSITE!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and THANKS FOR GIVING!

Tony Dungy Shows Us: Not all Sports Figures Are BAD Role Models

Just when it seems that you shouldn't have a sports figure as your role model, you find a story like the one below. I am involved with the family listed in the story through some Chaplain work I do with a Christian University. And please don't let Dylan's story go unnoticed in the hype of a famous person, and I would just bet that if you asked Tony, he would say this story should have Dylan's picture with it and not his. Out of privacy concerns, I'll stick with the picture of Tony and just ask that you keep Dylan in your prayers!

And while you are talking with the Lord about Dylan, add Tony Dungy and his family too! Tony had a son commit suicide in late 2005, and he was a great role model then as well, when he showed his Christian faith that is ever so present, and that family is more important than professional football.

Thank you Tony for visiting Dylan! I bet you prayed for him today, too.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

That is the amazing verse that is on the "Basket of Hope" bear that was just delivered to Dylan this evening. We had the amazing honor of meeting the Indianapolis Colts' Coach Tony Dunge this afternoon. He and his staff delivered these wonderful baskets to the kids on the oncology floor here at Riley.

Dylan was not feeling well so we didn't get a picture but it was an awesome moment to be visited by such an inspirational and wonderful man.

Dylan's basket had lots of toys, books, DVD's, Colts football & hat and other little inspirational things. They also gave mom a little tote bag with some Max Lucado books (my fav author) and the Tony Dunge memoir.

It really lifted Dylan's and my spirits to get so many nice things and to be visited by Mr. Dunge. That scripture is just what I needed today to remember that it is in God's hands and I need to just keep being hopeful and faithful.

Dylan is feeling better today than yesterday but still does not feel very good. He still won't eat. He is still battling fever. They are keeping him comfortable with the Morphine.

Thank you again for the hope, love, friendship, encouragement and inspiration. You will never know how touched I have been by everyone's AMAZING support.

Love & Blessings,

Michele, Sydney & Dylan