We have been waiting now for nearly a week to receive approval from my insurance to continue treatment at MD Anderson. The hospital will not schedule an appointment until they receive insurance approval, so we continue to be in a holding pattern. I’ve been working the phones and making myself a nuisance to the insurance company and the hospital, while Christi has been doing some preliminary packing and tying up loose ends.
Our patience has been tried for sure. We are anxious to get on the road (it’s a two-day drive) and continue with my treatment. By the grace of God, I am still feeling great, knowing that each passing day could mean the multiplication of leukemia in my bone marrow. My blood tests continue to be acceptable, which indicates the leukemia has not yet entered my blood stream in large enough amounts to wreak havoc. That alone is a blessing and an indication that God is at work.
I turned in my work computer and BlackBerry yesterday. To me, it was the last gesture in relinquishing command of the battalion that I’ve been part of for the last fifteen years and have grown to love. It was a tough pill to swallow. I’ve effectively not been in command since May when I was first admitted to the hospital, but have provided occasional guidance and remained in contact. At first, we hoped that I would get better and return to finish my command tour; however, with the first failure of chemotherapy, the reality set in that my command tour was over. The second failure of induction chemo and now the relinquishing of my electronic connection on the eve of our temporary relocation to Texas have sealed the deal. All that is left is the official order that reassigns me as a “project officer” or similar position at the state headquarters, essentially placing me in a holding pattern at work as well. I am so very blessed to continue to receive a paycheck, insurance, and support from my chain of command; still, this is an unwelcome delay to a career that I love and was created to do.
I was upstairs this morning, frustrated after talking to yet another insurance rep, when I felt God saying to me, “Have you stopped trusting me already?” No, Lord. We still believe that He will heal me, so this wait, although frustrating, is really insignificant. Bureaucracy or any of man’s schemes will not interrupt God’s plans. My career is secure in Him – He is my Provider – and should be the least of my worries. Trusting in Him also requires patience, as God’s timing is perfect. The Apostle Paul, who knew a thing or two about suffering and patience, called us to “[b]e joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12, NIV). This is a better remedy for my exasperation than fretting about things over which I have no control.
Sir,
Continually praying for your and your family. As you stated God’s timing is perfect, just hard for us to understand sometimes.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9(KJV)
Hope that verse helps, it has provided comfort to me in times past.
Your command “time” may be over but you will always be MOUTAIN WARRIOR 6.
SSG Ridener
Thanks, Mark. He is truly with us, whether in KY or TX.
Continuing to pray for you, your health, and your family Sir. -SGT Ashley
Thanks, Matt.
MW6,
You and your family is in our prayers and thoughts. If you need anything do not hestitate to call. I have full trust in the Lord that he will guide and help you beat this devil as he did me.
SSG Begley
Thanks, Jason. Appreciate the prayers. He is good and you’re proof of that.
Jeff!! I wish you and your family peace and love. I am a hematologist at UNC-Chapel Hill and I trained at Mayo and have friends at MD Anderson. I hope that your insurance company expedites your approval! If I can help translate jargon or put you in touch with another treatment center (such as Mayo), please don’t hesitate to ask.
Hugs,
Brandi Reeves
Berea College Class of 2000
Thanks, Brandi. It’s god to hear from you. Congrats on completing medical school and all that followed. So far, MD Anderson has been great. Thanks for offering to help; I’ll remember that if I get in a bind here.
Sir,
As I finished up another Resilience course today in Lexington, I am reminded of the day 1LT Windburn and myself came to visit you at UK, which happened to be during the first Resilience course I had the pleasure of being an instructor for back in May. I took your example and words of wisdom back to the students in the course and shared.
As a fellow believer, I find comfort in your faith knowing that you are in the best hands! Though you express your disappointment in handing over your command, I would offer you this: I have never been more “lead” by you than what I am now. Your perspective and discipline derived from your faith demand my attention and order me to take action in my own life and to, by GOD’s intention, let my life be my witness to our Soldiers. I have, for far too long, let my faith and relationship with our Creator slack. Through a series of events, including yours, I am going back to where I belong and am better than I was days, weeks, and months ago! It sounds selfish, but I know that you know GOD can use all things (even cancer) to glorify HIS kingdom and I wanted you to know that many others are also turning their lives around having been inspired by your faith!
Know that you are prayed for! The Vineyard Church in Richmond is praying for you, my 6 year old daughter prays for you, THE BATALLION is praying for you, and the list goes on. GOD Speed to your healing and GOD Bless you and your family!
Always Respectfully,
1LT Daugherty
Thanks, Josh. I am very encouraged and humbled by your words. It challenges me to be better and to trust our Lord even more. This whole experience has reinforced for me the fact that our Soldiers (and friends, family, etc) are always watching. How we, as leaders, conduct ourselves really does matter. That’s leadership 101, I know, but truly leadership by example is the most effective form. Thanks for believing that and applying it. God is good and is working through you.
-MW6
Thank you for sharing with us some of your journey. Your blogs are excellent and I am always blessed to read each one.
Praying and Trusting with you,
Chaplain Brent Kelly
Thanks, Brent. Very much appreciated.
Sir,
My husband and I will continue to say prayers for you and your family. Your faith is a blessing to others and your blogs are truely inspirational.
CW2 Debra Cunningham
Thanks, Chief. Keep praying for us. We’re still trusting God to move mountains.
Hang in there Sir! You truly are an example of strength and faith for anyone that comes across your path, life, and blog. Like Josh D. said, you’re not in this alone: So many of us are hoping and praying for you and your beautiful family on a daily basis. God is love; he hears our prayers!
Thanks for that encouragement, Rob. He does, in fact, hear our prayers. We have seem Him move and know that He will fulfill his promises to us.