January 30, 2002: No News Is Good News

Friends:

Several of you have written or called wondering how Sheri is doing and what the results of my bone marrow biopsy were. Sheri's cold kept her pretty much out of order all week. I teased her about how much I resented her taking my well-worn spot on the couch. She, rightly, ignored me, and asked me to make her tea. I thought about saying no, then recounted pretty much any day between April 1 and New Years and decided I'd better do it, and tell her thanks for the privilege. In fact, one day last week as I was out running errands I found myself weeping as I walked through the mall, overcome by how gracious and kind she's been to me in the past few months. It's a remarkable thing, really. No one truly has a clue what they're saying when they echo the "better or worse, sickness or in health" bit. But when we're faced with it--as she was this year, in droves--the true measure of your character is clear. I'm a lucky man. Oh, and by the way, by Sunday afternoon she was starting to be her old self again. Thanks for asking. As far as the biopsy goes, until today I hadn't heard a thing from my doctors. Today they called to apologize--they were supposed to book an appointment for me this week to talk about my results, but forgot. (Apparently they have a policy against discussing major test results over the phone.) So now they're trying to justle schedules so that I can meet with them in the next couple of days (as I'll be in Canada all next week visiting friends and family). Dr. Luger's assistant, Tammy, did say that "this is all very routine, so don't get worried," so I think we can go on assuming consistency with other test results. Obviously, I'll let you know if I hear anything otherwise.

Several of you have also asked about our financial shape. First of all, thank you for being concerned. We so appreciate your prayers and support and kindness. It's been quite staggering. As for money, EAPE/Campolo Ministries has been extraordinarily generous to us. They essentially treated me like a full-time employee through the end of the year, keeping me on salary and paying my health benefits, allowing us to go through the toughest phase of treatment without, literally, ever having to worry, or even discuss money. It was kind above measure or expectation. Beginning the first of the year EAPE chose to put me on half-salary and continue to pay my insurance until June; again, an exceptionally generous move on their part. This frees me up to spend a few weeks getting my mind and body healthy and in shape (only now beginning to walk limp-free--from the Shingles--and get back to a normal body chemistry/ equalibrium/ thermostat, and just beginning to not want to sleep 18 hours a day) as well as giving us a cushion for me to start a job search. Again, EAPE has been kind beyond words to us. If you have the inclination and the wherewithall, please feel free to thank Tony Campolo and co. on our behalf. (EAPE, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids PA 19087).

Recounting this kindness can only serve to make me aware of the many who suffer without the support we've received. Again, I don't know how they survive. Remember them, even as you pray for Sheri and me.

Do take care of yourselves. We love you all very much.

Dwight

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