The rhythm can be deceiving, though, because there is a progression. He's looking thinner every day, which doesn't seem possible. To be expected when his stomach isn't accepting nutrition or hydration, but really hard to watch in slow motion. He's still "with it" when he talks to us, but can't remember some things very well (like the king crab last Friday). His sense of humor is still there - and we'll definitely take as much of that as we can get!
Yesterday, Amy had a nice quiet morning, and to get a change of pace I went with her friend Roberta on a hike to the sea caves on Lake Superior with the Oulu 4H troop. We had a great time, and it was nice to see another beautiful corner of the world and talk to Roberta and the kids of "shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings".We saw a bear outside the house this morning - a yearling who was checking out the watermelon rinds in the compost pile. I tried to get a picture, but it scrammed before I could catch it. And hummingbirds have been continually buzzing around the house - Amy's got flowers there that attract them, no feeder needed! I may try to get a picture later - if I do I'll post it.
Thank you and thank you again for the loving cards, comments and e-mails.
14 comments:
Dear Johnson Three,
Thanks so much for the blogsite and the chance to know how things are going. So many people, us included, ache inside knowing what Dale is going through at this time.
Dale, you hold such a special place in our hearts and a huge place in our memories. I've known you for over 30 years now, (that must mean we met when I was a young child!), and there are very few people who have influenced my, and Tom's, life the way you have. You led Tom to a personal relationship with Christ, mentored him as a young man, mentored us both as a couple, honored us by being the pastor to marry us, and even dedicated our middle child, Alaina, (this was AFTER you scared us to death by feeding Alaina a blueberry BEFORE we even had her on solid foods...she survived and starts college next week!).
One of the most endearing qualities you've freely shared all these years is your sense of humor! What a fabulous gift you have making others laugh and enjoying life the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Thank you Dale, for your laughter, teasing, smiles, and mischievous grins. It is easy to picture "the laughing Christ" when with you.
We will continue to pray for each of you. You all mean so much. Thanks especially Angie for the pictures. It would be so good to see you again.
With love, and often tears,
Vicki & Tom A.
Menomonie
Dear Angela (and Family):
Thank you for sharing these glimpses of your world with us.
Thankful that you are together during this time and know that we [all your friends, Tracy, me, Mustafa, etc] love and support you and keep you constantly in our prayers.
The outdoor setting you described today sounds whimsical, very beautiful and restful, like a dream. Thank you for showing us your courage and even delights during this time.
Checking in daily,
Jen
Just checking in to let you know I'm glad Dale is back home. Hospitals, though necessary, are not home. May your days be restful, meaningful and deep in the grace of our loving Jesus!
Sam Wood
Hi Dear People, Just appreciate the updates so much as we wonder all the time what's happening. Am trying to keep the siblings in contact too - the ones w/out computers. We pray for your comfort and God's help in the daily tasks. Jim & Lynn
Dale has had a significant impact on my life in the past couple of years and I am wondering what the 'visitor rules' are...I would love a chance to see him and let him know how much he has meant to me. Please let me know if this is possible: my name is Mark Roth and my email adress is: kantikara@iserv.net
and cell # is 616.890.4618
Otherwise, if I could send him a note via this page, please let me know that as well....
Peace,
Mark Roth
Dear Pastor Dale & family:
I don't know if you remember us. We are Andy & LIndy Larson from Bethany church-Mason. We met at our church once or twice and then we saw you again at Eugene Anderson's visitation in Ashland. We were so sad to hear of your cancer through Pastor John. Our church is praying for you! Pastor John gave me your web address yesterday and as I sat reading them, the tears were flowing as we think about what all you have been going through. We did experience much the same with my sister, Joyce who also had stomach cancer. Her illness took her two years ago this fall. We have been thinking of you so often and we still will pray for a miracle and will trust that the Lord has your life in his hands. We are praying that the Lord will give you the strength to face each day!
The song that meant so much to me one day when we were heading to the cities to be with my sister was: "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord". The song touched me so much at that time because whether we are in timss where streams of abundance flow or when we are on the road marked with suffering-though there's pain in the offering, we still need to say "Blessed be the Name of the Lord". Boy thats hard sometimes, but we are praying that you will beable to trust through this difficult time. I wish I could type the words of the whole song. I'm sure you know it!
Please know that we will uphold you daily in prayer.
Andy & Lindy Larson
Hello today. I just wanted to send out blessings on each of you. Dale, if there is one thing in life I could be certain of it would be your sense of humor. Angie, thanks again for this page. I check it every day. We send our love and prayers to all of you. Bill & Carol Strever
Hi Dale, Amy and Angie,
I just want to remind you that all of us at camp are watching and praying with you. I know what it is to take turns caring for a father at this time. So we will continue to pray for all of you. God bless you.
Tim and Cindy Johnson
Wow ! It was great to see Dale & Amy today. This blog is wonderful as we move back to Hayward for few days. It will keep us in touch as I am asked daily about the Pastor Dale news.
Angie- hang in there - I wish we had met because I have been where you are now. My thoughts and strength flows to you through prayer. I wish I could hold you and let you know I understand your feelings.
Amy & Dale have meant so much to us in the all too short time we have known them.
Hang in there !
Patty Leslie
Pas Dale & Amy
Kathy Swanstrom gave me your blog address. I have been praying for you. I remember the last time I saw you at Jeanine's for the family Thanksgiving. May God continue to encourage you and give you strength and peace.
God Bless. Anona (Kathy's college rommate & Friendship's Librarian)
Dear Dale and Amy,
What fond memories we have you the two of you when you came to our log home when you were engaged. Tim met you at Wood Lake Camp when he had the privilege of building the climbing tower with you. What a great fellow to work with...the two of you did it in an day. We are having a family reunion at camp on Labor Day weekend and so I have been talking with Tim at camp...he said you were going to be the head man to get the new Retreat center going. They missed your spirit at the first meeting I'm sure. We had thought of stopping to see you on Sunday coming home from Duluth but didn't have your address or know if you would want company. When my sister was so ill it didn't seem like company even cheered her up. We have a daughter Amy in N.C. married to a pastor and they have two children. Amy I am praying for you everyday and know it must be so hard to see your strong loved husband in such a weak condition. We go to Salem-Ashland and we prayed for you and Pasor Rod encouraged us to pray for Dale's healing right up to the end if that is the Lord's will. Give yourselves hugs from us and we have only heard how well loved you are in Iron River. Love you too, Tim and Karen Gabler
For Uncle Dale..
The Lord had a plan
for those bright, blue eyes,
freckles, and bright orange hair.
“Heed my calling, preach the gospel”, he said to
the man who walks with God.
Go to the places in great need,
he listened and obeyed.
His kindness and love
give strength and salvation,
the man who walks with God.
In his own time of need
He amazes many with
a faint smile and a grin or two - -
helping others to accept what lies ahead,
the man who walks with God.
His unselfish path in life has taught
each day is a blessed gift.
We embrace him in prayer
and forever remember
the man who walks with God.
We love you :)
Dear Dale
I love you and thank God that our paths crossed during your life here on earth. I will always have wonderful memories of you, Rod, Scott, Bernie, and me singing together at Friendship Church. When you get to heaven , if you can, send some kind of sign from above that you are ok.
God's love to you ..
Goodbye for now..
Beth P.
Dear Dale,Amy & Angie,
I just wanted to let you know how much you all mean to me and let you know that we are praying for you! It is really hard to think about how hard it is for you all now and that only the Lord can calm our hearts!
Dale thinking back when I was young and remembering how much you ment to me and the life lesons you instilled in me, I just want to thank you!! You were always there for all of us and your wonderful smile would let us know that you cared and made us feel good about ourselves,even though we were awkward teens.You have touched so many lives.I remember what a GREAT surprise it was to see you in Amys backyard on 13th one night when I stopped over (although I can't remember why?)and I knew what a wonderful couple you guys would be! Tee Hee!We will continue to pray for you all and remember,you are LOVED!
PS I can picture Angie sitting in her highchair with spaghetti all over her face and the great big smile she gave Vicki& I!!
Love always,
Deb& Bruce McCutcheon
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