441 Days Later

Time moves quickly, doesn't it? It's been 441 days since my uninvited tumor was removed forever changing my life. Clarity only received in the refiner's fire was gifted to me, and for that gift, I am eternally grateful. I also cough differently, which sounds like a sneeze and gains me a lot of "bless you's." I'll take those however I can get them.

I've been blessed to meet a lot of people in the journey of 14,478 days. Many of whom I know and who know me, but many more who only know of who I am or what I did in a previous life. Many I don't know at all, but hope to as I am blessed with more days. Nonetheless, of all the numbers of people I've spoken to over the past 441 days, the caring kindness in humanity has been the most noted quality I've observed. People from around the area who had only heard of my journey are asking me to follow up and share more about my journey. I meet people often who ask me how things are today, a year later, and where things are going. I always share as time allows because there seems to be a genuine desire to know that dark storms have left and better days are ahead. 

Just 11 days ago, I met a couple of nice ladies while shopping at Marshall's who knew who I was. In talking and catching up, I learned about these women, their lives and how we all go through our own issues from which we learn and gain perspective. One lady's husband, who's first name is Ken, is going through his own health crisis right now. Of course, I asked questions as I want to know his story. As a result, his name is a new name included in my list of nightly prayers. Knowing that he and his wife included me in their prayer life compels me to return that favor. Some say that it's not much, but I would argue that prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give one another. 

I have been asked what's next for me many times. How's my health? Will I be returning to singing and leading worship? Though I have a tendency to answer the unknown quicker than I should, I only know what I can control, which isn't much. What I can't control, I do my best to leave to God. Among the many prayers following my surgery 441 days ago, a group of friends circled up together and, with the intercessory prayers of Fr. Henri Caffarel, prayed for a miracle in healing with my voice. I am ashamed to admit that though I was greatly appreciative of their intentions, my skepticism held me back from vigorous participation. However, a miracle occurred without my approval or direct involvement.

396 days ago, on June 28 of 2018, I received what was supposed to be a temporary, 90 day fix to my inability to speak. An injection was made into my left vocal cord which medialized it, allowing contact to be made and my voice to return. The short-term nature of this procedure was to have worn off by the end of August and I was then scheduled for a more permanent surgery medializing my left vocal cord. 90 days came and went and my voice was still as strong as ever. So, the surgery was rescheduled 70 days out into November. Those 70 days came and went with no changes. Today, 396 days later, my speaking voice seems to be as strong as it was before I lost my ability to speak following the surgery. My laryngologist says that it could be considered a miracle that I'm speaking so well still today. This seemingly permanent side-effect is experienced in less than 1% of people receiving the procedure. My ability to speak is better than 99% of his patients, and according to my doctor, still better than a good portion of the healthy population. I left his office a couple of weeks ago with a bit of a bounce in my step, thankful for this unexpected miracle.

The past 441 days has been more up than down. There are still issues resulting from the surgery, but nothing that will slow me down too much. I have hope in better days ahead. I have a faith family that keeps me tethered. I have the wife that God knew I'd need in my life who is my perfect match. I have kids who are persistently teaching me all about a father's patience. I have friends who remind me to love life and share it to the best of my current abilities with gratitude and a smile. 

To anyone who still may be reading my thoughts on this site, please continue to pray for me. If and when we meet up shopping at Dierberg's or Target, please take a moment and introduce yourself. Catch me up on your life and give me the opportunity to share in prayers for you and your family just like you have done for me.

More to come in the future. My next follow up at MD Anderson is scheduled for the end of September. I will provide updates along the way!