Soldiering On. A Note From Jan. Jud's Journal Entry Twenty-nine.
LUNDER 1032 DAY #27 for Jud Veteran’s Day for most, November 11, 2014
After breakfasting with Martha at the Ipswich Inn, I drove down 1A, heading into Boston and MGH. Approaching Hamilton, traffic slowed, then stopped . A policeman kept us at bay while a small band of veterans marched down 1A, then turned into the Hamilton Cemetery. Appropriate place to honor those who died, some heroes of wars, others ordinary men and women, veterans who deserve our thanks.
Lunder 10 keeps fresh the dailyness of life. The truth that moments matter. Wars rage. Enemies lurk. “Take up the whole armor of God. . .grab that shield of faith. . .grab the shoes, the helmet.” Be prepared.
Reminds me of a sermon I heard once. The pastor said, “I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that Jesus is praying for you. The bad news is you’re going to need it.” I’m there.
Jud’s coming home tomorrow. You’d think we’d want a parade… though not to the cemetery! No parade. Prayer.
So many things not right or well… Counts ok. WBC 5.48 (within normal range) But Jud’s still so swollen from fluid retention. Still chemo-brain, pain-brain. Dr. said, ”Get out while the gettin’s good.”
So tomorrow I pick up my battle weary soldier Who’s hanging by a thin thread of hope. He’s weary of this war. Me, too. And it’s not over. We’re just moving the operation to a new camp.
Heather arrived from California this afternoon. Fresh recruits. Felt like sunshine when she entered 1032. Jud uncurled, lifting his face to the Light that came with his daughter. So many sacrifices in this war.
Tonight Heather and I packed up Jud’s room. War strategies: photos from home, posters, books, CDs. . .ways to defeat the enemies of hope. ”Know why I’m doing this?” I asked, as Jud watched. “Because they’re our family and we don’t want to leave them.” After swallowing hard, I said to Jud, ”That’s true. But Heather and I are gathering this stuff because you are coming home tomorrow!”
But Jud’s answer makes more sense. I’m sure that’s why he’s fought so hard. “Because they’re our family and we don’t want to leave them.”
Life is hard. Life is good. Veterans’ Day and Lunder 10 remind us that both are true and worth fighting for. Soldier on.
26 Comments
Tears in my eyes, hope in my prayers, love in my heart. Your writings mean so much to so many. Another wonderful legacy from you both. With much heart felt love, Ellie
Dearest Jan and Jud,
We are praying that all goes smoothly today. No parades, no fanfares, just a gentle transition back to the place where there is belonging and family and peace and a joy-filled life. Best of all tonight you finally get to tuck into your own cosy bed and lay in each others' arms. It was a grueling 30 days but it is behind you now. Home at last. Thank you God for this day
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Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might. You have.
We still pray daily and send our love, Susan and Bob
Welcome home!!! Post anything you need!
We are so happy you will be at home to finish out the healing process. Just being together is precious.
How marvelous that so many people are praying together, praying for you, bringing your names before Him.
Malachi 3:16-17 "Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.
"And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."
Jud is definitely a jewel himself. How awesome that God hears all these prayers and remembers them.
We love you.
Praying continues from the rear guard...you soldiers on the front line are an inspiration to the rest of us. Bless you mightily, Steve and Ruthie
Praise God! Sunshine is coming through! We keep praying that Dr. C will feel 'normal' soon and for strength for all of you. We thank God for FAMILY! Love you lots!!
Praises to God that Jud is coming to his restful, earthly HOME for more of LIFE with you and us, though it be a battle to get fully well. And God bless Heather for being a helping soldier as well as a precious daughter."I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah knew the answer is NO and so do we. Praying and trusting. With love as always, J & T
Dear Jud and Jan,
We are so happy to hear that Jud will be going home. You have both been on a journey, and it will be so good for you both to be in your home.
We continue to pray, and believe that God's grace is sufficient.
Our love to you both and to the family.
Roger and Karen
Prayers for the next leg of the journey!
We continue to pray!
Today at noon, dear Jan, I will kneel in for Jud for the third time -- as our St. Luke's family at Healing Prayer lays hands on your dear warrior, through me as proxy. His prayer family here will be excited by the news that he is coming home. And they will understand that immense battles continue, and all of us will continue to pray-without-ceasing for you both. Such joy he will feel at walking in the door called Home, and having you present 24/7 ! Know that we stay close, in our corner of the NC mountains.
God's peace to you both,
Faith
Jud and Jan - May the salt air and ocean breezes be healing to your bodies and souls as you journey home. Be assured of my continuing love and prayers.
Hoping that swelling goes down real soon...praying dear ones...
We continue to pray, with so many others. Our God, who has given incredible strength and courage all these weeks, months and years will not fail to do so in this new step. We love you!
David and Joyce
Onward Christian Soldier - will all of our prayers and cheers.
Welcome home Joe College!
Praying for your homecoming to the ocean and praying for continued strength as you soldier on in this battle. Love to you both!
No place like home for R and R (to refresh and regroup the troops). Enjoy each other while we pray.
Continue strong in faith, you two.
Prayers continue here
George and Darleen
There will be an invisible celebratory parade of prayer warriors following you home tomorrow. There is no place like HOME.
I know it's not the same at all, but... maybe in a very small way it is. I remember so vividly when they told us Sherri was ready to go home after several weeks in the hospital and several weeks in rehab. Two broken legs, no feeling or movement in her left leg below the knee, in pain all the time - terrible nerve pain they couldn't really do anything about - scared, oh so scared she may never walk on her own again... We were going to her little 2nd floor apt with no elevator. They had worked hard with her to be able to do stairs, but it wasn't easy. They practiced with her to be able to get in and out of the car - she was petrified of cars - it was a car that crushed her legs. Anyway, we made it - more stories another time - but remembering how I felt makes me pray EXTRA hard and passionately and continually for you. God gave me peace and joy over and over and over during those minutes, hours, days, weeks, months. (A huge joy was a packet of 7 daily notes and gifts from you to Sherri - that was such a treasure!!!) His grace is truly amazing, isn't it?! I'm trusting His amazing grace in your lives. It's a promise. He is faithful. So much love and hugs. Wendy
...praying!
Praying and believing with you!!
Ps 18:16-19
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters, He rescued me from my powerful enemy,from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support, He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Spacious place- home with love all around him
Praying with you in this advance in the war
Praying for the strength of the Spirit this day, for all of you.