Surgery Tomorrow, 1PM (02/07/2014 Update)
Posted: 02/06/2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 10 Comments
I didn’t sleep as long as I would have hoped for. Woke up around 3am and laid in bed with visions of surgery dancing in my head. I worked a long day yesterday trying to prepare for another absence from work. And on my drive home yesterday and again this morning my thoughts were taking me to some slippery slopes.
As I was reflecting I couldn’t help but wonder how fast this surgery has come up. They say “time flies by when you are having fun.” Well I must be having a lot of fun because the time seems to be rolling by too quickly.
When I was young, a year seemed sooo long. Now the years seem to go by in the blink of an eye. And I think that fighting cancer may actually increase this perceived acceleration of time — exponentially.
I celebrated fifty years at the end of January and now I’m wondering how long I have left. Am I living the final chapters of my life? And on the day before another surgery I worry it could be the final paragraph of the last chapter.
But then comes the morning light. The realization. None of us know when the end will come. And ultimately it’s not about me. It’s about Jesus and his plan.
The Lord does have a plan for each of us. And while we may not know how the plan will unfold we can be sure of one thing. It is a perfect plan.
In my career I’ve done a fair share of planning. And I have to admit that the execution rarely unfolded as envisioned. If I could be sure of one thing it was that the actual would NOT go according to plan.
But I know that Jesus’ plan is perfect. More perfect than we could ever imagine it to be. I know that the Lord will guide me as I walk through this valley. I may not see the extents of our Lord’s master plan but one day, when I meet him face to face, I will surely marvel in the beauty and magnificence of it.
For now I simply have to trust in the Lord and take life one day at a time. To focus on the here and now (as an angel pointed out to me not too long ago). To keep a good perspective. And to love and cherish each soul that I meet along the way.
Isn’t that the point of life? To enjoy our time together now. Enjoy today. While we are here together. Cherish each other.
The song Today comes to mind. This was a very powerful song in my younger days and it is equally powerful “today.” The lyric I love best is:
“A million tomorrows shall all pass away, ere I forget all the joy that is mine today“
So once again, I request your prayers for my family and me. As we go into another battle with this cancer. Please pray for Dr. Knol and his team, that our Lord may guide him in his work. And for my wife, that she may continue to find strength and peace throughout this journey. And for my children, that they may continue to grow in faith and love, knowing Jesus is here for them.
And please be assured that I too will pray for you.
May God bless you and keep you! And may his light shine down upon you and overflow your heart with love, life, and happiness.
Sincerely,
Philip
Phil's Blog 
My thoughts and prayers for many more “todays” are with you!
Phil: One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 because it reminds me that believers always have a hope and a future with the LORD no matter the circumstances of life.
I continue to pray for you — and more so tomorrow for you and your family.
Krea
Dear Husband,
This post made me cry. I know you don’t understand how difficult it is for me to see you in pain and discomfort as you go through this fight, However, the one thing I know, without a doubt, is that I am where I am suppose to be. This I know is God’s plan for me. My love and commitment to you does not waiver. The uncertainly of your future and our life together is heartbreaking, but I love you just the same.and there is no other place I would choose to be than by your side.
I love you always and forever.
Wife
Absolutely keeping you, your doctors, and caregivers in my prayers. Enjoy today. I look forward to a post on your successful surgery!
As always, I continue to be inspired by my friends!
Phil- God has given you a strength that proves miracles happen. Your journey (the ups, down and all the levels in between) that you share with us continues to remind us about the important things in life. I’m thankful that you keep us in the loop so we can continue to pray, send positive healing thoughts and support you and your family anyway we can, even if that just means holding you in our loving hearts. You are loved and prayed for every step through this next surgery and recovery. That will continue for all the wonderful “fun” days to come with your amazing wife, incredible family and those of us lucky enough to be your friends.
Connie- You are one of the most amazing ladies I know. Watching you come into Phil’s life and seeing how your families have come together strengthens my ideas of love & destiny.:) I love spending time with your family and it is so easy to see that God put you all together. I’m so happy that you and Phil have each other. I know that your love makes an incredible difference and will contiue to do so. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and just know that we are always here, anytime for anything my friend.
I pray that God again puts his loving, healing hands in motion through Dr.Knol and his medical team for another successful surgery. May he wrap his loving arms around Phil, Connie the kids & family to strengthen their belief and calm their worries. And may he help all of us who love your family so much be everything we can for all of you.
All our love,
Darrick, Colette, Nicolas & Joshua
Prayers and best wishes for a successful outcome!
Another beautiful and heartfelt post by you. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayer along with your surgery team. You are an amazing strong person, so many of us have learned from your journey. Many blessing, Linda
Phil that touched my heart also. I will keep you in my prayers. hugs!
Dearest Brother, We all share the slippery slope. Each of us is alone but also together in love and grace. We pray for the wisdom to behold the beauty, joy and wonder before us. We relish the sparkle in the newly fallen snow and the explosion of rainbows from a sunbeam. We treasure laughter in children and all those around us. We see the miracle in each other. You will always be the miracle I see. We’ll both enjoy the crazy, wacky ride we’re on especially because we can share it. We have no worries…only adventure. Love Always, Mary
Phil, you are such an inspiration. Praying daily for complete healing for you and your family. I give God the glory to have the opportunity to know you! May God continue to shower his love on you, Annesia