Dean P. Demos

Yesterday I attended the funeral of Stanton Johnston who just passed last week from an inoperable brain tumor.  His daughter is a Trinity High School student.  Just hours ago, the father of one of Trinity’s new incoming students passed from drowning in a rip tide at the beach in Destin, Florida.  Two dads are in gone from this life and in the Lord’s presence.  My heart goes out to their mothers, wives, and children.  It’s tough to lose someone you love and depend upon.  This coming Father’s Day will be challenging to these families.

Two thoughts:

1.  At the funeral, Pastor Ken Adams quoted Paul in saying, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”  Stanton’s life did just that.  Those of us who remain have more time to show Christ’s Kingdom through our lives.

2.  Father’s Day is coming.  If you still have your father, show your love and appreciation to him through a meaningful gesture.  If he’s gone, consider giving appreciation to somebody else’s father.

I’m glad to still be here for my loved ones.

“Better Way” Ministries restores men whose lives have been devastated by sin.  While having some signs made at their sign shop, I noticed a very nice hot tub in their warehouse.  It aroused a desire to have one.  I had hot tubs on the brain for several weeks.  It occurred to me how I could spend time in one during my “middle of the night” sleepless periods to get sleepy again.  Also, my aching muscles and joints could get some relief.

After doing my internet research, I began patrolling Craigslist for a used hot tub.  I looked at one nearby, but they wanted $1250 for it.  I didn’t want to pay that much.  Then, one for $300 popped up.  Jeffrey was home for the weekend, so I enlisted his help to go get it … to Barnesville, Ga., 1.25 hours away.  They said it just quit.  I brought it home and promptly found an internal wire that had burned.  I cleaned it and reconnected it, and … it started running!!!

I have really been enjoying my $300 hot tub.  I just got out of it minutes ago.  The jets massage my feet and bring some relief from the peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling) which is one of my medication side effects.

I’m grateful for little blessings like this.  The Lord is always mindful of us, and will provide our every need if we’ll wait on Him to do it. 

Let’s see … $1250 minus 300 …  I saved myself $950.  I’m happy, especially when I think of the deal I got.

Yesterday I had testing done by the transplant office that will do my “Collect and Store.”  I filled 15 test tubes of blood, had a bone marrow biopsy, a full body bone scan, and an EKG.  Wow, it was alot.

Patty was in the room this time for the biopsy procedure.  She said it looked like someone was drilling me for oil.  She had to turn away.  Me, I was already face down on the table as they draw the marrow from your hip on the back near your spinal column.  Hey, I’ve had a knee replacement and a hip replacement.  I’ve been in the medical trenches before.

I appreciate the pleasant medical personnel that attend me.  Sure, they’re making good money.  But I appreciate the effort on their part to keep me upbeat about the ordeal.  Besides, it’s a great way to try my old jokes on new people.  Life doesn’t have to be so sour.

My son, Mark, called to tell me that he was made aware of recent cancer breakthroughs in the medical industry.  I appreciate all that medical science is doing to relieve suffering and cure cancer.  My HOPE is still in the Lord.  Every breath is a sovereign gift.  The brains in the medical scientists were put there by GOD. 

Jesus, comfort those who are mourning right now … the family of Stanton Johnston who passed yesterday from an inoperable brain tumor.  Heal Scott Carter, one of our new TCS dads who drowned yesterday in Destin, Fl., and was revived on the beach.  Jesus, keep us!!!