Uncle Harvey and Kuya Danny

This past week has been a tough one. Last Sunday was the wake and memorial service for Uncle Harvey. He was loved by so many and there were alot of people at his memorial service. It is one of those rare times when what they say about the person who has died is actually true and accurate... he really was a nice guy; he showed his faith until the end; he shared his love for God and shared his faith with all he came in contact with; he showed his love and care for his family; he had a positive attitude even when he faced so many challenges, even when his health was compromised. We will miss him very much and we have been privileged to know him. Our church family will not be the same and we will miss hearing him sing and laugh.. we will miss his encouraging voice.. Frendell feels the loss of a prayer partner... it brings to mind the verse found in Luke 6:44-45 "A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs never grow on thornbushes, nor grapes on bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart".

Today we visited Kuya Danny in the hospital. He is also fighting cancer and his journey has been the longest of anyone I know. His first surgery was in 2005. He just finished 14 radiation treatments and was hospitalized because his electrolights were out of whack. He met us with a smile and shared with us how God has really shown His faithfulness to him through his journey with cancer. He is thankful that he does not have alot of pain. Even though he gets tired quite easily, he reads his Bible and his spirits are lifted when his family and friends come to visit him. He said that he has surrendered his battle with cancer to God's hands and whatever God wills for his life, so be it. He has shown tremendous courage through all the treatments he's gone through.. and I believe he's had both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I loved talking to him and seeing his smile and most of all, he encouraged me and reminded me that God's grace is sufficient for me. It always amazes me when I meet people who show the strength of character and the depth of their faith, even when in the face of adversity. It challenges me to work on my character, for our true colors show when we are faced with challenges and discomfort. I hope that I will produce good things because I have a treasury of good things from my heart.... two men who I have the privilege to call friends.. two men who have shown me faith and courage even as we took this journey through cancer together... Kuya Danny, my prayer is that God will grant us many more years with you...