3.30 p.m…

Thanks to Debbie Richards and Martha Silva who mentioned the song lyrics of TOUGH in their Well Wishes. 

Here they are…

Artist/Band: Craig Morgan
Lyrics for Song: Tough
Lyrics for Album: Little Bit of Life

Tough
Monte Criswell/Joe Leathers

She’s in the kitchen at the crack of dawn
Bacon’s on, coffee’s strong
Kids running wild, taking off their clothes
If she’s a nervous wreck, well it never shows
Takes one to football and one to dance
Hits the Y for aerobics class
Drops by the bank, stops at the store
Has on a smile when I walk through the door
The last to go to bed, she’ll be the first one up
And I thought I was tough

Chorus

She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough
We sat there five years ago
The doctors let us know, the test showed
She’d have to fight to live, I broke down and cried
She held me and said it’s gonna be alright
She wore that wig to church
Pink ribbon pinned there on her shirt
No room for fear, full of faith
Hands held high singing Amazing Grace
Never once complained, refusing to give up
And I thought I was tough

Chorus

She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough
She’s a gentle word, the sweetest kiss
A velvet touch against my skin
I’ve seen her cry, I’ve seen her break
But in my eyes, she’ll always be strong
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough

It does sound like Rin.... 

Dave

Dear Dave & Irene,  We continue to check this site several times daily and are praying when the Lord puts you on our hearts, which is very often.  I have a feeling you have already read a story about a man named John Rizzo who was treated at the Mayo clinic in 1996.  He had the same amyloid disease that Irene has.  He was treated and as of the internet story had survived and thrived 9 years and was still going strong and had resumed his job and all normal activities.  The story says that he was in the hospital for 2 months after the transplant and it took him almost a year at home to gain all of his strength back, but that he was having check-ups every 6 months and was doing great.  I read that a few weeks ago and have been praying for Irene to do that well and even better in her recovery.  Your update today, Dave, was an encouragement to us

and a great reminder of OUR LIFE’S PURPOSE too.  This website has become such a valuable ministry tool from your family to all of us who read it.  God bless you and carry you,  Love, Dave & Bev

Dear Dave:

I am terribly sorry to hear of your news.  I will most certainly pray for you and for Irene.  The treatment routine sounds quite involved.  Is there something I can do to help or encourage you? 

I will pray for healing for Irene.  In the meantime, I pray the Lord sustains and encourages you.  You are a blessing to so many, Dave, not the least of whom must surely be Irene.

Michael

11.55 a.m…

Today I am reminded of the nonconformist Mark Twain’s quote, “The coldest winter I ever spent anywhere was a summer in San Francisco.”

On this cold, wet, windy, foggy and dreary July Saturday morning in the city, I find myself reflecting on the ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF LIFE…again! So, here is the question: Why are we here (on earth) and what happens (where do we go) when we die? 

I find myself contemplating, again, that, today and forever, we serve an AUDIENCE OF ONE… No amount of public or social approval matters.  No amount of worldly success is important. 

I, personally, really like this quote by John Howard Yoder… “The believer’s cross is no longer any and every kind of suffering, sickness, or tension, the bearing of which is demanded.  The believer’s cross must be, like his Lord’s, the price of his social nonconformity.  It is not, like sickness or catastrophe, an explicable, unpredictable suffering; it is the end of a path freely chosen after counting the cost… It is the social reality of representing in an unwilling world the Order to come.”

As nonconformists to this world, Irene and I seek and desire to represent Him.  We accept being misunderstood from time to time.  NOTHING that isn’t done in the Spirit and to the glory of God will matter.  Nothing!  So, where do we get such thinking?  From Jesus himself, who says, “…apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 14). We take Jesus at his word.  That’s a “goose egg”, zero…NOTHING!  This radical concept causes one to deeply evaluate what is ETERNALLY important as we walk this earth for just a few short years. 

So what does matter to Jesus?

We have concluded from scripture that the answer is summed up in one word: FAITHFULNESS.  At the end of the day, we will give an account of our lives to Him who judges justly.  Jesus asks if he will find our faith in him alive and active when he returns.

Certainly this experience is life changing for all of us, especially for those of us in the heat of the battle.  But we also must remember that the battle is not ours. It is His.  We cannot add a single hour to our life by worrying or fretting.  He alone gives us victory through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

So we remain faithful and obedient to Him…serving Him alone, like children, coming to our loving heavenly father, trusting him to work in and through us….We don’t know what is ahead, but He does.  He is the author and finisher of our faith.  He loves us.

So, what happens when we die?  The short answer: we live with Him forever!  Scripture is very clear that when we are “absent from the body, we are present with the Lord.”

When we understand why we are here and what happens when we die, LIFE PURPOSE BECOMES AN OBSESSION!  …and it has been for Irene and our family for years…and we’re grateful for the privilege of serving our Creator.

Irene had a restful night but a challenging start this morning.  She’s resting/napping now and I am at the Starbucks across the street from UCSF.  Her platelet count is up today from yesterday’s transfusion.  The Bilirubin is slightly elevated today.  The medical team reminded us this morning that the healing process, in light of the significant complications that Irene has faced, will perhaps be a very long time…but we still work toward transition to our home…

Even on a cold, wet, windy, foggy and dreary Saturday morning in SF, we know that God is faithful and in control…and we earnestly seek to glorify Him through our faithfulness.

Thanks for caring…

Caminando, Con Fe’

Dave

Gal 2.20

Dear Irene & Dave,
    Both Bill & I want you to know we have been reading this wonderful web site daily since it first went up.  We both are praying for your family.  Irene,  you and your family “are” the word of God lived out before our eyes.  I know you believe all things work together for the good for those who know the Lord.  Much good is and will come from this trial.
My son’s In Laws, Ron & Debbie, sent a well wish Friday with a suggestion to listen to a country song called Tough.  I listened to it today and they are so right .  That song is you and 5 years from now you will look back and be amazed at how tough you were.  You are the Proverbs 31 woman.
Love in Christ,
Bill & Martha Silva

6.15 p.m…

Good evening…!

Irene started early today with a 3 hour dialysis session…her Bilirubin count is 12.8; yesterday was 12.3.  The medical team says that it may take up to 6 months for the levels to lower to target levels but at least it appears to have plateaued in the 12+ish range…

A platelet transfusion was needed again today;  all of the doctors are somewhat baffled as to why she continues to need soooooo many platelets… We hope this is a short term condition because the ongoing platelet need will definitely keep her at UCSF until her levels are maintained at acceptable levels…

Irene was able to enjoy lunch (no breakfast because of dialysis) without excessive nausea… with emphasis on the word excessive… she is still experiencing some discomfort even with the Adovan (anti-nausea med), but at least she is keeping food down…she had no dinner appetite because of an afternoon snack of “pot stickers” from the nearby Panda Express… I saw her desire for the pot stickers as a positive sign…at least she was feeling hungry!!! 

We’re taking a couple of short walks around the hallways everyday…slow and steady wins the race…and we know it’s a marathon…not a sprint…

We still wait for the kidneys to wake up as well…

Thanks for caring….your words of encouragement are well received…

Caminando Con Fe’
Dave
Gal 2.20

I was shedding joyful tears after reading the update from Thursday night! How encouraging to hear that the medical team is discussing the possibility of Irene being discharged in a few weeks! We continue to keep all of you in our thoughts every day.
There is a new country song out called “Tough” that you should listen to when you get a chance…it reminds me of Irene. Take care. We send our love.  Ron and Debbie

Though I’ve known Dave for a number of years, and known of his love and caring for his family, I’ve never met you all in person ... until visiting this web site.  The care and love that emanates from the updates, well wishes and links is felt by everyone that visits.

You all are a remarkable, courageous and loving family ... your love and spirit and trust in the Lord an inspiration. 

Keeping all four of you in my prayers.

Irene, Dave and girls,
  We are so excited to read Dave’s last post.  We so much want you to go home.  Dorothy had it right, there is no place like home.
We thank God for the progress you have made Irene and are praying fervently it will continue.
  We love you all and can’t wait to see you at HOME!
The Schmidt Family

God has put you on my heart.  I go to the post office everyday, and I’m reminded of the day I saw you there and gave you a hug, and God reminds me to pray for you.  When I stop at Staruck’s in Aptos, I’m reminded of the day I saw Dave there, and God reminds me to pray for you.  And then there are so many times, in the middle of my day at work, God reminds me to pray for you.  He is probably “tapping on the shoulders” of hundreds of your friends! I was just reading on the “updates” that your appetite is improving.  I will pray specifically for your appetite to continue to improve.  God bless you and keep you.                    Love, Mary Ellen

“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.”

I came across these hymn lyrics (again) today and thought they were highly applicable.

I was reading in Job the other night and read the part where messengers come to him and tell him everything that he had was completely destroyed (including his children). The Bible says that Job fell to his knees - and from here I demonstrate my lack of “God perception” versus how much Job perceived - I expected it to say “and He wept bitterly.” But it doesn’t say that. It says that He worshipped the Lord.

That was truly humbling for me to realize. Everything was gone, but Job never once cursed God. He declared that even if the Lord destroyed him, He would praise. He also declared that his Redeemer lives.

That’s amazing faith. I want that kind of faith, but most of the time it comes with stipulation to God like, “God give me that faith, but don’t make me go through anything hard to get there.”

Well, this situation with my mom is definitely difficult, but we keep believing that she will be healed.  With the hope of her coming home, we rejoice - But we also pray for complete healing from head-to-toe, inside and out.

I am reminded that even though I may be weary, Jesus isn’t. He never grows tired or weary. He is still in control (and thankfully he’s not tired at all).

So, we rest. We quiet our souls before the One who knows. We are still. We recognize that He is God. We continue to worship Jesus, and we continue to hope in what we do not see.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

“Nada te turbe; nada te espante; todo se pasa; Dios no se muda,
la paciencia todo lo alcanza. Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta. Solo Dios basta.” ~Saint Teresa of Avila

Translation: “May nothing disturb you. May nothing astonish you. Everything passes. God does not go away. Patience can attain anything. He who has God within, does not lack anything. God is enough.”

6.30 p.m…

Good evening!

Irene has eaten 3 light meals today without any adverse affects… Yay!!! This is incredibly encouraging...and a direct answer to many, many prayers from people like YOU!!!! 

Irene received two units of blood and 1 unit of platelets today…to all of you who have donated...THANK YOU!!!!!!!  It’s very encouraging to receive transfused blood from directed donors…

Irene’s platelets count is 26 today with a target of 40; thus the transfusion need.  Her red blood cells were also down...thus that tranfusion as well…

Irene’s bilirubin count today is 12.3, down from 12.6 yesterday… I will take a marginal decrease anytime!!!

So here is the bottom line:  the medical team has now suggested that if Irene can keep food down and the blood counts can be maintained for some period of time, we can begin talking about hospital DISCHARGE...perhaps sometime in the next 2 weeks!!!! 

I also want to once again publicly thank Frank Johnson, our web-strategist and the guy backing me up on IreneDias.com.  Frank quietly serves behind the scenes, uploading and positioning photos, making sure the links work, etc, and has been absolutely critical to this communique’.... thank you, Frank!!!!  You can learn more about Frank at the following address:

http://www.strategicdigitaloutreach.com

Let’s endeavor to put a “full court press” on the Lord for intercessory prayers related to Irene’s ability to continue eating without adverse affects and that her blood counts stabilize...!!!  We can’t thank you enough!!!!

Caminando Con Fe’

Dave

I am grateful to our good friend and prayer intercessor, Dr. Andy Isch, of Indianapolis, for sending this to me recently… it’s just plain uplifting…

With all of the “heaviness” around Irene’s journey,  I thought you would enjoy it…

GREAT Story—And True!

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

“I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”

“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel.

“Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.

“Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.

“I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.” And that he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s name?

Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around. 

So…..
Work like you don’t need the money.
Love like you’ve never been hurt.
Dance like nobody’s watching.
Sing like nobody’s listening.
Live like it’s Heaven on Earth.

and finally…
May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

We couldn’t be on this journey without your constant encouragment…!!!

Thanks…
Dave

Dear Irene and Dave,

Recently I have pondered the significance of the word “Nevertheless” in Scripture:  “Nevertheless” - In the midst of and in spite of tribulation, unwelcome challenges, pain, suffering, all the ramifications of Amyloid.

“Nevertheless (yet) I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the victorious God of my salvation!  The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army;  He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility.”  Habakkuk 3:18, 19

“Nevertheless, I am continually with You.  You do hold my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel and afterward receive me to honor and glory.  Whom have I in heaven but You?  And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.”  Psa 73:23-26

We love you and uphold you in prayer.

Jacque (for Paul, too)

How exciting and wonderful news, first news of the bilrubin going down. Second Andrae Crouche calling…God sent a messanger——very touching to our spirit. WHAT a BLESSING!!!
Dave you are a excellent pilot and Rini is your Co pilot and attendant. Great Team. Dave you describe Rini to a tee. Rin’s nature is caring, kind, genorous, and a loving lady.  We appreicate the updates..since we are far away. Always praying (today focusing on your digestive system and nutrtion) Love you Rini, Dave, Joce and Joanna (Annie)
God Bless
Bro Bill,Terry and Clayton
The Gongoras