8 p.m. ....

“.... And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

This journey is affecting and growing EVERYONE who is intimately aware of its circumstances.  I see it, read it, hear it and feel it.  Forgive the personal reference in today’s update, but my own “empathy” and “compassion” quotients are being elevated to stratospheric levels.  Let me explain a brief example.

I walked into a Starbucks today and noticed a large group of people with “Downs Syndrome” enjoying coffee and each other’s company.  The Holy Spirit “awakened” my emotions as I was thinking about the journey that many of those people are on .... those who are perceived to be weaker in this world .... the sick, the lame, the young, the aged, etc.  It’s not that I didn’t care or think about those people up to this point in my life.  I did.  In fact, as a police officer in a “past life” my focus and priority was to protect those in greatest need.  But what happened today was at a deeper, more profound level.  I had an acute sense of spiritual awareness that moved me beyond personal observation to “deep human interaction” even though we never exchanged a word between us.  They weren’t even aware of my feelings or thoughts but I related to them and loved them from afar. 

Irene has always been very sensitive in this area.  She’s always had deep empathy and compassion for others.  She’s demonstrated this sensitivity with her acts of kindness and quick smile to all of those around her, especially those with obvious need.  In fact, in this area, she’s my role model and my hero. 

Sue Martinez picked Irene up from dialysis and took her by Starbucks on the way home.  Irene actually went inside .... her first official “outing” since being home.  Irene rested this afternoon and tried her best to ignore the chronic nausea.  However, we do have a “skip” in our spirits today because of the affirming UCSF visit yesterday. Thanks for your continued prayer cover ....

I want to smile more and be “driven” less.  I want to talk less and listen more.  I want to do more of the important things and less of the urgent things.  And for those who know me, you’re probably aghast at my confession!! I want to live my remaining time on this earth with even more intentionality .... and for the “purposes of God”. 

I want to live a more reasonably paced life .... because God is working deeply and powerfully in me and in all those who love God and who are called according to his purposes.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m. ....

Hopefully you were able to view part of the total lunar eclipse which occurred very early this morning .... fortunately, I was able to get a photograph from our deck ....

ECLIPSE is a very intriguing word ....

Eclipse defined as a noun:  the disappearance of the whole or part of the sun when the moon comes between it and the earth or of the moon when the earth’s shadow falls across it.  Since the earth is bigger than the moon, the process of the earth’s shadow taking a bigger and bigger “bite” out of the moon, totally eclipsing it before the shadow recedes.

Eclipse defined as a VERB: “.... be greater in significance than ....”

The verb definition is fascinating.  In every way, God ECLIPSES our human understanding.  Check out these examples:

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9

A man’s (or woman’s) steps are directed by the Lord.  How can anyone understand his (or her) own way?
Proverbs 20:24

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me if you understand.  Who marked off its dimensions?  Surely you know.  Who stretched a measuring line across it?  On what were its footings set or who laid its cornerstone ....?
Job 38:4-6

For me, it’s very comforting to acknowledge that God’s ways ECLIPSE ours. 

We had a very encouraging day at UCSF which included an unscheduled visit with Dr. Lloyd Damon, the attending physician who has been overseeing Irene’s stem cell transplant process.  Here is what we learned:

• RBC (Red Blood Cells) at 3.76 with a target of 4-5.2, even with the blood transfusion yesterday.  UCSF is conducting a test which will determine if Irene’s body is producing a substance which counteracts the red blood cell production.  We won’t know the results for two weeks.
• Bilirubin level is 3.0 with a target range of .3-1.2, but lower than the last test
• Creatinine (liver function) level is 4.0 with a target range of .6-1.2, but lower than the last test
• Platelets are at 59; still low, but stable with a target of 140+
• Dr. Damon and Dr. Kumar are discussing Irene’s kidney function .... although the kidney function is not improving, there is still hope that it may do so in the future

There are more interesting statistics we learned today combined with some encouraging news.  On a national basis, each year there are over 700,000 new cases of cancer; 13,000 new cases of Leukemia and about 30 new cases of Primary Amyloidosis.  The obvious conclusion: Primary Amyloidosis is one of the rarest blood diseases on the planet.  Therefore, much is known and also still unknown about this disease .... and it will perhaps take up to 1 year for Irene to fully recover from this treatment .... which will be very slow and arduous.  There will be physical and emotional swings throughout the process.  The net report: be patient, persevere and hope for the best.

Irene was also told that she can occasionally go to the grocery store .... I said “YAY” to that! 

She was also told that she can occasionally venture out to a restaurant.  Irene was cautioned, however, to stay away from large groups of people and children at this time.  Emphasis on the word “cautioned” ....

One personal note: my credit cards and I are hoping that she has some time before she can go to the mall again ....

As we continue on this circuitous journey we are grateful that God’s ways ECLIPSE ours.  He is in control.  He knows best.  We may not understand, but we know that He does.  We entrust our present and future to Him. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

7 p.m. ....

Irene and I are humbled by the expressions of love that are continually bestowed upon us.  THANK YOU so much for your continuing prayer, care and concern!!

Among an ongoing expression of friendship and love is that of Frank Johnson, the strategic, humble prayer warrior who works behind the scenes making sure that IreneDias.com is functioning 24/7.  This website would not exist in its current form without Frank’s input, wisdom and support!!  He is constantly making sure that photos are placed correctly, the links work, navigation is easy and that the overall user experience is a good one.  Thanks, Frank, for all you do!!!

Frank Johnson
www.strategicdigitaloutreach.com
www.missionequip.com

Irene did receive two units of blood during dialysis today and is looking forward to the UCSF outpatient clinic services appointment tomorrow.

One notable change occurring with Irene’s skin (from the chemo and medicine rash) is this: her arms, legs and “core” are literally “PEELING” in dramatic fashion .... we’re now seeing her natural olive complexion returning underneath the outside layer.  We literally brush off the outside layer like heavy “dandruff” .... it’s a pretty amazing metamorphosis .... it hasn’t started changing on her face or neck yet .... we wait to see how and if that follows ....

Steve and Anne Nelson visited Irene late this afternoon and prayed with her .... they also delivered a HUGE box of raspberries .... Yum .... !!!!

Finally, you may have noticed some changes on the Home Page of IreneDias.com.  We have added a category called ABOUT ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease).  There is a lot of information in that section which explains the differences between ACUTE and CHRONIC Renal Disease.  As you’re aware, the ESRD is a direct result of the Primary Amyloidosis.  We hope you find this information useful.

Thanks for your prayer, care and concern!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

7 p.m. ....

Occasionally someone queries me as to whether or not we’re asking God WHY this is happening to Irene or if we’re MAD at God because of it. 

How would YOU answer those sincerely asked questions?

Here is what we know about God:

God is love (John 4:16)

God is for us, with us and in us; he will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut 31:6)

God is sovereign and there is much that we will never know this side of Heaven. The secret things belong to God.  (In other words, God is the only person that exercises supreme, permanent authority that we, as finite human beings, must submit to) (Deut 29:29)

God is worthy of our trust but we are to “lean not” on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God deals with us individually, not collectively. (John 21:18-22) Each of us is on our own journey and must give an account to God.

So, to answer the first question I would suggest that perhaps asking WHY this is happening to Irene is asking the wrong question.  Perhaps the more appropriate inquiries are WHAT and HOW.  In other words, given what we know to be true in scripture, the better questions are these: “WHAT life lessons are we to learn and apply through this experience?” and “HOW do we share our learning with others?”

To address the second question as to whether or not we’re mad at God for what Irene is going through, I first ask this rhetorical question: “Does our faith only work when life is going our way?” Then, our response: instead of getting mad at God, we want to go deeper in our knowledge of him.

Irene enjoyed a relaxing day and did her best to ignore the ongoing nausea.  She even fixed two small meals and some peach crisp for dessert!  We’re anxious for Irene to get two units of blood tomorrow during dialysis and we’re really looking forward to learning more about her declining kidney function and the other relevant blood counts on Tuesday at UCSF.  We’re not sure what additional testing is required but we want to get on with it, whatever it is!

We live in a fallen world of sin and decay.  We know that it “rains on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45b). Irene and I are thoroughly convinced that we’re never going to answer many of life’s queries.  Instead of asking WHY, we’re asking WHAT and HOW.  Instead of getting MAD at God, we’re going DEEPER with him.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m. ....

“We’re not called to be comfortable, but to be faithful”

Irene Dias

That quote rings in my ears and that “mantra” has been a significant part of our family philosophy, since July 1, 1995.  Why, you ask?  On that date we moved from Merced to the Santa Cruz area.  It was a defining date for us that we vividly remember.  We were leaving everything that was familiar .... home, neighborhood, family, friends, church, schools, shopping malls, business and community leadership (I was Mayor Pro Tempore at the time), and moving to a new destination on our life journey.  We were confident that God was calling us, but all four of us were leaving our “comfort zones” to an “unknown territory” .... mostly a location and future we knew little about.

The first 24 months were especially challenging for a variety of reasons but we really grew spiritually.  It was during that season that Irene’s quote became the mantra that we use to this day.

I am reminded of the following journey that the Old Testament Patriarch, Abraham, was on.  From this verse it appears that his “comfort zones” were being challenged as well:

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home .... like a stranger in a foreign country ....”

Heb 11:8-9

And Jesus simply wants to know if he will find us faithful upon his return:

“However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:8b

Irene’s quote is very powerful.  She isn’t called to be comfortable on the road she’s on, but she is called to be faithful.  And that she is.  Maybe that is what accounts for her gentle, trusting, yet determined spirit along the way.

We went to the dialysis center today for Irene’s blood “cross-check” in preparation to receive two units of blood on Monday morning.  The combination of three powerful nausea medications is giving Irene some tummy relief.

Since Irene still cannot go out to public places, we picked up a crab sandwich “to go” and took a slow “coastal” ride along East Cliff Drive, parking at a scenic view overlooking the Monterey Bay.  We had a wonderful surprise along the way.  As we were driving back home through Capitola Village, we saw Zach Langton, one of Irene’s diligent nurses in the ICU @ UCSF, strolling down the sidewalk with his wife and friends.  I shouted out to Zach and after seeing Irene, he ran over to our vehicle and gave her a friendly greeting and big HUG!!!!  It was an emotional moment realizing where she’d come from and where she is today.  You can see Irene and Zach photographed together in the ICU here in the photo gallery.

We’re grateful for today and look forward to tomorrow.  It really doesn’t matter whether or not we’re comfortable on the specific path we’re on.  What matters to God is if we’re faithful on that journey.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

7 p.m…

Do you have any “woulda, coulda, shoulda’s…?

Ask yourself the following questions to measure your “woulda, coulda, shoulda” quotient…

• What would I attempt right now if I knew that I wasn’t going to fail?
• What could I do today that I have not yet taken advantage of?
• What have I always thought that I should be doing, but haven’t done so for whatever reason?
• Am I more concerned about being a “people pleaser” or truly pursuing what I know to be the “right thing” and that which is consistent with my core belief system…even at the expense of the criticism which will come my way?

Ultimately, the question is this: “Am I living my life without any regrets?”

Irene certainly is…and has. She is someone who has a gentle spirit but strong convictions. She has lived her adult Christian life based upon priority and principle…even when it wasn’t popular to do so.

Irene would especially apply the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” principle in her first priority as a mom. For years she would give up certain privileges and opportunities because she didn’t want to compromise her FIRST commitment to Jocelyn and JoAnna. When confronted with various choices she would often tell me, “I am going to do “X’ because I don’t want to have any regrets”.

Here’s just one small example: When our girls were growing up 20+ years ago it was in vogue to send kids to the day care center. In fact, there was “evidence” that your children wouldn’t be “socially balanced” and able to “compete” and “succeed” if they didn’t attend day care. Irene wasn’t “cool” as the only “non-working” mom in the neighborhood…but it didn’t mater to her. When other moms were dropping their kids off and going to work, Irene did the “stay at home” thing… And when certain people would share with her very condescendingly, “Oh, is that all you do…I would be so bored..” she would graciously acknowledge to them what was most important to her…which was maintaining our home and being available for the girls…and to this day she has no regret for that decision. I guess it’s unfortunate that Irene didn’t listen to those other voices because today our daughters are unsuccessful, anti-social, unintelligent and unable to communicate effectively…just check out their “journals” yourself…

…and, on a serious note, I credit Jocelyn and JoAnna’s brilliant minds and sensitive “HEARTS” to Irene’s influence in their lives.



Sue Martinez picked Irene up from the dialysis treatment this morning and spent some quality time with her this afternoon. Later, the dialysis center called Irene indicating that the blood tests taken this morning revealed the following:

• Red blood count is low
• Blood platelets are low
• Protein counts in the blood are also low

I will take Irene to the dialysis center tomorrow to “cross-check” her blood type (standard procedure) and she will probably receive two units of blood on Monday. Combining this new learning with what we were told on Wednesday is all the more reason we look forward to the UCSF out patient clinic next Tuesday.

Hopefully you’re living your life without any regrets…setting and maintaining those life priorities and enjoying God’s peace and blessing because of it. I have certainly learned from Irene and hope to minimize my own ‘woulda-coulda-shoulda’s” so that I, too, can live without any regrets.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

7 p.m…

Our close friend, Phyllis Cauwels, spent most of the day with Irene. Phyllis is Irene’s most influential spiritual mentor. She has been a model of what I would characterize as “relevant Godliness”. In other words, Phyllis is an expert at applying Biblical truth and wisdom into practical life experience. For years Irene and Phyllis would meet weekly for breakfast, encouragement and Bible study.

Irene had a much better day than yesterday, and for that we’re very grateful. Her nausea subsided and she was able to eat two small meals.

Sometimes it feels somewhat odd to share such HIGH HIGHS and LOW LOWS of certain day’s events on the updates but what you’re going to read is exactly where we’re at…on that particular day. My friend and partner, Steve Azevedo, recently described it to me as “being in the backseat” on the journey. I think that description probably fits well for those of you who follow our daily updates.

We cannot thank you enough for your expressions of love and prayer support for Irene. May God bless YOU for your continued prayerful intercession on her behalf.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

8 p.m….

Dictionary.com defines WORRY as “to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; to fret.”

Are you ever anxious or do you ever worry? If so, what do you worry about? Worry can pre-occupy our minds and hearts causing us great mental duress. And, if you’re like me, I will tend to go to the worst possible scenario whenever I find myself going down that slippery slope called WORRY.

But what does Jesus say about worry?

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (Author: Paul)




If you were Irene, what would you be anxious or be worrying about?

The truth of the matter is that Irene does have ONE big worry and it’s probably not what you think….and here it is: She worries that she will fail to be a good testimony of her faith to the unbelieving world…

As Irene has grown in her faith, trust and confidence in God, she realizes the enormous stewardship responsibility she has as a follower of Christ. She longs to be salt and light to those around her…and have them see only Jesus in her life…(which, by the way, she has done in many amazing ways over the years!).

But WHY is this matter such a concern for Irene?

What she understands is that the stakes are high…and that they are eternal. Those who die without Christ will be eternally separated from him. She wants no one to experience a Christ-less eternity and longs for her life to bring GLORY to God.

During dialysis treatment today we received the following not-so-good news:

• Albumin level 2.7 versus a target of 3.6-5.4
• Hemoglobin level 9.9 versus a target of 11.2-15.7
• Irene’s kidney function was 3.4 when discharged from UCSF; today the level stands at 1.5.
• There is a possibility that internal bleeding is occurring at microscopic levels. Tests are underway.

Dr. Damon, UCSF Oncology, and Dr. Kumar, Renal Specialist, are sharing intelligence and developing strategies on Irene’s current condition.

Thank you for your continued prayer support. I am also very thankful to Sue Martinez for spending time with Irene today.

We thank God that we can take our anxious and worrisome thoughts to Jesus our Savior who alone comforts and protects us in our greatest hour of need.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m…

Can LOVE inspire HATE?

Here are a few examples of “hate” from God’s Word:

“I hate robbery and iniquity.”
Isaiah 61:8b

“To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
Proverbs 8:13

“I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel, “and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence…”
Malachi 2:16a

“Hate what is evil….”
Romans 12:9b

As I have observed Irene’s pain, suffering and gross discomfort caused by Primary Amyloidosis and ESRD, I have come to HATE this disease. Candidly, there are times when I find myself getting very angry at what Irene is going through. It is painful to watch someone you love suffer so much in the body. I then process my emotions and ask myself “what am I actually feeling?” I discover that I am angry at the root which is this: that we live in a fallen world where life is short and where sin, evil and suffering abounds.

I long to hate the things that God hates and love the things that God loves. I hate the vanity of this world and the sin which so easily entangles us.

Let me be clear; I am learning to hate those things that God hates, but I don’t stay there emotionally for very long. It’s simply not healthy to do so. I don’t have the capacity to remain there because if I did, I would become a very bitter, cynical person. My “hate” drives me to the bankruptcy of my own heart, to my own sin and to Jesus Christ, for that is why He came into the world…to reconcile the eternal separation from God called SIN and the stronghold of evil. He promises to “make all things new”…demonstrating his LOVE for all of mankind and promising us an abundant and victorious life. He gave His life in exchange for us to experience an eternal life with him…completely pain and disease free…for God is Love.




But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

Our wonderful friend, Marilyn Miller, graciously spent time with Irene today while I was in SF on business. Irene had a good morning but later in the day she became increasingly nauseated, lethargic and uncomfortable. This process is so unpredictable, slow and arduous. Thank you for your prayerful intercession.

It’s always provocative to use the word “hate” because it is so un-politically correct. We raised our children with this philosophy: that when bad things happen in our lives, we have a choice to either get BITTER or BETTER through the experience. We must intentionally CHOOSE better. My love for Irene inspires me to hate evil, but my hate drives me to the cross of Christ. For only at the cross can the hate be reconciled with LOVE and the BETTER can become a reality.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

7:30 p.m. ....

Recently, we’re hearing a lot in the news about Hurricane Dean rushing through the gulf coast, barely missing the Jamaican Islands and headed toward the land, without any specific and known destination at this time. There is so much that we hear on a variety of news sources about how the storm is being closely tracked in order to avoid another Hurricane Katrina. PREPARATION and dynamic information are keys to successfully navigating through the horrific storms that can kill and destroy. Pictured below is a photo from today’s Drudge Report indicating that today Dean has been raised to a category 5 storm.



What about the storms of life? Irene has been through a “category 5” hurricane for the last 4+ months .... so it has caused me to think a lot about the unanticipated “storms of life” .... who would have known months ago that she would be diagnosed with Primary Amyloidosis and ESRD?

How do we prepare for such an event? How do we respond and react during the catastrophe?

For Irene, she steadfastly clings to Jesus, the author and finisher of her faith. I really respected Irene’s spiritual walk before this cataclysmic event .... but my respect for her has gone to new levels ....

How did she PREPARE for this unknown and surprising event in her life? Answer: she had been regularly in the WORD, spending quality and quantity time with her Lord.



How does she respond and react with dynamic information during the trial? The answer: The manifestation of her faith and the unchanging Word of God takes on new dimensions as she clings to what she knows to be true: that her Lord loves her and will never leave her nor forsake her. Her intimate relationship with Jesus Christ assures her of His abiding presence and peace during this tribulation.

Thank YOU for your continued care and concern for Irene during this stormy season in her life. God is hearing and answering our prayers. Irene is encouraged and blessed by the support she is receiving from YOU.

After her dialysis treatment today Irene rested, but is very weary because she isn’t sleeping well at night. She was able to eat small meals today, and for that we’re grateful.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

9 p.m. ....

A little levity in Aptos ....

Irene’s “wild” sisters, Carmen and Jane, arrived from the central valley bearing gifts and bringing good cheer .... they were “all dressed up” and in a “tea party” mood, even wearing their “gloves” for the formal event .... make sure you note Jane’s “GLOVE” .... It was a pretty rowdy crowd .... I’m not sure if Irene’s Wisteria garden where they actually had the tea party will ever be the same.  The face rouge and full length Capri’s under Jane’s long skirt (not pictured!) were especially a hoot .... Jocelyn joined the “action” while I took JoAnna to SJC ....

Actually, it’s been an interesting “role reversal” weekend.  Because of Irene’s diminished energy level, Jocelyn and JoAnna served their mom with kitchen duties and late last evening JoAnna gave me a guided tour of Safeway. 

We’re currently going through another 24 hour “test” to learn the status of Irene’s kidney function.  We should learn the results later this week.  Thanks for your continued intercession on this front!!  We remain prayerful and hopeful that the kidneys will “wake up” someday soon!!!  The nausea was less aggravating to Irene today, although she’s still taking a combination of 3 nausea medications to mitigate the discomfort. 

This evening Irene is especially grateful to God for the blessing of family and friends .... and having both of her daughters near her for the weekend ....

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights ....”
James 1:17a

The peacefulness, lightheartedness and levity of the weekend family visits breathed new life into all of us and we’re grateful that even in the midst of the valley Irene is still going through, she continues to have joy in her heart and smiles through it all!!!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

9 p.m…

“Meaningless! Meaningless” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”

Ecclesiastes 1:1

The Book of Ecclesiastes is a fascinating read. The author opens the 12 chapter book with an EXTREME positioning statement. “Everything is meaningless”. In brief, he continues with the following:

* Pleasures are meaningless 2:1
* Learning and Education are meaningless 1:12, 2:12
* Work and Toil are meaningless 2:17, 4:4
* Advancement (or promotion) is meaningless 4:13
* Riches are meaningless 5:8
* Sexual gratification is meaningless 7:26

Are not these the categories that “the world” claims to be vitally important to our personal fulfillment?

So, according to the author, what is meaningful, and what does truly fulfill us?

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

And, you ask, what does this monologue have to do with an update on Irene?

Answer: EVERYTHING.

When one has “walked in the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4) as Irene has, one is radically changed forever…and life priority alignment becomes even more imperative.

It’s not that we have to make major adjustments in our lives to be more in alignment with God’s purposes. It’s not that we have been living in disobedience to His Word. Now, more than ever before, we discuss and apply what we call right to left thinking because we now understand to an even greater degree the brevity of life.

If on the far right side is the END GAME OF LIFE and we’re now somewhere on the left side of that END GAME, the question is, “How then, should we live?” How do we “fine tune” our lives to be even more focused than before? In what and in whom do we invest our remaining time on this earth?

According to the well regarded Westminster Catechism, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever."

The book of Ecclesiastes offers great insight into what should and shouldn’t be on our priority ladder. It gives us laser beam focus to the author’s conclusion...that only a growing, dynamic and intimate walk with the living God ultimately satisfies the deepest longing of our heart and soul. This is the discovery that Irene and I made in 1980 when we became committed followers to Christ. We continue to validate the truth of this discovery daily as we walk with God and endeavor to obey His Word on this incredible journey.

My mom and dad arrived today from Modesto bearing gifts and food. Jocelyn’s friend, David Gigante, also joined us. We enjoyed a rib barbeque, some wonderful goodies for dessert and a time on the deck basking in the warm sun and comfortable bay breeze. Irene had a relaxing, restoring afternoon, followed by a nice long nap. It was a day of healing and peace. Perhaps somewhat reminiscent of what a summer Saturday afternoon has been in the past.



Is “everything meaningless”? Do you completely agree with the author of Ecclesiastes? Perhaps only partially agree? Perhaps completely disagree?

Is life futile apart from God? Is ultimate fulfillment found only in a relationship with God? I encourage you to read the book of Ecclesiastes and explore his claims and draw some conclusions of your own.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

7 p.m. ....

Thanks for checking in!!

JoAnna picked up Irene after a three hour dialysis treatment this morning.  Irene rested this afternoon and later she, Jocelyn, and JoAnna prepared a wonderful shrimp soup for dinner.  Irene LOVES having her girls at home!!!!  It was a nice, relaxing way to ease into the weekend!!! The four of us also enjoyed an intimate birthday celebration for Irene.

Irene’s nausea also subsided somewhat so she was able to enjoy the sunny day and SLOWLY walk around and water some of the garden plants outside.

Irene’s very dark skin color (from the chemo), especially on her arms and legs, is beginning to “flake” like that of dandruff.  We see hopeful signs that her olive complexion may be returning ....

We also remain hopeful that the kidneys will someday “wake up”, but there is no real indication at this point.  This remains a very substantial prayer request.

In the meantime, we rejoice in God’s presence manifested in our lives.  For we “.... have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m…

Irene had a Birthday SURPRISE late this afternoon when a few friends arrived with cake, ice cream and bearing gifts!!!  Jocelyn was able to get away from work for awhile and also join in the celebration.  It’s a good thing that Irene had rested earlier because it was a pretty wild group!!!!! 

All kidding aside, Irene was blessed and encouraged…you could tell by her winsome smile and joyful spirit!  She was even able to enjoy some cake and ice cream!!  We huddled around her at the conclusion of our time together and prayed over her, rejoicing in her faithfulness and God’s favor upon her life.  We asked Him, again, to completely heal and restore her body.  We believe He will.

This evening JoAnna flies into SJC and will be here through Sunday.

As Irene continues to walk this journey we have referred to as the “hike up Mount Everest”, we’re grateful for the virtual community of faithful people like YOU who check regularly on Irene and faithfully pray for her to be healed of the Primary Amyloidosis and End Stage Renal Disease (which is the reason for the kidney dialysis three days a week).

Today we celebrate Irene’s LIFE, and we look forward to many more birthdays in the years ahead!!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m…

I love parties… and we are CELEBRATING Irene’s “transplant” birthday .... it was two months ago TODAY that she received her stem cell transplant at UCSF!!

Today is also her Birthday EVE, because tomorrow we CELEBRATE her “real” birthday!!!  A very young 51…!!!!

We’re also celebrating our amazing network of family, friends, and all who have been intimately involved with us on the journey… praying, calling, emailing, sending well wishes and encouraging us in so many ways along the way…. We are simply overwhelmed with the amount of care and concern expressed by so many…how can we even begin to say “thank you”?  We will start, anyway, by saying THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Betty Fairhurst picked Irene up from dialysis treatment this morning and brought lunch in…Irene really enjoyed that Wor Wonton Soup and an egg roll…!!!  The nausea has subsided today, “Yay!”, and she has been soaking in the warm sunshine!!  She is very emotionally and spiritually encouraged by yesterday’s visit to UCSF.  We remain very hopeful that those kidneys will wake up soon!!!! 

After her rest, a physical therapist named Beth from the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) worked with Irene for about an hour.  She was encouraged by Irene’s strength and determination!!!!

As we celebrate TODAY, we have grateful hearts as we continue looking to God, the author and finisher of our faith, who strengthens and provides us with our every need!!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave