5.23.2012

5.23.2012

MEMORIAL DAY IS NEXT MONDAY when we honor the memory of those who have given their lives in defense of our country and to preserve liberty and freedom. There is hardly a family that does not have a loved who went away to war but now lies buried in Flanders Field with its crosses row on row,  or in some dismal tropical swamp, or in the depths of the changeless sea.

 

 WHEN PAUL`S CLAIM of Roman citizenship was challenged by an officer in the Roman Legion who said , "With a great sum obtained I this freedom." , Paul answered, " But I was born free!" Our citizenship in the greatest nation on earth was secured by our forefathers and mothers who obtained our freedom at a great price and sacrifice so that we might be born free.

 

IN HIS GETTYSBURG ADRESS Lincoln paid tibute to those who died on that battlefield when he said "That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain- that this nation ,under God ,shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people , and for the people shall not perish from the earth."

 

THE FRENCHMAN ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE came to America in the 19th centuty for the purpose of discovering the secret of America`s greatness. He concluded, "I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields, and her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because America is good;and if America ever ceases to be good she will loes her greatness."

 

 HOW TRUE IT IS THAT "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."(Proverbs 14:34)

 

 LAST WEEK ON THURSDAY, I was scheduled to begin another round of chemotherapy. However, a scan of my right shoulder and upper arm revealed that the cancer had metasticized into my right arm and shoulder. So Monday my oncologists agreed that I need a series of 10 radiation treatments to reduce the growth and the pain. So I received my second radiation treatment this morning (Tuesday). The radiation treatments don`t take long. They just make a little buzz and so far they don`t hurt. They should alleviate the pain in my shoulder and arm.  They will continue to give me the injections of herceptin in the future, but no more chemotherapy. Herceptin is some sort of genetic medication which may inhibit the progression of the tumors.The injections are given through the port in the right side of my chest. THANK YOU for your continuing prayer!