8 p.m. ….

“You are the SALT of the earth…”
Matthew 5:13a

“You are the LIGHT of the world…”
Matthew 5:14a

“For we are…the AROMA of Christ…”
2 Corinthians 2:15a

I had an amazing experience at the Aptos Post Office today.  I was being assisted by Tina when she asked me how Irene was doing because she hadn’t seen her for such a long time.  Tina further explained how much she and several other employees missed seeing her and how they appreciated the creatively decorated packages that Irene would send to various people, especially our daughter, JoAnna, who lives in S. Cal.  My first thought was “how many post office ‘counter’ employees know their customers by first name?”  Then, almost instantaneously, my thought was, “…. and this should surprise me????????”

I explained to Tina what was going on and could tell by her reaction that she was deeply moved by learning of Irene’s plight.  Tina explained that her husband had a liver transplant 10 years ago and is doing fine today.  That was very encouraging to hear!  Tina’s only knowledge of Irene is through that of mailing packages at the post office.  But, obviously, there was something about Irene during transactions that were special to Tina.

I wonder if Tina saw salt, light and the aroma of Christ represented in Irene?

Today was the first time that Irene was by herself all day.  It was somewhat uncomfortable to leave her this morning but I knew that I was with clients within a 15 mile radius of the house. My last instructions were for her to keep her cell phone on her hip and to behave!!!  She was “Home Alone!!”

Irene had a slow and measured day …. the nausea gripped her and wouldn’t let go, but she was able to push through it …. the highlight of the day was really enjoying the beautiful and balmy weather ….

We never know what affect we may have on another person.  It’s a strong reminder that our lives do influence others …. Today is yet another example of how Irene represents what Christ calls us to be …. salt, light and the aroma of

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7 p.m. ….

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully ….”
1 Corinthians 13:12a

It’s exactly 6 weeks ago today that Irene was discharged from UCSF, so it’s been a day of REFLECTION in terms of assessing where Irene is in the healing process.  We continue to pray for her complete restoration.

Here is where she is to date ….

Irene is physically stronger today than when released from UCSF
Irene is in kidney dialysis 3 days a week; her kidney function has not improved
Every two weeks Irene is at UCSF for out patient services
Irene has an ongoing need for blood transfusions
Irene is taking several prescription medications related specifically to the Amyloid
Irene has “chronic” nausea and uses a combination of 3 powerful medications to mitigate the discomfort and daily lethargy
Irene isn’t losing any more weight, but has a net loss of 28 pounds since being admitted into the hospital in April
Irene’s skin remains very dark but is slowly morphing
We await blood test results to learn more about why Irene’s hemoglobin counts are regularly depleting
Yesterday was the first day that Irene was “Home Alone!” all day
Irene has been released to occasionally visit the grocery store and go out to a restaurant
We won’t know for some time (perhaps months) whether or not the amyloid is in remission
In addition to the kidneys, the amyloid has invaded her liver, stomach and intestinal tract
Irene’s spirit and attitude are incredibly determined and courageous!
NET report: Irene is making progress and the restoration process is moving in the right direction!!!

JoAnna flew in to SJC early this morning and later picked Irene up from dialysis treatment.  Together, they went to Target for the first time in 5 months!!  Irene is looking forward to Jocelyn & JoAnna being in and out of the house this Labor Day weekend.

We know that God is at work.  We are confident that he hears the prayers and praises of His people and is responding to our daily petitions.  THANK YOU for your intercessory prayer …. and don’t stop now…!!!

Although

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