I think I must be one of the most fortunate and blessed people on this planet. Not only do I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful and loving children (Andy and Cait), and one handsome grandson (Jesse), I also have two of the greatest stepchildren in the world (Amy and Phillip, shown at left). In fact, I never even think of them as stepchildren, any more than Vann thinks of Andy, Cait, and Jesse as steps.
All our kids are talented and smart. But right now, I want to tell you what Amy did. She set up this website, Promise of Prayer. On it, she tells the story of her dad's illness and asks for prayers for his healing. She also has a blog on the site where she tracks our journey to recovery, as well as an area where you can leave prayers for Vann or request prayers for someone dear to you. Please visit Promise of Prayer and see what a talented daughter we have in Amy.
Thank you, sweet Amy. It's a great website, and you're a great young woman. We love you.
Vann's hunting buddy, Bill, came by today with a cooler full of venison. When he heard that the doctors had told Vann that he needs lots of protein, Bill knew that here at last was something he could do for his friend. He went hunting. Early yesterday morning, just before daylight, Bill was in his shooting house. He says that's when he does some of his best praying. He said that when he had finished praying for his family, he said, "Now, Lord, you know I never have asked you to let me shoot a deer, but this isn't for me; it's for my buddy Vann. If you'd just let a big old doe come by here and let me shoot her for Vann, I'd be so grateful." Five minutes later, guess what walked by Bill's shooting house? We now have a freezer full of fresh venison--protein o'plenty.
Vann is scheduled to begin his chemotherapy next Wednesday and Thursday. He'll be on a twice-a-week schedule for a while.
I can't close without thanking all of you once again for your prayers. We continue to pray for each of you every day as well as all our friends and family who are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 12/05/2008, Julia Wood said ...
You do, indeed, have wonderful kids. Amy's website is beautiful. Please know that your entire family, especially Vann, are in my prayers. You are such a positive influence on so many people. Best.
On 12/05/2008, Amy Cleveland said ...
Thanks Suzie! Dad has gotten a lot more support. I've gotten several emails, he's gotten a few more comments, and there are several different churches of different religions here in Portland praying for Dad. We're trying to cover all the bases! I'm so glad Dad has you there with him! I know that your upbeat positive attitude and nurturing are going a long way to keeping him strong. I love you both and I'll see you in about 10 days!
On 12/05/2008, Amy Cleveland said ...
By the way, I only just published Promise of a Prayer yesterday, and already Dad has had 44 different people look at it (more really, that counter only counts individual ip addresses--it can't count the number of people looking at the screen)!
On 12/06/2008, Teresa said ...
I visited the site your daughter set up and it is so touching. Even now I have tears and just feel so blest to have gotten to know your family through this blog. Prayers continue at my house for you and your family and for Vann's healing. I could not find a place to leave a comment on the blog your daughter set up, but just wanted to say to her, through you, what a wonderful thing she has done. God is good and his grace is sufficient to meet all our needs.
On 12/06/2008, Rian said ...
What nice kids. And what a nice friend, I loved the hunting story--very heartwarming. I know going through chemo is challenging, especially at Christmastime--I wish you both strength and fortitude as you go through this.
On 12/06/2008, kayellen said ...
I can't wait to see the website your kids started...what a heartfelt expression of love for your husband.
I will continue to pray for all of you..and Vann with chemo...next week.
Take care,
Kay
On 12/06/2008, Beverly said ...
Susan, I just visited the site, and it is wonderful. I am so glad you all have each other in your lives. I believe God brings certain souls together for a purpose. God is surely hearing all of your names in prayer.
On 12/07/2008, sherry said ...
Hi Susan & Vann. I'm going to visit the site as soon as I post this. I'm so glad you have such wonderful children in your lives. Continued prayers & positive thoughts for you all. Loved the story of Vann's hunting friend. :)
On 12/07/2008, Kai said ...
I visited & bookmarked Amy's website. What a sweet & beautiful young woman. You already know how I feel about you & Vann, and you know that my prayers flow in a constant stream for you. I'm so glad Vann's buddy managed to provide the very thing Vann can use! PRAYER IS POWERFUL & IT WORKS. People are sometimes reluctant to pray for certain things because they feel it may be too 'silly' or 'mundane' but NOTHING prayed for from the heart is any less than important! And I think - no, I KNOW - that there are two sets of two words more important than any others - "I BELIEVE" and "THANK YOU!" HUGS to you & Vann!
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We're home already. Vann needed time to rest up before starting his chemo on Wednesday, so we came on back today. We're all three very tired, especially Vann. But even Sophie is a bit pooped too.
