introduction

Many of you know how the Todd Family feels about journeys. We try to keep an eternal destination always in view, while focusing on finding joy in the way we choose to get there. We are so grateful for the knowledge we have about where we want to ultimately be... in the presence of a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to achieve that destination. We have been sent to this earth to see if we can reach our potential, becoming all that Heavenly Father wants us to be. Sometimes the journey back to our Heavenly home takes us through wide, gentle paths and sometimes the road is treacherous and unknown. Regardless, we feel that with every step we take, we should be looking for the beauty around us... learning from our fellow sojourners and relying on the maps that were provided to us to get through. Sometimes it is easy to happily skip along, but often we struggle, wondering if we will make it, and recognizing in the end that we can do hard things that we would have not previously thought possible. These are often the stretches of road that bring the most joy... the difficult ones. We have recently found ourselves on “a road less traveled” and, since we can’t turn around, we have decided to find joy in the opportunity to go there... to become better for having trod this new path. We hope that none of you will have to take this route, and can instead experience the vistas through us as you follow this blog. Here we go... Remember to enjoy the journey!


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Fellow Travelers

Derek is doing so well!  He says he feels better than he has felt in months.  He is digesting food without a tumor blocking his large intestine and it is fabulous.  Oh, the things we take for granted, right?!  He is currently resting until the kids start arriving home from school and I'm just responding to phone messages, text messages, email messages and visitors who are traveling this road with us.


We've had "ice cream fly-by"s and "cookie drop-off"s.  There have been invitations to pizza and movie nights for the kids and ready-made meals brought over.  The snow was blown off our driveway and a leaky tire was fixed.  Hugs and words of comfort and encouragement have been extended, cash and gift cards have been received, blankets made, hospital bags dropped off with all the necessities for a comfortable stay, and offers have been given to walk, talk, clean, drive, pack, or visit. The creativity involved in the acts of kindness shown is impressive.  I hope to be better at helping others because of this experience!


 At the core of it all is the prayers.  I don't think I can even express how it feels to hear how many prayers have been offered in our behalf!  It is incredible and we are so especially thankful for that.  It is what we need most! I love it that there are individuals and congregations of various shapes, sizes and religions all around this country who have little idea who we are, but know someone that had faith enough to solicit prayers for our family and suddenly that is happening.  We feel it!  We know prayers are answered and if it is the Lord's will, Derek will completely recover from the quiet little killers that are inside of him.


I promised to share with you the vistas, and from where I am standing today... looking at the plethora of people who are being Heavenly Father's hands in meeting our needs... it is a breathtaking view.  Thank You!!
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5 comments:

  1. StraightAsFebruary 8, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    I'm so glad you're being well cared for. We are wishing we were closer so that we could do more. You'll constantly be in our thoughts and prayers.

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  2. Tori WestFebruary 8, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    We're so glad Derek is already able to be home again and feeling better than before. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. By the way, I love your family picture!

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  3. Terry and TerriFebruary 9, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Derek and Regina, we have emailed all of our prayer warriors a request to lift Derek up for the Lord's perfect will, for healing, for support and comfort and peace for the whole family during this growing phase of your lives. Amazing, I agree, that we are all touched so much by the strength from which we draw from our extended family, isn't it?! And we DO appreciate our good health when we are not feeling well. Another lesson to PRAY UNCEASINGLY!!! and be thankful in ALL things! For those of us who have (or are) gone through similar life checks, we share the anxiety and fear and demand for putting it all in the lap of Jesus- and still needing the comfort and encouragement of others. We're here for you in any way you need it!!! Loving and praying for you, Terri and Terry

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  4. JayFebruary 9, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    I wish I could better convey how many people here in the Pacific Northwest love and care about you all. As people have become aware of Derek's circumstances, the outpouring of pure love and good will has been wonderful. I have been stopped in the elevator by the Court staff and others, stopped after meetings by former department heads, stopped in between meetings by concerned colleagues--all expressing how deeply and profoundly concerned they are, and how you and your family have touched their lives so positively (as you have ours). So many people here have been positively affected by Derek, and want him to know it.
    You will be in my thooughts and prayers tomorrow as you meet with the Doctor(s) to hear about next steps.

    We love you!
    The Covingtons

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  5. ChrisFebruary 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    Hey guys. It sounds like Derek is a pure natural eater. The quick return to pizza is proof of that. We are praying for you and hope that all goes well today as you meet with the doctor. We feel somewhat inadequate as relatives right now and sometimes we wonder what more we can do to help you out. We have faith that you will be blessed throughout this process and strengthened.

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