Gratitude & Comfort

October 12 Joe had the fifth surgery on his vocal cords since December 2005. Over the years removed cells have been identified as cancer, precancer, and severe dysplasia. This was a "no cancer, severe dysplasia" diagnosis. We are extremely grateful and relieved. Through the years tissue has been removed from both sides of his vocal cords and in the V that connects the vocal cords. 

Joe still has a voice. 

For this we are extremely grateful. 

We are thankful for good medical care in Columbus and now in Seattle. 

We are thankful for good insurance - that covers us out of Ohio. 

We are thankful for friends - your love and your prayers. 

We are thankful to Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the gospel. Joe knows they are with him no matter the outcome. 

For many years the hymn "Be Still My Soul" has provided great comfort to Joe whenever he faces challenges. 

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

****

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

****

Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart

And all is darkened in the vale of tears;

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.

Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay

From His own fulness all He takes away.

****

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

"Be Still My Soul" lyrics

Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697

translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
January 2015 video link removed; no longer available