Have you ever been honored and so overwhelmed that it left you breathless? I got this text last night from Janna:
“I want to put a bug in your ear, but there is a possibility that we might move up the wedding ceremony, especially with Mike’s health being back-and-forth so much. And we both talked and would want you to do it…But I just wanted you to be aware that we may need you if you’re willing to come to Delaware.” (Ohio)
Well, duh! 🙂 Marry my daughter and her fiance’? Let me think about that for a few minutes. Aaaah YEAH! (That was less than a nanosecond).Â
After Janna’s divorce (her ex wanted out), she eventually started dating Mike. {Funny story: When Janna talked about me, Mike asked what I was like. Would I sit and drink a beer with him? She laughed and said, “No. My dad has never had a drink.”} 🙂 They have been together, all told, for 6 years (if my math is right and that is dubious). He asked me about a month ago if he could have my blessing to marry Janna. Jo and I were both there and we wholeheartedly gave a big Yes! They had been talking about it before his cancer diagnosis. Now, of course, that changed everything. The wedding was scheduled for late August and the reception on 9/19. The magistrate was performing the wedding with only their sons and their two best friends in attendance. We were going to the reception in September. Mike’s cancer has changed everything. It has wracked his body so badly that he has been in almost constant pain and in and out of the ER and hospital. (He currently has been in since Monday). He has been unable to take his last two chemo treatments. So they are moving the wedding up to sometime during the 2nd or 3rd week of August, possibly the 14th. Braden will be gone from the 6th to the 11th visiting his dad in South Carolina.Â
I’m honored they asked. Mike asked Janna why she didn’t ask me from the beginning. While I have my suspicions, I can’t say for certain. But you know what? IT DOESN’T MATTER. In her first marriage I was her father. In this one I’m her dad, yes, but I’m also their shepherd.Â
I have a serious request though. Please, please, please pray for Mike. Storm the gates as they say. Stage 4 pancreatic cancer than has spread to his liver and abdominal wall is, frankly, a death sentence. BUT GOD... I’m praying for his healing-body and soul. Join me please.Â
I’m praying for Mike! Cancer sucks! But Jesus heals!
Thanks Ed and that is what I am praying for.
What an honor Bill! praying for healing and relief from the pain. Praying for a time of celebration and joy.
That it is Ryan. And I say amen to your prayers.
How wonderful that Janna and Mike asked you to do the wedding ceremony, Bill! Yes, I will pray, pray, pray for a healing miracle for Mike and blessings for this lovely couple as their love for one another continues to grow and flourish. Blessings!
Thanks Martha. I appreciate those prayers. I, too, pray their love has a chance to grow deeper for many years.
I am so happy Bill, that they asked you to do the wedding ceremony. Absolutely I will continue to pray for Mike’s healing. I will pray that Mike not only receives a miracle of healing but that he and Jana have a blessed wedding day, and many years of celebrating their love. I will shout praises to God, trusting and believing in His plan for their lives together.
1Timothy 1:17
Thanks Gail. I deeply appreciate the prayers for him and them. I want to see many years for them together.
Praying for him, Janna, and the family.
Thank you Glynn. The more prayers the better. 🙂