Much love to Denise this day

Denise is having surgery today to remove cancer affected areas of her body.  We are clinging to the hope the doctors give us, and the love of God that carries us.

We thank you for the prayers you have prayed for Denise, and we ask you today to say a special prayer.

Denise and Ken, Jodie's sister and brother-in-law.  Denise is a protective older sister; Ken was like a surrogate father/friends to Jodie.

Ken walked Jodie down the aisle to me when she became my bride in September 1990.  Ken was 6'7", former University of Portland basketball star.  Tall guy with a huge heart and a kid-like love for life.   He was diagnosed with a brain tumor two weeks after our wedding.  He was told he had a year to live.  For the next four years he taught his family and friends what it meant to really love and live.

Vance was born in 1992.  Ken had a basketball in his hands by the time he was two.  To this day, Vance is most comfortable when he has a basketball, or a baseball, in his hands.

Fast forward 20 years.  Denise was found to have rectal cancer.  It is a serious cancer that requires aggressive treatment.  I cannot go into great detail because of a complicated life situation.

Cancer is never fair.  It is not fair that Denise lost a husband, and Vance a dad, to cancer.   It is not fair that Denise now has to fight cancer.   I am not going to defend God for letting this happen...or causing this to happen.  I have read the Book of Job...I know the futility of that.

God is with Denise and the family.  The pop can fundraising has been successful.  The donations continue to come into the "Denise Downey cancer fund"  at U.S. bank.   And, just last week, a family at church provided a house for Denise, Vance and Jodie's mom to stay in for awhile.

Today is a big day for Denise.  A wide gamut of emotions, but she is very strong.

Please say a special prayer for Denise and her son, Vance, today.

Thank you!