The Best Possible News

In October Edward was told that he had a bowel cancer that was too big to operate on, and it had spread into his lung. Now, after 4 months of radio + chemotherapy, the lung tumour has shrunk and is operable; and the bowel cancer has gone, leaving only a scar on the bowel wall. His Oncologist said, 'this is the best possible news'. No bowel surgery. A modern miracle.

Edward is now back at work at Reading Blue Coat - doing his Chaplain's role and pastoral work, but not yet teaching Maths. He has been referred to a surgeon at Guy's to deal with the lung tumour. So, his journey with cancer is not over, but we have hope, and Ed and Kate are enjoying planning ahead again.

From our point of view, we are enjoying a breather, and being at home; and we are planning trips to America and New Zealand. We have just bought a large Globe so that we can keep track of Joanna and Alice!

I continue with ECP treatment at Guy's for 2 days every 2 weeks, to tackle the stiffening caused by GVHD (Graft Versus Host Disease, following my successful stem cell transplant, for which I always give thanks). In hospital again, I enjoy getting to know my fellow travellers, listening to their stories, learning more about the varieties of GVHD, and getting to know the staff on the ward. Along with drugs & ECP I am working hard on Physio, with twice daily stretching exercises, twice weekly swimming (think - old man's crawl) and light gym work.

I can still play a round of 18 holes, so I'm not too bad!

When people get to know me, they ask, 'Why, when you have given your life to serve God, do you suffer all these things?' I say, 'Why not? We are human and we all suffer; but God is with me in my sufferings. Jesus Christ has made God real and brought him close; so I experience his companionship - and the peace, strength and joy he gives. We don't have to struggle along on our own'.

From the outset of my illness, as we moved from Paris and entered 'retirement', I was led to the letter to the Philippians where St Paul says, 'for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain' and 'if I am to go on living in the body that will mean fruitful labour for me'. So now, Mary and I are now enjoying that fruitful labour: being part of overlapping communities in Frinton (Golf Club, Book Club, Free Church, family, old friends) and in Clacton, at St Paul's Church, where I preach and help to lead discussion groups for new disciples. Mary has joined the Church Council and helps with hospitality. It is wonderful to see the Church growing under a good Vicar, with young and old coming to faith and being baptised, and many more growing in faith and confidence. I also continue to enjoy overseas links - mentoring a couple of young leaders in Europe, and doing an online Bible Study with 2 friends in China and Korea.

So, whatever happens, God can give us purpose; and for me that makes life worth living!