Neal came home from the hospital on Saturday morning after a discussion with his doctor Friday night. There are no more treatments available for Neal. Even if he did go through more treatment it would be too difficult for his body to endure. We talked to the radiologist again to see if radiation was an option. She said no, it would be too dangerous and not effective. After talking through things with the doctor and together we decided to come on home. The doctor feels Neal only has a few weeks until he is graduated to heaven. We called all the kids late Friday night and asked them to come home. Britton came right away to be with Karsten and Collin. Whitney and Ty left Indy and got to Bridgman about 2AM. Michelle and the boys came early afternoon. Grant and Lane came shortly after that. Jenni came later afternoon after she dropped off Corbin at her parent’s house in Fort Wayne. She had to take him to the pediatrician Saturday morning becausee he was running a fever and found out he had a virus. It was very difficult seeing our kids in so much pain. But we had a sweet time together.
Sunday we told our families and Neal’s associate. Monday we met with our staff after work to tell them. Each time its just as painful. Grant stayed this week as he can work from anywhere. Karsten is done working at Meijer. Britton stayed through a meeting yesterday with the funeral director. Jenni, Michelle and kids went on home Sunday night. Whitney did not want to leave but her students start tomorrow. She is getting things in order if she wants to be here more. She has a new job teaching 2nd grade in Zionsville which is not far from their home. Her new principal and staff have been incredibly supportive. The plan is for the kids to be here on the weekends. We feel so blessed to have this time with Neal to share stories, memories, ask questions, etc. He could have died in a car accident instantly but God has given us this precious time together. None of us knows when our time on earth will be over. It is a reminder to be ready at any time. Do you have things right with God and other relationships? We have a peace knowing Neal will be in heaven and those that are Christ followers will see him again. We have this assurance, do you? God accepts us as we are no matter our backgrounds or what we have done.
We have had many cool things happen that I will share in another post. This is enough today to digest! Neal is not in pain and is feeling better. Please pray for our family as we journey down this road.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10.
On the journey,
Trish
Dr. Neal and Trish, We are all praying for you. For Peace, for no pain, for courage, for you to feel Jesus’ arms around you
Deb S.
Hello Neal and Trish. Mom called us last night to tell us that Aunt Ginny called over the weekend with the news. I have been reading your blog over the last couple of years to stay up to date on both your conditions, for which I have been thankful. Being so far from family makes times like this harder as we can’t be there to see you or share our thoughts in person.
Your blog has been an inspiration for all those who have read it. We are praying for you both and your families during this time that God will wrap his arms around all of you and be a comfort.
Lynn and Glenn Holly
Parker, Colorado
Smith Family,
We are here praying for you. Wish we could be there in person to lay hands on your family. Our family will continue to pray for comfort and strength during this rough time.
Heather, Chris, Tim, Tina, Hunter, Maddie and Micah Smith
This comment has been removed by the author.
We continue to pray for both of you and each of the family. May the Lord’s peace and comfort be felt daily.
Linda and Don
Bob and I will be praying for you all during this time. I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past few months and can see God’s hand in your lives. The people you have touched and inspired are many. I am so thankful your children are close by and can help you through this. Our prayers are with you.
Bob and Ruth Warren
Neal and Trish,
It was hard for us to receive this news but we know that when man has no more help God is greater than man. I just want to let you know you have been an example of Christ’s love to us both. We don’t mourn but rejoice in the time God continues to give you. You are one special piece of clay in a very loving potter’s hands. We are blessed to have known you and continue to pray for you both. May you have many smiling faces around you for a long time to come.
In Christ’s love,
Steve and Dawn McCreery
Dear Trish and Neal, although I have been praying for you and your beautiful family, YOU have given me a priceless gift. I have looked at my problems in an entirely different light thanks to the both of you and your blogs. One that stands out in my mind at the moment is when Trish was driving in a horrendous snowstorm to Neal in the hospital. Somehow she ended up unscathed at night to Neal. It was a snowstorm shown on National TV with Lakeshore Drive (where you were) at a standstill and cars left and deserted. Instead of cursing, feeling sorry for yourself, and getting angry at the world and God (like I would have done), you ended your blog with “Resting safely in His arms”. How many times have I read from both of you, “God is good, All the time”. Well, you have opened my eyes to a new love and trust in our Lord. You know the saying, “If you can touch and make a difference in just one person in your life”, well you have touched and changed mine. I will continue to pray forever and I thank you for the wisdom and love in the Lord that you have shown me by your example. I’ll drop off some stuffed shells and Spanish flan for your family this weekend. God’s blessings and thanks, Karen Petsovich
Dear Neal and Trish,
I’m not sure if you remember me but I swam with Britton and Grant in high school, and I’m friends with your niece Kasey – whom I also go to church with.
My heart breaks for you and your family as I read this news. How wonderful to know that Jesus has prepared a place for Neal in heaven and one day you will be reunited. I pray that each moment he has left is a blessing, and that the Lord will continue to give you strength. Thank you for sharing your testimony. Thank you for continuing to follow Christ in your weakest moments. Your dedication and faithfulness to Him is inspiring. You will all be in my prayers!
Dear Neal,Trish and Family, One of our favorite hymns is: ” All The Way My Savior Leads Me “. Your love for the Lord Jesus has had an impact on our lives. Jim and Pearl Glauser.
Smith Family,
There are no words. Only that Dusty and I love you ALL so much. What an impact and role you’ve played in our lives…we give you partial credit for getting us together because it was at YOUR house that we realized, yep, we were meant for each other.
I continue to wrestle with God on your behalf. I admire and am challenged by the daily process you guys take, the strength you choose, and the mercy God displays. Once again, there are just no words to describe to you what my heart and soul feels and plead on behalf of your family.
I’ve never met people like you guys…your family stands out…I truly believe God has made a mark with your family. Dusty and I just love you guys so much!
I have been so sad and just heartbroken since learning this news from my dad yesterday. Thank God for the hope that only He provides that I know is sustaining you–how does one cope without that? Yet that doesn’t mean the road ahead won’t be painful and difficult–to even think of such a loss is hard to fathom. We are praying for you often. We would love to stop by and see you and Uncle Neal–even if just briefly–if you thought that would be ok.
Praying for you and the whole family!
Corey and Kasey
Dear Neal and Trish our thoughts and prayers are with you as you spend these very precious moments with your family. What a gift you have both been to all of us who are blessed to call you friends. Thank you for being a Godly example to all especially your children. We have so many fond memories of our time with you in Ann Arbor.
We are praying for you all and look forward ti being with you again one day!
Love Dave and Ann Smiley
I want you to be inundated with messages–(and you probably are with cards, calls, emails, etc.) but then I also remember the days after Keith’s accident; I didn’t have the energy or time to even listen to the messages, let alone respond; and often my most lengthy prayer was, “Jesus” or at best The Lord’s Prayer—“Father” . . . but, I was carried by others’ prayers, thoughts, embraces, caring—words were not always necessary . . . Please know that so many of us are singing, praying, speaking over you all with God’s words, God’s love, His peace, power, protection and even joy for this time you have together. You are loved! Could these words from Psalm 27 speak to you:
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Much love, Aunt Gene and Uncle Keith
I am the lady from Elk Grove,IL, Trish’s hometown! We met just last week, but we both now live in Bridgman, and we share similar issues in caring for our ill husbands. Facing cancer is not easy. We will continue to inspire others to work for the cause, and maybe someday we will not have to worry that our children and their children will develop this disease. We think of you two and your family each day, knowing the Journey will be in God’s hands. We are sending our little angels, from Tom’s shoulder, to rest on Neal and Trish’s shoulders. Bless you all.
tom & sherry kanoski
Dear Neal and Trish,
My heart aches for you in the coming seperation yet I know you have peace that you will be reunited someday. Neal, you have been a good friend to me. From the days we first met when you were in high school with Tim and Lee and I would come to the church softball games to cheer for you. Remember the strange language you made up that we would talk and laugh in? Through your college years when you met Trish and told me all about her and were so anxious for me to meet her. On to your wedding and dental school when you had me visit for a weekend. What fun we had! Then our seperations of me to Nigeria for 3 years, then out here to CA for the next 28 with only one visit, yet you’ve been a faithful frriend. Thank you for that. I will miss you more than you can know. I’m writing this because even though I’m a believer I’d never make it through a phone call. I’ll continue to pray for you and your family each day. May you have wonderful times together and be able to say and do all you want to in these weeks. My mom had time to say goodbye before she died and it meant so much to each of us … Neal and TRish I’ll see you both in heaven! Thanks for all the blessings you’ve been here in the updates. Thanks for the challenges and for the positive examples, thanks for being you. I love and admire you both.
With love and prayers and in His grip, Eloise