Monday, July 14, 2008

Cancer, the Golith we fight...

Victor L. Brown in the Nov. 1974 Ensign said, "Remember that every David has a Goliath to defeat, and every Goliath can be defeated. He may not be a bully who fights with fists or sword or gun. he may not be flesh and blood. He may not be nine feel tall; he may not be armor protected, but everyone has their Goliaths. And everyone has their sling, and everyone has access to the brook with its smooth stones.

About 16 years ago we lost Brad's mother to cancer. She was a wonderful selfless woman who always thought of others. She was a wonder example to me and to many others of how to live a Christ like life. I hope that I can be like her one day.

About 2.5 years ago we lost Brad's brother to cancer. He too was a very giving and loving man. He was the best home teacher I ever knew. One cool thing about Barry was he ALWAYS spoke Spanish to his children, NEVER English. He served his mission to Mexico. His children have that wonderful gift to remember him... another language.
Here is a picture of Barry standing at our back door...















Last Monday we found out that Brad's youngest brother was diagnosed with cancer. He has a tumor about the size of a lemon. He named the tumor Jose. We do not have much info as of now... he had a full body scan on Friday and tomorrow they are drawing bone marrow biopsy. Brad has gone to Vegas to be with him for that. He will have a shunt put in to receive the Chemo. We do not know what stage it is yet... we are praying that they caught it early. Please remember him (and his family) in your prayers.
Here is a picture of Bryce



My son Dallin just came in and I was reading about Goliath and he said, "Do you want to know my new favorite scripture?" And of course I did... It is John 16:33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Thank you Dallin, now I will go to bed.

16 comments:

Pancake said...

Shaila,
What a beautiful well worded post. I am grateful how Bryce found it, and that it was found quickly. That he didnt have the run around when he went in. Hopefully the next few days will bring better news. Know I am always here for you.

I will add you all, when I go to the temple Wednesday!

Sure love you!
Pam

Jan said...

I am so very sorry to hear this exasperating news. Cancer is such a vicious word and disease. I am sorry that it has affected so many of those around you. I hope and pray that everything will go okay for Brad and his family.

Your very kind words were touching. Thanks. Again, sorry for your family.

Anonymous said...

oh my goodness. That is terrible that Cancer is rearing it's UGLY head to so many members of your family. Gosh....I wish there was no cancer anywhere!!!

i think it is beautiful for your little Priesthood Holder to find such a great scripture to cling to especially during this time.

You're a great mom...yes you are! ♥

Anonymous said...

oh Shaila ... you know I will keep your family in my prayers. that scripture is amazing and applicable to all "cancers" in our lives. Love you so much!

SwainstonFam said...

Shaila,
I will be honest, I cried while reading this (ok so I still am because I am a baby). Cancer is just so frustrating. I just want to thank you for your beautiful words that you shared.
I love you very much.

Melissa
(little Lane just kicked so I am guessing he wanted me to tell his aunt hi)

Shauna said...

Shaila, my mom sent me the link to your blog a little while ago...my guess is she found it somewhere on some missionary moms list.

anyway...let me just go on the record saying I HATE CANCER. My best friend Derek has been in remission for a year now, and before he was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins, i had never known anyone personally who was faced with something as fatal as cancer and it shook me up pretty bad. Its just amazing blessing to have the Gospel and to have the knowledge and perspective that we do.

Your family is in my prayers!

derek had a blog while he was going through it all, the link is http://dereks.wordpress.com/ he was incredibly spiritually strong the entire time and shares some of his experiences on the blog...just if youre interested.

Da Bergs said...

How fun to have so many posts this morning, I have missed hearing from you... you know, vacation and all!

Thanks, Pam, for adding Bryce & Karen to the temple prayer roll!

Jan, Merrianne, AND Brie thank you!!

Melissa! I know cancer has sure hit you!!! I LOVE you! I cant wait to hold and love and kiss little Lane!!!

Thank you everyone... Life is hard... Life is good... As Jan Says... KEEP SWINGING!!!

Da Bergs said...

Holy Moly, Shauna, guess I didnt scroll down far enough! WHERE ON EARTH HAVE YOU BEEN? It has been years... what is new??? I guess I will go to your blog and check your life out!!! Thanks for the comment!!! I will go check out Derek's blog... glad to hear he is healthy and strong again! I hope all is going well for YOU!!!

Linda said...

I will be keeping Brad, his family...and your family in my prayers!

There aren't things in my life I hate but I can truthfully say I HATE CANCER. I lost my mother-in-law to cancer also and then being a nurse I've seen my fair share there too...but I've also seen people battle cancer and WIN! My prayer will be that Brad wins this battle!

Ashley said...

I wish the best of luck to your family during such a hard time. Cancer has saddened SO many lives, including mine too. My aunt died of cancer two years ago, and just a few months ago my wonderful mother-in-law died of cancer. It is so hard and I'm glad your son was able to find such a wonderful, comforting scripture.

sherryandbryon said...

Shaila,
I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother-in-law's diagnosis, but tell him to hang in there and to keep fighting because people do survive... I know! :) I've been in remission for 7 years now...if you can belive it's been that long! If there's anything I can do for you or for him, let me know. I talk with people going through cancer treatments all the time, just to try and spread some hope. So, please let me know if I can help in any way. He will definitely be in my prayers...
love, sherry

Da Bergs said...

You are ALL so very kind! Thanks for the sweet words and the prayers! Our prayers have been heard! YEAH!!!

chelle said...

I'm with Dallin. That is one of my favorite scriptures also. My you find peace in your heart at this time. m

Elisa said...

What a good boy you have! which means you are a good mommy! My heart and prayers are with you!

Drake Family said...

I am sorry to hear that your family, especially Brad has had to go thru these trials. Can I just tell you that I LOVED that first quote. Thanks for sharing.

Lianna said...

hey lady! Yes I will!!! =D I'm so excited now!