Personal Journey Entry # 21

Oh, My God is a phrase that makes Shay cringe as she sees it as a blasphemous use of God’s name in vain. In my case, it is an acclamation of joy: Oh, My God, Thank You. Shay and I went to Portsmouth Regional last Thursday, believing I was to have my esophagus and part of my stomach removed to rid my body of the cancer that had invaded. After two hours of cutting, prodding, and trying to move my liver to access my esophagus, doctors Tony and John aborted the effort to ensure my safety. I woke in recovery confused and disappointed with seven holes in my abdomen, but in short order, I was reminded again that I am the luckiest guy on earth and God has taken me by the hand on this journey. We are working on Plan B with my surgeons to send me to Beth Israel in Boston to have Dr. Boston, yes, her real name, perform an endoscopy and ablation to blast or laser the cancer cells from my esophagus. This operation will be much less invasive and life-altering than initially planned. There is a risk of not getting all the cells, but I will have all my body parts intact. Once again, God has answered all of our prayers.

I may be premature in my incredible joy of this journey, but so be it. If we have to change course, I’ll write another chapter. So many signs of God’s work in our lives need to be celebrated today. I am confident that tomorrow, there will be more. First, He has placed me in the arms of the most beautiful, generous, spiritual woman to share this journey. Shay has shown me to accept God’s will, which is the best gift of all. My angels have prayed with me and are present every minute of the day. Kristy gave me the olive wood cross I had held before, and Shay held it during my surgery and to Krista, who was with Shay and me for the day at the hospital and every day in spirit. Diane, Vicky, and Jenny had brought me to tears with their words of love and support. Dave and his incredible wife, Kathy, in Illinois, have opened their hearts and taken us every step of the way. We only know them on Facetime, but we love them as dear friends for life.

The symbols cannot be dismissed; the lesson here is to recognize them when they happen. The number 7 is quite significant in the Bible, appearing over 700 times throughout the Old and New Testaments. In biblical numerology, 7 symbolizes completion or perfection. It is said that God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th. My surgeons stopped after the seventh incision. On the day of my surgery, we got word our adoption of Luna, a five-year-old Border Collie, was approved. The name Luna has great spiritual significance. Luna represents constant change and renewal, reflecting life’s rhythms and personal transformation. Additionally, Luna embodies the qualities of calmness and tranquility that have overcome me these last few months. Luna will join our family on the 29th to enjoy this ride called life.

I have rambled a bit today, but that is because I am full of joy and gratitude for so much. I know there is more to come, but I am ready for whatever lies around the next corner. Thank you for stopping by. God Bless and Keep You. Love, Ray