Goodbye, Farewell, Amen

Tom and I were on a whirlwind this past week. For just one week Tom's cancer took second stage; we received the news that Tom's uncle had unexpectedly passed. If Tom ever had a hero or somebody that he looked up to and admired, it was his Uncle Norm. So began a week of scrambling around. While all of Tom's vacation time has been used up because of his hospital stays, his employers (Spectrum Health & Wayland EMS) graciously gave him the time off on such short notice so we could attend the funeral in Florida. A family member stepped in and loaned us the money to buy the airline tickets. Once again grandmas to the rescue to babysit the kids. Although Tom has been involved in fire/ems for over 7 years, this is the first time that I have attended a Fire Fighters funeral. I don't think I ever understood the bond that these men and women have until now. To see Tom and his cousins in full uniform honoring their Uncle was a very powerful and moving. To watch the honor guard bring the casket out of the church to a sea of fire fighters standing at attention was something I will never forget. Through all the sadness came the joy of making new friends while down in Florida. Steve and Jan, friends and church family of Norm and Christie's, opened their beautiful home to us while we stayed in Orlando. When we first walked through the door I felt like one of my children were with me as I leaned over and told Tom "Don't touch anything!" We were truly touched by their kindness and hospitality. We landed back in Detroit at 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning and hit the ground running. Once back in Wayland, Tom's first stop was at the station to pick up his schedule for the month. Then we headed home so Tom could give the kids a hug and grab a quick shower before heading off to work all night. Tom is the perfect person to perform sleep studies; I swear that man never sleeps!

Before we flew out Tom had his blood work done. I was able to make all the calls and Tom's next scan has been approved and scheduled. This next scan will let us know if the new lump on Tom's neck is cancer or just the scar tissue from his last surgery. The procedures are a little different than at the U of M. I'm not complaining at least we do not have a 2 1/2 hour drive , hotel expense, and more time off from work. Our insurance company has now assigned us a case worker. She has already been big help to me in managing Tom's care.

Please keep in your prayers Tom's Aunt Christie and his cousins Shawn & Robbie during this difficult time. To my prayer warriors, (Tom enjoyed the chance to meet some of you from Willow Creek Church) continue prayers for Tom's scans to once again be cancer free. There are so many verses that come to mind and were said in this past week, but one that has been on my hearts says: "Always be full of joy in the Lord: I say it again rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your need and don't forget to thank him for your answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Norman Miller
MILLER, NORMAN L., age 56, of Seminole County, FL, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, on 7/26/08. Beloved husband and father, Norm was an Elder of the Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, Winter Springs, FL, a retired Battalion Chief of the Anchorage Fire Department, Anchorage, AK, as well as a retired Division Chief of the Seminole County Fire Rescue Division, Seminole County, FL. Norm is survived by his wife, Chris and sons, Shawn and Robbie. Viewing will be 5-8PM on Thursday, July 31, 2008. Funeral will be 11AM Friday August 1, 2008. All services will be held at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, 4725 E Lake Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708.