11/9

Dearest friends.  

Sharon was put on a ventilator this morning by a very competent South African physician Dr. Sack. Regardless of the status of her cancer Sharon is having trouble breathing and that is from fluid build up and infection in her lungs. The exact nature of the infection is undetermined and the bronchoscopy will help determine that so they can treat the infection accurately. She will likely be sedated for several days. Following that procedure Dr Norton, the oncologist, came by to talk. She said with a certain degree of confidence that the signs in Sharon's case would show that the cancer growing inside of her is aggressive and likely working much faster than any of us would like.  It is her opinion that even if Sharon does stabilize to a point where the ventilator can be removed it is unlikely that she will regain enough strength to return to Taiwan.  With that report we are facing the fact that, barring a miracle, Sharon's day's with us are probably few.  We are making arrangements for James and Mark and Josh to come to San Diego now to spend some time together as family.  We would all love to tell the grand story of how Sharon unexpectedly and inexplicably recovered overnight and was discharged the following day to the amazement of all the attending physicians.  If God has other plans and purposes for Sharon's life right now we will choose to trust that, while we don't get and don't like it, He know best.  Dr. Norton's expressions this morning were honest and convincing yet compassionate and caring. How she did  that is beyond me but that is how I felt.  We continue to covet your prayers as we walk this road together longing to hear Sharon's laugh just a little bit longer. We will continue to take it one day at a time and report it as it comes.  

For final comments on this message I report that while she was supposed to be sedated while on this ventilator  Sharon is been alert at times with her eyes open giving the "I'm watching you" finger polk. At one point we were playing charades and her message ended up being "I want my canabis".  This woman...

As I write this she is squeezing   the crud out of my two fingers. In sickness and in health.  Last night I changed her bed pan all night. It's just wonderful just to be together doing whatever.

God knows why she's here. I don't get that yet and am vigilant looking for the answer when it comes...I don't feel anxious or angry...I'm curious

There is going to be a great celebration one way or another. She's gonna walk out of here and that will be crazy or we will have a memorial celebrating the wonderful life she has lived that will go on long after the service has ended.

Only in His Strength

Terry