Jeff and Josh this past Aug, he came out for Delaney's blessing even after he (literally) just finished his last Chemo treatment for the first initial cancer before he flew to Ohio...
Josh with his brothers Jeff and Jeremy (and Delaney)
Jeff (when he was a kid)
Their cute kids, Courtney, Brooke, Jake and Gage
Jeff and his wife CindyI have been trying to be a little bit better about updating our blog because someday I want to have this printed as our family journal/history. I have more pictures to post from Christmas day and New Years Eve, but I want to write this post in honor of my brother in law Jeff (Josh's older brother) and his family while I am filled with emotion and thinking of it.This last year we learned that Josh's brother had a rare bladder cancer. He is 38 years old is married to Cindy and they have 4 wonderful children ages 12 and under. This was a very hard thing to deal with of course for the whole family, he has always been healthy, he doesn't smoke or drink, went on a mission, is a worthy priesthood holder and a great guy who has always been so generous in helping others. He went through some intense chemo treatments and surgery to remove it and the doctors came back and said he was cancer free, everyone was happy and they endured through a very difficult burden in life. A few weeks ago he was having more pain and thought he had torn a muscle, went to a few doctores had an MRI done and evidently the previous doctors didn't read things right and now he has more cancer, it is underneath his bladder and has sprouted tentacles which have attached to his abdominal wall and his pelvis (I hope I am remembering all of this info correctly) The doctor has said it can't be operated on and that even with Chemo his chances are slim to none. The whole family is devestated, how could such a good person/family have to endure such an awful thing. We are the only family who lives far away and it makes me feel so bad that we aren't closer to them in such a difficult time, and we miss them greatly. I have been up the last 3 nights thinking of so many things, how we can help being so far away, what it must be like for his wife and children to know that he could leave this life so young, the purpose and value of life and why we are here on Earth. Everyone knows that I am a big ball baby and worrier, but I have always had such an overpowering sense of sympathy for others going through such horrible things (since I was a young child, I always just wanted to make everything better for everyone), even if they are complete strangers. I know even if we dont understand why this is happening the Lord does, there is a reason and a purpose for everything. This trial that they are going through has really awakened me to realize how truley important it is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, that each day is a gift here on Earth even with all of the turmoil that is going on in the world around us, it is still a blessing to have been chosen to come to the Earth when the gospel has been restored, to build families and endure our lifes challenges. This year Josh and I are really focusing on what our family can do to become a stronger more spiritual family and it really does come down to making sure that we are doing those little things each and every day that will draw us closer to the lord so that we can do all we can to see that we are an eternal family. What a blessing to know that even after we leave this life it is not over!! That we will see eachother again and be a family forever!! The thought of that makes me want to try even harder in everything that I can do so that I can receive that blessing especially now that I have seen up close that we are never promised another day. Cancer is nasty, it doesnt care if you are a child or an adult, if your younger or older, if you are large or small, athletic or not, male or female. We just never know when its our time, so make sure you cherish every moment, give your family hugs and kisses everyday and tell them how much you love them, immerse yourselves in the ones you love and in the gospel of Jesus Christ!! Even though we live far away, we are praying for a miracle and if being cancer free is not what the lord has in store, than for peace for his family that they may feel the tender mercies of the lord. Please keep his family in your prayers!
We love you Jeff, Cindy and Kids!!
6 comments:
my dearest sister and friend, i absolutely love your post. i'm sure your family is thankful for the prayers, awareness, and testimony of our Savior and His love during this trying time. my heart goes out to you and your family. i was thinking about how awful things seem to me in my sphere, but you helped me remember it's more than me. thank you for sharing this tender story. my prayers and thoughts are with you all.
love always, shanell
Thank you! I may just have to copy your post to my blog because there probably isn't anyone who wants to hear what I have to say right now! (BTW: it has a lot to do with throwing up). I know you guys feel helpless being so far away, but I feel equally helpless being in the same house, so know that you are doing everything you can for us by continuing to add your faith to ours by prayer and fasting. We are going to organize a family and friend fast, or maybe many if them! Traci and I felt comforted by attending the temple, too. I don't know if that is feasible for you guys (we have three temples within a ten minute drive now), but know that what we want more than anything is faith and love! It is a great way to build the faith of our children and to remind them of the importance of temples and Eternal families!
Sending our love to your family,
The Jeff Anderson Family
Thank you! I may just have to copy your post to my blog because there probably isn't anyone who wants to hear what I have to say right now! (BTW: it has a lot to do with throwing up). I know you guys feel helpless being so far away, but I feel equally helpless being in the same house, so know that you are doing everything you can for us by continuing to add your faith to ours by prayer and fasting. We are going to organize a family and friend fast, or maybe many if them! Traci and I felt comforted by attending the temple, too. I don't know if that is feasible for you guys (we have three temples within a ten minute drive now), but know that what we want more than anything is faith and love! It is a great way to build the faith of our children and to remind them of the importance of temples and Eternal families!
Sending our love to your family,
The Jeff Anderson Family
Jenn & Josh - I'm sorry to hear Jeff's cancer is not operatable. Are they going to do any treatment? Has he gotten second and third opinions (as far as treatments are concerned)? I don't even know him and I almost don't want to accept that his chances are so slim.
Every day I come to a better understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan for us. That this life is very important in our eternal progression, but so very temporary. We all have our hardships and trials that can only occur during this lifetime, and the true purpose of these trials isn't to cause us pain and suffering (although that tends to be part of the process), but to help us learn and grow and refine us in preparation for something so much greater.
Like you said, there is purpose in everything - even the most painful and unfortunate situations, and the hard part is enduring, faithfully, to the end
Our family will be thinking about and praying for him and the rest of your family.
I am so sorry to that beautiful family. I will keep them in my prayers. I hope Josh can maybe go visit and they can have a serious brothers bonding trip for a pick me up! I'm thinking of all of you.
thanks everyone, we need all the prayers we can get for their awesome family...
Jessie-josh doesnt get any vacation until aug.(it sucks to be so broke) but when he does get it, we are going to try and find a way to go see them!!
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