Back in Virginia
This blog is to catch you up on what has been going on in the life of the Harmons. We returned from almost 2 years in England on Nov. 1, 2008. We had such a great time there and love both the people and the country. Serving our wonderful Lord at Henley Baptist Church was an experience we would not trade with anyone.
During the summer (08) I began to have thoughts about coming back to Virginia. As time went along, those feelings got stronger. Nadine asked me several times, “Why do you want to go home?” I could never put my thoughts into words that would even satisfy me. We were not home very long when things became clear for us. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. That came as quite a blow to me since I have tried my best to keep in the best of shape. My weight was down, I exercised regularly and watched what I ate. Even though my father died of cancer (about 25 years ago), I thought something like that would never happen to me. But I firmly believe that this cancer would not have been discovered if we had stayed in England. Not that they don’t have capable doctors, but the system of socialized medicine doesn’t work like it should. But that is another story.
For Thanksgiving, we flew to New Mexico to be with our granddaughter, Christina. She lives in Farmington (northwest corner of NM). Thanksgiving Day came and Nadine got up that morning very ill. So we got to spend the day in our hotel room (neither of the Thanksgiving Day football games were worth watching). Susan and Russ took Christina up to a resort in Colorado for Thanksgiving dinner. The next day, Nadine was fine and we wound up having a great time in Farmington. We did some shopping for Christina (book shelves, CD player for her car, new tires, Christmas tree, etc.). We got home very late on Sunday night after a very long delay in Atlanta.
I preached at a church in Fredericksburg in November, that was waiting for their new pastor to arrive. Then in December I preached 2 times at a church in Orange County, who had lost their pastor of 25 years to cancer 2 years ago. I have since preached there 4 more times. They are looking at 3 men as candidates for the position of pastor (I am one of them). Later I will give you more details about the situation.
Also, in December, we flew to California to spend Christmas with our son and his family. We had a wonderful time. We visited my mother (who will turn 96 in April), other family members, and some dear friends of over 25 years. While in California, the contractor’s crew began the remodel job in Susan’s basement (where we live). They began to install a kitchen, enlarge the bath, make a walk-in closet, and set us up with laundry facilities. What was to be a 3 week job, turned into almost 3 months. But it is now completed and very nice. We are quite happy with things.
Back to the cancer story: my first thought was to have surgery and get it all done in 2-3 weeks and be done with it. Since meeting with the doctor at the Cancer Center, I am now convinced that we will do the radiation treatments instead of surgery. The treatments will last for 8 weeks (total of 40 treatments). We meet with our doctor on Friday the 13th to share this decision. You may be asking, “Why would you choose to do the radiation deal of 8 weeks instead of surgery where things are completed in 2-3 weeks?” The main reason is because of the side effects. I am actually going to receive hormone shot treatments (2) before the radiation. However, there will be a 2 month wait period after the hormone shot. Note: In case you’ve never heard of this - the hormones block the Testosterone which causes the cancer and softens up the cancer cells to make them more receptive of the radiation treatments. Then radiation will begin. We will have to drive to Fredericksburg (about 30 minutes one way), but the doctor said that I can drive myself and continue to live life productively. We do want you to pray with us about this cancer. What I want is to have a minimal disruption to life as possible. It may mean, what my dad referred to with his cancer, as a mild inconvenience. I want to continue to preach and be used of the Lord as long as possible. I shared with the church in Orange County that because a man’s normal life span is about 75 years, and because the Bible tells us to number our days, that if I only live until I am 75 or so, that means I have only about 1800 days left to do what God has called me to do, to do all that I have dreamed of doing, to continue to love my family and share with them what God has stirred in my heart. I do not want to waste time. Time is passing for all of us and most of us do not have time to waste. We live in a day of uncertainty and world wide financial crisis. We live in a time when people have rejected the God of the Bible. It is our mission to share the Good News and what we have to share is really good news. We cannot afford to waste time, don’t you agree?
Blessings to all,
Dick
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NADINE’S CORNER: Hello everyone. We really are doing fine in spite of Dick’s “not-so-great” news. I have a little post-it-note that says: “God’s favor is surrounding me like a shield”. I do believe it is so and I believe He has His hand upon my husband and our home. The Doctors are so calm and reassured about the whole thing that it keeps me calm and I am able to be positive when I speak to Dick about the whole thiing! Amen. Thank you, Lord.
So many people have shared their experiences or those of someone they know and all have had great results in their differing treatments/cures. We are in awe at everyone’s great concern and loving kindnesses - through visiting with Dick after services and other moments, through cards, through emails, through phone calls, etc. And, of course, the prayers that have gone up for him. It’s just SO reassuring. Thanks to all of you!! Our friends at Henley-in-Arden have also been in touch through cards, letters, emails, phone calls, etc. What a blessing to know God’s family!
We were very sad to have to come home and leave our beloved England, but we know that all things work together for those that love our God and we’re trusting Him for our future!
We’ll update our blog again after he undergoes his hormone treatment. Please pray for a God-driven successful experience, will you??
God’s blessing to all of you. Thanks to those who have commented on my “Prayer” publication. I loved doing all of them.
Until next time,
Love in Jesus
Nadine
