About the Author

2008.07.01

Saturday, July 26, 2008

January 2006

January 31, 2006

Today Kathy and I woke up at 6:30 am and headed to Ashtabula to bring Jack home from my sisters and also to return Kathy to her husband Monte. Not too many men would be as kind and understanding and willing to share their wife has he has been during this time. She has been a tremendous help and support to Jack and I both.

Tina and her family and my sister in law Tracy took great care of Jack. He was able to get plenty of rest and excercise the last few days to work up to the long trip home.

I think they were disappointed I was taking him home! My niece was having fun listening to him hiccup! Yes, they are back! He said he's going work on perfecting the cure for them. He thought now that he can stand on his head (I don't think so), he could try swallowing peanut butter at the same time!

Tina said he had a hard time with the hour trip on Saturday so it was a blessing he had a few more days to rest up before coming all the way home.

He is now 21 pounds lighter than he was before surgery. He is looking good but very thin. He is still struggling with his vision. It is sometimes double and other times it is just hard to focus.

After a very, very, very, quick visit with one of our neighbors in her 90's he rested with the boys and quickly went to sleep for the night. He is quite tired from the ride home. The motion of the car was a bit much for him.

He is working through his new soft diet and chewing his food very well. He eats very slow, (yes even slower than me) but quite often. Hopefully in the next few weeks he can start gaining strength and some weight back.

PRAYER REQUEST:

This last weekend was quite a challenge for several folks in our church body. The church is becoming more committed to fasting and prayer and that always brings more spiritual warfare. But that also means that there will be much good spiritual fruit to come from it all.

Please be pray for a young man and his family in our church. He fell ice skating and got a very severe concussion. Last I knew he was still in the hospital in much pain. We do know the Lord can work a miracle in his life!

There are others that have need of prayer for medical needs as well and I'm sure they would covet your prayers.

Thanks again for all the wonderful cards and emails an mostly the ongoing prayers. Sorry I've not had time to respond to any yet. They are read and greatly appreciated!

I love the emailed suggested name for our ongoing story - The Teeples' Trilogy " (Trials, Tribulations and Triumph). That's a winner!

"I know your afflictions and your poverty--

yet you are rich!" (Rev. 2:9a)

We who know the Lord are all spiritually rich indeed!

Well what a wild ride the last 2-1/2 days have been. Kathy & I made it home just in time to get the theater to see Jordan do a fabulous job (I know, I'm just his mother) in the school play "Annie". The kids have really worked hard the last few months and did a great job. After the play Jordan went to a friends house to spend the nite, with a promise he would nap on Saturday.

When we got home from the play and were visiting with our nephew and his new bride, Josiah called to let us know he had gotten back from his Mexico mission trip safely but had brought back the gift of Montezuma revenge. What a souvenir! LOL

Early Saturday morning at 2:30 am I got a call that Jordan was on his way home and that he had vomited at his friends house. When he got home a few minutes later he was having severe pain on his right side and a fever 102+. Having gotten 1 hour of sleep by that time of course, appendicitis came to my mind. So.... I awoke my faithful friend Kathy to tell her I was headed to the hospital with Jordan. In a daze she got up and dressed and fell back a sleep on my sofa while I was gone. After x-rays, a shot, blood work, IV and more they sent him home with the promise I would call our family doctor if he was not better in 24 hours. I figured the director of the play might want to know about his night incase he was not better and possible contagious, since he still had 2 more performances to do this weekend! Well he slept late and we gave him lots of fluid, meds and rest and his fever went down.

Oh it only gets better! I couldn't sleep when we got home from the ER so I was getting caught up on mail, reading our new health insurance policy, (yes, I read it all but not a good idea with no sleep) and then laid in bed trying to figure out what to do with the main character of this unfolding story... My husband! I fell asleep by 6:00 am to be awoken at 6:50 am with a call from Jack saying "I can come home, so you might want to head out soon to get me". After a short exchange we hung up and I called "Florence Nightingale" - my sister Tina. She like mornings as much as I do so, but this gave her a jump start to the day. She agreed to awaken her husband and head to Cleveland to pick up Jack and take him to Ashtabula. Oh no, it doesn't end here. They had a good ride home but Jack started seeing double when looking at a distance! I ask her tonite if she has looked at his eyes when he's seeing double to see if he was crossing his eyes. Seemed to me a logical question. She said she'd look. I'll let you know tomorrow what she says! Anyway, she bundled him up (makes him sound like an old man) and set him out in the sun for a short while telling him it was good for him to get some fresh air.

Saturday Jack's family came to see Jordan in the play. He got rested in hydrated enough to muster another stellar performance! All the kids were in peak form.

So of course not wanting to be left out of this mix my tooth started bothering me again ! I need to figure out if it is the same one or a different one. Some times it's so hard to tell! No biggy but not the best timing.

Today Jordan & Josiah are doing better. Jordan did his last performance as Daddy Worbucks. We will get a tape of it so Jack can see what a great job he did.

We had a care giver's reunion tonite with the Murbs & Kathy after Jordan's play to swap updates. Bob got a nice fire going with the seasoned wood that was brought while we were gone.

We are now trying to work out a time to get Jack back home. It sounds like he has made great strides at Tina's house. He has a good appetite and is getting his stoma output regulated. He is using a cane to help balance him while he is walking since they wouldn't let him take his IV pole home from the hospital. Every day he is doing better. He feels weak but is trying to keep moving and eating. My sister in law (a nurse) is helping Tina to monitor him until he gets here to have Home Health Care. I think he's liking directing everyone with his cane and wants to stay a little longer for the special attention and pampering he's getting.

Seriously, I'm planning on heading out on Tuesday to return Kathy to her very patient loving husband Monte, and then going on to Ashtabula to bring my honey home. Hopefully each day he will be getting stronger will make the longer ride home easier.

So, all of the above is why I didn't take the time to update until now. Thanks for all the folks that came to the play and encouraged Jordan. He really wanted his dad there but I know he was praying for him through each performance.

I think this might be turning into a Christian replacement for all you soap opera junkies who are trying to give them up. How's "As the Teeples Turns" sound? Sorry, it's late again when I'm doing this and there is no one here to tell me "You'd better not say that!"

Let me end by saying the last few days have been at times a challenge, it does not change who the Lord is to us. It just inforces our continual dependence on his provisions and protection for every breath we take.

All heaven will praise your miracles, Lord;

myraids of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.

For who in all heaven can compare with the Lord?

What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord?

The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God.

He is far more awesome than those who surround his thone.

Where is there any one as mighty as you, Lord?

Faithfulness in your character.

Our power is based on your favor.

Yes, our protction comes from the Lord,

Psalm 89:

January 27, 2005

Yesterday Jack got a visit from Pastors Hal and Jonathan. It was nice to see some folks from home. They were able to go on one of his walks with him and see him eat his first soft solid meal since the tube was removed. Jack was on good behavior while the Pastors were there! When the left they went to Pastor Ralph's room and join his Pastor, deacons and family in singing a praise song and Pastor Hal lead everyone in prayer.

Jack was doing better than the day before. He continues to improve little by little. He keeps wanting to be assured that things are moving forward. It's nice to say and mean that he really is. He still tires very easily but that's pretty normal.

Dr Strong said if he keeps moving forward he might go home on Saturday morning. Jack had a soft solid dinner last nite and seem to do well with it. He is chewing, chewing, chewing his food so there is no chance of it clogging. He is VERY motivated to be heading home! If all goes well today and tomorrow morning he should be able to leave.

I will be leaving towards evening today to go home so I can see Jordan in his play tonight at 8:00. I'm very excited to see him in the play. I know all the kids have worked very hard and are doing a great job.

My friend Kathy is coming with me home to help drive if needed. If Jack does indeed get out tomorrow we will leave early tomorrow and come to get him. If not my sister Tina will come to Cleveland and stay with him until I get back.

PRAYER:

Please pray that Jack's stoma will keep slowing the output to just the right amount. I think we all prayed so hard to get it started it is now in overdrive! They are using Imodium to help regulate it so he won't dehydrate and that will probably take a bit of trial and error to get it to the right amount.

That Jack will have an easy ride home from the hospital. It should help that he has had an extra week to be healing the incision but it will be more activity than he has had the last few weeks.

For Jordan and the rest of the cast on their "opening night" performance.

For safety on the roads the next few days.

Praise:

We will never stop thanking you for all the prayer support and many ways we have been encouraged!

January 25, 2005

Jack is progressing well. Today he is more alert and making more sense. He only made a few interesting (odd)comments.

They are struggling to keep his ostomie bag sealed to his body and not making a mess. I was ready to leave for the night after his last walk of the day and his bag sprung a leak and made a mess of his clothes and the bedding. This is when I'm glad they are doing his laundry! I think when I get him home and help him with it we will be able to manage it better. His staples are still in and that makes it harder to keep it on as well.

Today was a big day as they started adding liquids to his diet. The broth makes him cough (probably effects from the tube) so he's passing on that but able to tolerate the tea and a few fruit juices. He still has nutritional IV's in so they told him to just pace himself and go slow and easy. I think tomorrow they will step him up to custard type of foods.

It appears that he could get home sometime close to the weekend if all progresses well. He is trying so hard to do every right to not have anymore setbacks. I really think if someone could make deliberators for the intestines to shock them into working they could make good money on them. It would save the insurance companies lots of money and patients alot of pain! Just a thought for any inventors reading this who needed an idea.

His favorite PA came in again today and answered many questions we had. What a wonderful blessing and encourager he is. He really allows Jack to share his heart for the Lord with him.

Ralph ( the 82 year old pastor) is going to be transferred within the week and his family would appreciate ongoing prayers for him. He can not communicate verbally with the family due to his strokes.

Last nite he talked to the boys on the phone for a short while. A small thing but major for him at this point. It is tiring but its good to see him coming back to life. When he takes his walks for the day he does well but comes back to he bed and sleeps.

I hope everyone that has prayed for Jack since his diagnosis realizes that each one of you are part of his miracle. We have felt the prayers and know that is what has sustained us during this time. Jack is very humbled by all the prayers and encouragement and many acts of kindness.

Psalm 112

1 Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands

January 25, 2006

Praise the Lord! Jack has finally turned the corner and is hopefully heading closer to being able to come home! Yesterday he started talking a bit more and was somewhat more alert than he has been for some time. He got the good news this morning that the tube in his stomach would come out at 12:30. He was like a kid counting the minutes till it was time. The last few hours seemed like they would last forever. We finally decided to get him cleaned up for the day so that would take more time and keep him occupied for a while. He was so very grateful when it was taken out! The catheter also was taken out today as well. He feels so much less confined.

He has nothing yet by mouth but they will probably start back on clear liquids tomorrow. They continue to increase fluids in his IV's as he is losing an excessive amount out of the stoma. It only needs to be about a fifth of what it is. They are really working to keep him from dehydrating. It is slowing a bit but needs to be slower.

He started to talk more and was sharing some of what the Lord was teaching him in his time of silence. It was hard to know what all he was going through in his head with such little communication. The Lord truly ministered to him during this time. I'm sure he will be excited to share with everyone when he's feeling better.

For all of you that he has picked on during the years, today would be the day you could have gotten even with him. He is talking more than he has in 12 days but ocassionally it doesn't make sense. The nutritionist was going to check his meds and levels to make sure he's not deficient in something. He remembers things that I didn't think he would but some things have very interesting twist to them. The problem is he is such a tease it's hard to tell if he's kidding or if he really believes what he is saying. Usually I can tell but it's even getting tough for me to figure it out!

I'm trying to convince him that I need to get my rest so I can spend the rest of the time with him and be alert. He did just fine last night without me. I try to leave after they have given him the last shot of the night so he will sleep. I'm sure tonight he will sleep very well without the tube in his nose!

He took the time today to look at cards that had been sent to him. He really enjoyed the encouragement but when he was done he said he needed to rest as it made him dizzy.

Jack has been his true kind character the whole time. The nurses all love him and tell him what a kind man he is. They have been wonderful to him. Several have had some similar surgeries and were empathetic with some of the tough times he has had.

He got a new roommate yesterday. He has many challenges with his health that are more permanent in nature.

Prayer:

Please continue to pray for the 82 year old Pastor. They think he has had 2 strokes since surgery. He has a very supportive family who are very full of the love of the Lord.

Pray that Jack will tolerate the introduction of fluids by mouth and that the small intestines will keep working but produce less fluid.

I am now on my own this week as Kathy needed to go home for a while, so prayer for safety for me getting between the hospital and hotel.

Thanks again for the prayers and emails of encouragement. I haven't had time to answer any yet but they have been read and are a great encouragement!

God is good all the time!

All the time God is good!

¹⁷I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit^[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, ²⁰which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesian 1:17-21

January 22, 2006

Today was another day with a rather interesting start. My sister Tina spent Saturday nite sitting with Jack so I could sleep. She called about 5:00 am saying that I might want to go the hospital as Jack had blood all over his bed. They were in the process of figuring out what had happened a making sure he was not hemorrhaging. Not the kind of wake up call you really want to get. It appears that is was something they had found in an ultrasound earlier this week and so it was not as serious as it seemed (especially at 5:00am). They do continue to monitor him closely.

Today they did start clamping off the suction from his stomach for 3 hours at a time the connecting for 1 hour. He did not get nauseated so that is a step in the right direction. He is still very tired but he was more alert in the afternoon for a short while.

Jack was able to take 3 walks today and each really tires him out, but he wants to do what ever will work to get him better. He has a bit of a rise in his temperature today so they are keeping an eye on that as well.

Tonight Jack's sister Pam & her husband Jeff have come to set with him through the night tonight. He really likes and seems to need someone sitting with him. We are so grateful for the help!

Thanks for all the prayer support and words of encoragement. We continue to thank the Lord for so many prayers already answered. I know that is how we are making it through the days.

Please pray that his bowels will get moving and that his strength will increase.

Jan 21, 2006

I've been too tired to write the last few days so I thought I'd best keep you all update so you will know what to be praying for.

Jack is healing but the intestines are not working yet as they should. The tube in his nose to his stomach is bothersome to him. He really doesn't complain but he is struggling to stay positive. We continually assure him that we are in the right place and this will pass in time. He is resolved that it could be a while before leaving but his goal is now to try to get home by next weekend to be able see Jordan in his play.

The Murbach's have spent the last 2 nights with him and the first night he slept very well. Last night was a rough night. He has not had much morphine the last day and a half and I think that much of the struggle is due to the change of drugs. He did not sleep much last night until the morning when they were able to give him something to level him out. It makes him say some goofy stuff (that I won't share) but it does mellow him out.

They had to put the catheter back in yesterday and are adding extra fluid so he does not dehydrate. Last night they started IV nutrition to help him gain some strength as he has had nothing by mouth for 3 days.

When I arrive this morning I helped him get cleaned up and he seemed to be doing pretty good. He has slept most of the afternoon.

Bob and Dawn went home today. I don't know what we would have done without them! They have been the night shift and a steady dose of encouragement to Jack. Kathy went home last night to do some laundry for me. She came back today and my sister Tina also came to help sit with him until tomorrow. I am so very thankful for the helpers that Lord continues to provide. I took the time today to take a rare nap back at the hotel and do this update before heading back over for the evening.

Yesterday we met a wonderful family in the waiting room who was supporting their 82 year old family member who is a retired pastor. They have been such a blessing to all of us here. Two of the men waiting were pastors and were kind enough to come to Jack's room and pray a powerful prayer for him. One of the ladies came along and she sang "How Great thou Art". It was a boost of encouragement he needed. The lady was on the front of the "Plain Dealer" on Tuesday for singing a solo on Martin Luther King Day. A joyous lady and such an encouragement. The Lord truly does know what we need and when we need it.

We were blessed with another visit from Dr. Strong's PA again on Thursday. He is such a kind man. He is a real blessing to Jack and I. We appreciate his gentle spirit and encouragement in the Lord.

I was able to ask Dr Strong again on Friday about the cancer. He said it had not penetrated the wall of the rectum and was not in any lymph nodes. What a tremendous miracle! In Fort Wayne it was diagnosed as a Stage 3 cancer that was through the wall of the rectum and in possibly 4 of the nodes. We are so very thankful for all the prayers from every one and the persistant encouragement from my brother to come to Cleveland Clinic. We know the Lord opened this door for a reason. Had we not come to Cleveland he would be in Radiation/Chemo Therapy that he did not need! We are so very thankful to the Lord for working in our lives and providing the skilled Doctors and Nurses for his care.

The nurses have been very kind to us. They have been very attentive and willing serve Jack in any way he needs.

PRAISE:

We are continually grateful and overwhelmingly thankful for the miracle of a stage one cancer. We realize that God is a good God even if the outcome had been different.

Jack is doing well with the incision. It seems to be healing well and he is able to move about without much pain. At the present time he is taking little if anything for pain. The extra time spent here healing will make the ride home more pleasant.

We are thankful for all the emails, cards, flowers,and words of encouragement at this time.

His hiccups have almost completely stopped. The holding the breath and swallowing seems to be working when he starts up. I believe the real cure was when you all started praying for him. The day we ask for prayer they almost completely stopped until today.

For Lord's provisions in every way in our life.

I've heard that the men at church delivered more wood to our house last Saturday. I'm sure Jack would love to be home right now enjoying the heat from the fire! Thank you all!

PRAYER:

Please continue to pray for his sleeping intestines. He needs to have less fluid from the suction tube and more output from the stoma that has substance. That will let them know that they are starting to function to a level that is normal.

Pray for the Pastor and his family that has been such an encouragement to us. He had a 7 hour surgery this week for prostate cancer that paralyzed his legs.

Please pray for the boys and Jack's parents in Hicksville.

Pray that Jack will continue to gain strength. He is still not up to much talking. It wears him out very quickly.

January 19, 2006

The last few days have had many twist and turns. I will start with the thrill of victory! Wednesday the doc stopped by and shared that Jack's cancer was a STAGE 1 CANCER! What a testimony of God's grace and answer to many many prayers and ultimately the Lord's healing hand on his body.

When he gets past the surgery and healing up and then has a second surgery to reverse the stoma, he will be DONE. NO CHEMO AND NO RADIATION!

We are so thankful for EVERYONE who has prayed and those that annointed him with oil and prayed. What a mighty God we serve!

Wednesday when I went to the hospital to pick him up he had a tube in his nose and a new IV. During the night he started to vomit and his stomach was very distended. The tube is quite bothersome and when the Doctor's come by his question is are you going to take it out today?

To compound things the tube triggers the hicups! So rest is now between bouts of hicups. He has tried some meds, holding his breath, saying pineapple, massaging his eyes & ears. If anyone has any better ideas once you quit laughing, please let us know. (Would you believe Joel found these on the internet. Sorry don't send the one about standing on your head because that is not possible at this time.) He has confided in the nurse that he would "just like to go home now".

He had an ultrasound this morning and a CT scan tonite. They believe the bowel has a general slowing.

PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for the intestines to awaken and function again as they should. We were told this sometimes happens from being moved in surgery. Not pleasant but it happens.

PRAISE: We are so thankful to our very good friends Kathy Scantlen and Bob and Dawn Murbach! They both returned yesterday to help with Jack and to give me a break. Their comfort and company is priceless at this time.

Yesterday I read the "riches" to him when it all seemed to be overwhelming to us. The truth of the Word how God loves us allowed him to calm and sleep.

January 19 11:00 p.m

I just talked with Pati and Jack is just not doing well. The doctor came in and commented on his "peeked look" and did a cat scan on him. He has also picked up hiccups on top of everything else. We deeply appreciate your continued prayer support for him.

January 18, 2005 10:30

Pati called this morning saying that she got up and went to Jack's room expecting to take him home from the hospital she was surprised to find tubes in his nose and looking very exhausted. She found out that he was throwing up last night and they think he has a blockage in his intestines. His throat is so sore he is unable to speak at this point. So he will not be leaving the hospital today. She is not sure when but said it could be days. We will keep you updated. So we ask for your continued prayer support of him as his recovery has been so difficult.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

January 16, 2006

Today was another day full of eventful happenings. I tried to be at the hospital early to catch the doctors and of course they were there before I got there a little before 8:00. (we were told they usually come between 9-11). I walked in the room to hear Jack talking to his new best friend, his room mate. Sounds like they were both unable to sleep last nite.

Jack's neck has really been bothering him and we are still searching for the best way to alleviate the sore muscles. I think it is from him sitting up all nite the day after his spasm's stopped. He was not wanting to lay down for fear they would start up again!

Our best friends the Murbs left last evening and my best friend Kathy had to leave this morning, but the Monosmiths (my other best friends) came late last nite to be with me today. You can never have too many best friends!

The surgeon's p.a. came to talk with Jack and we had a very good conversation. He said he prays every day for the Lord to send the people they can help in their office. Jack was a definite answer to their prayers as well. They had a nice time of sharing and Jack ask him to pray for him and he did. (He has the gift of stretching Christians even outside the church!).

Dr Strong came in today to see Jack as well. He said that by the way indeed the tumor was in the UPPER RECTUM! Thank you Jesus for send us to this man! It is such a blessing to have another major confirmation that Jack indeed is in the right place! He said it could be Thursday or Friday before the Pathologist Report comes back to know more about the cancer and staging.

Jacks parent's brought the boys to see him today as well. They are out of school for 2 days and will head back tomorrow as Jordan has play practice. They are sitting with him this evening so I can have a break.

The tentative plan is that Jack will be dismissed on Wednesday if he continues to progress. Today they removed the spinal pump and catheter. He now only has the IV for liquids and morphine. The rest of the pain killers are by mouth now.

Today he was able to have his first "real" food. He was careful not to over do as he was quite hungry since he has been on liquids since last Thursday.

"God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper;

I will not be afraid. '"

(Hebrews 13-5b-6)

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Jan 15, 2005 -

Today was a better day for Jack. He was able to walk the halls 3 times today. Each walk adding a bit more length to his walk. He gets extremely exhausted by the time he is done but he knows it is good for him. My sister Tina and her daughter Katie and her friend Tim came today and Tim was Jack's spotter in case he would get dizzy.

Bob and Dawn left for home this evening. We were so blessed to have them ministering to us for several days. Exactly what we needed. They were a big help to sit with Jack when I needed a break and encourage me as well.

Kathy's husband Monty stopped by for a few minutes to see where his wife had disappered to over the weekend. He said a very quick hello to Jack and prayed for him and sat with me in the waiting room for a few minutes before heading to work. A very quick visit but it was great to get a hug of encouragement from him.

Katie and Tim took me to lunch and Tina sat with Jack, praying and meeting his needs. Bless her heart she massaged his feet with his socks on and then remembered he'd been walking the halls and did a major disinfecting of her hands!

Kathy was a great runner for me today. She went back to the hotel several times to run errands for me and is always ready and waiting to help me in any way I need.

Jack is slowly getting better but is weak enough that he is not talking unless he needs something. It is just so draining to try to visit so one at a time we sit quietly with him and try to help with whatever he needs when his wakes up. His neck is aching this evening and we are trying to find a way to get him more comfortable.

I hope to talk with his surgeon tomorrow morning to learn more about the tumor and staging of the cancer.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

January 14th 11:00 pm - Thank you all for your prayers and many notes and calls of encouragement. I left Jack in the watchful eyes of our Lord to try and get some rest for another day. It has been a very long 1-1/2 days.

Friday morning on the way to the Surgery Center we were waiting for the bus to come and Jack started to go back into the Hotel. I asked where he was going because the bus would be there in a few minutes and he said, "I'll be right back, I just want to stick a few more tracts around the lobby".

While we waited for him to be called to get ready for surgery I asked him to say all the "riches" so we would not lose focus on how much the Lord loves and cares for each us. It was the reminders we needed to hear from scripture.

PRAISE: The surgery did go very well as was shared by my sister. We will not know the results of the lymph nodes until sometime next week but the surgeon was encouraged by how well the surgery went and what he was able to see.

We had a corner of the waiting room filled with folks who came to encourage us and pray for us. What a major blessing!

We enjoyed swapping stories about Jack, reviewing the "Riches in Christ", fellowshipping with each other and praying for his surgery.

It was a great time of rejoicing and thanksgiving when the surgery was complete and the surgeon reported that it had went well and he was in recovery.

The first 27 hours of recovery were very tough. They had a very hard time getting the spasms under control. As Denise said, finally about 6:00 pm they were able to get him out of bed without him buckling under the severe pain.

Thankfully since then the pain has been managed and is decreasing. He has been able to get up a second time. He is very exhausted and tired from getting no rest for the last day, so we are hoping he can get up and about and do some walking tomorrow and spend the rest of the time sleeping. Talking or movement in the room has been kept to a minimum. We have talked little other than the essentials of I love you, need some ice, hi, "I need more pain meds". My last words tonite after I love you were "Don't get out of bed without someone with you because they won't find you for a long time if you fall! " Then I left the Murbs behind to keep an eye on him just in case he tried. I found more tracts in his closet and figured he'd be handing them out if he thought there might be someone who needed to know Jesus.

I am so greatful for all the support over the last several days from Bob & Dawn and Kathy. They have stayed with me and have been there for all the ups and downs to encourage me, give me some breaks, and help think through what we could do to get Jack the best care.

Thanks again to all that have had a part in our lives in prayer. We do indeed serve a God of miracles!

Jan 14 7:40 Jack did get out of bed. He is requesting no visitors until his pain is more managable. Thanks for all your love, concern and prayers!

Jan 14 5:15

I am writing again to update you on Jack. He is still in great pain and with severe cramping and it is getting worse. It is putting him behind in his recovery because it has been 24 hours without any sleep or rest. I will update again shortly as they are now trying to get Jack up --he was unable earlier. Please keep praying. Denise

Jan 13, 06 11:00p.m.

This is Denise again. Please pray for Jack. Pati called and Jack is having SEVERE cramping and in a lot of pain. They say it is normal but he is really hurting. He is still in recovery and really needs us to continue in prayer for him. Thanks so very much!!

Jan. 13, 06 3:15

Hello, This is Pati's sister Denise. She has called me with an update on Jack. He went through surgery well! The surgery was to take 4 hours but it only took 2 and 1/2. The doctors said the cancer did not look like it had spread. They are waiting for a lymph report. The doctor was very positive. Pati will be able to see Jack in a few hours as he is now in recovery. We praise the Lord for all your prayers and the good report. We will keep you updated.

Jack's surgery will be at the Cleveland Clinic Surgery Center in Building P at the corner of Carnegie and East 89th Street on Friday, January 13th.

Jack will need to be at the Surgery Center at 9:00 am and the surgery is to start at 11:00 am. It is supposed to be a 4 hour surgery. When we know something more we will post it here.

Thanks so much for all the ongoing prayer support.

God is good all the time. All the time God is good!

***For those that were asking about tickets for the play Annie at the Huber Theater running January 27th & 28th at 8:00 pm

and Sunday January 30th at 2:00 pm, they will go on sale Jan 17th at the Hicksville Elementary School.

They are $6.00 for children and $8.00 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door as well. ***

Health Update on Pastor Jack

Jan 12, 2006 - We are ready to head to Cleveland. We will post the surgery time when we find out when it is.

O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of miracles and wonders! Psalms 77:13

January 11, 2006 - Well, sorry for not updating sooner. When I tried last nite Verizon was updating their sight and would not let me in.

Answers to prayer: My tooth is fine. I'm sure it is because of prayer but it stopped hurting the next day so I'm trusting it will be fine while we are gone. My lungs are doing better as well.

Jordan is back in school and all of his flu symptoms appear to be gone. We were told to try rice water and it seemed to work very well. He sure did not like the taste but it seems to have done the trick. So far no one else has gotten it.

Josiah made it safely back to Sebring, Fla. Grandpa & Grandma Caylor picked him up at the airport.

A mom and her son from Hicksville visited on Tuesday nite and brought us a wonderful supper. The young man brought along a card with money he had collected from some of Joel's friends at school to help with our travels and stay in Cleveland. Jack was very touched by the kindness of these young men. He was overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and can't hardly share what they did for us without tearing up. We have always known that Hicksville was a great place to live and the thoughtfulness of those young men has touched our family in a very special way.

We had another special friend from town bring us some cured firewood to help keep the fire going while we were gone.

We were blessed with so many acts of kindness this week from so many others as well. Some were anonymous, and overwhelmingly generous. We have appreciated all the cards, phone calls, visits and words of encouragement.

Tonight we got packed up so we can leave by late morning and get settled in so Jack can start his "preparation" for surgery on Friday. We will post the times of surgery after we find out after 3:30pm Thursday.

Prayer requests:

Safe travel to Cleveland for us and safety for Jack's parents and the boys while we are gone.

That the surgeon gets a good nights sleep Thursday so his mind is sharp and clear, and his hands are steady. (We forgot to ask what his grade was in his Colorectal Surgery class in Med School!)

Pray for our friends Pat and Gary. She had extensive surgery on Tuesday and did not get a good report. She will not know the type of cancer until next week. The family is in need of comfort and encouragement as Pat is healing from surgery and Gary travels back and forth to see her. Please pray that God's grace would cover them at this time and that they will feel His love and comfort.

That God's will be done in Jack's life and health. We would love to hear that no lymph nodes contain cancer, but are trusting Christ for whatever he has for us.

We are grateful and overwhelmed by all the many ways that the Lord is working in our lives and the lives of many around us. If we continue to focus on the truth of God's word and the many spiritual riches he has already given us, by the grace of God we will get through this bump in the road.

Thank you all for your prayers, love, and various ways of encouragement you have shown to us these last weeks.

The Teeple Family.

Jan 9, 2006 -

Well, my apologies to my wife's many devoted fans who faithfully visit this website on a regular basis. Due to the day she had today, I'm going to try to fill in for her.

Jordan stayed home from school today, and was taken to the doctor--probably flu. Pati went to the doctor in Ft. Wayne for x-rays--maybe pleurisy(sp?)and hopefully not pneumonia. She will know tomorrow about her tests, and prayerfully Jordan will be better tomorrow. (and thanks! to some very special friends who came and stayed with Jordan in the midst of everything).

Joel and I took Josiah to Toledo Airport today to fly back to Sebring, FL. Josiah's stay was a good one, and we were thrilled to have him home. Thanks to all who have supported him and prayed for him. Soon, Lord willing, he will be off to Mexico and then to Israel. Please keep him in prayer.

Went to lunch today with a very good doctor friend from Hicksville. I have been very blessed to have prayerful support from him and so many others. Thank you!!

Been reading through Isaiah and been very convicted about what God would have me be and do in the coming days. Cancer has shone the spotlight on many areas in need of change.

Please pray for my friend Pat tonight and tomorrow morning. She's a cancer survivor who is facing serious surgery at 9:30am.

In closing, God is good, time is short, and everything is tentative in this life. Again, I am very thankful for so many gracious friends who have stood with us during this time. Our love and gratitude to you. And finally, my wife has been incredible throughout this difficult time. A very special thanks to her.

Praise be to God! His love endures forever.

Pastor Jack.

Jan 6, 2006 - Today we spent the day getting the Christmas tree taken down and getting things back in order before Josiah leaves on Monday. It has been nice having him home for a while, but he needs to get back to his commitments in Sebring, Fla. His grandparents are there now for the winter so he will at least have some family close by. I think he's hoping Grandma is going to feed him some of her good cooking.

Jack has been making calls to do some checking in with folks from the church and others as well. He can pace himself so he's not overdoing it.

Please be praying as Jordan has not felt good the last few days and we don't want Jack catching what he has before surgery or it will have to be postponed. They are staying separated but that is hard at times. The three of us will be staying home in the morning to try an avoid catching anything else from anyone before he leaves for surgery next week. Jack has had to stop taking all his vitamins and herbs until after surgery so hopefully they will stick with him long enough to keep him strong to avoid getting sick.

Also, if you could pray for my tooth I would appreciate it. I had to go back to the dentist on Friday as it had broken again and he said I need to call and have a root canal done on it. I thought I could wait but tonite it is really starting to hurt. So, I'll have to call on Monday and see where I can get in, or if possible I may just try to be on antibiotics until after we get back from Cleveland. Sure makes life a bit more interesting!

Our friend that we ask you to pray for had her doctor's appointment last week and will have surgery on Tuesday. Her name is Pat. I'm sure she would appreciate the prayer support on Tuesday.

Shout for joy to the Lord,

all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness:

come before him with joyful songs.

Know thtat the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his,

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

Jan 5, 2006 - Well, it has been a fast 2 days. Jack's parents arrived to stay with the boys while we were gone. We left yesterday afternoon to travel to Cleveland for a day of testing and information. The weather was dark, rainy and gloomy which made it all the more, less exciting. We arrived and got our bearings for the next morning.

While on a walk, Jack met a Pastor that was there from Maryland whose 37 year old son is waiting for a liver transplant. He was able to pray for and encourage him. He also met a Pastor from Virginia who had helped bring a 7 year old boy from Central America to be treated for heart problems. So, if you can imagine this (only if you really know my husband's heart) last evening Jack went to the hospital with the man to check on the boy and have prayer for him. He was also able to encourage the Pastor in his personal walk with the Lord.

We saw so many people with such fear and troubled faces today. It would have been easy to have spent the day just listening to all the stories and praying with many of the folks. During one of our last appointments a man sat by us and shared that he has brain cancer that has come back for the 3rd time. He really lit up when we told him we would be praying for him. So many heart breaking stories.

Well, about today. We started at 8:00 am and Jack had his bloodwork drawn and EKG and then we were on to "education" about all the details about the hospital and surgery. It was a lot to digest and was somewhat overwhelming at times.

As plans stand now we will be going to Cleveland next Thursday morning so Jack can start "preparation" for surgery Friday. They will let us know Thursday afternoon what time to be there for surgery the next day. He will have prep time that morning and then the surgery will be about 4 hours. The Doc is supposed to call me on a phone to let me know how things went and what happens next. He will then be in recovery for another 2 to 4 hours. He will be in 3 different buildings during the day. They only allow me to see him after he is out of recovery.

At the present time they are saying he will remain in the hospital until the next Wednesday. That is somewhat tentive depending on lots of prayer and God's intervention.

We got lots of pamphlets to read to get a better grip on everything we heard today. It is nice to have a little more time before surgery, (I love having him around more) but it will be nice when it is over and he can start healing from surgery.

It sounds like I won't be able to stay in the room with Jack during the nights so I am looking into getting a room close by. I was encouraged to stay close to the hospital, even for the safety factor. It sounds like the further downtown from the clinic the rates are cheaper but the crime rate is higher.

In view of surgery next week, we are trying to be very careful at this time so that Jack does not get exposed to all the sickness that is going around. It would postpone the surgery and that would not be a good thing. So if you happen to stop by, please be sure you are not sick or exposed to someone that is and don't be offended if we ask you to use our hand sanitizer or wash your hands. It's nothing personal just precautions for Jack's health at this time.

One kind of bizarre final note. The place we stayed last night had a "prayer room" that Jack thought he would go to for some time with the Lord after dinner. When he walked in the room you would have thought he was in a muslim country. It was 100% muslim. From the prayer rugs pointing east to the books and sandals. There was not one hint of Jesus or the Christian faith any where. We looked for "other rooms" to see if there was an alternative and we did not find one. Needless to say, what an opportunity to blitz the place with appropriate tracts and other literature as well as to be praying for the lost people in need of a TRUE Savior.

For the Lord is good

and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness contiunues through

all generations.

Psalm 100:15

Jan 3, 2006 - Our morning started early with a loud knock at the door. Jack answered it and it was one of my fellow garage sale friends. We had been talking often and would run into each other, even in other towns during the garage sale "season" (kind of like hunting and fish "season" for the men). She has some very serious health issues and has been very open to spiritual issues. I've wanted the opportunity to to be able to share more pointedly with her but my wonderful husband was able to do that this morning. As best she understood she said she's "done all that before".

He spent the afternoon resting and make phone calls and answering emails while I went to Ft Wayne for an appointment. He did take a nice walk today. He was feeling dizzy this evening. I'm hoping it is his body detoxing from all the healthy stuff he's been taking.

I realize I do ok with all of this as long as he "feels" well but the feeling of terror comes when he has symptoms of any kind. Then I have to come back to the reality that the Lord really does have everything under control and once again I can't go by what I feel but what I know to be true (our many riches we have in Christ), the truth of His Word.

We are leaving tomorrow in the early afternoon to head to Cleveland for a day of appointments on Thursday. His parents have agreed to come stay with the boys. That way they can take Joel & Jordan to school and pick them up after school and play practice.

Jordan is in the school play "Annie", so he has all of his lines memorized as well as his songs. He is Daddy Warbucks. I told him I would be glad to shave his head, but he's hoping for a bald "wig" instead (somehow that just doesn't sound right). He is looking forward to preforming the last weekend of January. If any of you have interest in see a budding star perform, let us know and we can secure you some tickets. Now I'm sounding like a proud parent...sorry.

A BIG PRAISE: Our friend that has a possible reoccurance of cancer needed her appointment moved up closer than 11 days, got an appointment for tomorrow!

Please pray for a good report for her when she meets with the doctors.

(I'm writing this at 2:00 am so Jack has not looked at this yet, so all the above is subject to change if he thinks it is odvious I did this when I was way too tired. Josiah already helped me delete some other goofy stuff I had written ).

For you created my intermost being:

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the Days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:13-16

Jan 2, 2006 - Today was a nice day to relax and get a grip on the week. Our good friends "the Murbs" blessed us with a wonderful carry-in lunch and snacks for the football game to come later in the day. It was so good! It was nice to spend time together.

We were blessed to have a living room full of the boys & their friends to watch the Ohio State / Notre Dame game. I thought Jordan might need some extra protection since he was wearing an Ohio State hat! Dawn and I hung out in the kitchen keeping them supplied with the no bake cookies and other more healthy snacks. Don't worry Jack only ate the good stuff and rested in the front room part of the time.

Words of encouragement from Scripture:

I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous,

and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

May your unfailing love be my comfort,

according to your promise to your servant.

Let your compassion come to me that I may live,

for your law is my delight.

Psalm 119:56

Jan 1, 2006 - We started out the new year by going to church Sunday morning. It was a blessing to spend time with our church family. The love and care that is being shown to us at this time has be a great encouragement. We appreciate their willingness to help us and bear with us as we continue on this unexpected journey.

Josiah was able to share for 5 minutes at church today about what he has been doing the last 5 months with the 4:12 Comission. in Sebring. Of course his talk was entertaining (he gets that from his Dad) and encouraging to see him grow in the Lord and be considering full time ministry in the future.

Jack was able to get a nice afternoon nap and in the late afternoon we had a wonderful visit with the Handy family. They had lost their son-in-law to leukemia 3 years ago so their daughter was able to give us insights and information that was helpful. Her son came along and was able to wrap all 3 boys around his finger and they were playing hide & seek (that's been a while since our boys have done that) darts and more. He was glad to have someone to play with that didn't want to play "house"!

We also we blessed with a visit from the Millers who came bearing some wonderful healthy food. We swapped paperboy stories and carwash calamities. If laughter indeed heals, Jack had a good dose today!

11:24 pm est

December 2005

Dec 31st - Today Josiah and Tim Wentzel replaced our kitchen faucet. It has been leaking for a few months and a replacement had been sent but I decided to not tackle this one on my own. As usual a simple job at our home is never a simple job. But with a trip to Menards to replace a few additional parts, our plumbers had everything under control and finished the job. So nice to only get water from the end of the faucet and not dripping underneath! What a nice blessing!

I spent the day rearching the internet for information on diets for Jack and other possible treatments to help him heal.

Jack was able to talk and encourage some family and friends on the phone today. We just found out another friend who had cancer and was in remission is now possibly having a reoccurance in a different place. Please pray, as their appointment to see the doctor is not for 11 days! We know God can move mountains and schedules. That is just way to long to be in limbo. The family has been a great encourgement to us this week and they had no idea they would soon be in the same boat for a second time!

We hope to be in church tomorrow morning if Jack is feeling up to it.

Dec 30th - The Lord was gracious to bring a woman who had an ileostomie across my path today and she was very encouraging. Only having our imagination and no real facts has made this part of Jack's surgery a bit overwhelming. She was a wonderful encouragment! After our conversation it was very evident that it may be a transition but a very workable inconvenience. It was nice to come home and encourage Jack with all the info she shared. The clinic will discuss it with us this week but it was nice to have more of an understanding before next Thurday.

Jack's ileostomie is only supposed to be a temporary one for about 3 months until the re-section heals and then they will do a second surgery to re-route everything back to normal.

Dec 29th - Last nite we had a Christmas dinner with my side of the family. Jack was able to share about his Russia trip and Josiah entertained us with some mission stories. The kids played their games and we tried to get to bed at a decent time.

We had a very early morning today. But it turned out to be a good day. We arrived early to his ultrasound appointment but they did not start until almost 10:00 am. There was a lady screaming like they were torturing her so it really made Jack look forward to his turn! They assured him he would be getting more drugs than her, LOL!

At the same time someone in the waiting room fell off their chair and started screaming "Kill me!" Shortly thereafter he was carted away. Thankfully my friend Kathy was with the boys, so they didn't have to watch it alone. I guess they didn't want the boys in the waiting room feeling like they had missed out on the terror for the day.

The good news is that the doctor was pleased to let us know that all seems well in his stomach. It is such a relief to put this behind and move forward!

My mom had packaged some great sandwiches for the ride home so we ate on the fly hoping to get Joel back in time for a youth outing but due to the delays for Jack's tesing we were about 15 minutes too late for him to be able to go. So he gets to hang out with us tonite. (Every teenagers dream, to spend time with his folks ;o).

When we got home we received the packet from the Clinic for his visit next Thursday for pre surgery testing and planning. He needs to be there at 8:00 am and will be done in the afternoon. From the looks of things we won't know the time of his surgery on the 13th until the day before.

For all you wondering, Jack's eyes look at little less bluegillie today. They are now looking closer to a deer in the headlights look as he thinks about his upcoming surgery. Variety is nice!

In all seriousness, we are very grateful for all the prayers and the grace the Lord is showing us at this time. We know the Lord is faithful and he promises he will never leave us or forsake us. Jack recited the " 109 riches" we have in Christ for me today while we were waiting for the ultrasound and they are truly a great way to help keep focused on how much indeed the Lord does love and value us. When I am afraid I will trust in Him!

Dec 28th - We arrived in Ashtabula last nite to spend a little time with my family before Jack's ultrasound appointment on Thursday morning. The trip out was good and uneventful.

Today I was able to visit a nutrition store today and learn more about various foods and their good and bad effects on cancer. I talked with a lady whose son just went through the radiation and chemo routine that Jack was supposed to go through and I was so very thankful that the Lord has spared Jack from the radiation. Her son's name is John. He is struggling with some of the bad side effects and I told her we would pray for him. It has brought John back to the Lord so in that they give thanks.

It will be good to get the ultrasound done tomorrow, as Jack has that glassy bluegill look in his eyes again today. Those of you who have been around a bluegill know what that looks like. (He just loves it when I say that! ;o).

It has been wonderful to have Josiah with us over the holidays. It is definitely God's timing to have him here at this time with us. We will have more of an update after the test at Cleveland Clinic tomorrow.

PRAYER: Please pray that the test is routine tomorrow and that his stomach and esophagus is normal with no problems. We truly appreciate your prayers and concerns.

Dec 25th - Jack did not get much sleep last nite and his gut was hurting today so the boys and I went to church and he tried to sleep a bit more.

So many people were an encouragement at church today. We so very much appreciate all the continued love and prayers and words of encouragment. We also appreciate all the offers for help as well. Things have been happening so quick, it is hard to know what we really need at this time. We are trying to just take a day at a time and figure it out as we go.

We got to bring Seth home with us after church to catch up what's been going on in his life the last 6 months. It was a short visit but it was nice to have a bit of time with him to catch up.

Dana & family stopped in for a few minutes as well. The boys helped give Jack his dose of laughter for the afternoon. I think it might have been a healing dose!

Jack is feeling better this afternoon. He attributes it to all the prayers.

We are thankful most of all today for Jesus Christ willing to come to earth as a baby and then as a man lay down his life for our sins. Knowing Christ makes Jack's situation for him a win win. Our hope and prayer for each one of you is that you have received the gift of eternal life from Jesus Christ our Lord. Not a one of us knows what tomorrow holds but we do know who holds tomorrow.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Dec 24th - We spent the day just resting and I needed to get things like the laundry done up again. A couple of my best friends (you all do know you can have more than one best friend) have been helping me stay ahead but it can get out of control quickly with the 5 of us.

The boys got a chance to go to Fort Wayne to do a bit of Christmas shopping and Paul treated them to a holiday movie.

We had our family Christmas and did the traditional picture of the boys in front of the Christmas tree. They are all getting so tall you can hardly see the tree anymore!

Dec 23rd - What an exciting day! PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE!