Thursday, October 18, 2007

October 18,2007

Hello,

We would like to thank so many of you for all of your wonderful emails filled with thoughts and prayers. Many of you have asked for updates.

Tom is still fighting, with everything else working against him, his 39 year old heart keeps him here with us. Our Dr. has been there every step of the way trying to keep him comfortable however as she said there is only so much we can do.

I do read any email correspondence to him, so please feel free to email any messages.

Thanks
Melissa

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Melissa,

My heart goes out to you & your family. I have followed Tom through his struggles since last March. I wish I would have known him personally. He has a wicked sense of humor. You all have been a wonderful support team for him along his journey.


My Mom, who is also struggling with terminal illness, put me onto Tom's blog last spring.
She is in about the same condition as Tom - we are bringing her home from the hospital with hospice care Monday. Since early September (she can't use the computer anymore) she asks me on a regular basis to check Tom's blog and tell her how he's doing. Even in Tom's ultimate journey - he has touched untold number of lives.

God Bless Tom, you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Melissa -
Thanks for posting. love you.
-the Chicago contingency.

Anonymous said...

Dear Tom and Melissa~ Been reading Tom's blog, as I said, for about a year now. I have looked at your family BBQ pics and your Ireland pics and enjoyed all of them. My heart aches for you, your boys, and Tom's family. I keep talking with God about Tom, Melissa, as well as you and the boys. I have been in saddness and tears for all of you, but my prayers continue.
I have been through the loss of my Mom, my hubby and oldest son, and then survived Lymphoma and liver failure this past March...I know what suffering is. I empathize with all of you!
Blessings to all,
Comrade L [Louise]

Anonymous said...

Even though we haven't talked in a while, I think of you (and check this blog) every day. Justin and Rachel still talk about Joe and Jack. I will continue to pray for you. We miss you and Des Moines very much.

The Hamils

Carl said...

Tom, I've kept checking your blog in recent weeks - first with concern as I saw those long gaps between posts, and more recently with some measure of resigned relief, as I've read the updates on your situation. Please be assured that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know, from some e-mails you and I have exchanged, that you have been seeking God through all this. My conviction is that God will find you, and in fact already has. Be at peace. Know that we begin in God's love, and end there as well.

Rev. Carl Wilton
"A Pastor's Cancer Diary"
http://www.cewilton.blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

Melissa and Tom,
You've been on my mind the past couple of days. I send my love to you both. You both mean so much to Doug and I. Please let me/us know anything we can do to help. I wish I could make the Hawkeyes win for you! Well, maybe the Hawkeye Debate Team will have a winning season! ;-) All our Love and Prayers, Jennifer Hayes

Anonymous said...

Sending love and strength and prayers to all of you - so many people are thinking of you, whether they express it to you or not. As Tom would say, you are all warriors.

Anonymous said...

I've held off on saying too much personally, it didn't seem appropriate because I'm not family or a close friend. I only ever met Tom and Melissa once (at their Christmas party with tons of other people around -- spent more time talking to Tom's dad than anyone else). But I've been reading this blog ever since I found out about it.

Tom, I can only wish I'd had the chance to get to know you better. I've enjoyed your trenchant observations on life, politics, and other issues of the day, not to mention your excellent taste in music. I think if we'd had the chance to get to know each other we would have been fast friends. Like others who have posted here I have felt angry, cheated, depressed, and yet inspired by your battle. I'm glad Megan introduced us. It is possible to have an impact on people who barely know you. My thoughts are with you.

Tom Ashworth