"Compassion: Making a Difference."

A few weeks ago I was able to go with the YW in our ward up to Girls Camp and stay for a night. At about 3am I found myself lying there unable to sleep, so I decided to read. While reading in the Bible in the Book of Jude I came across a scripture that stuck with me.
Jude 1:22 Reads:

"And Some Have Compassion, Making A Difference."


 As many of you know Daddy has been battling this horrible and unfair disease for nearly a year. This past week his condition has drastically changed. Friday we had a
Dr. Appointment and unfortunately as we had expected to hear, we were told that our "Cancer Crusading Father" has reached a point in the progression of this disease that there are no more medical treatment options available to him. His liver is no longer functioning and is causing a slew of unbearable side effects. His stomach is continually filling with fluid and is preventing him from eating or drinking nearly anything, which leaves him feeling very weak, nauseous and extremely dehydrated. Last week they pumped 4 liters of fluid from his abdomen and tomorrow morning he will be going in to have a catheter put in his stomach so he can drain the fluid on his own, hopefully giving him a little relief from the discomfort that this causes. Hospice will be coming in sometime this week and the Dr. will be visiting Daddy at home rather than having him come back to the Cancer Center.
As I sit and reflect on this I am inclined to wonder what has made the difference for us? How is it that Daddy has been able to not only surpass the expectation of a Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis but enjoyed his time while doing it? As I wonder this the above scripture came to my mind and the answer was very easy; it was all of you. So I want to tell anyone who is facing this paralyzing fear that they are never alone.  Even on their darkest day when they feel they are at their weakest, someone will come for them and whether it is through a note, a phone call, a visit or even a simple thought of prayer it will be through the compassion of others that they will find their strength, their motivation and their courage. I want to tell them to never give up hope; that there is a more powerful healing and comfort found within the bonds of the Human Spirit than can never be found within hours of a Chemo or Radiation treatment. Our Family recognizes this and believes it is because of your many thoughts, fasting and prayers that Daddy's life has not only been prolonged but that he has been well enough to live it. It has been through your service and simple acts of kindness that Daddy has found the motivation to keep fighting, to give back; to say Thank You.

So, Thank You. Thank you for all the moments, memories and extra time we were able to have because you cared enough about our family to give of your own time, gifts and talents, always making our day a little bit brighter. Thank You for your love and support, your kind words of encouragement and many reasons to smile but most of all thank you for your example and your Compassion; Truly it was the difference for Our Family.
Cancer, or any disease can destroy a physical matter of existence, but it can not and will never, be able to take a soul. So battling Cancer will not be the definition of Daddy's life, it's not even the end of it, it is simply something that happened in transition and we know, just as the scriptures have taught us, that when we fight the good fight of Faith we lay hold on something even greater,
Eternal Life!
(1 Timothy 6:12)