If you have a note of encouragement, support or prayer for Brian and Kathy please leave it in the comments section below or email them directly! (bandkdoor@gmail.com) They'd love to hear from you but they might not be able to respond to everyone's comments or questions.
Brian’s diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma was in May 2018. The initial treatment was a stem cell transplant. After 30 months there was a relapse, followed by chemo, another relapse, new chemo and yet another relapse. In January 2024, the 4th treatment began. Brian currently gets weekly injections of an immunotherapy drug. Sometimes we keep the faith and sometimes we need family and friends around us to keep the faith for us. This blog is about enabling us all to be kept in the faith.
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteI am Oliver's teacher at CCS and although we've met, you may not remember me in the midst of all the Christian School teachers with whom you have connected. Anyway, I wanted to encourage you by letting you know the little treasure you have in your grandson. You probably already know that! Pretty much since you missed the zoo/panda date a couple weeks back, he has been asking that we pray for you, daily. I feel privileged to have been invited into this journey with you via Oliver. He has expressed in his own child-like way his understanding of what is going on and also his hopefulness throughout it all. I love that together we get to bring you and the family to our heavenly Father who cares so much for you all. Oliver is an incredible example of persistence in prayer and I can only imagine how God will use this as a faith-building experience in his life. As he observes you and his parents and the rest of the family "keep the faith," I truly believe that God is building his own faith. We just finished a little family crest as part of our last Social Studies unit and on the back of the crest we glued the verse from Psalm 100:5 "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations." Take heart, God is continuing his faithfulness in the next generations of your family!
Nothing could be more encouraging. Thanks Grace! Blessings as you rest and recharge this summer. You labour has not been in vain: https://youtu.be/bPj3Kf7Dorw
DeleteHey Doornenbal Gang!
ReplyDeleteI’m sending many prayers up for you and wishing you the best through this difficult journey. Knowing all of you, I’m sure you’ve found time to laugh and enjoy life through it all. Don’t forget to continue doing so!
Thank you for starting this blog to keep us informed. I know how difficult it can be when you’re inundated with questions from all sides. The blog will help me keep my prayers specific as we storm the gates of heaven together! Never stop praying for a miracle.
Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to support you through this journey.
Much love,
Ashley
Hi Brian. For some reason you came to mind this morning. I googled your name and of course this site came up. Though we never worked together for very long, I was struck by your genuine, open , and accepting faith when we worked together. I am saddened to hear of your challenge, but not at all surprised by your amazing response. You continue to be an example and encouragement to many. I have signed up for emails and will lift your needs to the Father as you come to mind, and I get the e-updates. May your treatments be effective, your entire family be strengthened as you journey together, and may you sense His presence with you always. I was going to say "be strong", but it is obvious that you already are. Kindest Regards, Shane.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words and your prayers. it all helps us to keep the faith.
DeleteKeep writing Brian! I'm following and want to be along with you on this part of the journey. After reading your post today, I was immediately reminded of a devotion you shared about paddling on whitewater. It stuck with me (though it's nearly 20 years ago) and I think the advice went something like this...
ReplyDeleteWhen paddling through rapids (as daunting rapids are inevitably a part of any trip along the river):
1. Tap into the energy of the river.
2. Lean into the rocks.
3. NEVER STOP PADDLING.
4. If (when?) you do go overboard, hang on to one thing: the life-saving PDF.
I know you can unpack each part of the metaphor.
Just know you're not alone in the canoe. Keep paddling, but know that there are many of us to help paddle when you feel you can't. Though overwhelming, the rapids are followed by calm eddies, and quiet waters again.
"When peace like a river." Keep the faith my friend!
Brady, thanks for the encouragement. All words of support are so important for me to hear, but some go deeper because of who says them. I am grateful for you remembering a devotion and speaking the words back into my heart. I will keep paddling! The waves become a bit less daunting when I know that there are others (many!) who will keep the faith when I can't.
DeleteHi Brian! As I gathered with friends to celebrate Danny turning 25 this week, I also remembered your birthday and gently looked to find contact information for you over the course of the day..but I was not successful. I pray that the treatment might give you some relief from the pain. I have fond memories of your kids here at school and have seen the joy in your eyes with the adventures of grandchildren. May those regular interactions help get you through the days that seem long and tiresome.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen. Your encouragement is so appreciated. Danny...25! Wow.
Delete(My cell number is unchanged and bandkdoor@gmail.com)
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray that you will find comfort and peace. As you have said, God is always with you.