Welcome to A Gravel Road Journey!

NOT SO LONG AGO, Dad RE-named his art studio, "A Gravel Road Studio", and so this seemed an appropiate title for his blog.

Why 'Gravel Road'? As Dad explains, "Gravel roads take us off life's busy highway and force us to slow down. When we slow down we have time - time to notice the things around us; the things that matter the most; life and breath, the flowers and the trees. Gravel roads allow us to taste the dust of our travel and give us time to breathe."

Since his studio is a place of quiet reflection and contemplation, we wanted to create a space for family and friends to do the same as we journey together down this new and unknown path. We also wish to keep family and friends updated on his diagnoses and treatment, so please check in often for updates and new information.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Treatments Coming Soon!

Well, first of all, I will fill everyone in on the weekend. As of my last post, Dad's biopsy had gone well and he was recovering in the hospital. He was released on Saturday after a CT scan and he and Mom got home around 1 pm. Then, around supper time Dad had a clumsy moment (happens to the best of us!), and tripped on the stairs, bumping his head on the way down. Normally, not such a big deal, but when you've just had your head cut open, that's not exactly what you want to have happen! Thankfully, Dad told Mom about the incident and they made a trip back to the ER for yet another CT scan to make sure there was no swelling or bleeding. Thankfully, all was fine, and they were home again just after midnight. I haven't asked Dad yet if he's getting sick of all the CT scans....need to remember to ask him one of these days! Although I'm sure he'll have many more yet before this ordeal is done.

Anyway...Sunday was a nice relaxing day at home for everyone, and today it was back to the hospital for Mom and Dad. Dad got fitted for his radiation helmet and has been told that treatments will be starting either later this week, or early next week. We're hoping for later this week, but they need the pathology report from the biopsy before they can start treatments. So that is what we are waiting for right now. As always, we ask for continued prayer, specifically that the report from pathology would come back by the end of this week.

And I also want to say a huge thank you thus far for the out-pouring of love and support that has been shown by friends, family, and acquaintances. As I read all of your comments, it never ceases to amaze me how faithful God is in providing people in our lives to uplift, encourage, and inspire us when we need it the most. On behalf of our entire family, THANK YOU! from the bottom of our hearts!

Dana

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

We will continue to bring your need to our friend Jesus, who walks this gravel road with you. We love you very much!

Glen & Sharon

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in my prayers. God holds you in the palm of his hand. May you continue to feel his presence as you walk this gravel road. He is our source of strength.

Blessings
Diane Helmus

Anonymous said...

Gerald & Arlis
My heart goes out to you. Seeing the pictures brings me back to my sister Elaine's journey. The CT scans, the Brain Tumour Clinic visits, surgery, step down unit chairs, radiation, & chemo.
God was very near and I pray the same for you. We clung to the verses in Isaiah 43: 2&3 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.
If you ever have any questions or just want to vent - don't hesitate to email@ karsi@mac.com
May God give you strength and peace as you journey this path.
Karen Taylor

Students @ Latimer Road said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Students @ Latimer Road said...

I am praying for God's peace to consume you in the way you each uniquely need it. May his peace surpass all understanding.

With love,
Andrea Langelaar

Anonymous said...

Dear Folkerts Family!
Your news of the journey you are on has touched many hearts including ours. It's sure tough going when the "gravel road" we're on has a bunch of deep pot holes to travel through. Thankfully the 360 view along the road holds beauty and hope. You are a beautiful family, and the legacy of strong and faithful family bonds are evident especially at this difficult time.
Our hope for you all is that God's grace will be sufficient to give you the courage and strength and endurance to navigate through the journey ahead.
We join with other believers at this time to hold all of you up in prayer.
Warmly Don and Charlotte Livingston and family

Anonymous said...

dana & jared - we're so proud of your faithful and positive outlook in these times. we continue to pray for you ALL and cassidy has her class praying today also (it's prayer request day!). i find it incredible how, if we invite, god can use tough situations like this to unite his children and increase their faith.
keep fighting the battle folkerts!!
t&j

Anonymous said...

We were stunned to hear of your condition Gerald after we got home from New Jersey. We commend you and your family to the gracious care of our saviour and promise to continue to uphold you in prayer

Tony & Clara

The Keowns said...

steve was telling me yesterday about the fall...
I really like that picture of him at the top.
constantly praying that God will continue to strengthen and comfort you guys

Unknown said...

Dana,I want to say how much I appreciate your writing. You do a very fine job of describing Gerald's treatment and how he is doing. I commend you on your mastery of the English language.There is not a spelling or grammatical error in your texts. You know how to write an interesting text and I look forward to your next post, whenever you find time to do so.

Blessings,

Raymond