Greetings! This is my first blog and I hope you will find it interesting, thought provoking and inspirational but then again, I’m really not writing it for you. I found out two days ago that I have advanced prostate cancer. This is when cancer has escaped and is latching on to bones and tissue outside the prostate. Technically the cancer is said to have metastasized. I’ll get more into the details later but I wanted you to know that writing this blog is a way for me to cope with the inevitable.
At 62, I’ve lived a good life. No, make that a great life! I met my wife, Mary, about the same time I started a new career as a sales manager for Aflac some 22 years ago. I endured19 years with Aflac and enjoyed a very successful career, Mary and I will have been married for 21 years this September and are going strong. I left Aflac to pursue other interests. One of them was as a consultant in the self-funded insurance industry which is a unique response to spiraling major medical costs and the other is ministry. For the past two and a half years I have been attending Rockbridge Seminary. This is an online school and I have enjoyed every minute of my studies. I don’t have any aspirations of becoming a pastor but heard a still, small voice tell me to “Get ready” four years ago. I ignored that voice for a year but after several mysterious circumstances I decided to wind down my career in insurance and enroll in seminary. At the time I had no clue what God meat by “Get ready” but after Monday’s meeting with my doctor I have a pretty good idea.
Yup. This is my first blog and I hope you’ll stick with me as I ramble on about retirement, school, God and oh yeah, that pesky cancer thing. I know getting my feelings and experiences out to friends and family and even some strangers will help me process but you might just learn a thing or two along the way.
Wow Randy! I read this with mixed emotions. I read this thinking what?!!! No! I read this thinking Randy, one of the good guys, so inspiring, so caring. I read this thinking good for you Randy! Good for you that you heard God and listened, you answered the call, you knew what is most important. Of course that does not surprise me nor does the fact that God has been preparing you. We will walk beside you during this fight and pray for God’s miraculous healing. Thank you for being a great leader!
Thanks for sharing. I also find that writing is good for the soul. Your first sermon was mighty good too.
We plan to see you and Mary as soon as we are back in Florida
Xxooo
Irene and Earl
You Randy are so wise and so kind to allow us on this journey with you. I am wiping tears away and yet I know God will be glorified with this. Thank you for your leadership as an elder. I love you my brother.
Great first start on your blog. I’m glad you are going to be sharing your experiences in this way. It will make me feel closer to you in your journey, from the other side of the country. Love you big bro!
Thank you for being vulnerable, Randy. We will pray for you and your journey. I am asking God, the miracle worker, to keep you here with us for a long time. But–His will,His way.
Randy, you have been a dear friend for many years. I believe 21 years! It’s hard to comprehend all we have been through in all those years. Please know that I am praying for God’s will and restoration of your health. Attitude is everything and I know you will be an example to all of us facing trials in this life. Bless you for your willingness to be vulnerable and allowing us to learn from you. Continuing my prayers for you and Mary as well as the entire family. Love and kisses Donna
Donna,
Thank you for your prayers and love. The journey we are on, although painful at times, will draw us closer together and closer to God. We love you and Alan dearly!
Rando
Thanks Randy for “being ready”! Every single one of us is terminal. I get the feeling God will use you in a big way as you walk with Him, and us, through this. You and Mary will remain in our prayers!