Friday, February 8, 2008

Thank Yous from Jeff and Holly

On November 6, 2007, Jeff was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma cancer. He is brave, he is strong, we celebrate the good days, we (I) cry through the tough ones. We are blessed to have the prayers and support of so many--we look forward to the day when we can pay this all forward. We look for ways that we can help now. It all feels so small compared to what people are doing for us. We are grateful, we are in awe, we are thankful for the goodness in people. We have so many to thank--Julie and Paul, Sandy and Lee, Missi and BJ, The Boswells, Joan, Kathy and Tim Carlisle--our Houston Angels; Gail and Greg, The Aumans, The Gomezs, Steph, Chrissy, Cheryl and Kenneth, all the families that attend Kids First Preschool, the amazing teachers at Kids First Preschool--my place of refuge. My dear, patient mother--Carol Frank, my sisters Carrie, Bonnie, and Janice, my brother Richard and my amazing nephews and nieces--Jef, Chuck, Marty, Emmy, Holly, Jim. All of Jeff's sweet family--Shelley, Kelly and Eric, Travis. Jeff's amazing lifelong friends Jim Lohmeyer and Roddy Rogers--we both have dear friends that are by our side through all this. The list to thank grows daily. Our church--Campbell United Methodist--the pastors Jim and David, and Betty--so many church family that hold us up in prayer daily and support us through every step. Our business--Planvest Capital Management, Robin, Dean, Molly and Peggy--all of our dear clients who have become like family over the years. The staff and families of McBride Elementary. There are hundreds of names I could list here--some have chosen to remain anonymous--some we met briefly in our travels to MD Anderson. So many examples of what God wants us to be--blessings to each other. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Please feel free to write a note of encouragement to
Jeff--just click below on "comments"!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

WOO HOOO! I'm the first comment!!!!!!!!!!!
You know how I feel about you guys, your entire family is golden in my eyes.
Now "Never Gonna Get it" by En Vogue is in my head because of Jeff's big long title.
But what a strong message Jeff sends!
Love you,
Jules

Roddy said...

Holly and Jeff--Thank YOU for being such a blessing and being God's vessel to flow out to others through you. I know so many are praying for you that you don't even know--i pray you will feel God's presence, power, and peace in a huge way---I love the name of your site!

I am so grateful for you

Roddy

ubandaj said...

OH WOW, SO NOW JEFF HAS A BLOG ACCOUNT FOR HIS PAPER CUTS, BOY JEFF, YOUR SURE MILKING THIS ONE!
I WAS ALMOST SURE YOU WERE HAVING CLANDESTINE MEETINGS IN HOUSTON, BUT ROBIN SAYS SHE DOESN'T THINK YOU COULD HANDLE IT.
AJ AND I ARE THINKERS AND PRAYERS, AND THEY ARE ALL DIRECTED TOWARD YOU.
LOVE AND KISSES,
UB AND AJ

Chrissy said...

I can't tell you how often I think about all of you. My motto right now is "I don't know what the future holds, but I know WHO will get me through it!" I will continue to pray for you and I want you to know that each night I pray for you, I am also thanking Him for putting you in our lives. You know where to find us if you need ANYTHING! May God bless you and keep you.

Love,
Brian, Chrissy, Claire and Cohen

Lynn and Mike said...

Holly and Jeff,

We love you and think of you constantly. Know that whatever we can do for you, all you have to do is say the word. We will be checking here for updates often (esp. since I (Lynn) am addicted to blogspot), but are always just a phone call away.

On a different note...I can't BELIEVE how big the girls are! Is that Miss Lauren who I finger painted with...and kept in her bouncer till Mommy got home when I thought she was ready to walk on her own?! Where did the years go...

You are in our prayers...

Lynn and Mike

Anonymous said...

To my Dearest Brother Jeff (I dropped the "in-law" when you married my beautiful sister Holly.) I know God hears prayers because you were the baby brother I always wanted and now have!
Sometimes we don't have the answers to the "WHYS" when we are faced with challenges in life that seems so huge. Some one once told me that Man's extremities are God's opportunity to bring us into a more focused and deeper learning of our Spirituality. Every day I re-visit the stories of healing in the Bible that Jesus demonstrated to us, realizing that when we turn to him with total faith, healing is possible. I believe this and know it to be true today as it was centuries ago.
My dearest brother ~ your faith is what sustains you now and will bring you thru this. You are a wonderful example of Spiritual strength and love. Never for an instant can you be separated from God and His love. His Love never faileth... Keep believing dear ones. I love you all so much, your sister Bonnie
P.s. I love the website

Unknown said...

Holly and Jeff--- You are constantly in our prayers. We love your family. Ashtyn and Lauren are the best little girls and friends to Sarah! We are always there for you. Jeff--we are praying for you to be healed by the great hand of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Love,
Rhonda,John and Sarah

we-b-the-joneses said...

Jeff & Holly--
I've read through your blog and all of the comments from your supportive friends and family. You have always been such loving, giving people...I'm so glad to see that the love you've given out over the years is coming back to you now. Thank you for your friendship and for being a model of how to handle a tough situation with grace and courage. You guys rock! Thank you doesn't seem adequate to express how grateful I am that you both have influenced my life. I am lifting your family up in prayer and I am so glad to know that you are resting in our Lord's hands.

P.S. I'm still waiting for the ink to dry on my Planvest tattoo....it's a beauty!

With love,
Lisa (John, Morgan & Gracie too)

Anonymous said...

Jeff and Holly -- Hello! I miss all of you so much! I am so thankful for all of the wonderful people that are sending you prayers, blessings and lifting your spirits. Besides God, there is nothing more important than loving friends and family that support you 100%. I want to thank everyone personally for all that you have done and continue to do for Jeff, Holly and their wonderful children. Jeff and Holly, I admire your strength, courage and faith! I am praying that each and every day you feel all of the support and love that is sent your way through the prayers of so many people that love you!

Love,

Shelley Melton

Anonymous said...

Hey there Holly and Jeff, I admire you both. the road is not so sure for any of us, but it's a beautiful thing when you can journey it with your best friend.

Here's to more of the journey!

lovingly,

Anne E.

Lynn and Mike said...

Hi guys...I was just checking in to see how you all are; you continue to be in Mike and my thoughts and prayers daily. We love you.

Anonymous said...

Holly, Jeff, and girls,

David and I check in on you frequently through your website. What did we do before computers and the internet? We are completely in awe of your strength and courage, and we wish for you peace and comfort through our Lord Jesus who makes all things possible. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Your friends,

David and Suzy Milburn

Anonymous said...

Holly and girls,

I found this prayer which I thought to be so appropriate for you at this time. I pray these words for you and all of your family, believing that God will answer:

"May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. I pray that faith enters a new height for you. I pray for peace, healing, health, joy, and true and undying love for God."

Thinking of and praying for your peace,

Suzy Milburn