Sorry again for the long time between updates. Diane has declined dramatically the past two weeks and my focus is on her and not communicating to our support system. Events have accelerated yet time appears to be standing still. A reminder to live in the light of eternity where relationships, values, and Truth reign and“stuff”, pettiness and self-centeredness are exposed for what they are…a counterfeit reality designed by the enemy of our souls to distractfrom God’s perfect will.
Diane’s health has declined, but her spirit has soared. She is experiencing the peace of God which has been imparted by her to all who have visited during this time. Two weeks ago we intended to fly to Idaho to visit friends and family. We embarked on an new dietary regimen and considered going to a clinic with a high rate of success in stage 4 cancer treatments
But in a matter of days Diane went from being ambulatory to using a wheelchair, her appetite disappeared and she was firm that rather than going to extraordinary lengths, she wanted to pass from this life to the next in Santa Cruz in the presence of her family.
This she is doing. Diane’s three sisters came from around the country, the Wilson’s from Idaho and all the local kids and grandkids, 35 in all. We had three adult only dinners, a rare configuration, with opportunity for deep sharing. We moved to Diane’s sister’s rental at Pleasure Point where they hosted a reception with the women from our church.
Now we are at the Brownlee’s home where volunteers (in less than 24hrs) fixed up a beautiful space that looks out on a private patio where Diane can get fresh air, receive guests,and be served by family.
Thursday, the entire family gathered there to feast, toast and reminisce. We rejoiced in God’s Providence that used Diane to help create not only this family, but fruitful ministries, including many “Crisis Pregnancy Centers”, Servant Group Int’l, Surfer Bible Studies and Trinity Covenant Church (among others). I noted that not only were her unique hospitality gifts exploited, but it was her vision that brought these things to pass.
I will expand on these thoughts in the future, but God has impressed it upon me, to acknowledge her role in many ministries where I was the “front person.” Diane’s focus was always on building God’s Kingdom and not personal recognition. Hundreds of cards, emails and letters bear testimony to soft words and quiet deeds that helped transform many lives.
Saturday Alex Wurmbrand arrived to join Chris Reno and Jordan Brownlee in a Brother Down reprise to serenade Diane along with the local family and a few close friends including Elizabeth Flores. She and Benjamin, hosted Alex’s grandparents, Richard and Sabina, when they first came to the U.S. God used that relationship to bring Alex to Him at our communion table years a go. Another reminder of God’s Providence.
Our out-of-towners have left, but Doug and Nancy Wilson are here today and three of Diane’s good friends from Moscow arrive tomorrow. Please pray God’s peace on Diane and each of us as we attempt to glorify Him in sending our wife, mother, grandmother and sister home. I asked Diane if she wanted to say anything in this post. She said she is “just following Aslan home.” Her love for the gospel as expressed by Lewis is not fiction, but as real as the joy that comes in the morning.