I’m writing from my hospital bed at the University of Michigan Hospital as the storm winds whips snow outside at 24 mph. Soon, children will be sledding and laughing in the snow. Life keeps moving—even in the midst of uncertainty.

Thank you for praying for me. The ileostomy closure was successful. While the surgeon was unable to fully close the loop due to challenges from previous surgeries, we are trusting God for complete healing in the days ahead. The surgeon is confident that the loop will heal. Please continue to pray that my body heals as it should.

Once again, I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary staff at this special hospital. Their patience, kindness, and encouragement have reminded me of God’s love and care. Several members of the medical team have sat and visited with us, and we shared stories of faith and hope. God meets and greets us through people he brings into our lives.

This storm, my cancer journey has brought many unanticipated lessons. One of the clearest is this: faith in God sustains us through the darkest seasons. Becky has been a living testimony of that faith—marked by beauty, strength, and dignity. She embodies the virtues of Proverbs 31:10–31. Our children, our church family, and our community have continually refreshed my spirit. Thank you for walking this road with us. Soon, I will be laughing and playing with my grandchildren and helping others enjoy their life’s calling.

There are moments when we must walk through dark places, wait through long nights, or endure difficult days. Discouragement, doubt, and despair have pressed in on me more than once. Yet I can say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress.” God’s pull toward faith and deliverance is stronger than every doubt and every fear. If you can stand the pulling, God will pull you through.

Today, I see light at the end of the tunnel. This journey appears to be nearing its close. I now enter a two-month healing period following the ostomy closure, followed by checkups every six months for the next five years. I step forward with gratitude, trust, and hope—confident that the God who has carried me this far will continue to be faithful.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)