The time between December 18, 1994 and March 25, 1995 was the darkest time of my life. My son Tony was at Central Baptist Hospital, dying. Well of course, we didn't know he was dying at first. Just thought he was sick. He had about 10 doctors (seemed like anyway), and went through about every test you can imagine. It was a month before they diagnosed him with cancer. After that he had radiation treatments Monday through Friday and chemo on weekends. He was so sick. People were so good to us and we never lacked food, money to pay our bills, visitors, prayers, support of all kinds! Tony knew he was in God's hands and his faith was strong. As we prayed and talked together I had no doubt that should the LORD choose not to heal him the way we wanted Him to, that He would heal him completely and take him to Heaven. During that time, God was good to get me back in the relationship with Him I had neglected for so many years. I praise Him for that and for many other ways He worked in people's lives during Tony's illness and death.
Tony loved the Kentucky Wildcats and his step-brother Scott arranged for some of them to come visit him in the hospital. He was so excited when he found out they were coming!! The visit was not made known to the media and they came up the back elevator so as not to attract alot of attention...they just wanted to visit Tony. One of the players visiting that day was one I will never forget. Mark Pope. When they came in, I had been reading Tony's Bible to him and Mark picked it up and told Tony he wanted to share his favorite scripture with him. He had come to Kentucky from Washington State and this particular scripture had brought him courage and comfort so many times. He read from Joshua 1:9. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." It became Tony's favorite scripture from that moment on.
What a wonderful encourager he was to Tony and I think of him often.
