I think about the love of God. It is overwhelming to think about the love of God. As human beings, we cannot begin to understand how much He loves us. It is unfathomable to think that you would sacrifice your only Son to die on a cross, to atone for the sins of people that don’t know you, don’t care for you, maybe even hate you. This perfect love has no bounds!
I am reminded about the POWERFULNESS of love everyday. God loved us, so that we in turn could love others. Our family and friends are loving us during this chapter in Donnie’s life through many avenues: gifts of prayer, gifts of food, gifts of money, gifts of cards, gifts of flowers and plants, gifts of phone calls, gifts of visits, gifts of help around the house and yard, and the list goes on. Love is so powerful to heal! Love is so powerful to comfort! Love is so powerful to inspire. If love was the medicine of choice for pancreatic cancer stage IV, Donnie would surely be healed miraculously by its power!!!! Maybe that IS what’s happening …
As you can see, Donnie and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from our family and friends. Donnie feels so undeserving, however those of us that love him know that he has given so much of himself to so many in his life. Thus … the outpouring of love continues.
It has been an extra special week. Donnie has felt better and been awake more this week than he has in a very long time. Part of that is due to his break from chemo, so he has had a little recovery time. Tomorrow we will see Dr. Z, and Donnie will start his 3rd round of chemo. Donnie continues to have lots of special visitors and great food!!!
Today, Donnie’s work buddies from ICU at Florida Hospital East, had a very big surprise party for him at IHOP (the perfect place for his surprise!!). The entire ICU had been putting together a published scrapbook to encourage Donnie in his battle to “Fight Like a Mac!” The book is amazing!!!! It is full of pictures, writings, and hilarious comments that are encouraging. It took them a few months to get it all together, as it is hard to corral hard working ICU nurses, respiratory therapists, unit secretaries, and doctors that all wanted to be a part of the project. Here are a few pictures from the book:
There are 40 amazing pages of this book, complete with pictures on each page, and beautiful sentiments written to Donnie!!
After the “We Love You Donnie” book was published, the ICU staff wanted to give it to him personally. They wanted to surprise him, so they planned a big surprise at IHOP! They involved Joe (the owner) and all the wonderful wait staff that we love there. Donnie was BLOWN AWAY!!! 51 of his favorite people screamed SURPRISE as he walked into the meeting room at the back of the restaurant. It was decorated to the hilt. It was beautiful and so honoring of him!!!! We are speachless!!!! What a great turnout!! He felt so special, words really cannot express . . .
Thanks to ALL OF YOU that were a part of this very special moment: the beautiful decorations, the awesome cake, all the picture taking, the awesome IHOP staff, the book contributors, the special personal gifts, our breakfast, a monetary gift . . . but most of all, the love you showed to Donnie through all your amazing efforts!!!! We are all blessed to be a part of one of the most wonderful professions on the planet!!!! He misses you all greatly!!!! You are part of his family 🙂 May God bless you all for ministering to him through love! xoxoxo
With love and heartfelt appreciation, Donnie & Tina
11 replies on “Love is the answer!!”
I always knew that when Donnie decided to become a nurse, the world would be made an even *better* place than it already was with the love he gives to those he touches in life. Even though I’ve never worked with him, I’ve always known his impact on such an amazing profession is profound. This party and everything that went into it really is no surprise when I think about it. What an amazing testament to an amazing man. Love you so much!!!
Man, what a great bunch of people!! It’s hard to read about that surprise and those very very special people without tearing up. I think, in one of my first posts, a couple months ago, I said that the out-pouring of love shown towards you guys was a testament as to what kind of people y’all are. And that “surprise” kinda puts an exclamation point on that. Y’all should just hold hands, walk to the mirror, look in the mirror, and say, “yeah, we are pretty awesome people, aren’t we.” Because if that surprise didn’t convince you, nothing will. Awesome people have awesome friends. I agree with Jeff, I love ’em too!
Lots of love and constant prayers, Bubba and Tracey
What wonderful friends you and Donnie have! That is awesome!
How cool was that?!!!!!!!!! Fun, fun, fun!!!
Whew! Just sobbed through that post. What an amazing celebration for a clearly deserving man. It says a lot about the way a person treats others when they, in turn, do so much to return the love. While everyone wishes they could make the reason for all of this go away, what a blessing for everyone to have the reminder to share our love with one another!
love you all,
cynthia
I’m so touched by this and I’m so lucky to have a dad like you. THIS is why you fight… Love. We all love you so much Dad and we’re so blessed to see your strength right now. God is using you in ways that I’m sure you never thought possible. I’m so proud of you for never breaking from the man you always taught me to be. You’ve always led by example. Moments like this are proof of your character. I am so blessed that You’re my father. You are so blessed to have such wonderful people that pray for you and love you! Thank you to all of you for making this surprise. Your love has been his medicine. I don’t know most of you, but I love you all. God bless.
Speechless
What a special and precious blessing. God is truly in the midst of this situation. It is so clear to see how very much people love you and how God is using them to encourage you,bless you,and strengthen you. It’s a blessing to all of us to read these blogs and see God moving in you. Love you both!
I can’t think of a more deserving couple then you and Donnie….these people really express their love to you…that is really saying something when you work with people who show their love the way they did..God bless them all..
the one thing I know is we all love you…and God loves you even more…son of God be with donnie for this next treatment…please Lord no bad reaction…you’re fighting like a mac…got you covered in prayer..much love to you both! Linda
Tina,
Your heart-felt words about love left me with a lump in my throat. What a beautiful and powerful message to all of us. Then, I got down to the pictures, which made me smile – LOVE the one of Donnie with the bow on his head! His co-workers are definitely a unique group whose affection for Donnie is obvious. May God continue to bless both of you and keep Donnie in His embrace. xoxo
How wonderful. So glad there are so many people rooting for you both. What an amazing group of co workers and friends. You are both loved and well thought of. God truly has blessed you both.