It’s February!

 I typed that in hopes it would somehow sink in. 

To quote Gary Gnu from the classic 1980s children’s program The Great Space Coaster, “No gnus is good gnus!”

That is, our silence is the unintended byproduct of Fletchers-doing-life-in-the-here-and-now.  

All the more reason to fill you in. So, a scattershot of updates…

Anne has only TWO more chemo infusions remaining! Tomorrow, and next Wednesday. Whoop!

Following a short break, she will start radiation in early March. Everyday, Monday through Friday, for 5-6 weeks. Side effects include mild fatigue, a nasty sunburn, and a heckuva tan on her left side. 

See that too?

Yep. That’s a light. At the end of a very long tunnel.  

Anne’s state of mind seems great, all things considered. There are the latent, lingering fears that the “thief” will not have been fully eradicated by her chemo/surgeries/chemo/radiation treatments, but as we remind each other, what guarantee do any of us have that we’ll be here tomorrow?  

I feel very fortunate to have had a surprisingly busy start to the new year on the real estate front.  January is normally a slower month for me (compared to April-Oct), so admittedly I was a bit blindsided. But thankful. And keenly aware of how my Heavenly Father is looking out for the well-being of my family by giving me fantastic clients. 

My profession as a Realtor does not offer a lick of security nor any semblance of a consistent schedule. Sometimes that wears on my heart, especially when it impacts Anne and the kids. Yet year after year, the Lord provides the Fletchers’ daily bread, despite my thinking that this responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders. He is God; I ain’t. One day I’ll start to get that. 

Jack, Luke, Sarah. Doing great. Such loves. Boy have I seen the Lord’s goodness expressed in their lives over the past year. I think what has really struck me about our children is how they have matured in love, wisdom, kindness, and relationships in spite of the reality that both mom and dad haven’t been quite as available. Anne’s mom Suzanne, our dear friend Manning, teachers at St David’s, our good friends – all have played a vital role in caring for the Fletcher kids during our cancer fight. When I look and listen to them, at times I am humbled to the point of tears because I know their joy and faith have been cultivated by far more than my hands. 

So friends, I fully intended to write more. I wanted to share about sledding, the boys’ basketball, Minecraft (Anne’s hooked, and it’s the cutest thing), and Suzanne’s special award. So much more to share. 

But I’m spent. 

And have miles to go before I sleep. 

It felt good to write this. So many of you care for us. And pray, faithfully. I hope what I’ve shared provides insight into how your prayers are being answered.

These last two chemos will be the toughest for Anne. Pray for perseverance and comfort for her. For healing. And hope. Above all, for her heart to rest in the knowledge that death has no sting, no victory, no power over Jesus her King.