Christmas ‘24 Blessings
It has been 22 months since Cathy’s diagnosis of Glioblastoma, a time marker that many glio-patients do not reach. This time together has been so amazing in so many ways. During Christmas, we felt especially blessed. Our favorite Advent activity was a daily inspirational reading about Infant Jesus miracles and Saint Padre Pio. Can you imagine witnessing St. Padre Pio walking through the halls of a sacred monastery carrying Baby Jesus!?! Today is the feast day of our Parish, Epiphany Church of Sayre, PA, and we have just returned from Cathy’s most recent checkup at Duke Cancer Center. Thanks to our volunteer driver, college roommate Tom Ritter from Nashville, along the way, we toured the Biltmore Mansion and had a sweet visit with my sister Anne and her husband Craig.
Cathy continues a slow decline as confusion, memory lapses, left-sided weakness, occasional stumbling, intermittent incontinence, and other compromised body functions occupy a growing part of her daily living. But you would not know this seeing her. She maintains a radiant glow that makes her hugs a little warmer, her smile a little more pleasing, and her eyes a little more penetrating. In short, she is still the girl that overwhelmed me 49 years ago. We now have home care services that give us more husband-wife time. PT, OT, and Speech services are also becoming home-based. And at the advice of her palliative care practitioner, Cathy is enrolling in hospice care ahead of any urgent need and in time to develop a trusting relationship before any critical situation arises. Cathy is scheduled to visit Duke Cancer Center again in late February.
We wish you peace and Infant Jesus miracles in 2025. And by God’s grace, more people will move closer to Jesus and His Church as they bear witness to Cathy’s suffering for His honor and glory. Next Update: February 2, 2025
Christmas visit with Tom, Anne, and Craig
Merry Christmas
Happy NEW YEAR
TO YOU
CATHY AND TOM
CONTINUING PRAYERS, MASSES, HOLY COMMUNIONS ROSARIES CANDLES LIT,
AROUND THE CLOCK PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Prayers always, Cathy & Tom…God uses everything that we offer to Him!!! I love you both 💓 mary
Tom and Cathy,
What a blessing it is to share in your journey. Hope is such a powerful virtue as you’ve expressed so often. Wishing you both many happy days ahead. Prayers always!
We love the way you can share each stage of her disease. God’s love shows through both of you.
Send love and peace in 2025. We have been and will always be amazed at Cathy’s strength and resilience. Sending her happy birthday love and always please know what a joy it has always been to be in Cathy’s presence.
Happy New Year, Tom and Cathy…perhaps one of the miracles of Lourdes was to give you more time together. You are in the prayers of many and we thank you for your continued updates. We pray for God’s peace and comfort for you both.
You two are an inspiration. God Bless you.
It sounds like you had a memorable and wonderful Christmas holiday.
You both are constantly in my prayers, and we are sending lots of love from Colorado
Today is the Epiphany! A joyous time in the church. I rejoice that you are doing so well. Your spiritual journey is edifying and inspiring. You and Tom keep HOPE in your lives and your great faith carries you forward.
Sending love into the New Year.
Dear Cathy & Tom,
Craig & I enjoyed our visit with you and Tom R, so happy to make wonderful memories with you. Thank you for these updates. You both are always in my prayers. Love you guys, Anne
So inspirational & helpful, Tom. Thank you for sharing each month. You wouldn’t have to do this but it’s a gift to us all.
Continuing prayers for you both, Cathy and Tom! Your journey is such an inspiration. Sending love from your former classmate 💚
Thank you very much Tom and Cathy for sharing your ongoing Life Journey.
Clara and I keep you in our prayers.
May God’s will be done in your Life and the Mission of Southern Eye Institute/Serabu Eye Hospital staff and patients.
You are both amazing. Think about you often. You are both in my prayers daily. God Bless you Cathy and you also Tom.
You are both amazing. Think about you often. You are both in my prayers daily. God Bless you Cathy and you also Tom.
Thanks Tom. Praying. Love you both!
Erin and Dave
You are both gifts from God, to show us miserable sinners how much he loves us. Prayers continue as you continue your journey in 2025.