The Sheepfold and the Voice of the Shepherd

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Stone sheepfold John 10:22-30 Recently my boys have been spending a great deal of time outside in the area that will soon be transformed into our garden. They spend endless hours digging in the dirt for worms. They then promptly take those worms and throw them to the chickens. It amazes me how even chickens can learn to recognize sounds or voices. My oldest makes this funny high-pitched sound when he comes out of the house and heads toward the coop. The chickens practically fall over themselves running toward the fence or out of the coop when they hear him making his sound. They know there is food to follow! In Sunday's Gospel Jesus tells us that, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." and "I am the gate for the sheep." Today, again, Jesus mentions that His sheep know His voice and follow Him.  In these few verses we learn that Jesus is both gate and shepherd for the sheep. In those days and even today in some places, a sheepfold w
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Catherine

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Update: We decided to cancel the surgery today. We are going to go for a second opinion with a specialist in PA. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Especially to St. Lucy for Catherine's eyes, St. Christopher for our travels, and St. Gerard, the patron saint of those with cancer.

Original Post: We learned today that Catherine does have a tumor in her right eye, retinoblastoma. Because this tumor is larger in size, and because it has caused her retina to detach, the only option for her right now is to remove her eye. It is not possible to remove the tumor without taking a big risk of having it spread to other parts of her body. The good news is that the tumor has not spread to her brain and is contained in her right eye. There is still some question as to whether she will need chemotherapy or not, but that will become clearer once the tumor is out. We will also see a pediatric oncologist to help in that decision. The plan is right now to have her eye removal surgery tomorrow. This could change if the surgery center is unable to schedule her early tomorrow. It is an outpatient procedure.

We are once again begging your prayers for our Catherine. Please pray for the doctors and nurses. Please pray for us. We don't want to see her suffer, but if anyone can beat this, she can!

God Bless.

Comments

Anonymous said…
We are praying for the little darlin'!!! She's in the hands of Blessed Mother!!

In Christ,
Claire & Steve
8:47 PM
Anonymous said…
Lifting Catherine and your family up in prayer!

Michele
9:22 PM
Barbara said…
I will keep Catherine and your family in prayer tomorrow. Please contact me if I can do anything locally (in Cols.).
9:41 PM
Jessica RN BSN said…
Oh what a brave family you are! With all the obstacles and up hill battles you remain forever committed to Catherine! I am grateful to have cared for her and allowed her to touch my life. I pray she does well and recovers without pain, I pray that with God's plan he gives you strength. I talk about her often, her updates and pictures remind me why I do what I do. Nicole you are wonderful and Catherine is so lucky to have you! If you need anything don't hesitate to ask! I found a friend in you and Catherine again I pray for you in this horrible time. With all the love in my heart Jessica
11:20 PM
Patience said…
Prayers going your way. Hope the surgery will go well.
8:00 AM
Anonymous said…
Our prayers are with you all...good luck.

Peace,
The Playko Family
6:16 PM
Cheryl said…
We will be keeping Catherine in our thoughts and prayers as she tackles these obstacles. God Bless Catherine.
Kindest Regards,
Cheryl Paeth
7:40 PM
Barbara said…
Jim and Nicole,
Last night my husband suggested I mention that a good friend took her son for treatment of retinoblastoma in Philadelphia. He has had a complete remission. They live here in Columbus. Maybe you have found the same docs? You are on my mind and in my prayers.
7:47 PM
Anonymous said…
Will continue to keep Catherine and your family in my prayers. I also added her to our prayer list at Church. Believing that God will help you all thru this. Love and prayers, Lisa
8:13 PM
Christine Crabb said…
Still praying for your family and sweet little Catherine! I know it's hard to let God be in control in everything, but it sounds like you are doing everything you can as parents and He will take care of the rest! Will continue to pray! God Bless, Christine Crabb
9:23 AM
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