Love you! You are in my thoughts and my prayers

“…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” Romans 5: 3-5.

Like I was saying, your story has really made me wrestle w God more than I care to admit. I have seen a lot of seemingly needless suffering over the decades but not quite so close to home . I know you are wrestling w God too my man. As I read your blog I was blown away by the number of people impacted by you and blessed by your kind, funny, gentle, joyous spirit over the decades. You have more “mojo” support than I have ever seen. This is where I finally saw the face of God in all of this for you and all of us and it reminded me of a story of someone else you know. A story that changed the way I see God.
I was mad at God for a long time as a kid because he allowed my tomboy mom to contract polio at 14yrs of age. I was always perplexed because she never seemed upset about it like I was! Pretty strange right? It wasn’t until decades later I asked my mom why she didn’t seem upset at God for her polio. She said something I have never forgotten and made me see that God’s plan is always more mysterious and better than ours. She said all she could remember from those days was the overwhelming love and support poured over her by the small South Dakota community where she grew up. Further, since she was hospitalized and confined to beds for so long, she became a voracious reader. Her passion for sports was no longer available because she could’t run. She had nothing else to do, so she read several books every day. As you know this made her a little smarter than your average bear and eventuated in a prolific, fulfilling career in academia. So, I look at your situation and trust God’s mysterious plan. May you “lean not on your own understanding” and trust in Gods plan, even when it hurts my man. I hope and pray you you can see God as loving and compassionate, even in the midst of storms. Yes, even polio, cancer, ALS and any other trial in this staggeringly mysterious place. I see Gods love is in the hundreds or Shelby lovers or “mojo warriors” we all see here, not unlike the South Dakota community that lifted up my mom when she was thrown a curve ball. I can already see God chiseling you through this challenge by your decision to turn your suboptimal hand into good through the creation of mojo warriors and reaching out to love and support others in the fight. We are all grateful for you and your decades of friendship. We all love you my man and are going to continue to be the face of God to you until this is all over. I am praying a lot more than I ever have. Let me know if you need anything. You are about due for another mix CD and a trip to Brass.

Blessings and much love,
Booker Creeker, Sean

Sam,
You are carrying us all with your words and reflections. we thank you for this. All who love you read breathlessly with hope ..and fear.. as we have to be bystanders in a script we all wish we could rewrite for you. I read this post and remembered a strong quote that is eternal to all from Joan Baez..paraphrased– we can’t choose the how or when in life’s worst. We can only decide how you’re going to live. Now. That is something we can hold onto. ps. make your medicals dance before you let them take care of you …I always thought this might be a hoot for all .(Or they will wonder about your humor!) love ya