A note from Danene's husband and partner in life.

Hey all,

Over the past couple of days I have been just overwhelmed with something I need to share. As most of you know, a year ago Danene had what we know as life saving surgery to remove her left kidney. During the recovery process in the hospital something happened to our relationship. There were three nights in a row that I stayed the night to get her through the painful recovery from the surgery. There were a lot of sleepless moments. But in the morning about 4:00-4:30 the great nursing staff would start to make their rounds to get ready for the doctors 6 am rounds. This proved to be some of the best times that we have ever had together.

As we would wake, we would start to talk, sharing life together and just talking about everything, and we would pray together. During this time in the hospital there was more healing taking place than just in Danene’s body. God was working on our relationship with each other as well as our relationship with him. “Husbands love your wife as Christ loves the church” Ephesians 5:25. I was not doing my job very well, and it’s something I have to work at everyday. God helps me with this process daily but only when I ask Him and allow Him to have control over my life. God has given us the second greatest gift He could give us: our wife; the greatest gift is His Son, Jesus. Guys, if you keep the relationship right with Jesus, He will help you keep your relationship right with your wife. You all just need to be thankful for the gift that God the Father has given us. Love the wife that completes you, cares for you, feeds you, cares for your kids, and loves you in spite of all of your shortcomings. Providing for her needs is just not going to work and bringing home the bacon.

Each morning when I wake it brings me joy to see my wife breathing, sleeping, and recovering from yet another day of meds. I just have to stop and give thinks for this gift that God has given. I will get on my knees before God and give Him the praise and thanks that He deserves. This past year has brought us through a lot of ups and downs as Danene battles with this wretched disease. We continue to serve God and we stand on the promise that “Everything is possible for him who believes in Christ Jesus” Mark 9:23. Some of you ask us “what can we do for you guys?” I would say to you to love your wife/husband so that you can be a good witness to your kids, family, and the world around you. Share the love Jesus showed us when he died on the cross to those around you and fulfill the great commission.

Danene and I will not question why it has come to pass that she got cancer. We will only hope that God will be glorified with our walk with Him through this process. Please continue to pray for us and for Danene’s healing, but only after you have prayed for your spouse.

In God’s Love, we are thankful for you all,
Matt (Danene’s husband and partner in life).