Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Yesterday Shelly and I traded places as ''she' suddenly got cold chills and was getting sick. I was feeling good and here is my wife now, my life partner for over 38 years who married me for better or worse and now was suffering the "worse" part...the one for two months who has been holding my barf pans up under my chin as my body heaved the residue of the heavy chemo treatment and antibiotics chasing down unknown infections...every pain of my body she to writhed with me as we moved for these last two months through what seemed like at times a torture that would never end and crying together to God for help and experiencing wonderful moments of great experiences of God's power and instant touches of mercy, grace and revelation...Shelly...this wonder woman...this fully mature, fully blossomed woman of God...from a little innocent 20 something girl carrying a sun flower for a wedding bouquet, lover of flowers...this mother of the two most beautiful children on earth, she calls me "daddy"... her dad died at age 3...she lost her twin at age 36...she is so innocent and soft on the outside...like a tender, beautiful flower, but inside she is a woman of steel, unbend able in her faithfulness..naturally other centered, the closet thing to Jesus I know...and wow...she is my wife...it's like I won the wife lottery...God knew exactly what He was doing! Here she is, every night suffering alongside me...she is exposing herself everyday to every bug and disease known to man...she is like father Damien, her love makes her fearless...now her body begins to shiver...my heart leaps in response..we get her warm blankets wrap her body as she has wrapped mine so many times when the chills come...she experiences an immediate new found affinity for those warm blankets (heat transfer...the only thing that really brings comfort from the chills)...I wrap her tight and hold her that my body heat would also help, the same act of love she has given to me dozens of times . Today Shelly is feeling better...she got a lot of sleep...she is with me now...we are preparing to leave the hospital...maybe tomorrow...to go and stay at our friend's condo near Diamond head...it is kind of a half step toward Maui...pray for us to help make it back home...there is more too it than just jumping on the super-ferry...but with your prayers and God's covering we can do it...the doctors are helping us in our cause...weaning me of the drugs and making an exit plan for me. The staff here at Moanalua Kaiser has been phenomenal...the nurses...oh my ...what special instruments these woman and men are...including all the aides...we have been here so long we know everyone by name, many of their personal stories, their lives and struggles and of course their spiritual temperatures...as they are taking my temperature...the Holy Spirit is taking theirs and revealing to me clues of their prayer needs...so many of these guys are believers...even many of the doctors and we have had some wonderful fellowship...others are not in relationship with the Lord and these the Spirit is moving on...for example one of the techs that images my major organs I have gotten to know some of her "story"...and in a two step process God had me leading her in a prayer to receive Christ and really commit her life to Him...it was awesome to watch the Spirit at work. I look at my body...I came into this hospital a vital, strong 60 year old and in 2 months my body has atrophied 20 years...I am a scaly lizard, with no thighs just bones and no bi-ceps just extra skin, but as the outward man perishes the inward man is being re-newed, empowered and fearlessly endowed with the ability to ask tough questions directly to human hearts...each person I meet is challenged by the Spirit of God in some unique way specifically designed for them and their relationship (or lack of one) with the one that created them...I just follow orders! Your love, support, prayers, encouragement, cards, gifts, letters...are empowering Shelly and me...we weep a lot as we read your words to us but we are strengthened...you guys are with us and part of the ministry God has created for us through this trial. It has been a great pleasure serving Him and our loved ones...we pray you are continually blessed! You have touched our hearts so deeply and Shelly and I love you!

In Service to Him and love to you all
kit & shelly

26 comments:

Unknown said...

Uncle Kit and Aunty Shelly,
What an absolutely beautiful picture you are of what God created marriage to be! We often read your words through tears, but we are strengthened too! You are two most amazing people. Thank you both for your inspiration to be a better mom, wife and friend, you are wonderful examples of people dedicated to the Lord, and dedicated to His purpose. We LOVE you with ALL of our HEART!
~ciara, michael and mikaela

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kit,

Just when I think you could not possibly verbalize your feelings, and share with words how wonderfully God has worked in your situation any better, you top yourself once again. Reading your posts always and brings the tears from a place in my soul I cannot explain.

I have no words to express to you how God has used you in my life.

Your courage, faith and willingness to serve Him within the pain and unknown has forever changed me. Thanks be to God.

Carrol Wilson

Anonymous said...

thanks for taking care of your lottery bride kit!!
hey - you guys are living the 'two are better than one' scripture. :)
it's no surprise, you guys have always lived that love outloud. thank you for doing it. it's like we get to be a part of it. :)

i missed hearing you're 60th birthday message kit, but naphtali told me the other day that when you said shelly said something, she made a clarification for you in her lovely shellyness and you and her had a little conversation - you two truly are one. again, thanks for living your lives outloud, we are so enriched.
Praise You Lord that tomorrow may be 'release day'!!
praying praying praying
the nichols

Anonymous said...

Kit,
I began praying for you as soon as I learned of your condition which was only two weeks ago. I remember when I first came to your home Bible study in the early 90's not long after my arrival on Maui. When I left I thought, "What a great couple!" As you have learned over the years, I have great insight. :) My spiritual pilgrimmage took me to other fellowships on Maui but we always stayed in touch and I also have fond recollections of our jiu jitsu trainings at your house! After being on Maui for eleven years my family and I finally attended Hope Chapel the last four months before we moved off of the island in 2002. It was then I had the privilege of sitting in on your Apologetics class. I'm not sure all the attendees of that class realized how blessed they were to sit under your teaching. Being an apologist myself, having both been in debates and reviewed copious amounts of apologetic material, I testify that your class was a "10" on a scale of "10." And, not only was the material top notch but your method of presentation was as well. On most of my annual visits to Maui since leaving in '02 I have been able to visit you on most occasions. Then, I got to experience your great and warm hospitality as did whichever boys I brought with me. They would go home and tell their brothers that they got to see this movie and go swimming at Kit's. What I want to say is that you are one of the greatest men of God that I have ever met. I say this because you are so balanced - it is evident that you love God, the Lord Jesus, the church, your family, the lost, you use the great talents the Lord has given you to His glory, and you exhibit genuine warmth and hospitality in abundance. And all this is ditto for Shelly. Yes, you did win the wife lottery! I will write more as soon as I can since my time is up at the library!!

lorensaved77 said...

Dear Kit and Shelly
Wow! Once again you blow us away with your words of Wisdom, Honesty, your openess to your hearts and your tenderness.
What love you both have...for each other and for the Lord!
It is such an Honor and Awesome, to call you both friends!
Thanks Again and Again for showing us how to deal with life's trials in such a sweet way, you make it sound so peaceful, the peace that only the Lord has bestowed on you...Love you guys sooo much
In His Power, Love, and Blessings,
Nancy and Family

Anonymous said...

This is a continuation of my earlier comments since I logged back on after being timed out at "da liberry." Oh, I can't talk like that anymore. I'm here in the mainland. Right now, I just want to say that I consider it a true privelege to know you and Shelly. You are an inspiration to me and I know to many others. Your lives have manifested the life of Christ.
With much love, affection, and genuine admiration,
Craig

Janet on Maui :) said...

Hi Kit & Shelly,
good thing I'm writing to you on the computer, there's no paper to get stained with my tears.
Kit what a beautiful tribute to Shelly. :)
Get well Shelly.
I am so blessed & thank God to have traveled with you two, studied in your classes, be in Bible study with Shelly, jumped waterfalls and driven dusty Mexico roads with you. I look forward to more days filled with relaxing times together. Take good care of each other, enjoy the view above Waikiki and get home soon and safely.
Loads of love, hugs and prayers, Janet :)

Charlie and Doreen Barnhart said...

Dear Kit and Shelly,
How great it is to hear the power of love among you two. How very special and blessed it is. Shelly, please get well. I know all too well the toll this journey can take on your health. May God Bless both of you. I pray and wait patiently for your return to Maui.
Love,
Doreen

Anonymous said...

Kit and Shelly,
The last two days I have read the updates I have cried. You both are amazing. What you and Shelly have is a precious gift from God. You both are true warriors for the Lord. I want to thank you for raising Mikey seeing all this...I know because of your example to him he is going to just like you!!!! Shae is a LUCKY girl! WE love you both! Rick and Vickie

Liza on Maui said...

Now you're making me cry...

Excuse me, I need to find a towel...

Love you both,
Liza

Anonymous said...

My family prays for your family often...I think you would love to hear the inspired and heartfelt prayers of 11 year old Josie! We are so thankful and touched by the light that is so apparent in your lives and that you share so freely with everyone.
Love,
The Sutherlands

Anonymous said...

Hey Kit and Shelly...After reading your blogs, I always want to leave a love comment, but my mind reads the last word of your blog and I find my heart overflowing and my words silenced....that place that's just still....like walking out of a cold airconditioned room into the brilliant Kihei sunshine...eyes closed, head tilted toward the sun, arms outstretched and just feeling....hhhmmmmm.

So instead of tediuously trying to put words to it all, I'm just gonna let our hearts share their wordless power.

praying...
ulu shiraishi & clan

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kit & Shelly,
How beautiful your love is & always has been for each other & for your children. What a testimony to Jesus & a picture of his love for us! Thank you for being the incredible role models for us over the years we have known you. Thank you for your transparancy and for showing us what true love really looks like in this fallen world!
With our love & prayers,
Chris, KK & Leila

Liza on Maui said...

I'm back....

Like what Janet said, that was such a great tribute to Shelly... and we all agree - she's lovely woman of God.

Looking forward to your return to Maui,
Liza

Anonymous said...

Kit and Shelly
All I can say is Amen to your words. Wisdom I call it, words to grow by, live by and learn. You both are wonderful stewarts, followers of God. We are blessed to be a part of your life even when we are long distance. Thanks to God for computors huh! Prayers everlasting go out to you both.
Nick and Sharon

Karen said...

We agree that Shelly is a beauty queen...inside and out, that girl shines! What a blessing for you to love each other so well. You have our prayers for healing for both of you incredible people.
love, love, love you,
The Johnsons

Anonymous said...

Kit and Shelly ("match made in heaven"). Your boundless love is an inspiration to all of us. We are with you everyday.

Love, Jo and Mark

Anonymous said...

Hey Kit & Shelly & family

Love you much. Your words and picturing your story are empowering me in many ways for ministering to my own family.

you rock

love nancy baker

Unknown said...

Praying for you here In Chile, miracles happens, It's in God's hands.

Carolina, Braulio and Bastiàn

Anonymous said...

Shelly sounds like the woman from Proverbs.
Love,
Gerry & Terry

Eeyore99877 said...

I can't seem to get through any of your blogs now without crying. Hearing you describe your amazing godly relationship with your wife..You two are blessed for sure. I can only hope I find someone half as special during my life.

I continue to pray for your safe return to Maui--and it sounds like that day is getting closer and closer!

--Lisa E.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kit & Shelly,
You are so precious in God's sight... I am so very humbled by His grace and YOUR FAITH! What a combination. My heart can't bear the thought of your physical and emotional pain, and yet, you are faithful--a true picture of Jesus himself. I imagine your immeasurable love for each other and I thank God you are blessed in a way many people will never know. Words fall so short of expressing what gratitude and admiration we all have for you--for both of you! I pray for you daily and we all long to see you back on Maui. Thank you for your incredible sharing, your humility, and for sharing Christ's love with everyone you meet. Forever in Christ,
Robyn & Halii
and the Iaea ohana

ps Waipuna Chapel is praying for you!

David said...

Kit and Shell

We love you guys so much, your relationship with each other and with the Lord provides such an amazing example of how Christ designed marriage. Sally and I hope to see you guys in Maui, when we arrive. We love you!

-David and Sally

Anonymous said...

ALOHA KIT AND SHELLY.
TIS I DEBBIE UYETAKE AGAIN WHO CAN NOT TYPE OR SPELL BUT I TRY HARD. I SO APPRECIATE YOU GUYS AND ALL YOU ARE GOING THUR BUT YOU ARE TRUELY BLESSED. NOT TO MANY PEOPLE KIT GET TO SORT OF KIND OF HEAR WHAT EVERYONE WOULD HAVE SAID ABOUT THEM IF THEY WERE TO HAVE PASSED ON OR AT THERE FUNERAL. I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT HOW SAD IT IS THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO REALLY LET PEOPLE KNOW OR HEAR FORM ONE ANOTHER HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT THEM OR HOW THEY HAVE IMPACT ON THEM IN THERE LIFE. OR FOR THAT MATTER JUST THE 2 MONTHS THAT YOU AND SHELLY HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO REALLY REDISCOVER HOW DEEPLY YOU TWO LOVE EACH OTHER. YOU HAVE PROBABLY HAD MORE QUALITY ALONE TIME AND BECOME MORE INTIMINT ON A LEVEL YOU NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED. EITHER WAY GOD HAS DONE A MIRACLE HE HAS FASHIONED TWO PERFECT PIECES OF CLAY AND IS DAILY WITH LIFE CONTINUELEY MOLDING AND STRECHING. BEST OF ALL ADMIRING HIS FINE WORK OF ART. WE ARE ALL TERMINAL OF THIS BODY. PRAISE GOD. NONE OF US KNOW THE TIME OR THE DAY WE ARE GOING TO GO ON TO ETERNAL LIFE, OUT OF THIS OLD CARCUS THAT JUST SERVICES US FOR A WHILE HEAR. WE SHOULD ALL LIVE AS YOU TWO ARE NOW. "THE WORD TELLS US DO NOT BE CAUGHT WITHOUT OIL IN OUR LAMPS" AS BELIEVERS WE GET GOING IN THE WHIRL WIND OF THIS WORLD FORGETTING THIS IS NOT OUR HOME WE NEED TO REMEMBER WHAT OUR SPIRITUAL GOALS SHOULD BE, AND WHAT OUR SPIRITUAL INVESTMENTS SHOULD BE AND TRY NOT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR RELASIONSHIPS
WITH OUR SPOUSES, KIDS, FRIENDS AND THINK WE WILL HAVE TOMORROW. ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT IS IN ORDER ME!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR LIVES AS YOU HAVE YOU ARE BOTH SUCH A BLESSING.
I PRAY YOU ARE FEELY BETTER SHELLY
SOMETIMES US GETTING SICK IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE OVER DUE REST OUR BODY HAS BEEN SCREAMING FOR. I KNOW MY HEAD WHATS TO DO A HECK OF ALOT MORE THAN THIS DANG OLD CARCUS IS WILLING TO DO. FOR SOME REASON I AM NOT GETTING THE MESSAGE EITHER BECAUSE I KEEP SAYING DRAG THE BODY THE MIND WILL FOLLOW. BUT THIS IS NOT TRUE FOR ME ANYMORE. THE MIND THINKS IT CAN KEEP UP, BUT THIS BODY NEEDS A LITTLE OIL LIKE THE TIN MAN , OH MY MY !!!! LUV YA DEBBIE

Anonymous said...

Kit and Shelly, we love you and are praying for you too. I remember how Kit is a toucher and I always felt that God was touching me through Kit. I hope you and your family can feel Gods hands on you and His arms around you holding you close and loving you, even as you go through these trying days

Anonymous said...

Kit you are such a beautiful person and i wanted you to know that it's because of you that i am so in love with the Lord today. He used you in so many ways in my life, and continues to use you to touch the lives of others in the hospital and through your blog. You are such an inspiration to everyone around, and i pray that one day i can be just as fearless and courageous as you are. You are a warrior for God! I want to send you a picture of Josh and I from the wedding (you married us on october 28 last year) but i'm not sure where to send it. I'll get it to you somehow! My prayers are with you and your family every single day and i love you!