The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Friday, February 4, 2005

Building Strength

GregSelfPort.JPGI haven't written lately because I have been very beaten down by the chemo. My typical day for the last few weeks has consisted of going to work and sleeping the rest of the day. My blood levels had taken a beating from the chemo, which caused me to become anemic. My levels are just now getting back into the normal range. This week, I am starting to feel some significant strength coming back. I spoke with the nurse and she told me it is time to start pushing a bit of exercise to gain as much strength as possible before surgery. Right now, I am in such shape that walking from the parking lot to my desk gets me out of breath. I told her I enjoy biking and she said to begin at five minutes a day and try to build up in the coming weeks. She noted that it will be quite difficult, even painful, for a while at the start. "At the start?!" - I've only got a few weeks before the surgery!
Creek.jpg
So that's what I've been doing the past few days. I tell you all this reluctantly, because I know full well that in doing so, I will find myself more accoutible to actually keep this up. My inertia factor is high right now and getting out to exercise takes more initiative than when I was well (not to say I was successful then, either!) But the motivation is there - the more strength, the better the surgery recovery will go.

Today was an especially beautiful winter day. I brought along my camera so I could share with you the park near our house that Christine and I enjoy. This park is a big reason we chose to live in this neighborhood. I wish Christine were well so that she could enjoy it more. The bicycle path from which these pictures were taken just completed last year, so many of these areas in the park still seem new to me.

I am so behind on everything, since I have had no energy to do anything I need to do. I'm taking the day off today to get through a few months of mail. I told Christine that in life I'm behind in everything but pooping. That's part of the deal, I suppose. Chemo is rough, but it is better than the alternative. I still find Jesus' wisdom as relevant as ever, "...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

BikePath.JPGTreeGrove.JPGPond.JPGCreekManDog.JPG




16 comments:

Byron Black said...

Dear Greg,
Thanks for sharing how you are doing and for sharing the pictures. I wish I could somehow touch you and Christine and take it all away, even just for a day, -- or say something and give you strength. Beth and I are praying for you both. I'm glad that Jesus is your Savior and freind. I'll be asking that you feel His glorious presence as you work out.
-Byron

Nils said...

Keep on truckin’. We’re standing with you in prayer.
Nice pictures. What a great park.

Madeleine said...

It's good to hear from you again, Greg. You have been on my heart and in my prayers a lot lately. It's good to hear that you are regaining some of your strength as your surgery date draws near. Thanks for the pictures and for sharing your heart. You and Christine are greatly loved and prayed for.

Scott Rogers said...

Greg: You rock, buddy. Here at the Rogers' house, we're all pulling and praying fervently for you. I admire you more than words can express.
Be God's!
-Scott

Greg & Cheryl B said...

Hey Greg,
Thanks so much for including us on your journey and for these amazing pictures. You are on our hearts and we count it a privilege to remember you in prayer. We send our love to Christine as well. We are so encouraged by your strength. Keep looking up!

Denise said...

Greg,
Your positive spirit shines through in your writing. We will be praying for you and Chris as you approach your surgery date. Thanks for sharing your park pictures. It looks like a special place. (I too find great solace in nature.)

Leo Schuster said...

Dear Greg,
You are an inspiration to me. "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love." Psalm 33:18
Warmly in our Lord,
Leo

karen said...

Dear Greg, What a blessing to share a dinner with you today. Your laughter always makes me happy inside. Enjoyed your pictures of the bike trail. I pray for you and Christine daily, I will add a little extra to cover the bike riding!
Love you, Karen C.

Carl said...

Right on Greg, as always. God will be there for you and Christine through this too, as Always. We are counting the days to when we will see you both

Jim and Coco said...

GOD Bless.......

John said...

Greg,
Great pictures of Breckinridge Park! As you know I go riding there frequently and your photos capture the new trail perfectly. The new bridge has been the great link between the east and west sides, and allows us now to get to the 3+ mile loop on the east. Let me know when you want to go riding. I'd love to go with you. I'm free most days.
John

Josh Geiger said...

Thanks for the update, Greg! We will continue to pray for you. Love, the Geigers

terry said...

Greg
There is a totality of strenght body spirit and soul. You sum total surpasses most other people's
Love
Terry

terry said...

Greg
There is a totality of strenght body spirit and soul. You sum total surpasses most other people's
Love
Terry

Anne said...

This must be the very same park that we took a starry night walk in this summer. I can't imagine how difficult it is to initiate exercise (I don't have any hurdles and can still find excuses). I can tell you that exercise has changed my life over the last year. Once I get out and do it I feel so much better--more energy and less stress. It is the best gift that you can give yourself and the people that you love. I admire you for taking it on.
anne

Peg Crandall said...

You are truly an inspiration Greg. My thoughts and prayers remain with you.
Peg Crandall (Your parents' college friend)