“We have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding”
Colossians 1:9
Nights in hospitals are interesting. Not in a fascinating sense, but more in a “contradicting common sense” sort of way. Growing up, if you couldn’t rub dirt on it and keep playing, then you needed to rest. So now, in a very dirt free environment, when I feel like rest is most needed for healing, why must someone interrupt this rest every fifteen minutes for vitals or a respiratory check, etc?
Regardless of the sleep deprivation torture treatment, Dad was full of inspiration and determination this morning as the sun was rising. We had to get out pads of paper and write down thoughts and goals and then re-write them later to be hung on the wall. I love it. Down, but never out. I clearly inherited my OCD and list-making tendencies from Dad. Nothing better than a check box.
We worked on these goals today – though the doctor restricted his movement to allow healing from yesterday’s surgery. Goals included regular ice, minimal exercise, positivity, increasing lung capacity, etc. Dad says they may sound like small goals, but he says it’s important to celebrate all wins and that each small step forward is still a step forward. We had some emotional discussions of deep love between father and son in these early hours. I couldn’t possibly type about these details for fear of ruining this keyboard with tears, but enough of that and back to the positivity. Dads mottos change by need, but the current motto is that today will be better and tomorrow will be better yet.
“Today will be better, and tomorrow will be better yet.” – Dad
In maintaining this positive outlook and working toward healing, prayer has been central. My brother Jeremy has been instrumental in leading family prayer. I have mentioned this previously, but we can literally feel the prayer filling us all with hope and strength. Please continue to pray and ask others to do the same. Circling back to the start of this discussion; without sleep the only healing is going to come through faith.
Though we have ups and downs in outlook, there was genuine excitement today as the clouds rolled through. Jeremy was with Dad as they watched the weather and took the above photo. In the middle there is a face bowed in prayer with hands below. Dad was explaining to me when he showed me the photo that even angels are praying for him.
Dad now has a PCA which is an on demand pain pump. While this could technically allow Dad to use more total pain meds (it has limits, he can’t overdose), his total usage has cut in more than half by his own choice! The ability for a small dose to be delivered as needed has significantly improved his overall condition. No longer do we have “sleepy” Dad, followed by “in pain” Dad.
The surgeon and oncologists stopped by today. They reviewed Dads chart and said everything was progressing well. Chemo will start at the end of next week, or possibly the week following that.
To all the visitors – we appreciate you and your wonderful patience. To all who are reading this – please take two moments. One for you – reflect on the many gifts God has given you, the beauty all around you, and use this reflection to share kindness and love with those who mean the world to you; and do the same for a perfect stranger. We need more love in this world. Please take the second moment to pray that our family will stay strong, my parents will find comfort, and Dad will find healing.
With all the love I have to offer,
Richard
The Upside of Down - an update on hope, love, and oncology 
Kevin, as I read the post today. Three things jumped out of me. The constant interruption by nurses through the night; Jared used to struggle with this. It is a necessary evil. You’d think in this day and age they could come up with some sort of a better system. The PCA; I’ve watched 2 of my boys hooked up to this and it is a god send at times, and the one thing you actually have some control over. (The small things). The angels praying for you; This morning in my quiet time with God I came across this verse and thought of you. Psalm 91:11. For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. I’d say that is some confirmation on the angel front.
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Good morning Kevin and Richard I pray for divine strength for you today. I personally have experienced this the past few weeks sometimes not realizing where it comes from but then the Lord reminds me It is from him. Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God and I praise him
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Kevin, I (we in MMS) just learned of about your leave from the company today and received this link to understand better what’s happening. Thanks for sharing this opportunity to follow your progress. You mean so much to many of us! We have been on an incredible journey over the past three years together – sometimes difficult but always easier when I had you to consult with on my most challenging topics. You always presented a new perspective helping me find a balance and a path forward. Your path forward sounds challenging but I know you will find perspective and equilibrium in this as well with family and friends around you. Many blessings. You will be in our prayers everyday!
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Kevin – I am so sorry you and your family are facing this challenge. I know you are a fighter and have incredible strength of will. I’m confident that you’ll bring that fighting spirit and strength to this situation as well. Thinking of and praying for you and your family, lots of love, Shannon
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Kevin – Sending thoughts and prayers from Detroit. You’re one of the most dedicated people I’ve known over the past 12 years. You got this. I smile thinking about you interacting with your nurses and teaching them how to better use their cabinets and pumps! All the best – Steve
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Kevin – your positive attitude and strong spirit are what make you so well known within the MMS organization. I know these same qualities will carry you through the fight you are in. Many prayers for you and your family.
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Dearest Richard,
Your rendition of your families daily trials and tribulations is as moving to me as “Tuesday’s with Morrie”,
by Mitch Albom….one of the most moving and touching stories about life’s lessons and the gentle irrevocable impact they have on us! You are an incredible man….and your Dad surely is very proud of you as am I!
Prayers and love,
Noni
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Good morning Kevin, Richard and family,
After reading this update today it cant help to put a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. God is so good and I believe he is in complete control of this situation. It is an honor to be able to call you friend and family. Kevin you have the greatest support group in the world and no doubt you are very proud of their strength and faith. We stand with you believing Gods word and may you be a testimony unto others of his goodness and mercy. Much love and prayers coming your way. I came across this quote this morning from someone very dear to my heart and I feel led to share it with you.
“There’s a fountain open, flowing freely everywhere. Just drink till you just can’t drink no more. The tree, if it just drink to what it was allotment, why, it would just always, still in the drought. That’s what’s the matter with the Christians. They don’t drink enough. You want to drink till you just spread out and let somebody else see it. See? Push out. Get a testimony. Commit it to God. Believe it. Step out on it. Claim God’s promise. Just commit—commit it to God. Believe it. “Commit thy ways unto the Lord.” He will bring it to pass whatever you want. But He can’t do it until… as long as you’re holding it. Say, “Now, I will see if I’m any better, and see if this will work.” You commit it to Him; forget about the rest of it. Go testifying of things you don’t even see. You believe it. It’s not what you see; it’s what you believe. It’s not what you feel. He never did say, “Did you feel it?” He said, “Did you believe it?” That’s how you’re saved is by faith. That’s how you’re healed is by faith. And faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things you don’t see, taste, feel, smell, or hear. You just believe it. Act upon it as though it was. Amen.
50-0227 – God In His People
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Keeping the Faith
Dan and Barb
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Kevin,
You are truly a unique individual with a strong spirit and loving heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With admiration,
Your friend in the East, Ari
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Kevin,
You know some guys will do just about anything to get out of the always wonderful experience Q4 has to offer, but I think you’ve now set a new standard!
Seriously, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I received a message this morning letting us know you’re taking some time away to battle this monster. One thing I’ve come to learn about you is that you don’t give up, you never give up and I can see that in Richard’s messages. If I know you, and I do, you’re going to be up and running in record time and will have educated a number of clinicians in the process. I just know it.
You are loved by all at BD. You’re a leader, mentor, consultant and most of all good friend. We’re thinking about you. We’re praying for you. We need you back here.
We love ya Kevin.
PS……I’ve got this question about Omni that I was hoping you could answer for me……..ok, ok, I’ll wait until you get back!
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Kevin-you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry to learn of your illness.
Be strong!
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Kevin- my thoughts and hopes are with you.
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Richard really enjoying your updates. The checklists made me smile. If there is a way around or through a situation, your dad will find it.
Kevin,
With each success visualize us all cheering you on to the next one. We all love you.
Ricky Bobby
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Kevin,
Like many of your friends and colleagues at BD I learned of your news today. You have always been such an inspiration to me as I have navigated the world of Pyxis. As soon as I’d hear your voice on a conference call (and you know we all knew we would eventually hear that voice) I would stop what ever I was doing and listen carefully to what you had to say. It was always either helpful, complimentary or constructive. I have learned so much from you. More than you know. You have earned the respect and admiration of so many. .
When my mother battled cancer several years ago she received a card that said “you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have”. It became her motto. Those words got her through the many battles she faced.
I will be sure to keep you and your family in my prayers.
You got this!!!! Stay strong!!!!
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Kevin,
I’m thinking of you and you’ve always been such a shining star! I’ve always admired your spirit, positive energy, and the time and devotion you have to help everyone succeed. You are selfless and have a great sense of humor. I have faith you will make it through this and come out stronger.
We are all praying for you and sending you healing thoughts!
Much love, Amy
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Kevin stay strong brother I had cancer in 1995 alot of people don’t know about it. You will fight the battle and with god’s healing hands you will get through this.If you or your family need anything call me .
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