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Go Make a Difference

A Bucket List makes memories to last a lifetime. A ‘Go Make a Difference’ (M.A.D.) List shoots for miracles-in-the-making. Our son, Josh, has been compiling a Bucket List this fall, but Josh is much more focused on his M.A.D. …

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A Forever Family

When Josh learned that he was dying, he had a single question for the doctor. “Will I ever be a dad?” Family is important to Josh. His commitment speaks of a deep compassion Josh has for childrenin …

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Man on a Mission

When a person learns that they are dying, it does not mean they are dead or even half-dead. It means they are alive. Their life matters. Each day counts. Purpose and passion take on new meaning. Josh wants his living and …

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Sinner Saint

Well, the Jank crew successfully lived together for a whopping 33 days and 11 hours without a major skirmish. It’s a record by at least 30 days, maybe more. My guess? The whole idea of dying brings out the …

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Alone

I am rarely alone these days. It’s not good. It felt dangerous to be alone this week. When I was, every ounce of bottled emotion released its fury. My throat tightened. My stomach knotted. I forgot how to …

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Little Brother

Big brother. Little brother Josh has 3 younger brothers (and a younger sister), but only one little brother. Noah is 12 and he and Josh have shared a room for years. They have a love-hate relationship, but …

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Precious Memories

There are seasons in life, journeys we take, that leave us with only enough breath to whisper.  We can, then, be most grateful that pictures really do speak louder than words. Josh and Mama, “in the arms …

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On assignment

We have a special agent among us. I have come to believe Josh is on assignment. And God is not finished with him yet. As a family, we found ourselves sitting on the front porch of heaven …

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Front Porch

The free fall has ended. In the span of 11 days, our 19 year old son Joshua, went from being in the hospital (“you are too sick to treat at home” on Monday) to being admitted into …

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Embarking

From my journal:  Thursday, August 15 I am taking off my shoes. It’s holy ground time. The decision of our Ft. Wayne doctors to move Josh into Palliative Care magnifies the preciousness of every moment. Life and …

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