Yes, today we celebrate my one year birthday. It was a year ago today that I received a stem cell transplant from my brother, Steve. It has been a wonderful week. Because it is my one year anniversary, I had several tests this week…bone marrow biopsy, pulmonary function test, chest x-ray, and an eye exam. I learned on Wednesday that I remain in complete remission…no leukemia cells found in the bone marrow. I learned this morning that I am 100% engrafted. That means that Steve’s cells have become my cells. Both of these things are such huge answers to prayer. The other tests went great, too, so as I continue to progress in my health, it is all looking good. Praise the Lord for answered prayers. He is so faithful.
It has been so nice to be back home as I am discovering new routines throughout the day. I am still coming to the clinic 3 days a week and many of those appointments take 5-6 hours; however, we get to go home after the clinic visits and that is such a blessing. I think the girls are enjoying me being home more since I have gone on long-term disability. I am still adjusting to the change of life of not going to work five days a week, but it is so good to be able to give into recovering during this chapter of life.
I don’t think I have shared this with you, but it may be something you need to hear today. The week I knew I would be applying for disability was very difficult for me. As a husband and father I expect that I will take care of my family and that means working hard to provide for my girls. I had several restless nights as my mind raced with all sorts of thoughts about how life would change for the Green family. I prayed that I would not doubt or have fear of the future and totally trusted that the Lord would direct our future as he had been directing our lives throughout our journey.
After a few nights of restless sleep and racing thoughts, I began to sleep better although I was still having questions in my mind about the future. The Lord woke me up one of those nights and gave me his assurance by putting one word in my mind…temporary. At that time I was not able to eat…He assured me that was only temporary. I was losing weight almost daily…He assured me that was temporary. My muscles were being weakened by the high-dose steroids and I was having difficulty walking…He assured me that was temporary. I was going to be on inactive status in my full-time position and there would be a significant reduction of income…He assured me that was temporary.
Temporary…so many times in my life I have looked at present situations and felt that is how it would always be. The Father showed me that night that I truly am on a journey and that many of the situations of life are only temporary. Since that time I have had doubt flair up in my mind, but I immediately think back to that night and the communion I had with the Lord and realize once again that it is only temporary.
God is so faithful. He speaks to us in an infinite number of ways. I will never forget the night He woke me up and wrapped me in His arms and whispered “temporary.” To God be the glory.
Blessings,
Sam
Let’s whisper one back – “Eternal”! All Praise to God Our Healer and Deliverer, our Portion Forever.
-Tiffany
I believe, I believe!!!!
It is amazing that such peace can come from an unexpected and difficult “journey” One of the many things we receive as children of the LORD. My heart is dancing at your temporary status. We all know that the blessings and things of this earth are temporary, but when GOD is faithful to remind you that HE has you in the palm of HIS hand and that you will move through the things that hold you hostage, it renews abilities to trust without question and love without condition.
Sam, Keli, Anna-Laura, Sophie, Bella and Mrs. Green, I love you all so very much. One day I will tell you how your journey has helped me in the last year. It seems unfair that I have been able to use your trials as a stepping stone through a period in my life, but that is how I feel. You all amaze me. I thank my JESUS everyday for the fact that the Greens are a part of my life and my church family.
I am praying continued healing, comforting peace, and wonderful rest for you all each day.
Lisa
The situations of this life are, indeed, temporary. But the blessings of our God are not. They are given to us by the Eternal God to remind us of His Infinite Love and His Ever Present Care. Wherever we are, He Is. Whatever we need, He Has. When we ask, He Gives What Is Good For Us. You are blessed, Sam. And you are a blessing. To God Be The Glory.
Thank you for sharing this experience! It was a blessing to my husband and to me. Your Aunt Billie VZ is a friend of ours and we have kept up with your journey. God bless you richly.
Congrats Sam. This was the role of a lifetime and you played it perfectly. We are all so happy that it all came out well. We love you and think often of the good times in Seymour. Earl
Mr. Prout, I was the brother who always got to come and so proudly watch those great high school musical performances that Sam performed so well in and that you directed so beautifully–I thank God for great directors/mentors like yourself who are such an instrument of God’s grace not only in the classroom/choir room but in the real life of students–and that continued to be present in students’ lives even 25 years after those performances were over. Thank you…God bless you!
Hi Mr. Prout. I’m sorry it has taken so long for me to respond, but thank you for continuing to keep up with me. I continue to feel stronger everyday. I am so thankful to the Lord for His continued healing and touch on my life. I trust all is well with you and your family.
Blessings,
Sam
Sam, you will never know you much the Lord has spoken through you to me across these months. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you even at the lowest moments. Your life is a vivid testimony that his power is made perfect in weakness. Your words are inspired and prophetic. I love you, Sam, and my heart is rejoicing over God’s amazing grace and is deeply grateful for a man of God whose heart is tune with the Lord.
Congratulations on your “birthday!” Sam and Keli, you have been such an inspiration as you have shared about this journey. Thanks for showing us God’s grace as He has walked with you.
About applying for disability – isn’t it interesting what parts of this whole situation cause the greatest struggle? Often it’s not the part you expected it to be. The biggest effect that this will have on the Green family, especially your girls, is in experiencing your response to God’s faithfulness and giving witness to His ability to provide for you – materially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, through the changes in life. You have been so transparent through this process – so we have seen God work in and through you.
May you be blessed as you have been a blessing – and that’s a whole lot!
Sam, I heard the good news in church yesterday and sent up prayers of praise. Happy Birthday! When I was reading your blog, about you adjusting to accepting disability, my first thought was Sam this is temporary and wondered if I should write that to you. Then I read on and smiled. You’ve already been told by the One who knows and the One you can trust. I am so happy for you and your family.
Happy Birthday….so thrilled to hear the latest great news. God is good.
A belated Happy Birthday! I can’t believe it’s already been a year. My heart is rejoicing over the wonderful news. Thank you for reminding me that everything is temporary. We as Christians know that but so often forget. You and your family are such a blessing. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Love you all!
Sam,
Thanks for sharing God’s message to you about “temporary.” Several years ago, God gave me a similar message when I was sick. He spoke to me through 1 Peter 5:10-11, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever, Amen.” He has indeed been faithful!
Pam
Loved your post! Nice to know that everything here is tempory but our future is eternal!
Just now reading this, and it is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you for being God’s instrumental voice to me today. Glad to hear God is continuing to work miracles in your life.
Grace and peace.
I was on another blog for a little girl at our church who is fighting for her life, when I read a friend’s guestbook entry to that little girl. She talked about a very good family friend who was in the fight of his life and wanted to encourage that family by your words and amazing healing. When I saw the name of the blog my heart sank. I instantly went to the site and feverishly began reading the well written posts that indeed lead me to my first conclusion—- Mr. Green!!!
Wow, what a testimony of faith and healing from such a beautiful family. I could not and can not believe all that you have endured these last few months. I had not heard this news… My heart rejoices in knowing that you are on the road to recovery and to God be the GLORY! God certainly uses ordinary people to go through extraordinary things and be that light for others. You have shown through your faith and partnering with the great Healer, you are going to beat this thing… I am so proud of you, Keli and the girls.
I have never forgotten the impact you had on me as a young teenager. You really made a difference in my life. You had your work cut out for you with all of us silly kids!!! BUT, you showed me then to have the courage to stand up and use what God had given me… to chase away my fears… over the rainbow. You helped me find a voice that was tucked away, and gave me the confidence and brain-power to be the best I could be. It was mind over matter for me a lot of the time… your faith and big heart back then never changed, and you shared God’s love by setting the pace and the example for so many of us of how to be a leader. You made music ‘cool’ and exciting, and gave us something to look forward to each day. (did you like my wizard of oz references?
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So now, just as you rallied for us so, so long ago, I am rallying for you and your girls. I am praying that you are completely healed and that even though this life is temporary as well as the ‘thing’s’ in it, that His love, His peace, His endurance, His comfort will surround you all constantly.
I am so blessed to have had God place you in my life so many years ago- a teacher who cared about the well-being of his students and took it seriously. He has definitely used you in so many instrumental ways for many, and I am so proud to have been a teeny tiny part of your life. You were someone special and it radiated thru that smile and your contagious happy personality- I know the Lord is so proud of His son, and wants you to keep lighting up the room with your gifts. I am thankful you are doing well, and will be praying for you and your sweet family. I am so glad you are getting to enjoy being at home too! There’s no place like home!!!
Lots of love to the Green family!
Mandy (Maxwell) LeMay
Mandy,
It is so good to hear from you. As you know, you were one of my favorite students ever. I know, teachers are not supposed to have pets, but…whatever.
This journey has had its challenges, but our whole family has experienced the grace of God in an incredible way. Not only has He been in the process of healing me, we have all drawn so much closer to Him. It has truly been a time to recognize the things in life that are important…our relationship with the Lord, family, church, and our relationship with others.
Although many years have passed since I was your teacher, I look back on those years as some of my favorite as an educator. I love your Wizard of Oz references. ::) You were the perfect Dorothy and that was the best show we ever did at Goodlettsville Middle School.
I pray that the Lord will you bless you and your family.
Blessings,
Sam