Wednesday, January 12, 2011

January 12, 2011

Today was kind of a rough day. Mom and Dad had a meeting with the oncologist this morning.  At this meeting they were told that they found cancer throughout his body and bones.  The problem is they still do not know where the cancer originated which is crucial to know how to fight it.  They have decided to start a generic chemo tomorrow (Thursday) morning.  Cory, Kirk, Teague, Mom, and Dad went to “Chemo School” today and learned a lot about what is ahead and the possibilities of how Dad will react to it.  We felt badly because Alicia was sick and could not attend.  Chris is on his way up from St. George today and will be here tonight.

We don’t know what the future holds but we are optimistic and relying on miracles.  Mom and Dad are at peace with this and each of the kids are dealing with it in different ways.  We have learned over the past few days what a close family we are and how much we love each other - there is no greater blessing than that!

Tonight we had a strategy meeting and made a game plan for the next few weeks.  We laughed and cried and ate a lot of cheese fries.

The last couple of years have seen many challenges for our family, yet we continue to see the hand of the Lord in many aspects of our life. We know there are many people praying for us and can feel of their love and support.

10 comments:

  1. Dear Family-
    You probably have NO IDEA how many people are cheering you on! Thank you for taking the time to write this blog, hopefully it will give you the privacy you need. Please....let me help if I can. If anyone deserves a miracle...the Bengtzen;s do!! Much love, DeeDee Fox 801-598-6357

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  2. Dear Gary and Raynee! We are also on the cheerleading squad! We are grateful to you kids for starting this blog and will be reading it and hoping along with all of you! The best part of our church calling was meeting and loving you two! We have lots more memories to make, so know that we are praying and loving you. You are the best! The Connollys love the Bengtzens!

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  3. Thanks to each of you kids of Gary and Raynee. Thanks for being so united with your help and love for your parents and love of each other. Your love and care for each other will go such a long way in helping your dad to get better. We are so grateful for our friendship with your folks and also for our friendship with each of you. You mean so much to them and to us. We are grateful Heavenly Father is looking after your dad and mom. We love you. Kay and Jim

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  4. Dear Gary, I am so grateful for your friendship, work ethic, and the great friend in your son. You have a wonderful life and we are praying for you! I will follow this blog with great interest. As one of my friends it fond of saying, Here's to better living through chemistry! Keep up the fight! Please let me know if I can help in any way. - Darrell 801-610-9711

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  5. Dearest Bengtzen Family -

    If there ever was a great fighter it is Gary, and the greatest support staff in Raynee & Family!

    We have watched Gary work on, pray for, and create miracles of his own and we know this one will be the best yet! We are here and available to help in any and every kind of way and would consider it a great honor to do something for your family after all the love and support you have given to us. That being said we want to be most respectful of Gary's healing process as well as your family time together but we are truly available at a moments notice so don't hesitate!

    And Gar when you need a laugh just think of those unwashed grapes!

    Much Love,

    McCall, Jon & Huck Nelson

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  6. Dear Bengzten family: It seems when hard times hit, our minds race to past memories - happy times and hard times (much like a mini series of movies). I hope that you know how very dear you are to me and to my family. We have been blessed beyond measure to be your neighbors for over 25 years. You have prayed hard for us and we have prayed hard for you! Please know that our prayers are as strong as ever. Know that I am just a few steps away for ANYTHING that you may need. All my love! Rae Ann Lund

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  7. Dear Gary and Raynee


    'Be strong and of a good courage, do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go'. Joshua 1.9

    The Lord is ever mindful of us all, He counts our tears, and He knows our hearts. He will be your strength and hope at this difficult time.

    We are praying for you and your sweet family, that as you go through the next coming weeks of treatment, that He will grant a miracle for you, and that the healing that is needed will happen.

    May the Lord bless and keep you.

    All of us are praying for you and love you so much.

    I am so grateful for this blog, so that we can respect and honor your privacy, but we'll be able to collectively learn of your progress and pray for your healing.

    So many people love you, and are with you in spirit.

    Love Sally and Chipper

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  8. Hey Gary, just wanted to take a moment and let you know that we are here for you. Our family is praying for you to have the strength to fight. Everybody here that had anything to do with RMP or Printech is thinking about you and praying for you to beat this! Be strong my friend and may our Heavenly Father bless and strengthen you and your family during this difficult time!

    Farns

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  9. Gary, You are in our thoughts and prayers always. May you be blessed for all your great works and helping hand that you have been in so many lives. Thank you so much for all you have done throughout the years for me and for the great example you are. May the Lord bless you and your family.

    Eric

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  10. Gary and Raynee: All of our family (except Tashie) got together for lunch to celebrate Kay and Jonathan's birthdays. Each one of them expressed their love for you and your family and they want you to know that that they are praying for you. We would like to join in a fast. You can set a time or we will do it on our time-frame. We love you; We trust the Lord and know that you do too. Love, Kay and Jim

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