Last Chance

The day came when the only treatment left for Phil was a bone-marrow transplant. We three drove to Seattle to visit the Hutchinson Center that had a good reputation for leukemia treatment. We learned this place had a waiting list, and Phil could not wait that long. But they recommended Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a much larger facility. The transplant itself and Phil’s hospital stay, plus even his travel, were covered by insurance. But the family’s traveling, hotel, food, etc., were not covered. Twentieth Century Lanes, where Phil’s bowling team spent their Saturdays, came to the rescue and sponsored a fund-raising drive, for the family had to be there. Phil’s brother Mike was the bone marrow donor, and Gooch and Mike both gave platelets at various times. I took leave from teaching and was with Phil all the time he was there, and John made two or three trips. Susan was in Europe, but she soon joined us in Baltimore at her own expense.

The drive included a marathon run sponsored by St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, all the mulligan proceeds from the Danny Thompson Annual Golf Tournament at Sun Valley (where Phil had the thrill of meeting Hank Aaron, who gave him a new baseball and autographed it), and contributions from hundreds of individuals, organizations, and companies. When we were ready to leave for Baltimore, the money was there. How wonderful Americans are, in the time of need. We received the names of the donors. A large percentage of them did not know us, yet gave generously.

In addition, thousands of people across the country were praying for Phil. Again, many were strangers, probably most of them. That sort of thing can’t be measured. I’ve no doubt these prayers were answered, for we are taught to pray, “Thy will be done.” While we mere human beings wanted and lacked reasons, God knew what He was doing when he took Phil and He did not have to give us an explanation.

Writing this tonight, July 4th, is a bit tough. I’m going to try to finish the story in one more blog. To be continued.

♥