from Tom 20060518

Dear China Friends,

I抦 sorry for the long delay in writing.  This was due to my illness after
Mary抯 funeral on April 22nd.  As you probably know Mary peacefully passed
to her heavenly reward on April 18th.
I was really proud of my 3 children抯 tribute to their mother at the
funeral.  I was also able to say a few words of praise on behalf of Mary.
It was a lovely funeral with beautiful flowers everywhere.  The music and
singing were wonderful.  Mary抯 many friends passed by he casket for one
final look.  However, many of them realized that they would one day see her
again in heaven.
I got a big surprise Wednesday morning after the funeral.  I woke up and
tried to get out of bed.  But my left leg would not cooperate with my right
leg.  At the hospital they told me that I had a stroke that affected my
sense of balance and left me weaker on my left side.
After a week in the hospital I am now in a nursing rehabilitation home.
They are training me to regain my balance and strengthen my left side.  In
one week I am scheduled to go home.  My two daughters have really been a big
help to me through all this.
Let me share with you 2 Bible verses that have given me much comfort through
all this:
揥e do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly
we are being renewed day by day.? As my physical powers decrease I find
that my spirit has grown stronger.  This is because my faith tells me there
is another world where 搕he dwelling of God is with men, and he will live
with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and
be their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  There will be
no death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has
passed away.?
I hope this finds you well.  I am making a good recovery and will be home
soon.  In times like this friends are a real comfort.

Your friend, Tom.