Welcome!

Hi! Welcome to BrooksBulletin on PostHope.org

We are so glad you have joined us on our new site. We are very excited to be on the PostHope.org platform. You"ll find posts just like you did on CarePages but with the added flexibility of posting more pictures, enhanced communication options, a calendar you can view to see important appointments needing prayer or events needing participants. It provides a way to know of transportation, meal needs, etc. You will find the calendar along the top of the page along with tabs for you to send a message, read posts, and see more photo albums as we get them up and running, so check back soon! We will be approaching this site in a little different manner than CarePages in that we will be posting updates on both of our lives and everything won't be focused on my medical journey. It will focus more on how we, as a couple, are trying to embrace God's plan for us and how God has taught us to love, persevere, and trust in His ultimate sovereignty in all areas of our lives. We will also be posting updates on how God is working in our lives in general. (Our version of Facebook/social media). This site allows for easy sharing to your social media platforms, so please freely re-post or re-tweet on your social media platforms as you like in hopes of encouraging others. We would love it if you would take a quick minute and register on PostHope with your email. They promise no spam, advertisements, or selling of your email. if you register, you will get an email anytime we post a new message. We truly appreciate the thousands of you who have followed us over the years. We love you and thank you for your prayers as we continue on life's journey. With you, we truly know we are not alone. Love!

As Steve mentioned in our final CarePage post, we have found ourselves battling a new onset of similar brainstem symptoms from the past plus the addition of new problems arising from my battle with the connective tissue disease, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). We have had a multitude of scans and tests completed and the results indicate that the road ahead may be a very difficult one. In the next few weeks, we will be evaluating all of those results with my team of specialists, as well as bringing some new medical specialty areas of expertise on board. We are beginning the initial steps of getting an appointment with The Mayo Clinic. We are hoping their team approach will allow for a thorough assessment and results will be reviewed by a medical team that would represent all areas of specialities needed in my case. We'll keep you posted on how things are progressing. We would ask you to pray for clear direction, wisdom, and discernment as we move forward.

I have had almost 4 years of glorious pain-free, healthy, nearly medicine-free living! It has been a season of refreshment and brought more joy than I could have ever imagined! I plan to continue living life to its fullest - with satisfaction, passion, and intentionality. As my health allows, I hope to continue my education toward and time spent as a Biblical Counselor; as well as a mentor to women, engagement and marriage counseling, and my many current volunteer endeavors with the Fire District and in our Lacey community. These last four years have given us insight while preparing us for the season in which we now find ourselves. I am confident God will provide what we need to move forward on this, once again, challenging journey. I feel time spent in suffering has uniquely gifted me for the complexities presented by the latest developments in my life. The past is such a phenomenal teacher. The test results have not been what we hoped for but God gently reminded us: "Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

The reports were initially heart-breaking and a bit over-whelming, but just as I felt my heart heading toward despair, I was reminded of God's words to me that morning in the above verse ... *"be not dismayed*". So, as I claim those words, we ask you to do the same. Continue walking with us on this journey, encourage us with your words, pray for us when you think of us, share our story to encourage others, and always know of our heartfelt prayers that somehow our pecking at this keyboard will bless you too! Thanks for making this journey with us. We will update here as details unfold in the next weeks..

"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19

Blessings,

Lee and Steve

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Comments

Jeanne Blanton:

Good to hear from you. May God bless both of you and hold you close as you take one day at a time! You are both amazing and I am so blessed to call you friends.... Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, knowing that God is in control.

Mark Hudson:

Hilary and I have so many fond memories of spending time with you two at David's wedding. It saddens me to read this update, but know that we will be praying for you both. I love you guys!

Kimball & Elizabeth:

Thankful for God's continued provision and encouragement in your lives! May you soon find answers to go along with your neverending hope.

Jason Benjamin:

Sasha and I are sending lots of love and prayers your way. We love you both!

Freda Satterfield:

Have wondered many times about you two. I ask Royce about you when I see her. Just remember that you are in our prayers. God is Good!!

Jill Shelton:

I'm glad to hear an update from you both and will be praising the Lord for the last 4 years and pray that you can get in with the Mayo Clinic and get some answers. Please keep us updated as you all feel as you can. You two still look great as always!

Terri Gilbert:

We are thinking and praying for you tomorrow that God will lead the surgeons. God be with both of you Zan and Terri