Dorothy Milligan Byng Correspondent
The Ada News
Byng —
I’ve sometimes wondered what we would do if our weather, instead of being something to complain about, behaved with smooth perfection. Now we’re finding ourselves in possession of nearly perfect spring weather. We had a mild winter with no ice storms, and we’ve had the prettiest springs I can remember. Admittedly, some days are a bit windy, but we’ve had numerous good rains, and lots of sunshine so one would have to have inherited a complaining nature to find fault with the weather.
So, most of us are rejoicing, but we’re finding it an uphill path. I hear many say, “This ia a gorgeous day!” but usually they feel compelled to add, “But there’s supposed to be a front coming in tomorrow.” It seems as if we can’t wholeheartedly enjoy the moment without worrying about what the future is bringing. My philosophy is enjoy to the max everything that is enjoyable especially if the next day is ushering in a front.
A person who illustrates this point of having a positive outlook is David Jackson. He is scheduled for surgery at Heart Hospital next Wednesday to remove the bottom lobe of his lung and rid his body of two cancers. I think most of us would be worried and tense at the prospect, but Dave is elated.
When he first received the dreaded ‘C’ diagnosis, he was upset, but when he learned that his lymph system was clear, and that surgery could provide a cure, his spirits rose, and he felt that he had been given a new lease on life. The doctor says the cancer is the result of Dave’s having smoked cigarettes more than 25 years ago.
Dave and Jodi’s son, Dave Jr. and grandson, Jeremiah from Duluth, Wis., arrived early Sunday morning. Dave Jr. will be here until Saturday, and Jeremiah will stay all summer to help out with house and lawn chores and to be a cheering section for his grandparents during Dave’s recuperation process.
New Bethel Baptist Church and its pastor, the Dale Dunagan family, were dealt a blow this week when Dale underwent surgery for a brain tumor. He was able to return to their home in Ada Saturday after spending three days in Deaconess Hospital, but the pathology report they received prior to departure contained devastating news. Dale is suffering from a Stage Four cytoma malignancy. The doctor indicated a probable life expectancy of six months, though he added, “I’m not saying you can’t beat this, for I know you have a strong faith, but I am saying if I were you, I’d attempt to get my affairs in order.”
Both Dale and Tonya are unbelievably optimistic, and their primary concern seems to be that of accomplishing as much as possible within whatever time they have. The Dunagans will go back this week to discuss assignment to a local oncologist.
New Bethel Church pulpit is being filled during Dale’s absence by Steve Gardener.
Linda Cooper and Debra Nolan of New Bethel Church’s music staff will be part of Singing Churchwomen’s concert at Halle Brown Fine Arts Center at East Central University at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26.
Fifth Sunday observance is scheduled next Sunday, April 29, at New Bethel Church with a pot luck luncheon at noon fpllowed by a song service at 2 p.m. The community is invited
I appreciate the people who have encouraged me to continue writing my column even though I now live at Baptist Village rather than at Byng. I continue to attend church at Byng, and I continue to go back “home” to my house at Byng for things I almost can’t live without. I’m learning there are many interesting people living at Baptist Village, and my column may eventually have senior citizens as its central figures.
