The Jericho Road: One Man’S Journey with Cancer

By Patricia S. Smith

This inspirational writing is a shared labor of love between a husband and wife of nearly fifty years. Lyman was diagnosed with stage-four cancer in 2005. For nearly two years, he kept notes about his spiritual encounters, thoughts, and prayers as he persevered through the hardships of treatments and illness. These notes, expressed in his voice, offer a powerful glimpse of his relationship with the Holy Spirit and his Lord and Savior. He later felt called to share his faith story with others. His wife and caregiver, Patricia, completes this powerful narrative with special memories of his life, humor, and strength, many unexpected blessings, faithful family and friends, and ultimately a joyous homecoming. Together they offer this writing to the glory of God in thanksgiving and hope that the message will encourage others who are walking their own Jericho Road. Our God is good!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490871875

Patricia S. Smith

Patricia Smith lives in Hampton, Virginia. Since high school, she has loved and aspired to write. This is the first writing she has submitted to publish, inspired by the witness of her husband’s unique and amazing faith. She credits God with the accomplishment of this writing and extraordinary message. She has two children and four grandchildren and treasures the times with her family all together.

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Copyright © 2015 Patricia S. Smith.

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica US, Inc.

Photo: Trail over Black Knowl, in Brockenhurst, England UK taken on September 22, 2012.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-7186-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-7187-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015903386

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/5/2015

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgement

Introduction

Lyman’s Journey

Foreword

This story is about my Dad’s journey with Cancer. Much of the story is actually documented in his own words. He was not a writer. In fact, this is the only writing I remember him to have done; except a few words in a card, or short note. However, he was compelled to document and later share these experiences. My mom has taken pen in hand to fill in the rest of the story so that the message of faith and perseverance can come to be published.

A short introduction is provided to afford you a small glimpse into the formative events in his life; a snapshot of his personality and character. My mother has chosen to elaborate largely on the last 2 years because she and dad both believed that these extraordinary spiritual experiences should be shared. In fact, this calling was powerful.

During his nearly two years of battling this illness, I was witness to some remarkable transformation in my Dad and the lives of close friends and family. Although he was a Christian and an amazing man to me anyway, his walk on this road came to be a revelation in his relationship with Christ. The changes in his temperament were nothing short of miraculous to me. The Holy Spirit became a palpable force and companion in his daily life. He tackled each turn of events, treatment and setback with an abiding peace, courage and contagious humor.

Shirl Smith Dutton

Acknowledgement

For some time I have been hoping to share as much of Lyman’s incredible cancer journey with everyone as possible. It is my hope and prayer that his unique and divine messages from above will serve as testimonies to many, as well as provide comfort and inspiration to others who might find themselves on a similar journey one day.

I want to offer a special thank you to my daughter Shirl for her time and effort in editing this writing. Thank you to both her and my son, Barry for their constant support of Lyman and myself.

I also wish to express our appreciation to each and every one of you who offered support and encouragement to Lyman. It meant more than we can express.

—Pat

Introduction

On a hot August day in 2005, one could have easily been overcome from the heat…yes, and even find himself short of breath. Little did we know, this particular August day would begin the long journey home for Lyman.

Barely able to dial 911, an emergency call from his workshop brought local EMT’s to his rescue. Maybe another fainting spell, or was it his heart again? I rushed from my job to find the hospital ER doctor puzzled and inquisitive. She seemed agitated when I couldn’t explain what had happened. Having been through this kind of thing with Lyman before, I could only tell her about the heart episodes in the past. The EKG is clear! she snapped. This is not a heart problem. She walked away. Another ER doctor appeared with more questions. Do you smoke? Do you sweat a lot, and do you drink a lot of coffee? When Lyman answered, "About ten