Love

While I do not fear death, I am overwhelmed at the thought of grief. I fear it to be an enormous black hole filled with despair and darkness. I am grateful for the support of several ministers and many friends who have been walking with me through this journey for the past three years and helping move through the stages of grief.

I realized while I am feeling these feelings of sadness, you may be as well. It is no surprise to anyone reading this that Laurence was deeply loved by a vast number of people. He left an indelible mark on everyone he connected with, however brief the encounter. He was a man of extraordinary patience, love and kindness.

I believe his consciousness is already one with God. Although his body is here, he no longer lives in our home but in the eternal goodness of God’s love and grace. You are free to take your message directly to him. Talk with him. Share with him the difference he made in your life. Write a letter in your journal. Share about him with a friend.

We had a powerful prayer circle tonight as we acknowledged his gifts and love. He is still sleeping peacefully. Thank you for sending prayers of love and peace.

Resting

Laurence is resting peacefully. It is a blessing to have him at home. His pain is being managed with a morphine pump. Although he is no longer able to speak, his presence is one of peace and love.

Thanks for your gracious prayers.

Moving Today

Laurence needed another day a the hospital so his pain could be managed. He is comfortable now and is headed home this afternoon.

Thanks for your prayers.

Message from Bonny

FYI: Laurence's birth name was Larry until he changed it in 1998.

I am a friend of Larry’s from high school - He was a blessing to ALL of us then and he still is 35 years later! I decided to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in his name and will be running in the Portland Marathon along with some friends as Team Green. Check out our website.

I am also hosting a wine bottling/bake sale fundraiser to help Christine & Larry with the expenses of everyday life & their mounting medical bills.


As Larry was making his decision to move to hospice last Saturday (I had no idea) I was thinking this:

"As I was out there this morning at 5 am pounding the pavement doing 14 miles.....I pondered why??? A song came on my ipod that said it all...this is the time of my life!! The time to do something for a very dear friend that he is unable to do right now ♥

I pondered what an awesome man Larry Green is...how he touched sooo many of us in high school & still today 35 years later...I saw his handsome face as moved forward: I do it for you Larry ..my friend..my hero ♥

If you would like to donate you can contact me via email @...bonster555@aol.com
Thank you.
Bonny

Surrender

When Laurence was in the hospital last January receiving chemo he told me that in his next career he wanted to be the chaplain on the 14th floor at OHSU and help other patients dealing with leukemia. While he never completed any chaplaincy program, his presence of love ministers to all those who care for him, pray for him, love him and think of him. His chaplaincy moves far beyond the 14th floor as his friends and family around the world are touched by his light and love.

Laurence consciously made a choice to move into hospice care. There is a beautiful presence of freedom and peace about him. He will be moved home on Saturday. His family started to arrive today. His clarity and strength continue to be amazing.

You continue to be a blessing every step of this journey. I will keep you informed of the process. Your prayers for peace and freedom are appreciated.

With loving gratitude.

Message from Lynn

I was honored when Christine asked me to visit Laurence in the hospital to give him Reiki. This hands-on-healing technique is essentially a Japanese stress-reduction practice, but for me it has evolved to include a profound Christian aspect. I have been praying for Laurence over the past year, and have always felt his strong loving connection with Jesus. I was still unprepared in my Reiki sessions with Laurence to see and feel the presence of Jesus in the room with us. It has been a gift I can barely write about without tears of gratitude.

During my most recent visit, while I was leaning over one side of Laurence with my hands over his heart, I could feel Jesus doing the same on the other side. At one point I closed my eyes in prayer, and as I saw Jesus approach the bed in my mind’s eye, the sun pulsed brighter and brighter through my eyelids. Each time I have been with Laurence, I have been humbled by the great feeling of Love that fills the room.

Laurence’s ministry of Love and Compassion is evident even as he lay sleeping in his hospital bed.

Peace

It's been a tough few days. The steroids are taking a toll with increased anxiety. Otherwise there are no changes.

Your prayers for peace are appreciated.

Changes

Laurence was moved to another room today that has a lift. He has lost a lot of mobility over the past week and can no longer stand to move from the bed to his wheelchair. The lift allows his nurse to transport him in a sling which will make it easier and safer to move him.

His doctor said they will be increasing his steroid meds to help combat his stomach distress. It is a little risky but they are anxious to find a solution to his pain and discomfort. They will continue the antibiotic for his bladder infection. Of all his symptoms, the bladder infection is the most serious. His doctors said that the infection is possibly preventing his bone marrow from producing adequate blood cells and platelets. All of this is taking a toll on his mental abilities and he has increased anxiety and confusion.

Despite everything going on in Laurence's body, there is an extraordinary presence of love that surrounds him. His smile radiates love as it always has.

I am so grateful for the dedicated staff that cares for him and so grateful for all of you for your continued prayers and love.

Blessings.

Thanks for your prayers

Laurence has received blood products and platelets the past few days. He continues to be treated for the infections. He has occasional pain in his abdomen and is very tired.

The doctors are keeping a close eye on him. It will be at least a week before they know if the meds for the bladder infection are working.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers.

Blessings.

Faith

Laurence's bladder infection returned along with an infection in his colon. His doctor put him on a new more aggressive antibiotic.

Laurence's doctor sent in five different specialists to help brainstorm how to best treat his infections.

Our friends Sandi and Lynn both reminded me of the scripture from Matthew 17:20:


I tell you the truth. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership and knowing that wholeness is revealed.

Finding Peace

Laurence's white blood cell count was very low today. His doctor performed another bone marrow biopsy trying to find out why it has dropped so quickly.

Laurence is frustrated from so many symptoms attacking so many places in his body. Every time he is anxious we pray together and he especially finds peace in Psalm 103:

Bless the LORD, O my soul:
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
He forgives all my iniquities
and heals all my diseases;
He redeems my life from destruction
and crowns me with loving kindness and tender mercies;
He satisfies my mouth with good things;
so that my youth is renewed like the eagle's.

With love and gratitude.

Quiet Days

Quiet few days. Laurence's symptoms have calmed without food but not disappeared. He still suffers on occasion from a queasy stomach.

Many thanks for your continued prayers and good thoughts.

Blessings.

Nine Years

Laurence's symptoms are showing no sign of improvement so this morning he was taken off all liquids. He started receiving IV fluids and nutrition. By stopping all digestive activity his doctor hopes to calm the GVHD. The benefit is that he will be receiving nutrition and protein which he has been missing from a liquid diet. He is very tired and other than occasional cramping is not experiencing pain.

Today is our nine year wedding anniversary. We said a prayer of gratitude for our partnership and the blessings in our lives. You are an amazing part of our blessings.
Thank you so much.