Back in May when Mom took a break from chemo and went home, she told us that she "was going home to get ready to go home." Trudie knew that this world was not her home, and she lived every day in preparation for her last....serving, caring, and loving all who she knew and those she just met.

Mom left this world this morning at 3:15 a.m., resting comfortably in her own bed, in her own home, with her family beside her. She is at peace. She is at rest. She is with her Lord.

Visitation with the family is scheduled for Monday, August 8th in the chapel at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbon Funeral Home 511 W. Main St., Waxahachie, Texas. A celebration of Trudie's Christian life will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00a.m., Brown Street Church of Christ (formerly College Street) , 2471 Brown Street, Waxahachie, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, Trudie wishes that donations be made to Lifeline Chaplaincy, Administrative Office, 1415 Southmore Blvd., Houston, TX 77004-9906. To truly honor Trudie, please live every day in love and service to our almighty Lord God, and to those you meet each day.

Trudie has been resting comfortably surrounded by all her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids since she got home from the hospital. It has been a wonderful family time spent honoring and loving our Trudie. On Tuesday though, it became apparent that the angels were gathering and Heaven was preparing a party. She would point into the distance, smile, and describe what she was seeing. She said there was a whole line of people that had been waiting all day to see her and visit with her. "Just look at all those people," she would say, with a big smile on her face. Heaven must need a little more time to get ready for our Trudie angel, as the time since then has been spent making her as comfortable as possible. Hospice caregivers are blessed gifts, and they have been so caring and wonderful. We continue to cherish our time together, but solicit prayers on Trudie's behalf for comfort and peace.

This post is one that is hard to write. Mom has had a rough week, and tests have shown that her cancer has become very aggressive. It has now invaded her lymph nodes, liver and stomach. She was hospitalized earlier this week. The stomach tumor has pushed through the lining of her stomach causing a protruding ulceration on the outside of the stomach wall. The tumor ruptured and began to bleed. We almost lost her on Thursday, but the bleeding finally stopped and the tumor clotted over. Trudie was able to go home yesterday and is resting comfortably with her family around her. As long as the tumor stays clotted, Trudie can continue to live comfortably. If the tumor begins to bleed again, the Lord will take her quickly and surely. Only the good Lord knows when that time will come. It could be any minute, any day, any week....we just do not know. But, everyone that knows Trudie knows how immense her faith is, and she is ready for the Lord's call.

We will keep everyone posted through this blog as things progress and change. Continue to pray for comfort and peace. Continue to live your life as Trudie has...in love and service to our blessed Lord.

Jim and Trudie are thoroughly enjoying summer in Waxahachie...even though some rain and lower temperatures would make it a little nicer. Marsha, Clancey and Brogan came from Connecticut for a long visit. Glenn, Jess and Garna have come several times for visits and dinner. Kennie Beth Smith and her sisters came for a visit before heading to Florida. This past week, Sheila, Ashley, and four of Trudie's Sugar Land girlfriends all came for a two-night slumber party. It was 3-days and 2-nights of constant talking, giggling, and somehow managing to stay out of trouble. Trudie said it was great fun, and she's still sore from laughing so much. The past couple of days Trudie has been helping Pat at one of her estate sales. During their free time, Jim and Trudie have been spending time at church helping with the Pillow Ministry and Thursday Meals. Nothing...no nothing....stops our Jim and Trudie. God continues to bless them with health and energy, and they spend it loving and serving others, and appreciating those that love and serve them. God is so good....all praise for His blessings!!!!!

Mom's recent scans showed that the pancreatic tumor and lung lesions are stable. The doctors (with Mom's encouragement) thought it might be a good time for Trudie to take a break from chemo and go home. And...that's exactly what she and Dad did! They will be at home until late August, then Mom will return to Houston to have her scans repeated.

Trudie wants everyone to know that she is not hurting and feels "just fine"! She is happy to have some time away from chemo, hospitals, needles and tests. She does ask for continued prayers for strong health, high energy, and the ability to continue doing all the work for the Lord that she can possibly do. May God continue to hold Trudie in His loving hands....it is by His grace that she continues to live a wonderful, productive, and happy life in service for Him.

Trudie and Jim returned to Sugar Land on Saturday...just in time for a wonderful family celebration of Dad's 85th birthday and Mother's Day! Praise God for family!!!

Mom had her 4th round of the stronger chemo on Monday, and continues to be blessed with no ill side-effects. She will have her scans and tests repeated next Wednesday, with a doctor's visit for results next Thursday. Please pray for positive results, so that Mom can continue to joyfully work and serve our God, who she loves so much.

Just got off the phone with Mom and she is full of energy and joy. She's been back in Waxahachie since last week, and is loving every minute of it. Plus, God continues to bless her with no bad side-effects from the chemo. She and Dad will only be home until Saturday, then will return to Sugar Land in time for Mother's Day and Mom's next chemo treatment on Monday.

Dad's birthday is this Friday, May 6th....85 years old and going strong!!!! Praise God!

Trudie had a great 81st birthday on April 14th! Marsha flew in from Connecticut and drove Mom and Dad home so they could celebrate in Waxahachie! Trudie is feeling pretty good these days, and continues to NOT suffer any bad side-effects from the new chemo treatment. Marsha has accused her of shampooing with super-glue to keep her hair from falling out...it actually looks thicker than ever! The only thing that seems to be really bothering her are small bouts of vertigo...but she just needs to learn to stop moving like a whirling dervish and take things a little slower...not in Trudie's nature, as we all know. Mom has a doctor's appointment on Thursday and another chemo treatment next week. Please continue to keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers. Trudie approaches every day with prayers, smiles, and a happy heart...and we pray that God continues to give her health and strength to keep it up!

The test results were not quite what we had hoped for....Mom's tumor marker had risen and the pancreatic tumor and lung lesions have shown slight grown. The doctor is concerned that the cancer has become immune to the current chemo treatment and has recommended switching to a new chemo drug. When the pharmacy doctor came into the room to explain the new chemo drug and its side- effects, he told Mom that she will most definitely lose her hair, and asked her how she felt about that. Mom said, "Well, my husband and I just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. I have always heard that the longer you live with someone the more you start to look like them. I have always hoped Jim would start to look more like me, but I guess I'm going to start looking like him." Right on cue, Dad took off his cap and showed the room his beautiful bald head, and everyone cracked up. God love our Trudie and her continual positive outlook on life. She continues to walk with her hand clasped firmly in God's. Mom has been blessed with 15 months of chemotherapy with very little side-effects. Please pray fervently that Mom can continue treatment with this new drug, and suffer little (or no) of the side-effects that come with the drug. Mom and Dad will continue to stay in Houston for the next few weeks.

Mom and Dad returned to Sugar Land yesterday. Today, Mom will spend a long afternoon at MD Anderson repeating her tests and scans. Results will be given by Dr. V tomorrow afternoon. Please pray for positive news, and continued strength.

Thank you to everyone in Waxahachie (and beyond it's borders) who provided food, friendship, yardwork, grocery shopping, and outpourings of love while Mom and Dad were home. Each and every one of you are a blessing and gift to our lives. God bless!!!

Today is Jim and Trudie's 60th Wedding Anniversary!!!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! We are so proud of you, and love you so very much!!!!!!!

Mom had a doctor's appointment last Thursday at MD Anderson. The doctor is a little concerned about Mom's weight loss and some of the symptoms she has been suffering. As a result, the doctor wants Mom to take a three week break from chemo before she has all her scans and tests repeated. So...here comes the positive....Mom and Dad got to go home to Waxahachie for an extended stay. Getting home, and sleeping in her own bed, and being with her dear friends, has already made Mom feel much better.

If you wish to drop by for a visit, please give Mom and Dad a quick call first. And, please continue to keep Trudie in prayer that God will grant healing so that Mom can continue to work for Him.

Marsha and Brogan flew in from Connecticut this past Monday and got to spend a few days in Waxahachie with Mom and Dad. The four of us enjoyed trips to the Cotton Patch with Pat and Jimmy Cox for chicken-fried steak and fried okra, Grandma Trudie's traditional chocolate cake for breakfast, and dinner with Glenn, Jess and Garna. On Thursdy morning the four of us loaded up the car and drove back to Houston so Mom could receive her 7-hour chemo treatment on Friday. We are having a great time at Dana and Sheila's house and even had a "girls" night tonight when Ashley and Brittnie came for a movie night and sleepover. Family memories are the best memories!

Jim and Trudie will be staying in Houston for the next couple of weeks for doctor's visits and another chemo treatment. Please continue to keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.

Surprise! Mom and Dad are back in Waxahachie for a short stay. Sheila dropped them at home today on her way to Susan's house. Mom's new regiment of double chemo treatments is taking a bit of a toll on her...so please call before dropping by, just to make sure she's up for a short visit.

Jim and Trudie returned to Sugar Land this past Wednesday. Mom had bloodwork and a doctor's appointment yesterday at MD Anderson. The doctor is pleased that Mom has suffered no adverse side-effects after resuming the "double chemo drug" treatment. She's a tough one.... our Trudie is! She is at chemo today. Mom and Dad plan on staying in Sugar Land until after her next chemo treatment in a couple of weeks, then they might try to return to Waxahachie for a few days. Trudie is tired of highway driving and living out of a suitcase, and the Sugar Land home is the best place to be for comfort and TLC.

Mom's sister, Ruby Langley, passed away peacefully this evening in Marshall, Texas. An elder from her church (and son of her life-long best friend) was sitting at her bedside reading to her from the Bible when she passed. Ruby's journey here on earth is done, and her reward is that which awaits all Christians...everlasting peace in Jesus' arms. God bless you, Aunt Ruby. You are loved and will be missed!

A graveside service will be held at Colonial Gardens Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, January 23rd at 2:00 p.m. in Marshall, Texas. In lieu of flowers, Aunt Ruby would have loved for donations to be made to the church she loved so much: Eastern Hills Church of Christ, 2705 East Travis Street, Marshall, Texas 75672.

Mom had all her scans and tests repeated last Wednesday and met with Dr. V the following day. Results are still fairly positive, even though her tumor marker had increased by a slight 36 points and there might have been a little change in the lung lesions. The doctor felt this could be resulting from (1) the stress Trudie has been under due to the ongoing decline of Aunt Ruby; and/or (2) the cancer becoming resistant to the current chemo treatment. At Mom's chemo treatment on Friday, she began receiving two chemo drugs ....the same treatment that she originally started with over a year ago. It makes for a longer stay at chemo each session (about 8 hours), but we are pleased that Dr.V is being pro-active. Trudie's faith never falters and her attitude continues to be outgoing and optimistic. Dr. V said Mom "is a super-star".

Mom and Dad loaded up the car this morning and headed to Waxahachie for a few days. Mom said the house was c-o-l-d when they got there, but it sure was good to be home!

Mom and Dad braved the winter conditions and made it safely back to Sugar Land today. Aunt Ruby is still under hospice care. Mom is scheduled to be at MD Anderson tomorrow around 4:30 for a long evening of tests and scans. She meets with her doctor on Thursday afternoon to find out the latest results, and to determine how her treatment will proceed. Please continue to keep her in prayer...as we ask God for positive and encouraging results this week.

Mom and Dad have returned to Marshall, Texas. Aunt Ruby continues to decline, and has stopped eating and drinking. She blessedly seems to be in no pain, and she seems more at rest when her sister, Trudie, is there. Please continue to pray for Ruby. Her struggles here on earth will soon be rewarded by our loving Father in Heaven.