Thursday, November 14, 2013

Still Hanging On!

The Chemo Treatment Center in Chattanooga, TN
 
It's a bumpy detour - but we continue traveling because we know the end of the road is closer than it was.  Since my last post was in May - there has been many changes in scenery.  I came home and dealt with the "shock" of knowing that it could well be that my time on this earth would soon come to an end.  The "guess-timate" (based on many cases similar to my condition) was that I had four to six months before that fateful event.  It has now been a few days past six months and today I was able to .... well, first ...

In June of this year Frances and I celebrated our 56th Wedding Anniversary.  We attended the Tennessee Camp Meeting and had guests in our home that week.  In July I reached my 75th birthday.  On the last Sunday of August I gave up my much loved Sunday School class (an activity which I dearly loved) because I did not/do not want to continue teaching when the ravages of disease have begun to affect my ability to focus and deliver the message with clarity.  Tho that was a sad thing and I dreaded to do that - Life continues to be full and sweet as I continue singing at church; at the Senior Citizen's Center; at Gaddy's Gospel Sing; and at our local church - the Victory Drive Church of God here in Cleveland, Tennessee.  If you want to see and hear that happening you can get a small taste of it by going to YouTube and searching for Chris Chastain.    Once there, scroll down his list of songs for my name: "Fred Alton Brannen".  No - it's NOT great - unless you like old time southern gospel/bluegrass gospel.  You will find some of many other good singers there also.  The BRANHAM FAMILY are not related to us.  We are the BRANNEN BOYS.  :d

"If You're Talking About That Old Time Religion"
 
So... we continue our lives.  Also I have been placed on Hospice Care.  I am still able to do most things but am grateful for the adjustable bed so that I sleep sitting up when my food doesn't want to go down.  I believe that I am most blessed to have such a supportive family and group of nurses that come to my home once a week to support and assure me that they are here for me when I need medical assistance.  Hmm.  This paragraph doesn't sound like I want it to. 

What else?  Well - today we celebrated our middle daughter's 48th birthday by taking her to Logan's for lunch.  Filet Mignon, baked potato and a salad, Coca-Cola and a lot of love shared with her Mother and me.  She has been so helpful.  Our older daughter (#1) who also lives nearby is a wonderful and strong daughter who lends her strength to Mom and me with visits and prayers.  My two brothers and two sisters living near us is also a great thing for we get to see each other frequently.  Our baby daughter and her husband with two young girls - live in Watertown, NY where they pastor a church.  I'm strengthened by prayers and frequent calls from "the Pet".  My heart is warmed that they are in the work of ministry and are giving themselves lovingly to souls.
Two Beautiful Women I took To Lunch Today!
 

Oh my - now I will have to get busy and do some writing as my Mom has been after me some time now to give her one sermon for her book of sermons.  She is putting together her own book of sermons and will add one from each of her three preacher sons.  I think the other two are ahead of me but I found one today which I hope she finds acceptable. 

Keep looking up!  Jesus may come - or call for you - today!

7 comments:

jack69 said...

What a JOY to see Fred Alton's PAge. Love you man. Great entry, thanks for the update and beautiful picture. Not you buddy (but you do look good) but THEM pretty ladies. I always love to see my girlfriend Frances...

Of course I pray for you my friend, I know nothing else to do. None of us know the future that is for sure. But 'tis good that you know the ONE who holds the future. I do so admire your attitude. It radiates throughout your immediate family and the siblings.

YES and AMEN to your supporting family, they have never made a secret of how much they admire you.
So, here I sit in Florida, near many places that are familiar to you, and thinking about you. So hug them girls for us. you all are the best.

Sherry & Jack

Melanie said...

So nice to have an update from you, Fred! You've been in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad you could have a nice dinner for your daughter's birthday. :-)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh My Heart.... I love your attitude... But--it also makes me cry since we don't want to lose you to this earth... BUT--none of us can say when our time will come. The good news is that when the time does come, we'll be in a better place, with Jesus. Can't get better than that, can it? BUT--until the time comes, I am so glad that you have been relatively healthy and can spend some quality time with your wonderful family. My prayers are with you and yours as you go through this journey... God Bless You.

We love you very much. AND--we are praying hard for you...
Hugs,
Betsy

George said...

You're an inspiration to all of us. Your faith in the Lord and your love for your family and friends have much to teach us. You are and will continue to be in our prayers.

Joyful said...

So great to hear from you today Fred. You have been on my mind and heart so often over these months. God knows how many people want o know about you so he let you write on your blog again ;-)

It's wonderful to hear you are keeping on and keeping busy. I'm so glad you have such a wonderful family. You really are so blessed. I'm like Betsy (in the comment above). We know that all of our time here is in Jesus' hands whether it be long or short. Just moments before I found your post, I see a message from my friends in Kenya that a dear sister in Christ has gone home. As you write in your post, we never know the time that Jesus comes.

God bless you and continue to give you strength. May he also bless your wonderful family. I will be looking on you tube for the music. Blessings.

Jean said...

So nice to hear from you I have thought about you often. What a loving family you have. I will be keeping you and your lovely wife Frances in my prayers.

Jo said...

Dear Fred, I'm so grateful to see you posting again. And ultra grateful that God has spared you to continue to be an inspiration in faith and love to all those around you. Yes, we look up to Jesus every single day: He could arrive any day. Blessings to you and Frances. Jo

About Me

My photo
Cleveland, TN, United States
I am Fred Alton Brannen, the son of Louis A. Brannen (deceased) and Bonnie Jones Brannen, Louis was an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God. Bonnie is an Ordained Licensed Minister and at 89 years of age is still actively engaged in speaking and singing engagements. I am married to the former Frances Hildreth. We celebrated 53 years of marriage this past June and we are the parents of 3, grand-parents of 10, and great-grandparents of 10. I pastored in Tennessee for 24 years and served the Church in some capacity in missions for over 23 years. I retired from full-time ministry in August of 2008 but remain active, speaking and singing and teaching whenever opportunity affords itself. In January of 2010 I received a letter of commendation for having been credentialed as a minister in the Church of God for 50 years! My family is very important to me. Our get togethers are always noisy affairs and most times will include family sing-alongs. The children love their Mom's cooking so we have the privilege of seeing them regularly! WE LOVE having them over.

TheCabin on Day One

TheCabin on Day One
Fred Alton