I know that not many of you know, but my son has had trouble with the law lately, and he got himself arrested last thursday. But this post is not about him.

For four days we've been trying to get our son out on bail, but the courts have really messed up the paperwork, and he is still there. During this time there has been a bail-bondsman who has been so kind and helpful to us through this hard process. Tonight he even drove close to a hundred miles after ten at night just to meet us and help us try to get our son released.

My wife had told me that he could only meet us so late because his father was in the hospital. And tonight he looked so drawn and upset that I asked him if he minded telling me about his father, and what was wrong with him. It turns out that his dad has colon cancer, and he's been through multiple surgeries for it. He had another operation today, and when they biopsied his lymph nodes they tested positive for the cancer, so it has spread widely. While telling me this story, the man could barely keep from weeping with pain and sadness. I mentioned our web site to him, and asked if he would mind if I were to post a thread on this forum asking for prayers for his father. He was very thankful. So what I am asking is if as many people as possible could please say at least a short prayer for his father, whose name is Richard Raymond, and maybe a word of cheer. I would like to print the thread out and let his son take it to him in the hospital. It would do so much to make him feel better, and show him the love and caring of people from all over the world. So if you could find the time, would you please add a small prayer or short message to this thread? I thank you all from the bottom of my heart in advance, and pray that your prayers may help this poor man.

Thank you all very, very much!
Idealist

Hi Idealist:

Prayers are what got me thru being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in my 40's, surgery, and 8 months of chemo. I would love to add my prayers for this kind, caring gentleman and his father.

Dear Heavenly Father:

We lift up Richard Raymond, his family, concerned friends, the doctors who are treating him, and all medical professionals who come across his path. Father, please give them all wisdom to know the best treatments, strength to endure the treatments, and compassion. Father, we thank You and praise You, we are so grateful for the treatments You have given us for this disease. Bless these treatments to Richard Raymond's body, Father, use them where they are needed and protect the parts of his body that do not need the treatments. Father, we know that the blood of Jesus is above cancer and cancer cannot triumph. We are healed by His blood--Thank You, Father. We love You and praise You for You have given Your angels charge over Richard Raymond and his family, and in their pathways is life, and there is no death. Thank You for this promise, Father, we love You, we trust You and we stand in faith on that promise. Thank You for healing Richard Raymond.

Father, we also lift Idealist's son in our prayers. You know his circumstances and what he needs in his life to make good decisions, to have the knowledge and willpower to make the decisions that will put his life on a path that is pleasing to You. I don't know the details, Father, but I know that You know exactly what the son needs--Thank You, Father, for giving your angels charge of Idealist's son also, and that in his pathway is life and there is no death. Thank You for Your best for Idealist and his son.

In Jesus precious, holy name,
Amen

Dear Idealist

first, I am so very sorry for the continued problems your son is facing. May the Lord God work good in even all of this.

I pray for this kind man who has truly gone the extra mile ! for your family.
May God's presence and love be a very tangible comfort to him and his family, and especially for his dad, Richard.
I know this heartache and anguish as my dad went thru cancer spreading rapidly in 1995.
My prayer for Richard is that first and foremost he will be at peace with God in all things.
I believe in miracles and I never cease asking for them, always resting in God's Will.
So I ask our Father God for a healing touch on Richard's life...his mind, his body and his spirit. May he not suffer but be at rest in God, and may whatever time is left for him here be a blessing to all he encounters. I pray for a healing.

God Bless you Idealist for caring so for someone else, even when your needs are so great.

with love in the Lord
Cheri

For all of you and yours, Idealist, I pray for peace and understanding in the face of all your trials. That the Lord will embrace you all in His perfect and healing hands, holding you close to His infinite comfort and wisdom. Amen

Richard know too that Prayers from me are being spoken and I think you are a compassionate person to help a stranger by showing concern and seeking help and comfort with prayers.
May The Almighty above hear you and all of us and reach spreading yet even more miracles of mercy, wisdom, kindness ,strength, compassion and healing hands blanketing you ,your family and those in your life. many blessings from the heavens and endless thanks to the Master above.
Peace and Love
BMW

Richard, Prayers are being said for everyone. What a compassionate thing for you to do - in the midst of your own problems - for this person. I've always believed that what goes around comes around so I believe that you will reap the benefits from this thoughtful gesture in many ways.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful prayers and replies. I'm going to leave this thread here for another day or two, because I know that many members, myself included, simply don't get by here every day. If anyone else has the time and can thing of some small and nice thing to say, please don't be shy about saying it, even if you are normally just a lurker.

Thanks again guys. I love you all and I pray for you every day.

My prayers are in flight!

My prayers go out for the father of this man.

What a blessing you are, Idealist. You warm my heart.

Please know that my prayers are also with your son, you and entire family right now as well.

KD

Idealist

I remember when I was told my father's lung cancer had metastasized throughout his body despite aggressive invasive treatment. It felt like the air had been knocked out of my own lungs.

I'm sorry to hear your friend and his father are suffering. They are in my prayers.

P.S. Hope your kid gets out soon.