LETTERS: KEEP PRAYING FOR MAYOR'S FAMILY

To the editor:

This is a letter to the wonderful people of Cape Girardeau.

Several days ago (a lifetime), our son, Bert, was diagnosed with a bone tumor (his third in his left leg). This tumor was different though. This one was cancer. It was found the day before his 21st birthday.

As soon as the diagnosis was in place, a team of very dear people started working to get Bert into a place where there is an atmosphere of being on the offensive, of being warriors doing battle against an evil enemy, a place that fights for life. It is the Clark Cancer Clinic at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. This is where Bert has been receiving chemotherapy treatments during the past week.

I'm not sure any of us could have lived through these past weeks, except for the grace of God and his blessings, which at first were hard to see but were, in fact, surrounding us in abundance.

One of the biggest blessings that we have found has been you, all of you wonderful, compassionate, caring, loving, praying, king people. You have no idea how you have lifted us. Al, Bert, Brooke, Alex and I want to thank you, as do Bert's grandparents, aunts and uncles. We so appreciate your outpouring of love, kindness and, most especially, your prayers.

We have a long, long road ahead of us, but my Bert is a fighter, and life has always been an adventure for him, and that's how he's looking at this time in his life. He is so brave.

At first we felt Bert had been given the worst birthday present in the world, to come home only to be diagnosed with cancer, but you know maybe he was given the very best present, for if he hadn't had his birthday in October and come home, he would have waited until Thanksgiving to tell us about his lump. I know, with my entire being, that God was working in all our lives and will continue to do so no matter what. Maybe Bert was in fact given the best present of his life on his 21st birthday: his life.

So, to all of you, please know that you are our gift from God. Your words, hugs, love and prayers have meant so much to each of us, and we are so grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We need your continued prayers, as many and as often as you can send them to Heaven for us. Please cover Bert in prayer, protection and love, and also pray for the doctors who have him in their care. We are looking for a miracle, and you are a vital key to that end.

Once again, thank you for your loving support, and please, please pray for our Bert.

PAM SPRADLING

Cape Girardeau