Remember! It's a Celebration!

Hi family and friends,

Yesterday, we were finally able to bring Louie home, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude! It was an eventful day getting him settled, with a few syncope episodes along the way, but we are so thankful to now be in the place he loves most—with the one he loves most. Louie wanted to be home, in his happy place, with Marianne by his side, and God graciously made that possible.

We are at peace caring for Louie here at home. It’s a learning curve as we find our rhythm and build a new system, but day one was successful, and we already feel the nearness of God in every detail. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming—family and church friends showing up with meals, gifts, hugs, and heartfelt prayers. Each act of kindness has been a reminder that we are surrounded by a village that loves deeply and walks faithfully with us.

During Louie’s time in the CCU, we were completely overwhelmed by the care he received. It was the kind of care that goes above and beyond—the “second mile” kind of care that only happens when people are serving from the heart. Every nurse, doctor, respiratory therapist, and staff member showed such kindness and compassion. Many prayed over Louie and Marianne, shared their heart and life story, and offered comforting words, hand squeezes, and hugs at just the right time.

Two days before Louie came home, Dr. Damrose, the head of Head and Neck at Fresno, came in for a visit. He has become such a special part of Louie and Marianne’s story. He and Louie are kindred spirits—gentle, humble, and full of compassion. That afternoon, he sat at the foot of Louie’s bed and began rubbing his feet, speaking words that will stay with our family forever. He shared that Louie has fought so beautifully and said he’s never had a patient like Louie or a family member like Marianne. He told us that caring for Louie has changed the way he treats patients and even how he lives his own life. As he spoke, Dr. Damrose began to cry, and he and Louie shared a long, sweet embrace. It was one of the most incredible things to witness—a moment of pure grace and the love of God tangibly present in that room. He described Louie as lionhearted—but even more, kind-hearted.

Dr. Donaldson has also been there time and again, faithfully showing up with tenderness and compassion, even giving Marianne her personal number to ensure she could always reach her. In an act of incredible kindness, she has now taken Marianne as her own patient, as a special case, so Marianne can receive any care she may need without ever having to leave Louie’s side. This gesture was far beyond what any doctor would be expected to do, and it brought such relief to know that Marianne will have someone she can rely on if ever needed. The kindness and care that each and every doctor provided will never be forgotten, what an immense blessing!

Nurse after nurse, respiratory therapist after therapist, continued to serve with deep love—bringing coffee, breakfast, and smiles, creating holy moments in hospital hallways. One night, a kind nurse came in the middle of the night to help Louie make small gifts for his family — a simple act that touched all of our hearts. One especially meaningful moment came when the entire staff, along with the hospital pastor, gathered to pray over Louie, Marianne, and the medical team. They even invited Amanda and me to join in, and it was so beautiful to see everyone united in prayer, asking God for peace, comfort, and His presence to fill that room.

Even as Amanda and I were leaving one evening, a volunteer stopped us to chat. We told her about Louie and she immediately asked us if Louie knew Jesus. We smiled, because that’s exactly the point—Louie’s greatest desire has always been for his life, even his suffering, to lead others to Christ. He has said time and again, “If only one person comes to know Jesus through this, it’s worth it.” We’ve all learned that sometimes witnessing pain makes us uncomfortable, but it’s in those moments that God invites us to lean in—to see the beauty of a Savior who suffered for our sake.

As the doctors presented all of the options, going home—with plenty of support for Marianne—was the decision that brought peace and comfort to Louie when he was asked. The damage from the previous radiation continues to progress, and Dr. Donaldson gently explained that there is nothing in medicine anywhere in the world that can fix that. The best thing we can do now is enjoy being with the ones we love most and rest. And that’s exactly what Louie wanted. To be home. To rest. To be with Marianne and surrounded by family. As Louie always says, God has the final word. We are resting and trusting in that truth.

Louie may not be able to speak, but his faith still speaks loudly. Every nurse, doctor, and visitor has seen his love for Jesus radiate through his eyes, his smile, the notes he types up and shares, and the joyful and worship filled spirit that is so apparent. Before leaving the hospital, Louie and Marianne bought cupcakes for the entire CCU and respiratory teams with a note that read:

“Remember! It’s a Celebration!”
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

That verse has been Louie’s anthem. Even in the hospital, he was still “fishing”—hooking hearts for Jesus every day. People shared that they were praying and sharing Louie and Marianne's story at home with their families, others said their faith had been renewed, and others simply said they felt something different in Louie’s room—peace, joy, and the presence of God.

So often, we plant seeds without ever seeing the fruit. But God, in His kindness, allowed Louie and Marianne to see small glimpses of the fruit that’s been growing from the seeds they’ve faithfully sown—lives changed, hearts softened, and faith deepened. It has been a beautiful gift to witness.

I have been beyond blessed to have the opportunity to see firsthand the impact Louie and Marianne have had on every person who walked into his hospital room—and even on those Marianne sought out around the hospital, even down to the coffee shop. Everywhere they went, the light of Christ followed. People left their presence different than they arrived, touched by a love that could only come from Jesus.

Yesterday, the hospice manager came by, and she was an absolute blessing. She spent a couple of hours with Louie and Marianne, answering questions and helping them navigate this new season. By the time she left, she had tears in her eyes, deeply moved by the love she witnessed between them. Today, the hospice nurse will come for the first visit. We’ve prayed for the right fit—someone kind, gentle, and calm—and we’re trusting God to provide just that.

Louie and Marianne’s mom, Nita, offered to be here to ensure Marianne always has someone with her. Louie and Marianne’s kids, Sara and Dan, are here now, and their other son, Mike, is ready to jump in anytime. We’re working together to create a schedule for the coming weeks so that someone will be at the house around the clock with Louie and Marianne. This peace of mind has been such a gift, knowing that no matter the hour, love and support are always close by.

Now that we’re home, we’ve noticed that a lot of activity can sometimes bring on more episodes for Louie. He absolutely lights up when he sees his friends and loved ones, and those visits mean the world to him. We just need to keep visits short and peaceful so that his body can rest and recover. These short, Jesus-centered visits are so life-giving to Louie — they fill him with joy and strength — and we are deeply thankful for everyone surrounding him with such love, faith, and encouragement.

Louie and Marianne’s aunt recently sent a communication iPad for Louie, what a blessing! It will give Louie another way to connect, express love, and share those sweet, heartfelt messages with us all. Louie has also been writing love notes to Marianne on his phone, and it’s one of the sweetest things to witness — even in the midst of everything he is facing
, his love continues to pour out so beautifully.

Even in this new chapter, Louie continues to live out the message he’s always carried: that life is meant to be a celebration of God’s goodness, even when circumstances are hard. His faith, his joy, and his peace continue to draw people in and point them straight to Jesus.

Over the last 24 hours, our phones have been flooded with text messages of love, encouragement, and prayers from friends and family near and far. Each message feels like another reminder of the incredible community surrounding Louie and Marianne — a family of believers holding them up through prayer and love.

We are profoundly grateful for every prayer, every visit, every meal, every message, and every word of encouragement. Each one has been a reminder that we are not walking this road alone. Please continue to lift up Louie and Marianne in prayer — for peace, comfort, and the continued presence of God to fill their home.

Through it all, one thing remains true: God is good, and He is still at work! 

P.S. Our hospice nurse just got here and he is the perfect fit and is a drummer! Only God could orchestrate little details like that to bring Louie a smile!

-Sara

Casting a Wider Net

Happy Saturday family and friends,

We’re thrilled to share that Louie is scheduled for discharge tomorrow! Marianne and Louie are looking forward to being home and for this next chapter of their story — one focused on rest, restoration, and rejuvenation. 

Marianne and Louie continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless ways people have shown up for them, whether through visits, meals, prayers, or other simple ways you have poured out your love for them. All of these gestures have reminded them that they are never walking alone. Marianne and Louie's oldest son, Dan, arrived yesterday, and having him there is bringing such peace and comfort to both Louie and Marianne. Thank you Dan for making the trip, it means so much!

Yesterday, the oncologist shared that while Louie's cancer may not be curative, it is manageable. That means they can’t guarantee it can all be removed, but he can live with the cancer, and we know that God still holds the final word! Even if physical healing doesn’t come the way we hope, we are confident that the Lord will continue to walk with Louie and Marianne through every part of this season. Louie will begin immunotherapy soon, receiving treatments every three weeks, and for now he’s taking a much needed four week break to rest and refocus at home. Marianne and Louie are so grateful for the amazing Palliative Care team that’s already in place to help manage his pain and symptoms, this has been a huge blessing.

If you know Louie, you know that even in the pain and uncertainty, he’s still very much a fisherman, seeking the lost in the mighty name of Jesus! Marianne and Louie joked that he needs a bigger fishing pole because nurses, doctors, and staff keep coming by his room to visit. Dr. D laughed and said he’s never seen anything like it, that there are so many people rooting for Louie, and that he’s never had a patient quite like him or a family member quite like Marianne. It’s no surprise to us that know them! It is the light of Christ in them that draws people in. His love shines through their words, their warmth, and their unwavering faith, and people can’t help but be drawn to that kind of light.

As I was praying and seeking the Lord while at church on Sunday, I felt God confirming what Marianne shared in her most recent Facebook update — that God surely is casting a wider net. For months I have been asking for a miracle, for restoration, and for complete healing in Louie's body. But today, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper that there are still people in our lives who haven’t yet been reached, who are still holding onto hurt, anger, or pride, or who simply don’t know the incredible peace of surrendering to God. God so kindly showed me that He is continuing to use Louie and Marianne's strength, faith, and perseverance as a living testimony — pointing people to the love and grace that only Jesus can give.

So now, I’m still praying for that miracle, but I’m also praying that hearts would be softened and eyes opened to the beauty that comes from living a life centered on Jesus. Praying that every person that comes into contact with my parents will be overwhelmed by the love of Christ and experience true life change, from the inside out. That those who know Jesus, but are holding onto something out of their control, will let Jesus lead and guide them into His presence. That those weighed down by bitterness, hurt or unforgiveness, would surrender to the Lord and watch Him work.

Watching Louie and Marianne walk through this with such grace has influenced not just me, but future generations of our family. Their faith has become a legacy, one that reminds us that even when the road is hard, God’s presence is near, His purposes are greater, and His love never fails.

Louie and Marianne's three children, our spouses, and their six grandchildren are all a part of that legacy. Each of us will be forever changed because of Louie and Marianne's faith, love, and testimony. The way they continue to trust God, even in the face of hardship, is shaping who we are and who we will become, a family rooted in faith and unwavering hope. I pray that God will remind them of the role they are playing and the eternal impact they are making on those around them. I pray that they will be encouraged, filled with peace, and take heart as they walk through these trials.

While the medical path may not promise a cure, we remain anchored in hope. Marianne and Louie know that our Great God has the final say. His presence carries them, strengthens them, and continues to bring remarkable people into their lives right when they need them most. God is good and always will be.

Even in the waiting, we know He’s still working. Like Louie said after dreaming he was healed in the middle of the night, “We know a Guy.” And we do. Our help comes from the Lord.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and encouragement. Marianne and Louie feel them deeply. Please keep lifting them up as they rest, recover, and continue to trust in the One who holds them up.

Sara