PRAYING FOR LUKE
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Thoughts from Luke

7/21/2017

23 Comments

 
Luke wrote the following blog post, to update everyone and say "thank you" for all the support.

Hello everybody!
 
You always hear people with cancer talk about how it is a battle.  I can see how people would feel that way, but I’ve never felt that way.  I have always felt like the doctors were fighting the cancer, and I was just along for the ride.  This made me feel alone and helpless.  In spite of this, ever since I was diagnosed, I have never felt truly alone.  I have had a crazy amount of people supporting me, including doctors, child-life specialists, therapists, and most importantly, friends and family.  The staff at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is more amazing than we could ever have hoped for.  My doctors, Dr. Weicht and Dr. Kurt, work hard and are very kind, the nurses are sweet and patient, and the child-life specialists (Spencer, Rhys, Audra, Cassie, Bridget, and Ashley to name a few) are always there when I need them most.  My prosthetists, Shaun and Joe, are funny and sensitive to my needs.  My physical therapist, Jeanne King, is the best.  She taught me how to use my leg and has never given up on me. These aren’t just people I interact with professionally, they have become some of my closest friends.
 
Even more, I can’t say thank you enough to my friends and family.  When I was first diagnosed, my grandparents gave up working abroad in Budapest to come and live with us for four months.  That was amazing.  I have been sent too many kind notes, gifts, and gift cards to count, and for that I am eternally grateful.  I have had tons of visitors and loved every single one.  I’ve never met a visitor I didn’t like.  There were classmates that came all the way to Grand Rapids to visit me in the hospital when my leg was amputated.  There were new friends who came to meet me when they heard about my situation, and have since become some of the best friends I have ever had.  Some people have visited many times, and that has lifted my spirits every time.  My parents and brothers have been by my side every step of the way.   
 
Ever since I was diagnosed I have been sick and felt sick, and I am still sick now, but every single time someone reaches out or comes to visit it makes a difference.  My situation is not ideal, but I know that because of Jesus if I do not survive I get to go to heaven, so that’s pretty ideal.  We are leaving today for TimberWolf Lake.  I have always dreamed of being on Work Crew at TimberWolf Lake, and for the next three weeks I will be part of the laundry and housekeeping crew.  Thank you for your prayers.  Please keep sending cards and  coming to visit, either at TimberWolf Lake or when I get home.  That's the biggest thing.
 
Please know how thankful I am for everything people have done for me!
 
Your friend, Luke Granger.
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23 Comments
Gail stintzi
7/21/2017 10:29:31 am

Hey Luke have a great time at camp. So pretty up there! I know you don't remember us but we knew you when you were pretty little. You were a fun little kid and now a handsome young man❤Gail and jim stintzi

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The Millers
7/23/2017 09:53:34 am

Dear Luke,
Your attitude is a great witness to all. You inspire us!
Love and prayers,
The Millers

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Mark A Page
7/21/2017 11:28:21 am

Good Afternoon Luke-Man... Have an Awesome time at TimberWolf Lake... Love reading about you in these blogs and look forward to seeing more... God Bless and Have a Outstanding time 😊

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Eva kelly
7/21/2017 11:39:17 am

Hi Luke,
You are an inspiration to so many of us. The unshakeabke faith and sheer bravery you hsve shown leaves us in awe of you. We hope you have the BEST time at TimberWolf Lodge. We are always praying for God to heal you completely. Although we live far from you, please know that we love you, your Mom and Dad and brothers very much!
Love,
Aunt Chris, Eva (Bill, Chris,Lauren,Hayley, Craig), Mike (Cecily, Kyle, Lindsay,Andrew), Erica (David, Abby, Sophia, Kaitlyn), Phil (Dee), and Chad(Julie)

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Lara Hernandez
7/21/2017 11:39:38 am

Hi Luke,

You do not know me, and your family doesn't me very well either. But, I've gone to Riverview a long time and have loved hearing your Dad speak over the years. I am always encouraged by your blog and especially by this blog personally written by you. You are inspiring to me and I'm sure to many others. Have a GREAT time at camp! So happy for you!

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Carol & Tom Lamb
7/21/2017 11:54:18 am

Your family must be so proud of the wonderful young man that you are. We have never met, but we pray for you & only hope the best for you.

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Carissa
7/21/2017 12:05:53 pm

Luke, you don't know me but I've been friends with your mom and dad since high school and love your family very much. I have followed your story and have prayed for you along the way. I wanted you to know that the YL area from where I live is going to be at Timberwolf the first week you're there. I'm so excited you will be serving them! It's just the coleest spiritual crossroad for me! I'm really excited for your experience on Work Crew. Enjoy! I'm also amazed and impressed by your heart and your attitude and your courage. Wow! Anyway, soak it all up at Timberwolf. You're gonna love it! And look for kids from Branson MO and be sure to let them know you're a big deal to a lady who lives there! :) Carissa

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Renee Mosley
7/21/2017 12:23:21 pm

Hi Luke, I'm so glad you get to be at camp. I'll be praying for you. You are and have been such an encouragement to me. I have a chronic health problem that I've had for years. It's chronic fatigue. So often I am too tired to do the things I'd like to do but it has given me a lot of time to pray and read my Bible. Illness can be discouraging. I appreciate the way you live out yours. You are a constant encouragement to me. I'm so glad that you have so many wonderful friends to help you when you need them. Praying you have a great time at camp.

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Tammy Sowles
7/21/2017 05:22:45 pm

Hi Luke!

Happy beyond belief that your heading to Timber wolf camp to do your job and be with your family! We have been praying hard for you to do the one thing you have wanted to do! Loved your blog post and you have truly been a fighter and still are a fighter! You are a hero in my book, just like Spencer and Brendan were who are and always will be my heros too! You are also right about all the health care professionals, because they do become part of your family and do oh, so much! Friends and family will and always will be special always and forever! We love you and your family and will be here always and forever for you all! Again, enjoy your camp and have as much fun as you can! Hugs and love always💛💛💛 #"C"sucks!

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Ebony
7/21/2017 06:52:10 pm

Hey Luke! Do you have one of those cool prosthetics that make you run super fast?

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Julie Tackaberry
7/21/2017 06:52:14 pm

Hey Luke! Have a great time at Timber Wolf! It has to be the best place on earth! We're praying for ya!

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Julie Fay
7/22/2017 06:26:01 am

I remember you as that sweet little boy in the stroller when you mom brought Sam and Jay to Cedar for school. Now you are so grown up and so strong. I have been fiollowing your story and praying for you from Myrtle Beach. I am so happy that you are going to work at the lodge. Have a wonderful time.

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Jane Reutter
7/22/2017 06:44:49 am

Good morning Luke! You are waking up as work crew at TL today!! So awesome for you and what a blessing you will be to so many!! Enjoy your time up there, hannah sends her love.. we all do, She and I just read your beautiful brave blog.. you too have a gift for amazing testimonial delivery.. as does your dad. We pray for you and your family.. continued love and support above all, peace and absolutely pressing on for hope in healing.. God bless you all..
The Reutters

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Danielle Ziehmere
7/22/2017 07:06:17 am

Hi Luke!
You were an amazing helper, role model, and leader even way back in kindergarten. The camp is blessed to have you as part of their team, just like we were in the classroom! Have a wonderful time.
Sending prayers and hugs always,
The Ziehmers (aka Ms. Martin)

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Susie
7/22/2017 08:26:26 am

Praying for you young man. Thank you for the update. It is evident where your hope and trust lies-in the One who will be with you in trouble and who will satisfy you with long life.(Psa 91) Stay strong! 💪 🙏🏼

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Lisa Castle
7/22/2017 08:39:13 am

Hi, Luke!
I don't know if you remember me--"Mrs. Castle"--one of the Alaiedon fifth grade teachers. I've been praying for you. When I wear my Class of '19 T-shirt (from the fifth grade group), I see your signature along with those of your Alaiedon classmates, and I think of all of you great kids.
I'm so sorry you've felt sick for such a long time now, and I'm praying that while you're at TimberWolf Lake, God will ease some of that physical discomfort during your incredible time there. How sweet of you to serve others by being on Work Crew! God bless you and your family.
Lisa Castle

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jill rumohr
7/22/2017 09:05:58 am

You will have an amazing time at TWL Luke! I know that you love the camp and have had the dream of being on work crew for a long time! We are praying for you often, knowing that God's hand will be giving you the strength to do that very important job in the laundry.
Have a great time, we love you and your family.

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Amy Houser
7/22/2017 09:39:09 am

Luke-Thank you for sharing your story here-your writing is inspiring and it is easy to hear you heart of thankfulness. You have many talents, a quick wit and deep thoughtfulness. Thank you for sharing those qualities with me and my family. I pray you have a refreshing time at TimberWolf Lake.

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Brad
7/22/2017 06:57:05 pm

Hi Luke,
Please keep Trost in line for me. Almost 30 years ago he and I were on work crew at Castaway, washing dishes. He's not as huge as he thinks he is. Praying for you . . .

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Penny Haudek
7/25/2017 03:17:54 am

Luke - Thanks for posting! It is so great to see you living your dream! I love your quote about "it's not ideal" but getting to be with Christ is pretty ideal. I think we can all agree that we can still find something positive in the most negative life circumstances if we look for it and have an open heart to find it. You're a gift to so many people! Live your best life every single day, buddy! Thanks for being a shining example to us that follow you and your family's journey. It makes all of us better people. God's many, many blessings to you! 😘

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Kathy (Donahue) Brown
8/1/2017 04:14:00 pm

Hi Luke!
I'm so happy you made it to TWL Work Crew! A little advice: if your dad asks you to come on stage and he's dressed in overalls, give pause! You may end up spitting crickets...Real LIVE crickets into innocent, unsuspecting folks. Not to mention...Crickets! In your mouth! Crazy Young Life people!
We are all praying for you and your family for whatever you may need at any given moment (even if it's crickets). :)
Love, The Brownahue's

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Katie
8/2/2017 02:37:29 am

Praying for zero cancer.

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Cathy LaClear
9/6/2017 08:47:56 am

To the whole Granger family. I wish to express my condolences on the loss of Luke. My daughter Lena was in the band with Luke Our family and our church has been lifting Luke up in prayers. I know that he is in the comforting arms of Jesus right now. I wish to say that I am so sorry.

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