William (Bill) and Jan Steele, former members who attended the Farmers Branch Campus for many years before retiring to East Texas, called to let us know that Jan's son, Jon DuPlessis, was now in hospice care. Jon has suffered from cancer for several years. Jan said his time was now very short and she asked for our prayers for them and their family during this difficult time.
Dear Father, Jon has been suffering with cancer for many years now, and his struggle is nearly at an end. It has been your will not to cure him, to heal his body, yet I know—we all know— that ultimate healing comes to those who believe in you, who are translated out of this sin-filled world and into your perfect presence. I pray that as Jon moves now from one life into the next, that he will be in perfect peace, keeping his mind on you. If by chance he does not know his Maker, I pray that he will know the sacrifice made by your Son and believe. I ask that Jan and Bill, (and Jon's biological father) will be surrounded by your love in these last days, and will find peace and comfort in your embrace. In Jesus' name, amen.
1/26/2013
From Jan Steele:
Some of you may have known that our son, Philip Jon du Plessis has been battling colon, liver and bladder cancer for over two+ years. He was receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments and, at times, experienced many adverse side effects from the chemo. Along the way, he experienced many challenges to include numerous unscheduled trips to hospitals and/or doctors; an unexpected colostomy back in March of last year; a daily regimen of pills; had to quit his job (which he loved) back in November and had to make a major move in November to live with mom and dad.
In awe of him, Dad, I and others watched as Jon began his battle. He exhibited a determined approach to fight this horrific disease and, unbelievably, maintained a most positive outlook throughout his fight with this cancer.
Dad and I were summoned to Dallas to speak with his oncologist, Dr Allada back in November of last year. She recommended Jon transfer to hospice care and to try and live a quality of life for whatever time he had left to live on this earth. So after a discussion between Jon, Dad and I, we decided the best scenario was for him to make a move to Chandler, TX. Jon has been living with Dad and me since November 21st of last year.
Looking back, I must say it was a major adjustment and presented many challenges for us all: current residents, Dad, Mom, Dallas Dynamite, and Tippi Tu (our dogs) learning how to live with new additions, Jon and Pixel, the kitty, trying to cope with the current residents. But after a couple of weeks of rearranging and establishment of a hospice care giver, we all settled in and began our new way of life.
It has been a memorable journey and I thank God for the time and opportunity He provided for us to build some new memories. Memories including bumping into my son in the middle of the night ending in early am conversations; games of Backgammon; Pixel the kitty incidents; cooking his favorite dishes; hearing him say endearing words; his hugs and backrubs; times spent reconnecting with family……..…..yes, at least, we will have some new memories to cherish through our remaining years.
Last Sunday we had to admit Jon to an inpatient Hospice facility as his pain was impossible to control with Hospice home care. So, Dad and I have been going back and forth from home to Hospice making sure that at least one of us could be there pretty much 24/7. I have spent the last 4 nights there and was prepared to stay until the time we would no longer be needed.
At approximately 12:36 a.m. last night I recognized that Jon was being “summoned” and repeatedly told him “Look for the light” “Look for Him, He will be in purple and He has beautiful eyes” and oh yes, “Look for the rainbow colors & markers”. Yesterday I had read “Heaven is for Real”. Great book, you might want to try it, if you haven’t already.
Anyway, as you might have already surmised, we are no longer needed at the Hospice facility.
Our son, Philip Jon du Plessis,
age 44 has left this earth and is
now with his Heavenly Father
as of 12:40 a.m. on January 26th.
Thank you, dear Lord, for allowing Jon to slip away to you in peace, in the middle of the night, while his family kept watch over him. Please keep him happy in your presence (as if it could be otherwise)! Please be with Jan and Bill as they adjust to his passing, and although it hurts, to glorify you in his death as in his life. In Jesus' name, amen.