Well I’ve had a pretty good week. Thank you for all your prayers, good thoughts and well-wishing – we for sure feel it all! I am going to bullet point a bunch of things here because there is so much I want to say but it’s mostly just smatterings of this and that. I’ll end with a list of specific prayer requests for those who support us in that way.
- I am so grateful for all your comments here in the blog and on Facebook. On bad nights and during tough times, I read your words (often through tears) and they lift my spirit. Sometimes when it gets really bad, Karen sits and reads them to me. I can’t write responses to them all but please don’t stop sending them. I especially love when you go down memory lane and recall good times we’ve had together. Thank you.
- We heard you – you said to keep writing the blog and we will. I’ll even try a video blog soon. Thank you for the encouragement and stories you’ve shared. It seems we are matched together, mutually growing each other through this blog. Neither Karen nor I feel adequate writing at times but your prayers and ideas will carry us through.
- Health Update. I seem to be on a bit of an upswing. The vomiting has minimized, the hiccups seem under control and the pain is manageable. I have been in more pain this past week than the previous week, but my head and heart have been clearer of the anxiety. That is kind of the trade off. If I want no pain, I have to take more pain meds, which have the other side effects. We just changed my med routine yesterday and that may help balance it more. As well, I am no longer losing weight. I seem to be staying steady around 155 lbs. I get discouraged at times when I look down and see my leg muscles deteriorating. But…I can walk and talk and eat meals with my family and many other things, so I am grateful.
- Dakota is home with us! Dakota arrived Thursday and will be with us for the summer. He has already made a big splash in helpfulness, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house and plenty of other household areas. It is so good for my soul to have him close. Kadin arrives in two weeks and then the Tribe is together for the summer.
- Gambit is my character in the X-Series. Apparently we have multiple people that are asking which X-Men I am, as I never did a write up on me. I’ll do a brief write up for the curious. As well, our dog Polaris is Polaris from the X comics – I’ll write her up too!
- We updated the Care Team Prayer List. Please keep praying for the team of people that are caring for me. That page is here and can always be found on the front page of the blog.
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Kasey is trying out for the school play. She’d like to get the part of the Sheriff’s daughter.
- Kasey and her tennis partner Audrey have their doubles Regional Finals all day May 8th.
- Kadin has his college finals the week of May 10-14.
- My eyesight is failing due to the cancer/treatment. I’d like it to return to normal.
- I need to move my bowels on my own consistently – we are still fighting this battle.
- Focus for me. I want to be able to get personal and professional things done.
- Always please pray that we feel the Lord’s presence and peace.
*Hulk picture from comic shop in Las Vegas during summer of 2019.
Continue to pray for you and the family brother!
Continuing to pray.
When I think of memories with you, I think of the game show themed youth group nights you ran. You made everything so fun! I also remember your wedding and how excited we all were for you guys – you continue to be a wonderful team. I listened to your talk over zoom with the church soon after your cancer diagnosis – it was so impactful. I’m so glad you had a better week, and that you’ll all be together for the summer.
Praying for it all! Especially the peace and pain free part! The first time I got a glimpse of your personality was at a new song huddle and you and Ryan K were challenging and daring each other to use random words every time you guys came to the podum. I was lucky enough to sit at the same table. I just remember laughing so hard and thinking this guy is worth knowing he is hilarious! Those meetings no matter how well intentioned can be …. Well you know ! Then you came to to Inland Hills to preach on occasion and it was always a such a gift! We fell in love with a Beautiful family
CHALLENGE: In the next conversation you have I challengie you to use the word (s) cow pie
Wes, you will remain in our prayers. Thank you for your honesty in the hard times, because then we can pray specifically for you and your family. Your faith in God throughout these times is an encouragement to all of us and I pray a special time with your family this summer as you are once again together!
Wes, Karen & that tribe. Thanks for the updates, I am so inspired by all you and how you all are fighting the good fight. I really love how you guys keep focused on God. Praying every time I think of you all and that is all the time. All is well down in Sunny So. Cal. Weather is . . . . . perfect. Our daughter is driving in from Scottsdale today with our two grand daughters in tow. We don’t get to see them as much as we would like. We still get Gavin, (Joe’s son) every friday night till saturday afternoon.
Praying regularly!! Thankful to read of God’s answers! Thank you for updating us. You’re all in my heart daily!! May you know the touch of Jesus every day!! Love to You All! Betty.
I’m praying for you continually too. I’m in the same Bible Study as Judy so we hear regular updates. Appreciate your willingness to be transparent. One memory I have is when you and Paul Shumski came to my house and poured oil on my had – had requested prayer for some back pain I was having. I felt bad as the pain did not lessen and Paul said “well I’ll never annoint anyone with oil again.” – love you guys – Nancy Schaffer
Wes and Karen, it is good to hear from you and especially that you had a pretty good week. This is great news. I pray every day for you all and will continue to do so. Praying as well for the family all together this summer. May this be a very special time for all of you. Love and hugs. Marti
Wes,
So happy you are feeling better and that Dakota will be home soon. I think about you all every day. I’ll never forget you teaching Sunday school at Bible fellowship, as well as Bible study on Wednesday nights.. can’t believe that’s more than 15 years ago. Remember when I held Dakota when he was a few months old and nearly dropped him! Though that would make you laugh!
Love in the Lord,
Frank
The Smith family as well as Core Creek Community Church have been praying for you. We have never met personally, but my family has met your kids. My kids really enjoyed spending time with them. We are friends of Judy and Mike. My brother is Jason Heim which I know you know. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.
Wes, Karen and Family,
It is so good to hear that you had a good week. There has not been a day in recent months that I have not thought about you and prayed for you and the family. With the life circumstance of Wintergail and Isaac last January it brings your life to the forefront of my mind. I like to think that with all the friends and family that you are covered in 24 hour prayer, I know there are days I wake up at 3, 4 or 5 am and start my time with God and remember you. (rest assured I am in bed by 9)
I always thought it was amazing how you and Karen would pick up and go where God had called you. Recently Christy Lyn and I have been determining what God might have in store for us. We are actually moving to Ohio. We have talked about you and Karen going from Canada, to PA, to CA and then to Idaho…..what an amazing journey God is taking you. We know He is doing the same for us.
I will continue to pray. Enjoy the many small moments with Karen and the kids, may God continue to bless you.
Your Brother In Christ
Trevor
I’ve been following your journey for a few months now, but I haven’t written anything to you. Mostly I just felt because we weren’t very close that it wasn’t my place, though I’ve been praying for you and your family- tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat thinking how come this is happening to such good, God loving people. I wanted to say I’m so sorry for your struggles. But more than that, I want to say thank you. I’m new in my faith, and have felt myself, at dark times, wavering. Thank you for showing me what having faith looks like in the dark. You’ve taught me so much with these blogs about how to keep God in my priorities even when it hurts. Even when I’m scared. Thank you for being the beautiful people you are, and thank you for sharing your light with us. I will continue to pray for you all. God bless you.
Praying for you guys 💛
Keeping you all in my prayers, loving you greatly ! ❤️🙏🏻
Wes, I remember so clearly how you swooped into our northern Mennonite town and took us by storm! Your energy was so contagious! I can still hear you calling out to us…”Lou and Joyce, Lou and Joyce” as we tried to get something done with the youth group before us. Lou and I often walk by your first apartment on Main Street and feel your presence. You have been and are an inspiration to so many and God will surely say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” May God continue to hold you all very close.
So glad you are feeling better and that Dakota is home. Soon the Tribe will be together. So wonderful!! Diane Hanson
Thanks for the updates.it gives me encouragement in my daily life to fight my daily challenges. Heading your faith and positivity helps me put a positive spin in things going on my life. I always remember after making my four hour bus ride to church you would greet me with a smile, let me know how grateful you were to see me, give me a hug.
I remember the impact you had on my son,
Jonathan, and my nephew Brian Delp. Thank you for your impact on so many lives.
Wes and Family. Thinking and pulling and praying for you all. So many good years knowing you all and practically living at your home on Draper. Such long lasting and fun memories that you all let me be a part of. I cherish those times.
I remember we were all messing around in the front room and I accidentally kneed you in the face. Directly in the nose in fact. I don’t know if you remember that. I cannot remember if I broke it-i feel like I did -and even though you were hurt and holding your face in pain you never got mad at me. Always the even tempered and good humored/hearted one. I miss you all terribly and keep you in my heart.
Wes and Karen,
My earnest prayers continue for the medical needs and for your wonderful unity as a family as the boys will both be home soon. I do have a few memories from the early days. Your strong leadership at PCB. One activity your Social Committee hosted was graffiti decorations in the old gym before it was to be demolished. You asked the athletic director’s permission, but that was the wrong person, since administration planned for donors to join them using sledge hammers as a fund raiser with photo opts. Thankfully, they found one wall without graffiti to use.
Many memories of the cross country team and watching you stream line for the finish line! I remember picnics in our yard and one night you formed a circle to pray for the McKinney’s injured dog. It ended with various people sharing needs and others gathering around them to pray over them 🙏one after another. I felt like we were standing on holy ground!
Do you remember the night during missions conference when you guys cooked dinner 🥘 for the dorm girls you adopted using my best China and goblets? Rich and I had to stay away until after 7 pm. I think a dish got broken that night but I never did figure out which one. 😊
Lastly, when you flew in from Canada during a bad snow storm for Craig and Celeste’s wedding. Karen was meeting you later in Buck’s County. All your luggage was lost. 😲 A stop at Walmart at least got you clean underwear for the wedding.
You PCB guys had a tight bond, each inspiring the other, and what joy to see how God is using each of you for His glory today, yes even with cancer and probably more powerfully because of cancer. The Dunlap’s love each of you guys and your families!💕
Praying Always🙏♥️
Wes and Karen, we all are praying for you daily and we love you too!! Nicole said the other day how grateful she and Justin are that they had you perform the wedding ceremony and that she can’t imagine having her wedding without you. You will forever be in their hearts, and mine too!!
I remember when I just moved to Oceanside in 2014 (I think that’s the right year) and I got a “New Song” flyer in the mail at the Regal Cinema. I loved attending church with you and the Home Bible studies. You helped pick me up when I was down, helped me get back on track again. So our family is one of many that think of you every day and continue to pray for you and your family. We miss you very much too!! Love you Wes!!! And Karen!!!
Patty Carmichael
Found a tippman 98 in a garage the other on church campus. Those paintball weekends were nuts but rewarding!! Have always been greatly encouraged how you could balance family and ministry, you all made it work so seem less. God bless
Brother,
Praise God for a good week. We are praying for you regularly.
I got tell you, you’re faithfulness and courage are an inspiration. I’m proud to know you.
I’m thankful God brought you into my life.
Love ya man!
Matthew Savage
Wes,
So a trip down memory lane? Can you say french fry critique? How about super messy night! ( I think we made some parents upset for that one.) Retreats at the Polly’s. I was baptized in Polly’s pond. I think of that every time I hear the song, Amen.
My memories from our youth group years continue to bring me happiness and a smile to my face.
My best friend Jeno is still the person I look to as we travel through life. I met her through the bike trip.
How many mountains did we climb! Do you remember the tree getting struck by lightning? I’m sure you do. What fun we had! “A” team. The Ben and Jerry’s century. The night we made pasta in the rain and then the tarps broke and washed it all away…
The bike trips are a favorite memory from my youth. And instilled in me a lifelong love of cycling.
I still remember vividly singing Piccolo mini. (And I continue to delight my children with my Redemption of the song).
The life you have lived, especially during this walk with cancer has been such a Ministry to so many people.
The example you contine to set is truly a beautiful example of faith.
I am a just an adolescent friend from your high school years. Yet your experience has ministered deeply to myself, my brother Mike who I’m sure you remember, my mother, and especially my children.
I can’t imagine how many people you have touched over the years!
One thing I request, is sharing anything you Karen and your family would benefit from.
You have the prayers of so many people. I
believe many people, would love to do anything possible that would help these days be easier. You are all deeply respected and held up in prayer.
We were all together last week (Trish -aka Patti, Wes, Dave, Steve and Doug & I…. and you need to know that at one point Piccolo mini was revived!!! Kasey probably thought we were nuts. 😆😆
Thank you for the update and the specific prayer requests. I am so happy you will have all of your beautiful family under 1 roof soon.
You like memories. Hers just a couple for today.
Breaking and entering on video. (Dorties finally gotten over that one)
Frisbee golf and organ pipes.
Love you and all the good times we had together
Wes and Karen, I am sooo incredibly blessed by your posts… as is every single person who is reading them! You are amazing! Your example of love, faith and endurance speaks volumes to the watching world. My prayers for you are forever “without ceasing.” Your confidence is in Christ. It is a privilege to hear your updates. Thank you so much! Sending love… 💕
Thanks Wes for the update! I’m so glad to hear things have stabilized and I will continue to pray for improvement to continue. My fond memory is having the privilege to work with both you and Karen. Having my office directly across from you was a bonus. You always brought smiles to my face with your humor, energy and positivity. I told you when you left that it won’t be the same without you and it hasn’t. Your creativeness is also missed. I know my granddaughter remembers Kids Camp 2019 and the fun you and Kadin brought to it. Love from the Waller’s
TRUST IN THE LORD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding…in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS. PROV 3:5,6 You are doing this and
I know He will continue to be a faithful Shepherd. Our prayers are with you all. Aunt Mildred and family.
Dear Wes, Karen and Family,
Glad to hear you had a pretty good week. It is always good to hear. I pray for all of you. I know cancer affects the whole family. Knowing people pray means so much. Judy keeps our Bible study updated, and she and Linda are really looking forward to coming out. Wishing all a special time . God bless.
Hey guys! I can’t thank you enough for sharing your journey with all of us. I have countless memories of our adolescent life growing up in Oneonta. I drive by your old house on Draper Street daily…but it’s blue now, which just doesn’t feel right, and I am reminded of the Coddington clan every time. I recall a certain incident of being kidnapped by you and Ryan T with Lyn T and made to watch this ridiculous movie called “The Princess Bride”, I have never properly thanked you for that… such a classic. Like Kate, I also recall our time as youth interns and the Ultimate Battle week as a youth intern. Messy night and mud night night live strong in my mind! (As well as the upset parents and the unfortunate run in with the police) Every time I hear the theme song to Hawaii 5-0, I remember a certain talent show skit with ironing boards at OHS, that was awesome, as well as your graduation outfit under your gown. Bat hunting in the catacombs, sardines, Bike trips, mission trips, service projects, sledge-o-matic, and who can forget Doc Zerbe singing “Good morning bright sunshine!” And Oh-wa…..ta goo…Siam. 😀.
This is only a blip in time, but how much did it start to mold us into where we are today. You all have been such an integral part in so many lives across the country, and you continue to with each post. Continue to fight the good fight, find peace in the little things. You continue to minister at your darkest hour which speaks volumes of your unwavering faith. Thank you for continuing to share, we will continue to pray.
Thinking about you and the family Wes… stay strong together and we will continue praying for you all🙏🏼
God Bless❤️
We are so very blessed by your posts and we pray for you and your family continually for strength, joy and peace. Much love.
Consistent compassionate prayer for Coddington’s. Much love.
Prayerfully sharing your journey.
Glad for a great week – thanks for the update! Praying for you all.
Wesley, know that you are in the Forte’s prayers. Our family of six has grown since we saw you last (When did we last see you?). Matthew is 20, is working at “Burrito Boulevard”, Vincent 18 is finishing his 1st year at college at University of Delaware – Go blue Hens! – who names their team the “Blue Hens”? that does not inspire fear! Sebastian is 14, and is into his friends, gaming, and playing guitar, and Giuliana 11, who is into art in a big way, drawing, painting, etc. Maria and I are active in our church, I play keyboards (badly) or guitar (worse) or just sing (better). We are still on Long Island but are thinking of moving somewhere more affordable as I have been working 31 years with the Health Department and can retire if I want/need to. I see John Aloisio every now and then because he works with our Union. I always remember you and your family fondly as they invited strangers, college students, and Long Island surfers into their home for meals and good times. I remember your brother David always seemed to be watching baseball upstairs, Patty and Wes in the youth group, and Stephen, well, he was doing whatever he was doing being younger – I did bump into Stephen on Long Island when he was working at a church on the North Shore. Thanks to your family, and other families at Main Street, I have some great memories of Oneonta and of the faith, which helped me get through what was for me a very difficult time. Praying for you always, In HIM
Hi Wes, after loosing touch and being isolated at home by this pandemic, apparently, I was meant to finally know about your condition. Brandy, randomly got a facebook news feed two days ago about you and told me. I don’t know what my role is or what I’m supposed to do so I’ll just say what comes to mind. You have succeeded in what you set out to do and you have done so since day one. You have led by example, consistently. You have fought against human nature (our own) and won, again, and again, and again. You have lead by example, now an army of people are walking in a particular direction and the catalyst, the example, the guide, is you. You have served very well. I can say this from what I’ve seen with my own eyes, but this is over the span of more than 8 years. We have had many conversations about hypocrisy. About how people are so ready to be horrible to others in the name of Christ, doing things we could never imagine Jesus would ever do, therefore people think they are better than Jesus. In response to our conversations you have shared your views and points with me, but in a way that tirelessly leads by example. With your convictions challenged by my questions you never lost patience and steadfastly lead by example, again and again. You even have the courage to agree with some of my points then share it in your sermons. Translated, you have the courage to examine your own views and when adjustments are needed, the courage to make those adjustments. You have been there for me and my family when help was needed, be it guidance, advice, or when more substantial help is needed. You have always led by example to us. I have tried searching for ways to return the effort to you and your family that you have given to me and my family. I will keep searching, but for now what I can tell you is this. We now walk in the direction you have guided us in. We guide others around us, by example (the best we can), to walk in the direction blazed by you. We will always be grateful, and appreciative of your guidance and perpetuate that guidance to others, by example. I’m sure there is an army of people and families out there that feel the same way. Thank you Wes.