Alice's funeral will be held Friday, January 16th at 11:30 in Herrick Chapel at Judson University, Elgin. Visitation will be from 9-11 AM the same day, at the Thompson Center on Judson's campus.
Memorials may be made to Judson University for the Thompson Center Campaign. For information, call 847.628.2086.
We would love to see you all there.
The Thompson Family
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Sad News
It is with deep sorrow that we, Alice's family, have to give you the sad news that Alice went to be with her Lord on Saturday evening, January 10th, around 6pm.
After a "good day", her carotid artery burst and she passed quickly. Jack was with her and was able to quickly tell her that we who remain behind will be okay and that she knows she would soon be with her Lord and dear husband, Ed. She was able to nod her head in acknowledgment but soon faded away.
Funeral details are pending and will be posted on the blog.
Thank you for all your prayers over the years. She was an amazing servant of the Lord and a wonderful mother and grandmother and friend.
The Family of Alice Aust Thompson
After a "good day", her carotid artery burst and she passed quickly. Jack was with her and was able to quickly tell her that we who remain behind will be okay and that she knows she would soon be with her Lord and dear husband, Ed. She was able to nod her head in acknowledgment but soon faded away.
Funeral details are pending and will be posted on the blog.
Thank you for all your prayers over the years. She was an amazing servant of the Lord and a wonderful mother and grandmother and friend.
The Family of Alice Aust Thompson
Happy New Year
We had two Christmas celebrations! The first one was at Mark and Sandy's house. We had a delightful Chinese dinner from The Great Wall. I, of course, could only imagine how the different items tasted. But we had a delightful time. The second celebration was on January 3rd--the only time everyone could be together. It was a rollicking good time. We all laughed so hard as Drew joined Nick singing soprano on "O Holy Night." We didn't know of Drew's considerable talent!
I had finished my last infusion and was feeling pretty good. This last round was herbal and not chemical. The doctor said that that was all they can do for me here in Elgin. The next possibility is anther experimental program that the University of Chicago is offering if I qualify. If not, we will just have to let nature take its course. I still know I'm in God's hands. Whatever His plan He has for me is what I want. I am trying to use my best moments to write the sequel to Do Not Go, My Love. It's coming along better now. At first it was a hopeless bunch of slips of paper with notes, often not dated!
A great big praise is that Ruth's procedure on her mito-valve went very well. We praise the Lord for that and are thankful for the many prayers on her behalf.
I had finished my last infusion and was feeling pretty good. This last round was herbal and not chemical. The doctor said that that was all they can do for me here in Elgin. The next possibility is anther experimental program that the University of Chicago is offering if I qualify. If not, we will just have to let nature take its course. I still know I'm in God's hands. Whatever His plan He has for me is what I want. I am trying to use my best moments to write the sequel to Do Not Go, My Love. It's coming along better now. At first it was a hopeless bunch of slips of paper with notes, often not dated!
A great big praise is that Ruth's procedure on her mito-valve went very well. We praise the Lord for that and are thankful for the many prayers on her behalf.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving, 2008
What a wonderful day we had yesterday! Everyone was here, including Aunt Mary Annea, Ed's sister from California, and little baby Smith (Andrea and Tyler's baby--due in March-- which will make me a great grandmother!) Tyler, among other things, is a gourmet chef! The entire meal was made by him and his able assistants, Andrea and Liz. There were so many special dishes served. Of course, I could just imagine how they tasted. Everyone thought they were fabulous.
But more than the food, was the delightful conversation around that table, where seventeen (plus little?) were seated. I basked in the fact that I had my whole family under my roof and was feeling good and enjoying every minute of it.
After dinner, we did our traditional sharing of what we were thankful for. I wrote mine out, and Tom read it. Here it is:
I’m so thankful that we can all be together this Thanksgiving! And that Aunt Mary Anne can be with us.
This is the fifth Thanksgiving since Dad left us and since I was diagnosed with cancer, so I’m doubly thankful.
I’d rather be speaking this, but it will have to be read.
We’ve had many good things in 2008:
At the top of the list is our joy in the beautiful thing that is happening to Andrea and Tyler! We all are excited about the coming of a new little life into our midst, and we pray daily for Andrea and for the safe arrival of this new person.
Right up there on my “Top Ten” list is Drew’s acceptance by the U of Illinois Medical School. What an answer to prayer! And how we pray that he will be able to fulfill his dream of being a doctor.
Then the great honor that was bestowed upon us at Judson University—naming a building after us. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it.
There are hundreds of other things to be thankful for. You know what they are,
We also have some big challenges ahead of us, both physical and financial-- especially Ruth and Nick, [as they decide what to do about her mitro valve]. But our Lord is with us every step of the way! In Job 9:10 we read, “He performs wonders that can’t be fathomed—miracles that can’t be counted.” I’m expecting some of those wonders and miracles in this next year.
Know that each one of you is in my prayers daily. No woman could ask for a better family. May God bless each one of you with many joys, and may any adversities that come just draw you closer to our precious Lord Jesus Christ.
Love, Mom
I had a pretty bad reaction to the last couple of infusions, so the doctor is giving me two weeks off--I'm thankful for that!
There are many of you that I'm praying for. Please let me know how you are doing.
Much Love, Alice Psalm 103
But more than the food, was the delightful conversation around that table, where seventeen (plus little?) were seated. I basked in the fact that I had my whole family under my roof and was feeling good and enjoying every minute of it.
After dinner, we did our traditional sharing of what we were thankful for. I wrote mine out, and Tom read it. Here it is:
I’m so thankful that we can all be together this Thanksgiving! And that Aunt Mary Anne can be with us.
This is the fifth Thanksgiving since Dad left us and since I was diagnosed with cancer, so I’m doubly thankful.
I’d rather be speaking this, but it will have to be read.
We’ve had many good things in 2008:
At the top of the list is our joy in the beautiful thing that is happening to Andrea and Tyler! We all are excited about the coming of a new little life into our midst, and we pray daily for Andrea and for the safe arrival of this new person.
Right up there on my “Top Ten” list is Drew’s acceptance by the U of Illinois Medical School. What an answer to prayer! And how we pray that he will be able to fulfill his dream of being a doctor.
Then the great honor that was bestowed upon us at Judson University—naming a building after us. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it.
There are hundreds of other things to be thankful for. You know what they are,
We also have some big challenges ahead of us, both physical and financial-- especially Ruth and Nick, [as they decide what to do about her mitro valve]. But our Lord is with us every step of the way! In Job 9:10 we read, “He performs wonders that can’t be fathomed—miracles that can’t be counted.” I’m expecting some of those wonders and miracles in this next year.
Know that each one of you is in my prayers daily. No woman could ask for a better family. May God bless each one of you with many joys, and may any adversities that come just draw you closer to our precious Lord Jesus Christ.
Love, Mom
I had a pretty bad reaction to the last couple of infusions, so the doctor is giving me two weeks off--I'm thankful for that!
There are many of you that I'm praying for. Please let me know how you are doing.
Much Love, Alice Psalm 103
Monday, October 6, 2008
An Evening to Remember
The Dedication and Ribbon Cutting of the newly named Thompson Center was a truly memorable occasion! I wanted so much to be able to stay the whole time, and that's exactly what happened-two hours! I guess I looked as good as is possible right now, mainly because my three "ladies in waiting"(Daughter Ruth, Mark's wife Sandy and Tom's wife Jennifer)applied all the necessary make-up, including "blush." Besides, it was night!
The President of Judson University, Dr. Jerry Cain, said some kind words, and there were four alumni who told of some of their experiences with Ed and me while the were students-much of what they said centered around the many Choir and Handbell tours-some of it wasn't amusing. There was quite a crowd standing in the dark. We sang some hymns. Ruth read this which I had written:
"My entire family and I are so honored to have this building named after Dr. Ed and me.
It is the place where we spent many days and years of our lives, sharing our love of music and our determination to serve the Lord to the best of our abilities.
We were often here early in the morning, and more often late at night. I actually spent two overnights here when the Handbell Choir did their infamous “Ring-a-thons,” raising money for their tours.
Dr Ed and I also taught in this spot in the old Carriage House before it was torn down to make room for this building, so this ground is even more “hallowed” to us.
I am excited about the Renovation. At last, music will have the space that has been needed for so many years, and spaces will be specifically planned for the purpose for which they were intended. I have seen the plans, and they look wonderful!
My particular prayer for this building is that from it will emanate dozens, no, hundreds of musicians, who know that there’s more to music than what’s noted on the music score. There’s a LIFE, dedicated to Jesus Christ and His service, using Music as a means of telling the world about Him and His great Salvation.
May God bless the Thompson Center and use it for His glory!"
After this service,we went to the Chapel for a time of music by the Alumni Choir, the Handbell Choir, a mini concert by Huntley Brown, and some more kind words. The wonderful Alumni gave me a beautiful plaque, which I cherish. It currently is placed in the middle of the kitchen table.
In all, it was a well planned and beautifully executed event-far above any of my expectations.
I thank you for your prayers and pray that God's richest blessings are and will continue to be yours.
Alice, "Mrs. Ed" Psalm 103
The President of Judson University, Dr. Jerry Cain, said some kind words, and there were four alumni who told of some of their experiences with Ed and me while the were students-much of what they said centered around the many Choir and Handbell tours-some of it wasn't amusing. There was quite a crowd standing in the dark. We sang some hymns. Ruth read this which I had written:
"My entire family and I are so honored to have this building named after Dr. Ed and me.
It is the place where we spent many days and years of our lives, sharing our love of music and our determination to serve the Lord to the best of our abilities.
We were often here early in the morning, and more often late at night. I actually spent two overnights here when the Handbell Choir did their infamous “Ring-a-thons,” raising money for their tours.
Dr Ed and I also taught in this spot in the old Carriage House before it was torn down to make room for this building, so this ground is even more “hallowed” to us.
I am excited about the Renovation. At last, music will have the space that has been needed for so many years, and spaces will be specifically planned for the purpose for which they were intended. I have seen the plans, and they look wonderful!
My particular prayer for this building is that from it will emanate dozens, no, hundreds of musicians, who know that there’s more to music than what’s noted on the music score. There’s a LIFE, dedicated to Jesus Christ and His service, using Music as a means of telling the world about Him and His great Salvation.
May God bless the Thompson Center and use it for His glory!"
After this service,we went to the Chapel for a time of music by the Alumni Choir, the Handbell Choir, a mini concert by Huntley Brown, and some more kind words. The wonderful Alumni gave me a beautiful plaque, which I cherish. It currently is placed in the middle of the kitchen table.
In all, it was a well planned and beautifully executed event-far above any of my expectations.
I thank you for your prayers and pray that God's richest blessings are and will continue to be yours.
Alice, "Mrs. Ed" Psalm 103
Thursday, September 18, 2008
My Status
Greetings to all of you.
I pray that Jesus is the center of your lives. He's the only answer to the important issues in life.
In June and part of July I was feeling pretty good. I spent some time at the Cabin in Eagle River, Wisconsin-first with Mark's family and later with Tom et al. I'm glad I did it then, because once the new chemo started, I have been exceedingly weak. In fact, a week ago I was so weak that I never really got out of bed the entire week. I'm feeling quite a bit better now, but still have to rest, and often sleep, very often. My fingers and toes are somewhat paralyzed, and I'm typing now with two fingers!
A week from tomorrow there is to be a Dedication of the Fine Arts Building at Judson University. They are re-naming it "Alice and Edward Thompson Center." I want very much to be there and in good shape. Lord willing, I will be.
Thank you for your many prayers. The Lord is with me, even, and maybe especially, in the discouraging times. He said that He would never leave nor forsake us. I claim that promise.
Alice Job 9:10
I pray that Jesus is the center of your lives. He's the only answer to the important issues in life.
In June and part of July I was feeling pretty good. I spent some time at the Cabin in Eagle River, Wisconsin-first with Mark's family and later with Tom et al. I'm glad I did it then, because once the new chemo started, I have been exceedingly weak. In fact, a week ago I was so weak that I never really got out of bed the entire week. I'm feeling quite a bit better now, but still have to rest, and often sleep, very often. My fingers and toes are somewhat paralyzed, and I'm typing now with two fingers!
A week from tomorrow there is to be a Dedication of the Fine Arts Building at Judson University. They are re-naming it "Alice and Edward Thompson Center." I want very much to be there and in good shape. Lord willing, I will be.
Thank you for your many prayers. The Lord is with me, even, and maybe especially, in the discouraging times. He said that He would never leave nor forsake us. I claim that promise.
Alice Job 9:10
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New Chemo
I started this week with a new series of Chemo. A medi-port was put in on Tuesday, and I had my first infusion of Chemo on Wednesday. Today I had my first shot which is supposed to supplement the Chemo. There are some side effects that I've been told about and have read about. They probably won't start for another week or so. I am to have a shot every day for five days and then nothing until my second Chemo infusion, which is to be three weeks after the first. Three week later, there will be tests to see if the drugs are working. If all goes well, I will be eligible for an experimental program at the University of Chicago down the road. Once again, it is all in the hands of the Lord. I am resting in Him.
The kind of cancer I have and where it is located-near the carotid artery-makes it very possible that I could "go home" to heaven at any time. So, each morning I wake up and thank the Lord for this new day and try my best to do His will. I am resting in Him. His "little lamb," safe and secure.
A wonderful thing that is going to happen is that the Fine Arts Building at Judson University (Formerly called "Judson College") is to be named after Ed and me! I feel so honored and at the same time, humbled, because I know that anything Ed or I did was only with the help of the Lord. How many prayers did we send up for wisdom for what we were doing!! I know that Ed must be very happy about this honor. The dedication is to be at Homecoming on Friday, September 26th.
I have had very encouraging reports on my book, "Do Not Go, My Love: An Odyssey of Eight Years with Stroke and Dementia." If you want a copy, contact Warren Anderson at wanderson@Judsonu.edu or try Amazon.com- they are supposed to have it or can get it. I'm working hard on a new book, "I Laughed When They Told Me I Had Cancer." It will be a sequel to the first one.
May God bless each and every one of you. He is sufficient for every need that you may have and has promised to be with you in all times of trouble. I pray that you all have given your lives over to Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. It is the only way to live, and He has promised Eternal Life with Him in heaven to everyone who believes. John 3:16,17.
The kind of cancer I have and where it is located-near the carotid artery-makes it very possible that I could "go home" to heaven at any time. So, each morning I wake up and thank the Lord for this new day and try my best to do His will. I am resting in Him. His "little lamb," safe and secure.
A wonderful thing that is going to happen is that the Fine Arts Building at Judson University (Formerly called "Judson College") is to be named after Ed and me! I feel so honored and at the same time, humbled, because I know that anything Ed or I did was only with the help of the Lord. How many prayers did we send up for wisdom for what we were doing!! I know that Ed must be very happy about this honor. The dedication is to be at Homecoming on Friday, September 26th.
I have had very encouraging reports on my book, "Do Not Go, My Love: An Odyssey of Eight Years with Stroke and Dementia." If you want a copy, contact Warren Anderson at wanderson@Judsonu.edu or try Amazon.com- they are supposed to have it or can get it. I'm working hard on a new book, "I Laughed When They Told Me I Had Cancer." It will be a sequel to the first one.
May God bless each and every one of you. He is sufficient for every need that you may have and has promised to be with you in all times of trouble. I pray that you all have given your lives over to Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. It is the only way to live, and He has promised Eternal Life with Him in heaven to everyone who believes. John 3:16,17.
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