“Year ago” memories have been pretty common this year in our family. “This time last year,” one of us will say, and then we all share in recalling the details of some memory. Sometimes the memory is pleasant, and we remember how happy we were. Sometimes the memory is difficult, and we marvel at how good it is to have it a full year behind us.

Right now, the “year ago” memories are about my strangely quiet summer of cancer treatment. This time last year, I was getting sized up for radiation and more chemotherapy. The daily medical appointments did not leave a lot of room for big summer fun. During that daily routine, however, I enjoyed thinking about how “next year” we could celebrate the end of my cancer treatment.

And here we are, a year later! It’s almost too good to be true, which makes me think of the opening lines of Psalm 126:

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;

then they said among the nations “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.

God has done great things, and it is time for us to be glad, to his glory.

That brings me to my 35th birthday party, also my one-year-after-treatment party, which is just over a month away, on the evening of Saturday, July 19. There will be a light dinner and an outdoor concert by a visiting musician, Wendell Kimbrough. The event will be held at a friend’s church, where there is a lovely spacious lawn for the concert.

If you are planning to come, and haven’t already formally RSVPed, please use this Google Form to RSVP by Saturday July 14. That will help me get things organized!

Key information

Date & Time

• Saturday, July 19, 2025

• 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location

Silicon Valley Reformed Baptist Church
709 Lakewood Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089

What to Expect

• Light food for dinner and drinks provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks, picnic style.

• The food provided will include gluten-free and vegetarian options. Though if you have a special concern about this let me know.

• Outdoor concert beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Wendell Kimbrough performing a mix of Psalms and other selections.

• There is parking available on site.

• Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for the outdoor concert.

Please RSVP by Saturday, June 14