This year has been a difficult one.  Our family has had our share of trials and challenges.  I have been applying for jobs, trying to understand my calling as Bishop, checking on my health, and trying to find meaning in this upside-down world.  I feel directed in my efforts and have shown patience waiting for the door to open, yet I know I’m being prepared for something.

Some in the ward have asked me how I’m doing at which I respond, I’m doing fine.  Later, when they hear of my challenges they ask me to be more transparent and open.  Heather, through her Sunday school lessons of the past, has asked us to share our stories when they have come to a completion.  Tell them with the perspective from the other side of the experience.  Looking back we can see how the Lord carried us through each challenge.

In mid-June, I had the knee replacement surgery scheduled but the procedure was postponed due to my contracting Shingles.  I did not know the amount of pain that is associated with Shingles and have much more empathy for those that struggle with them.  I scheduled an appointment with a new dermatology office because my prior dermatology provider didn’t take Utah Medicaid.  The Nurse Practitioner proscribed some medication to limit the nerve pain and damage caused by the lasting effects of Shingles.  She shaved off a mole I was concerned about and sent it to the lab to be biopsied. 

One morning shortly after my appointment, I was sitting planning my day when I had a clear impression to not be afraid of the word, “Melanoma”.  I was puzzled by the impression.  I wasn’t requested to act or do something.  It was simply a feeling of comfort and love along with a feeling to be not afraid. 

Melanoma is a scary word within the Anderson family.  My sister’s husband passed away from Melanoma three days after I returned from my mission.  Our family watched as the Melanoma tumors attacked his body in the weeks before his death.  My sister and mother explained later that it was my missionary letters that kept him going during his struggle with this cancer and that he was holding on for my return.

When the pathology results came back as abnormal the office scheduled an appointment with a Dermatologist to remove the mole more completely.  During this appointment, I asked the doctor to conducted a full scan to look for any other moles of concern.  He asked me if he could shave off three more moles and freeze some spots on my face. 

I received the results of the biopsied moles on a Tuesday morning, July 21st, while I was in the hospital recovering from my rescheduled knee replacement surgery from the prior morning, July 20th.  More abnormal cells.  In total, three moles were classified as Basal Cell Carcinoma and one mole as Melanoma.  This particular mole had been evaluated and cleared by a different Dermatologist two years earlier.  I felt the comforter provide me support and love and I received this difficult news and I remembered the impression from earlier, to not be afraid of the word, “Melanoma”.  I was at peace and didn’t challenge that impression.  I was not afraid.

This past week they have taken more tissue around the melanoma site.  Because they identified the melanoma early, my prognosis is good and the doctors are confident that they were able to remove all of the cancer cells; pathology will confirm.  My knee surgery went smooth and I’m working on strengthening my leg muscles and increasing my flexibility.  My face is healing from the topical cream application to remove any precancerous cells.  The Shingles cleared up, the crowns in my mouth have been repaired or replaced, and I can now sleep in my bed instead of a recliner.

I found that as I humbled myself before the Lord and asked others for help, the door of employment is opening.  I’m excited about the future and grateful for the outpouring of blessings from my Savior. 

I relay my experiences to you and express my gratitude to the Lord for the gifts of the spirit, the tender mercies of the Lord, and testify that my Savior knows me and my family. 

It sounds a little crazy to say, “I’m grateful for Shingles” but it was Shingles that lead me to treatment and the early diagnosis of cancer.

I have continued to feel his grace and love while awaiting the removal procedure.  I can identify many instances where I have felt of his love for me and my family, impressed by the expansion of love I have felt for each of you during these past few months, and have felt of your prayers and sustaining confidence during these difficult times.

I testify that the Lord knows each and every one of you.  He loves you and desires for you to turn to him.  Place your burdens on him and find peace during this time of world unrest.  He will never turn from you and holds his arms open to receive.  He will never close his arms to you except to hold you close within his embrace.  I testify to you of these truths in his name, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

• Bishop Anderson
• “Stay Humble, Work Hard, & Be Kind”
• Ward Blog: www.highland28th.org