Author: Vernon Dobelmann

Who could have imagined where the journey of life would lead? First of all, after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 25, I never anticipated living this long. It has not been an easy road, but I am still alive and kicking. Feeling fragile and exhausted has been a repeated part of the lifelong experience, but that has also been part of the learning experience.

Although the hospital was much smaller in 1986, it is the place where life-saving treatment was provided for me. Little did I know that this would not be my last battle with cancer. It has been 40 years since the first diagnosis, 25 years since the second diagnosis, and five months since the third diagnosis. Open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve happened in 2003. Yes, that was 23 years ago. It almost seems like an afterthought to mention two heart ablations and five cardioversions in the last ten years as well.

When I wrote the book, “Articulating Hope,” I did my best to capture the many emotions that accompanied the early part of the journey. I realize that it still falls short of conveying the magnitude of the roller coaster ride that comes with being diagnosed with cancer. As I experience yet another round in this seemingly endless battle, I come into it with greater understanding and detachment from the things of this world. That doesn’t mean it is like a walk in the park, but it is a journey viewed through a very different lens than 40 years ago.

Speaking of a walk in the park, St. Joseph Health Center is just a couple blocks up the hill from Frontier Park and the Missouri River in St. Charles, Missouri. This park has always attracted me. The peace and contentment of a warm summer evening along the Missouri River is indeed a blessing, although mosquitoes really seem unnecessary.

This same park, which typically brought joy to me, became a source of anger while I spent 52 days in the hospital. On days when I felt well enough to walk to the end of the hall and look out the window and view the park and the river, it made me bitter. People were out enjoying the park like nothing was wrong. Did they not care that I was in the hospital? The river felt like a symbol of my life. It was flowing by without me being part of the journey.

Realizing that the world continued to spin and people continued on with their lives was a harsh reality to face. My illness and treatments were not impacting those people passing by on the sidewalks. My illness did not hinder people from gathering in the park and enjoying themselves. My presence in the hospital went unnoticed from almost everyone except my family and friends. That was a humbling realization.

A diagnosis of cancer immediately sends a person into the world of unknown. Will I survive? Will I need surgery? Will I need chemotherapy? Will I need radiation? Will I lose my hair? How long will this last? Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty in a battle with cancer.

Scans, blood work, and waiting are a repetitive process in the cancer journey. I prayed for patience. I was given the opportunity to learn the virtue in a multitude of ways. Waiting is a key component in today’s medical industrial complex.

As I celebrate 40 years of survival since my first cancer diagnosis, I recognize the many difficulties and challenges through the years, but I also recognize the many graces and blessings along the way. This experience has taught me about prayer, patience, and perseverance. It has taught me about caring, compassion, and consolation. It has taught me about suffering, stability, and sanctity.

Where do things stand for me at this moment in time? My surgery for colon cancer was on March 17. Four months later on July 17, I am happy to report that my latest CT scan showed no sign of metastatic disease. That was indeed good news. Although I still have a long way to go to regain strength and stamina, I am grateful that the surgery was successful. Avoiding chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy is a huge win.

My dear reader, if you are undergoing a difficult battle in your life right now, please know of my prayers for you. It is not an easy journey at times. The pain, the fatigue, the appointments, the needle sticks, and the uncertainty of day-to-day life takes a toll. Staying strong and positive to help those around you not worry so much is also an exhausting endeavor at times. Saying “no” to requests you would have easily said yes to prior to cancer can also be a new arena for both you and the ones hearing your response. That is okay. Growing into understanding and acceptance of the new reality takes time.

The experience of suffering has convinced me of one very important aspect of the spiritual journey. The power of intercessory prayer is undeniable. It has not instantly removed my pain, cured the disease, or removed the struggles of recuperation following surgeries and treatments. However, it has provided a sense of peace that can only be found in Christ.

In 1986, the good people of Immaculate Conception Parish in Old Monroe, Missouri lifted me up in prayer. This was not a short endeavor. During my 52 days in the hospital and the months of recovery afterward, these faithful people brought my needs to the Lord. Eventually, my health was restored.

In 2001, the good people of St. Benedict Parish in Florence, Colorado lifted me up in prayer when I was diagnosed with cancer the second time.

In 2003, the good people of Ste. Genevieve Parish and Valle Catholic School prayed me through open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve. Their prayers were so powerful I went back to teaching at Valle in just 3 and a half weeks. Hearing that students were in the adoration chapel at 9:00 and 10:00 at night praying for me touched my heart profoundly.

Here we are in 2026. The good people of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish are lifting me up in prayer for both my cancer diagnosis and recurrent heart issues. While I have certainly slowed down, I am still doing my best to imitate St. Paul and run the race to the finish. It is easier on some days than others. Thus, I welcome your continued prayers.

I am grateful for each and every one of you who has crossed my path during this journey of life. The journey continues, but I could not let this 40th year of survival pass without sharing a few thoughts and reflections.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion, fellowship, and power of the Holy Spirit be with you always!

Many years ago I had an individual tell me, “You are responsible for your own joy.”  That was a message I needed to hear because I had allowed my joy to be stolen by someone else.  Actually, I had freely given up my joy because of how I responded to a difficult situation and a person involved in the midst of the chaos.  After that experience I made a commitment to myself to never let it happen again.  I decided from that moment onward to respond in a more productive way to the challenges and difficulties of life. 

Once in a while, I still need to remind myself of that commitment.  What better time than America’s 250th celebration?  We each make choices in how we respond to circumstances confronting us.  As we move into Independence weekend, let’s make a concentrated effort to respond in ways that help us grow in holiness–as individuals, as a community, as a Church, as a nation.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.”
~Viktor E. Frankl

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game.”
~Randy Pausch

“Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.”
~Victor Hugo

“There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles.”
~Stephen Covey

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
~Wayne Dyer

The journey on this earth is for a limited time.  The reality of the shortness of this pilgrimage prompts me to take a serious look at how I spend my time.  Is the way that I am living my life truly giving glory to God?  How can I more fully cooperate with God’s grace so that I am truly building up the Kingdom?

​Now, let’s look ahead.  Catchy quotations may spark the imagination, but the discipline to do something is a moment-by-moment decision.  Will the remainder of 2026 be a time of personal growth for us?

“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.”
~Cavett Robert

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First of all, I give adoration, thanks and praise to God for all the blessings in my life.  I am grateful for the gift of family, friends, faith, and fellowship. I am grateful for being able to live in the United States of America.  Margaret and I have celebrated more than 37 years together in our journey of wedded life.  We have two wonderful children and now three grandchildren as well. 

I am also grateful for the privilege of ministering as a deacon in the Church for more than 27 years now.  I especially enjoy leading retreats, days of recollection, and preaching parish missions. 

It seems like there is never a shortage of people to pray for and concerns to be brought before the foot of the cross.  Here are just a few of my petitions for this celebration of 250 years as a country.

I pray for all of the Church leadership—the pope, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and all lay leaders striving to proclaim the Good News of Salvation in their respective roles.  May they be filled with zeal, energy, hope, integrity, courage, perseverance, and a genuine love for God’s people.  

I pray for all who have been harmed by Church leaders and personnel.  May they find healing and hope.

I pray for all who bear the name of Christian, especially in those areas of the world where Christians are persecuted.  May each of us live our lives in such a way that we truly bear witness to Jesus Christ.

I pray for all who do not know Jesus Christ—may they come to encounter the living God through the faithful witness of those who believe and follow in the footsteps of Christ.

I pray for all government leaders worldwide—may they govern with wisdom, prudence, and integrity as guided by the Holy Spirit.  Specifically, I pray for our president and vice president, the U.S. Supreme Court Justices, the U.S. Senators and Representatives, Cabinet Officials, ambassadors, and all appointees who wield power and influence.
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“Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure….are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.”
​~ Charles Carroll (Signer of the Declaration of Independence)

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I pray for all local government officials as well—the governors, lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, treasurers, auditors, representatives, senators, judges, mayors, city administrators, council men and women, sheriffs, and all appointees who wield power and influence in any way.  May each of them carry out their duties with diligence, prudence, wisdom, and integrity.

I pray for our current military personnel and their families. Please Lord, give them strength, courage, and hope.

I pray for all military personnel and their families who have served in the past. May they be blessed for the sacrifices they have made.

I pray for all military personnel and their families who will serve in the future. Grant them fortitude, wisdom, courage, and prudence in their endeavors.

I pray for all families.  May the Domestic Church of the home blossom and grow.

I pray for all who are struggling in any way.  

I pray for those whose hearts are broken due to relationships falling apart. May the shattered hopes and dreams eventually be pieced back together in renewed spirit and vigor.

I pray for all those who have been victims of crime. May the trauma and injustice endured be overcome with God’s grace and peace.

I pray for the incarcerated and all of their families–may they find strength, hope, healing, and conversion.

I pray for the homeless—may they find shelter in the immediate circumstances and eventually obtain a safe haven that is more permanent.

I pray for the unemployed and the underemployed—may all who seek gainful employment be successful in their endeavors.

I pray for all those suffering from physical illness—may they experience healing, comfort, and peace through the mercy of the Divine Physician.

I pray for all those suffering from mental illness and emotional issues—may they find solace and healing from the support and encouragement of loved ones.  May they also experience beneficial help from the medical community and the healing touch of our Lord.

I pray for all who are depressed, especially those contemplating suicide—may they reach out and get the help they need to cope with the current circumstances and be led to healing and wholeness in the love of Jesus Christ through the love of people around them.

I pray for all those who are home-bound, in hospitals, nursing homes, and under the care of hospice—may they experience genuine love from those who care for their needs and find peace and contentment.

I pray for the terminally ill—may they find comfort in the love of family and friends and eternal hope in the embrace of Jesus Christ who is Lord forever and ever.

I pray for all those suffering from addictions.  Through God’s grace, the help of others, and a definitive purpose to be set free, may each of these individuals truly experience the freedom they desire.

I pray for all those family members who care for loved ones who are suffering—may God fill them with patience, fortitude, and strength.

I pray for all who are grieving the death of a loved one—may they find comfort and peace in the warm embrace of God’s love and the care and concern of other family members and friends.

I pray for the safety of all travelers.

I pray for our law enforcement personnel and other first responders—may they be protected at all times, but especially on this particular weekend which generally adds to the stress level of their positions.  Give each of them keen insight and awareness, quick reflexes and solid judgments, and bring them safely back to their families at the end of their shift.

I pray for all who are coping with natural disasters.  

I pray for our culture—may we turn back to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.

I pray for all couples preparing for marriage.

I pray that we may be aware of the sacred dignity and value of each human life from conception through natural death.  May we build a true culture of life in our society.       

I pray for all children who will be born today—may they come to know a world which chooses life over death and light over darkness. 

I pray for all little children who await the birth of a new sister or brother—may the joyful expectation that shows in their eyes inspire their parents to hope and conviction. 

I pray for obstetrical doctors and nurses and all who nurture the life of children in the womb–may God bless them for their faith, compassion, and love. 

I pray for all who have been scarred by the tragedy of abortion—may they experience repentance, healing, and peace. 

I pray for all people who work in the media—may God move them to a conversion of heart which reverences human life and upholds the dignity of human sexuality.

I pray for all those trapped in human trafficking—may they be set free from the bondage they are in and society effectively address the needs of the vulnerable among us.

I pray for the refugees and all persecuted Christians—may they find safety and security from those who want to do them harm.

I pray for all who have died this past year.  May they rest in God’s eternal dwelling.

I pray for peace throughout the world.

Lord, please help us to grow in wisdom and in favor with You.  Give us Your grace and Your blessing that we may root out sin from our lives and join our will more completely to Your Divine Will.  Dear Lord, make us holy as you are holy. Amen.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine.