My husband is too stubborn about his health

Dear Pastor,

I am married and retired. My husband and I did not have children, but we have raised nephews and nieces; they have 'passed through our hands'.

My husband is not very well, but we are able to live comfortably. We have three apartments that are rented and the tenants are very cooperative. We do not have any problem in paying our bills. The little pension we get helps us, but we don't have to rely on that money. We have very good neighbours and our church brothers and sisters see to it that everything is going well with us. We have travelled a lot, but my husband has prostate problems.

When he was younger, I used to tell him to go and do his test, but he would not listen to me. Some men have hard ears; he didn't want any doctor to fool around him. He didn't want to discuss his problems with anybody. When he got very ill, one of his friends with whom he plays cards told him that he can do a blood test, and he took him to his doctor. He trusts this friend. When the results came back, it was not very good. I don't like to talk to my husband very much about his situation because I can see that he gets worried when I talk to him. I love him so much, I do not know what I would do if he should pass on.

The pastor of our church is a young man, so my husband does not like to talk to him about any problems we are having. My husband calls him a youth. I told my husband that the Apostle Paul said "Let no man despise your youth." We don't always read THE STAR, but we listen to you at nights and sometimes you crack us up. We really enjoy the show. Too bad it is only for two hours per night; it should be longer. Thank you for reading this letter. Take good care of yourself, dear Pastor.

M.L.

Dear M.L.,

I am sorry to hear that your husband is not well, but it is a wonderful thing to know that both of you have lived together and although you don't have children of your own, you have been able to help many relatives. The song writer says, "If I can help somebody as I pass along, than my living shall not be in vein." You have helped others, so you are blessed. I wish you well.

Your husband does not like to discuss private matters with the pastor because he is young, but if there are older Christian men in the church and your husband need spiritual guidance, you can talk to them. I am glad his friend was able to convince him to go to the doctor and I hope your husband will take his medication.

Pastor