Tana's uncle Dale wrote the following that he read at her memorial service and also the grave side service.

Tana

A woman of courage, wisdom, and grace
A life well lived in witness and service to the Lord

Her family so loved and blessed by her presence
Sweet songs of music filling the years

She lived out her appointed days full measure
And lives in our hearts forever, a treasure

Tana's uncle visited her at the hospital often and was there daily, even spending the night at the hospital, during her final week here on earth.

Spend time with the ones that you love. Even when it's not convenient.

Memorial Service

10:00 AM, Monday, November 17

McKinney Fellowship Bible Church
2801 Orchid Dr.
McKinney, TX 75070
972.547.7000

Burial Service

4:00 PM, Monday, November 17

Canaan Baptist Church
177 Coryell City Rd
Crawford, TX 76338
254.486.2298

canaan-baptist.com

In leiu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Tana Heckel to
the Music Ministries at:

McKinney Fellowship Bible Church
2801 Orchid Dr.
McKinney, TX 75070
972.547.7000 mckinneyfellowship.org

OR

First Church of The Nazarene
2001 N. Valley Mills Dr.
Waco, TX 76710
254.772.5145 waconaz.com

I am writing this wishing that what I had to say was different, that Tana was doing fine here on earth and would be coming home to Oak Point soon. She is already home, it's a much more beautiful place and she is doing just fine, much better than ever; only not here on this earth.

My lovely bride went to be with the Lord yesterday at 10:10 pm. She had fought so hard for so long. If you knew Tana, she was not a quitter.

Men, give you wives a hug today and everyday, pray for them daily. We have all heard it said so many times that we do not know how many days we have here on this earth. It's true.

My prayer is that what Tana has written over the last 10 months would speak to you in some way no matter where you are in you walk with Jesus and that you would draw closer to Him as a result.

I will be posting the times and places for the services as we work out the details.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support these many months and now.

Tana has had 2 procedures since I wrote yesterday. The first was to relocate a drain tube in the area of her lung. The second was to remove some fluid from around the original surgery area in her hip. She continues to fight. We pray for God's mercy on Tana and as we have all asked so many times "we pray healing on every infected area and every tumor area in Tana's body; we pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to minister to her and bring comfort and rest in her sedated state. May she feel God's love in a powerful way knowing well that He is in control of all of this." We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus.

I made a mistake yesterday...the surgery was on Wednesday night.

According to what we see with our eyes, Tana is about the same as yesterday and the Dr's say she is about the same, but God's word tells us to 'walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). They took her for a complete body scan this afternoon to see if they can find the source of her infection.

Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Tana was taken into surgery on Tuesday evening the 4th to remove fluid between the membrane that surrounds the lung and the lung itself. She is currently resting in ICU. She has a breathing tube and must remain sedated.

Please continue to PRAY FOR A MIRACLE for Tana.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:1-8

This has been running through my mind over and over the last couple of days as we continue to face "challenges". Last night when I sat up to get my shower, my oxygen level dropped significantly so they put me back to bed. I had been having some trouble getting full breaths for the last couple of days. They ended up taking me back over to Baylor to get a chest CT.

They found fluid around my lungs so I will have that drained tomorrow. It will probably be back at Baylor but they say I should be able to come back after the procedure. I haven't heard the final plans yet.

The more concerning news is that they see some nodules on my lungs. It could be infection or of course it could be more cancer. It's been an extremely challenging afternoon for all of us and we are asking that you pray for God's intervention and protection through all of this.

I will admit it is very discouraging not to be working through this recovery process a little quickly but the docs assure me all these complications are totally normal with a surgery the magnitude of what I've experienced. The surgery last Tuesday really slowed me down and I am hoping the procedure tomorrow won't slow me down more!

We've probably cried more today than we have throughout this process. Some sad tears, some thankful tears, some "just plain tired" tears. I just have to keep coming back to one day at a time or one hour at a time or whatever the day calls for. I was actually getting to a point where I was seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel and that was pretty much shattered today.

I had a physical therapist today who is a Katrina survivor. She read scripture over me as she did my therapy then sang to me. What an encouragement and ministry - those were today's happy tears!

God isn't finished with me yet. There must be more reserve where the previous strength came from. I cry for His mercy yet know that I am putty in His hand - obedient and totally submitted to Him. He cradles me with His love and with His protection.

Wow the "little surgery" took a little more out of me than I anticipated. I am finally starting to feel better. The plan is to move me back to rehab tonight (but who knows?)

They found that the vagina had been perforated during the first surgery, thus the source of drainage. It will heal itself but in the meantime I'll have to continue to deal with the drainage. I got all the first stitches out, but now have a smaller incision where they did the exploratory surgery. The surgery actually lasted about one hour instead of thirty minutes.

Pain is minimal. They're trying to give me lots of protein to help with the healing process. My energy's been zapped but I'm looking forward to getting back on track. I've been struggling a little with discouragement, but your encouragement and keeping God's bigger picture in my mind and heart keep me going!

What a typical day at the hospital:) We had a great day at rehab (actually got to some weight levels that I feel are beneficial to me). They let me go through the menu selections and specify entrees - things that actually sound good. I don't know if it will mix with the drugs, etc but am hoping that they thought ahead ... for instance, I had sausage pizza tonight, some cottage cheese and fresh fruit. May sound horrendous to you, but it beats boiled chicken - ha! The doc wants me to be around 100 pounds and I think I was at 77 pounds a few days ago:) Anyway, they've decided to take me in for a little surgery tomorrow to remove the staples and to do a bit of exploration to see if they can find a source for the continuing drainage. They will squeeze me in so don't know when it will happen - just pray all day (he he).

John and Cody are going to a Mavs game on Thursday night (Cody went to Mavs Camp this summer and won a couple of tickets) I think we have the shift covered. John is so patiently waiting on me to finish so he can take home the computer (it is not a good idea to leave such valuables in your room when you leave for a period of time. Ryan has a orchestra concert on Friday, so it is kind of a busy time. The boys also have birthdays coming up soon so we're trying to accommodate those. They always look forward to Halloween (they're usually the ones mooching candy without costumes as of late. Would love to have them dress up, but leaving that door open (as far as characters) can be a bit scary. We'll talk about Halloween costumes later.

Well John is falling asleep and has a long drive home so I will sign off. God is good. I love my therapists and I actually had a little energy today. They let me sit outside for about 20 minutes. Beautiful day! I love and appreciate you all and am grateful for God's provision in every way. Have an incredible tomorrow.

What an incredible day. I had many visitors today and it was much fun (but I'm extremely exhausted tonight!) We got the word today that we will move to rehab in the morning at 10:00 am, but have run some fever tonight, so we'll see what happens.

So, change of scenery! Is it healing or is it psychological? I'm not sure but I do know that I had a significant breakthrough last night around 1:30 am. I was awake quite a bit last night and was struggling with falling back to sleep. Finally I prayed for a new perspective regarding the coming months.

God was faithful (and is!) I can feel most discouraged, but then He restores my soul and refocuses my heart and spirit upon Him. Thank you for your love and support.

I'm still hanging out at the hospital. Still running a fever and having some discharge from surgery. Went through another series of tests today to try to pinpoint the source. SO tired of this agenda. I still have hopes that I can move to rehab before too long. I'm ready for a change of scenery.

I sure am missing my boys. It makes me sad when I think about how little I've been able to be a part of their lives over the last few months. Someone mentioned that God is doing a work in them as well as in me. I pray that His purposes and His will move ahead and that we will all remain strong in seeking Him.

So I have walked with the walker and crutches now and am gaining strength (very slowly). It is still very difficult for me to get up and sit up (my "sit" is very uneven and tender right now). We are in hopes that we will be able to get a sitting prosthesis or some solution once we get to rehab. My other goal is to drive again. I'm sure they'll have a list of things they want me to accomplish as well.

The journey continues. At every "stop" I am hoping to see the end but I know that rehab could be a slow and tedious process. I am trusting God to give me strength and stamina to run the race set before me. I know He is faithful (and His faithfulness is unlimited).

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain

I hope we all have this attitude when we think about our lives and about making a difference in the world we live in. I hope we just "wear ourselves out" reaching as many people as possible with the love of Christ.

I don't know how many (probably hundreds) of nurses and doctors I've met over the last few months. I hope I have left "a piece" of Jesus with them! What a shame to go through any experience and not do so.

I know many of you have made a huge difference in my life and the life of my family! We are so blessed and encouraged by you. We are all doing well and expecting great things from God in the days ahead.

The new target date for the rehab hospital is Wednesday or Thursday. We have struggled with some fever, drainage and other things over the last few days. I was not able to do much rehab the last few days but look forward to getting back on track tomorrow.

Beware of the urgent crowding out the important.
Charles E. Hummel

I've had a pretty good day. I sure am emotional these days. I've noticed that it doesn't take much to send me to tears:) Guess I've earned it.

Guess what? I'm getting some fuzz on my head - very little but it is there. Yeah!

I am SO tired of the hospital food (in fact haven't touched much of it in days). Thanks to those of you who bring edible food when you come. I am taking very little pain meds. I still have a couple of pain patches. I occasionally have some phantom pain (pain where the leg was removed). The leg still feels like it's there!

Mom and John are still taking turns staying with me from around 9:00 am until 9:00 pm which is awesome. I've had some frustration with the nursing staff not responding to my needs when I don't have an advocate.

The boys came for a few minutes today and we had a great visit. They may come for a few minutes tomorrow too. They are some incredible kids - please continue to pray for them and their understanding of all the changes in our family life.

I am so thankful for your calls, cards and emails. They are such an encouragement to me. There's quite a long road ahead and you are a vital part of my healing process. God is faithful and He continues to sustain me. He is the strength of my heart (and my body). He continues to reveal His plan for my life.

FINALLY back to the laptop. I am feeling fine - it is hard to get "comfortable" but there is no pain to speak of! They took my pump away this morning to prep me to go to the rehab hospital (no sissies allowed there apparently).

We have decided to use the rehab hospital here at Baylor since it is such a great facility. The physical and occupational therapists have already been here the last few days working with me. I have been up a couple of times a day hopping with the walker. My stamina is pathetic so I am hoping for extra energy in the days ahead as I rehab.

Mom and Dad brought the boys to the hospital a couple of days ago. It was so great to see them. We had a good visit. Cody came in and asked "So, do you still have your leg or not?" I told him no and he went on with another subject without much of a break.

Ryan is insistent that the leg will be replaced. We keep explaining that it probably won't. Because of the height of the amputation, there is no functional prosthesis. I am hoping he will be OK with it all after he gets used to the new me.

Mom is staying with me during the day while the boys are at school and then John comes late afternoon and stays until bedtime. I really enjoy having them here. Early mornings and very late nights can be lonely. John has spent the night some but it is SO uncomfortable for him and he has to get up and go to work in the mornings so we are trying not to do that deal.

For the most part, my spirits have been upbeat. Sunday was an especially tough day - life in the hospital can be depressing. I am praying that God will give me energy and that I will be well in every way. He is faithful and I am blessed.

All of the bandages were taken off this morning. Dr said that everything looks great. The bandages will remain off. They took out the wound drains and the stints. The Dr. told us that they may move her to the Baylor Rehab facility on Thursday.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We are very blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

As I thought about writing tonight, I had in my mind that there is really not much to report. Tana continues to improve, no major or minor problems. She is do well; just recovering.

The Hebrew name for God "Yahweh Ro’i": “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture. The fact that there is nothing to report is a lot to report. There could be so much going on after a major surgery such as this. We should always try to look at what God is doing even when we don't think that much is happening. I did a search on one of the Bible programs online for the words "praise him". The search came up with the phrase or a variation of the phrase 8296 in the version of the Bible that I was searching. That's a lot of praising and He is worth every bit of it and more.

Psalms 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him for his surpassing greatness!

Tana is doing very well. Everything that the doctor told us right after surgery has not happened...she is progressing well beyond what she "should" be doing and where she should be at this point after surgery. Her blood pressure was stable later in the day right after surgery, her blood count was where it was supposed to be by the following day at noon. Her pain level is low (except when she moves her right hip area...or it is moved by someone else). She would have moved out of ICU yesteday, but they did not put in the order in time. Right now she is just waiting for a room to come avialable. Her attitude remains positive and her spirit is upbeat. As most of you know Tana, none of the this will be surprising to you...BUT it's not from thinking positive happy thoughts or "just the way things happened" ..."This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Our strength lies in the God that calls us His sons and daughters. May we not forget when things go well nor try to rely on our own strength and knowledge when things are not going well.

Tana came through surgery great. The surgery was planned for 6 hours and everything went so well that it only took 5. She is in intensive care right now (her blood pressure is very low) only it was not what the doctor had prepared me for. About an hour earlier the doctor had told me that they would probably keep Tana sleeping with the breathing tube in for up to 24 hours to help her body recover from the surgery. I reached ICU and there was no breathing tube. I stood over her bed for about 10 minutes and her eyes appeared to blink. The nurse walked in about that time and I told her that I thought she may be waking up. The nurse informed me that she had been awake for a while. Although still sluggish, she was talking and drinking water I though even better than after her last surgery.

I don't believe that life just happens and some things might turn out better or worse than other things by chance. I do believe that there is 1 God and that he knows every detail of our life from beginning to end. So when Tana's surgery has gone better than planned and her recovery is going better than planned it's because it is in God's plan and he hears us when we pray. With God nothing is impossible.

I've watched lots of TV over the last few months and I am amazed at what is the societal "norm" these days. The pagan societies in the Bible have nothing on us ... and to think we are considered a "God"-fearing nation as compared with other countries in the world. How long will He wait? Has He given up on us totally? All I can say is live your life in obedience to Him - share His truth 'cause I think He's going to thump us soon. Did you ever get "thumped" growing up? I can tell you it doesn't feel good and stings you into instant obedience:)

On another note, I got a call late this afternoon and I am to check in at 11:00 am tomorrow (Tuesday) for some lab work and final prep for the surgery which is still scheduled for 8:30 am on Wednesday. Reality sets in ... every ounce of my hope is in Him and He is my rock and my salvation.

This makes me think of a white water rafting trip several years ago in New Braunfels. I remember falling off of my tube and being forced to the floor of the river bed by the rapids only to be rescued by a lifeguard. Apparently this had been perilous spot for other rafters too.

I remember that story today because I am feeling that I am forced to the floor of the river bed once again except this time I know that God is the only one who can rescue me. I am thankful that my God is faithful and true and that what He says He will do.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Matthew 23:26-28

Reality sets in as the day approaches. I look at my leg and think of how normal it looks from the outside but how the inside is not so normal according to the previous surgery, the scans and the pain I'm experiencing:)

I hope that my life is never like that. My prayer is that my countenance is a reflection of what's on the inside - that I would look clean and be clean from the inside out. I pray that hypocrisy and wickedness would be far from me. I pray that my heart would be full of God's love and grace and that I would live every moment in obedience to Him.

My faith is still strong. I still believe that God can and will heal me if He chooses. If He chooses not to, then I've got to believe He has a higher purpose. We are still asking Him to grant me mobility, but more importantly to heal me (which may mean losing my mobility!) Ultimately, we trust Him and His plan for my life and know that He is sovereign and above all, worthy of our praise.