Gunnar Rings the Bell

Over two years ago, our youngest grandson, Gunnar, was diagnosed with ALL leukemia

at just 3 years old. The news came as a tremendous shock to our entire Haseltine

family. At the time, Gunnar was small, fragile, and facing a battle no child should ever

have to endure.

Despite the early predictions and concerns from many of the doctors helping Paul and

Courtney navigate such an uncertain future, Gunnar has far exceeded anything we

could have imagined. Today, he has grown several inches, is one of the tallest children

in his class, and continues to amaze everyone around him. Even his doctors have

commented on how remarkable his recovery has been, asking Paul and Courtney what

they believed helped him through this devastating disease.

Paul and Courtney could probably talk for hours about the journey — the many

intentional lifestyle choices, healthy foods, salt baths, saunas, physical activity, and the

importance of maintaining a positive mindset during treatment. I believe all of those

things played a part.

But above all else, we believe the greatest difference came through the prayers offered

up to our Heavenly Father.

If you haven’t already gathered this from our business and our family, our lives are

centered around worshipping Jesus Christ. We believe deeply in the power of prayer,

and we believe God chose to carry Gunnar through this ordeal and bring healing into his

life.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28:

“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.”

Over the years, I’ve learned that God often allows difficult things into our lives to

strengthen us, shape us, and draw us closer to Him. As we seek His purpose and trust

Him through hardship, He uses even painful seasons for good. This journey was difficult

not only for Gunnar, Paul, and Courtney, but for our entire family.

Throughout these past two years, countless people prayed for Gunnar and for all of us.

Many also gave financially and supported our family in ways we will never forget. Word

of Gunnar’s diagnosis spread farther than we ever realized.

One day, I arrived at a brand-new customer’s home to begin work, and she asked me,

“Are you Gunnar’s grandfather?”

I was surprised she knew who he was. She explained that she had been asked to pray

for Gunnar and our family. Though she lived near Bemidji, she had heard about Gunnar

through a friend in the Twin Cities, whose church had also been praying for him.

Moments like that made us realize just how many people had been lifting Gunnar up in

prayer. Conservatively speaking, I would estimate that thousands of people heard about

Gunnar’s situation and prayed for him during this journey.

And God answered.

Recently, many of Gunnar’s immediate family members traveled to Fargo, North

Dakota, to watch him ring the final bell at the hospital where he had received his

chemotherapy treatments. It was an emotional moment filled with tears, hugs, gratitude,

and celebration. Doctors, nurses, family members, and loved ones all shared in the joy

of seeing this incredible milestone.

Afterward, we went out to lunch to celebrate. During the meal, I asked Courtney —

Gunnar’s mother and my daughter-in-law — if she could now see the fruit that had

come from this difficult experience.

With tears in her eyes, she nodded and quietly said,“Absolutely.”

We will never forget the trials of these past two years, but we also will never forget

God’s faithfulness through them.

To everyone who prayed, encouraged, supported, and walked alongside our family

during this journey — thank you.

And above all, thank You, Lord.