A SLIGHT WOMAN: A HUGE IMPACT

 

On Friday, our dear friend finally was released from her pain and suffering.  Ovarian Cancer took her from us.  She had fought so hard and suffered through so many different kinds of treatments, but as many of us know, Cancer sometimes is stronger than any medicine that can be used.  Prayers brought her peace; Hospice brought her rest; her wonderful husband brought her comfort; grandchildren brought her smiles; loving sons brought her reassurances; and then finally God wrapped her tiny, fragile, exhausted body into his comforting arms to take her home.   

We wept for our loss and rejoiced for her new life.  Rest well, my friend; you will be missed. 

HORRIBLE THINGS: WONDERFUL PEOPLE

While we were taking a long road trip to spend some precious time with great friends, nature illustrated our path with rolling fields of Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes and coordinating blooms. Traveling over the winding hills, it became evident why "Texas Hill Country" has earned its reputation of THE PLACE to live or at least visit. It didn't matter how rocky, cactus-laden, or isolated the land, quilts of red, blue, yellow and white flowers covered the craggy hills. What a wonderful addition to our trip these flowery blankets provided.

Our journey took us to our friends' beautiful home, which has a scenic walkway to get us closer to the waterfall in the nearby creek. Sitting on the deck, we talked about pets, children, grandchildren, work, retirement, nature and many other wonderful topics. What didn't deserve much conversation was the reality of the merciless tentacles of cancer which has begun its final strangling hold. Cancer has been fought back for a few years and yet this time the relentless hold has been ruthless and relentless. Cancer markers are indicating that this might be the final treatment cycle.

When I looked at our friends, I saw the everlasting love between the two and the desperation that is barely under the surface. During lunch, quick, tender touches were unconsciously exchanged. Our friend's energy was non-existent and yet she insisted that she was up for company. Lunch for her was quiet and consisted of a couple bites of soup. She didn't want to be a drag on our visit, but yet we could tell that pushing through the visit was draining on her.

After lunch, we drove around the hills and marveled at the architectural marvels clinging to the sides of the cliffs. Returning to their home, the two guys went for a walk around their land and had a discussion concerning the obvious near future. Tough talk for two guys who have centers of love, compassion and loyalty. While they were gone, we enjoyed the soft breezes; discussed family matters, chemo treatments; cancer markers ("mine haven't been too good lately"); and brave fronts of those we love. Never did we discuss what will happen when the monster's hold can't be fought back any longer. I fear that it won't be much longer and I am angry that such a wonderful, humorous, intelligent, kind, giving person should have been turned into a frail, weak, pale, stubble-headed, dull-eyed ghost of her former self.

Hugs and promises of quick returns sent us off down the hills. We hadn't made it to the main road before tears of sorrow crept out from under my sunglasses. My heart was heavy as my husband and I discussed our roles in helping our friends journey through this part of life.

Questions ricocheted throughout the car concerning God turning a deaf ear on the prayers sent for healing. Why would God not heal this remarkable woman and ease this family's pain? If God is all powerful, why won't God bring this fantastic woman back from the precipice of death?

All questions for which we had no answers, so we just know that when we are needed, we will be there at our friends' beck and call.

WHAT'S IMPORTANT: Life can change your mind

This week my family has had to deal with some serious information concerning some friends who are closer in our hearts than our birth relatives. These friends are in a fierce battle against a vicious killer. Chemo and radiation have tried their hardest to eliminate the out of control mutant cells. Our friend has been in this battle for over four years and throughout this time there have been encouraging news and just as many set-backs. Now, the latest reports have come in and the medical treatment is so difficult and painful with no guarantee of positive outcomes. We stand ready to aid in whatever small way that could be needed by either of our friends. They promise to let us know if there comes anything that could we could do to ease their difficult time. Prayers are said and we hug each other while we wait out this storm.

You might wonder why I posted this picture of my sweet little joy, on a blog about a friend's struggle for her life. The answer is simple. Our friends' journey has made us appreciate all of life's joys and diminish life's daily struggles.

Not enough money and too many bills? Oh, well, it'll work out.
Not enough support at work and more conflicts daily? Oh, well, it'll work out.
Roof leaks and needs to be replaced and not enough available funds? Oh, well, it'll work out.

We kiss the baby's sweet feet and realize that this day, this moment is a most precious gift and monetary concerns are not as important as this day with the people we love so very much. I truly am not Pollyanna and I am not playing "The Glad Game" here. I have just been given the gift of clarity of what is important to me and mine. Our family is well and therefore every hurdle we encounter can be managed, some how, some way.