Today was a day of liberation . A day when the shadow of cancer has been put prayerfully and hopefully away forever.
Yesterday , my wife was given her 5 year clear . For all intent and purposes , she is considered cancer free. It was over 5 years ago when the cancer first presented itself . From the point of official diagnose , the family entered into the world of cancer. It has a way of creating a shadow , a cloud over the whole family . Especially in the first year with the surgery , the treatments and the recovery . It seems to consume the whole household . But after the first year , and the treatments seem to be going well , you still pray and wait and see what will happen with every check up , every trip or test you wait . Quietly you pray and hope .
As I watched my wife , get stronger and pass every check up , my confidence grew but always in the back of my mind the shadow lingers . Until the 5 year mark comes , you know that there is still a chance and possibility it can still present itself and come back. Over the the last 5 years , we have seen others be diagnosed . Some are still fighting and a good friend and wonderful support for us lost his battle , when his cancer came back with a vengeance. So when that occurs , you take a breath , move forward and realize , it isby God's grace and mercy alone one lives.
So yesterday was a good day . No , it was a great day . But its also a reminder of the brevity of life . It is truly a shame it takes something like this to smack you in the head and make you take stock . Even then you still lose at times , the preciousness of life . But I will say in many ways this past 5 years has been a blessing. Let me list a few.
It has brought both my wife and myself back to the Lord . In fact it has been a wonderful thing to see my wife grow and become more solid in doctrine and boldness. She has more opportunities to share her faith and witness than ever before. Even though we had both highs and lows over the last 5 years , I do believe that even in our weakness , our testimony to God's goodness has been a solid witness to our sons .
Plus I would like to openly thank all those who prayed , wished us well and supported Kathy and my family with so much generosity . Especially in the first year , when money was very scarce . People amazed us both with giving and support. I will ever remain humbly grateful.
Last thought , as I know others who are still fighting this dreadful disease , my prayers are with you and your family . To those who have lost someone way too soon because of this blight , I say I weep with you knowing the pain ( having lost my Mom over 20 years ago ) . But ultimately my prayer is for all to know the one who will undue the results of sin when He comes in His glory .
