I used to be very concerned about appearances. My home had to be just so before I could enjoy guests coming over. On Sundays, my girls were the ones in the matching dresses without a hair out of place. I found myself constantly worried about the thoughts and opinions of others. But, then…
cancer came calling.
My mother was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma and, without any warning, I was thrust into a world of chemotherapy, wigs and nausea medicines.
On the outside, I carried on with the business of life. Inside, however, I was worried and anxious about things far more important than whether or not my middle child was wearing the right shoes. And it changed me…for the better.
God began to open my eyes and soften my heart. I found myself realizing that a multitude of people walk around with hidden hurts and heavy hearts. Sure, when you are sitting in the middle of a chemo room, the pain is obvious. Yet, there are no fewer hurting people in the carpool line, the grocery store, or the conference room. Some wounds are just not visible to the naked eye.
Why is it that we hide our hurts from each other?
Why must cancer come calling before we realize that the walking wounded are all around us?
It doesn’t matter what show a person puts on. No one makes it through this life unscathed. We are all one phone call, one job loss, one disappointment away from desperation.
How do we survive a fallen world?
Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. – John 13:34
Yes, Stacy, watching my Mom suffer with liver cancer changed me forever. You are a wonderful daughter and Mom. No one really understands what another friend goes through until they go through it themselves. You have a wonderful gift of writing. Glad you are using it. Love and prayers for your MOM,
Sandra
I know you understand, Sandra. I certainly appreciate your prayers. Had lunch at Panera today and thought of you. Miss seeing your face around here. 🙂
I was shocked and saddened when I heard of your Mom’s diagnosis but I also felt a sense of peace about the what the outcome would be. I have been getting updated rather silently through my Mom via your Dad as well as this wonderful thing we call social networking.
Sunday is Mother’s Day and as moms we will be enjoying our lil ones and the handcrafted cards they make and the breakfast in bed but as our own parents get older and we are faced with the ailments and obstacles that come with them reaching the final third of their lives it is comforting to see that they are surrounded by friends and family, children and grandchildren that are appreciative of who they are and what their life experience has taught them. Your Mom is a strong woman who has a family of faith filled individuals that in a time of crisis has all the resources necessary to make the journey.
If nothing, cancer is a teacher. It shows us what we are made of. It teaches us lessons of life which can only be learned through times of strife. Once a person accepts it for what it is and begins to see that the work is only complete when we have done the work within; then it’s easy to see it is actually an opportunity to stretch our spiritual muscles, kneel down and pray and simply count it all as joy. Because if we can’t show faith in the Lord’s grace during times such as these then we can’t call ourselves faithful.
Dionne – I just love what you have said here. I just kept nodding my head because there is so much wisdom in what you have written. My mom is being very strong and very brave. I love her dearly.
I love reading your posts about your son. He sure is a cutie!
What a beautiful, heartfelt post. It’s wonderful that you were able to use the experience to allow God to open your eyes and soften your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your mother and your whole family.
Deb – Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I really appreciate it. Have a great evening!