The Gifts of Cancer

For my second thyrogen shot today,

I was accompanied by my son, Jon.

I like to have company and I think it is good

 to include the kids on some of my life.

I was met by Judy,

an older woman whose beauty and light wrinkles

dwelt together in such unity,

it made me instantly think that aging couldn't be so bad,

if I could age like her.

The vibrancy of her face was matched

by the vibrancy of her heart.

She changed my day.

She may have changed my life.

Some nurses are kindly dutiful.

Others are sympathetic.

Those rare ones who empathize in such a way

you feel they have picked up

one end of your cancer

and helped carry it down that sterile hallway.

She talked in such a way that proved she had read my chart

 and understood my health situation.

She laughed when she saw me taking a picture of the bedpan

with the shot paraphenalia.  She hadn't seen that before!

I told her I was a writer, and I wanted pictures to help journalize my story.

She was so excited and told me that she tells her

 cancer patients to journal their journey

as part of the healing process.

When they reach the end, they can read what they wrote

and be amazed at their strength and their growth.

As she kept talking about the cancer,

she almost made my heart stop.

"The gifts of cancer are there,

you just have to find them

and embrace them."

She must have thought my look was disbelief,

but I didn't speak to clarify,

 for fear she would stop her serenade on suffering.

"There are gifts of cancer, you know.

It just doesn't take from you."

She spoke of family, of personal maturity and other lessons learned along the journey.

I have experienced that,

I believe that,

I just hadn't heard it expressed

so succinctly,

so positively.

My Gifts I am Embracing

The Lord Jesus Christ

the INDESCRIBABLE Presence of the Holy Spirit 

 His strength when I am weak

new insight to Job's life :)

the love of my family

the love of my friends

the kindness of strangers

new priorities in life

new appreciation for each day

truly learning to be thankful in all things

comfort from the Lord to give to others

the Scriptures speak more deeply to my heart

experiencing JOY as a spiritual choice not a circumstance

being chosen to share in His sufferings-

because if I suffer with Him, I shall be glorified with Him

 physical help from friends, neighbors and family

cards, letters, and emails with thoughts of love and appreciation

the ability to forgive those who make mistakes that affect my health

watching my kids grow in their OWN faith

watching my kids meet needs without me asking

watching my kids serve me, when I should be serving them

the love of a man,

who doesn't see the scar, the weight gain, the skin issues,

who still thinks I am as beautiful as the day we married

a Mommy and Daddy who still take care of me

prayers of faithful Christians

the power of having my arms upheld in victory-

when I too weak to lift them anymore

learning dust isn't poisonous

learning to accept help when offered!

learning hospitality comes before pride -

even if company has to shove stuff off my couch

to find a place to sit

*******************

Rightfully, maybe we should clarify

the title as Gifts of Suffering.

We all are going through something.

Just because it isn't cancer,

doesn't mean it isn't hard,

doesn't mean it isn't challenging you,

and causing you pain and growth.

What trial has the Lord allowed in your life?

What Gifts of Suffering has He given you?

Day Two is Over