Global Wandering

I was forwaded an email today written by a family friend who has been struggling with leukemia. We have prayed for her and her family as she had gone through numerous procedures, including a bone marrow transplant. She is only thirty and has two boys under the age of five. Here is a portion of her email.

"[My doctor] told us at this point there is no more chemo or alternative treatment options that he can offer to provide a cure or slow the cancer down. It will eventually take my life.

I asked that I not be admitted to the hospital and will make arrangements with Hospice to try and stay home with my family as long as possible until I am physically unable to care for myself on my own. The question everyone asks is when and how will it happen. It could be a few days or possibly a month or two at best. Every patient is different and my ability to avoid infection will play a big factor.

I do hold close to my heart a small seed of faith that I have carried from the beginning of this trial. I do believe in God and His power to heal if it be His will. I ask that you continue to pray for my family and those who take care of me. Please know of our gratitude for everyone’s support, strength, letters and prayers. We are truly blessed to be so well cared for. With all our love."

How I admire her courage and grace in the face of such a heartwrenching prognosis. I have had two close friends pass away of cancer in the last three years. One was my mentor and the founder of the business I am involved in. The other a friend I had known since my teens. They were both near the age of forty when they died. I saw them fight valiantly to overcome the disease, but ultimately like this family friend above accept God's will with dignity and submissiveness.

I often wonder why some are chosen to carry such incredible burdens while other seem to glide through life seemingly untouched by adversity's hand. Yet, it is often those shouldering the heaviest loads who are most willing to reach out to those in needs. May we follow their example.

Technorati Tag: courage