CANCER 6-8-09

C-A-N-C-E-R

That word has touched almost all of us. Except, for most of us, it isn't just a word, it has become a way of life, a battle, a war. Until now, cancer was just a word for me too. But last night at 11:39pm, we got a call. Anytime the phone rings that late, you know it isn't going to be good.

I tried writing a blog that gave you the details, but none of it is coming out right. It feels funny to report on something that is going to affect someone's life forever. Someone I know and love...and lots of other someone's I know and love. So I am going to direct you to his blog to read about the miraculous way that this was all detected. It truly is miraculous.

There is so much to ask you to pray for. They are trying to decide which hospital to have this tricky surgery done at. We pray for complete removal but also complete protection on David's communication skills and motor movements. You have to know David...he is as dynamic as they come. His speech is powerful and it is a gift God has uniquely gifted him with. Pray that it is not stolen away through this. And pray for chemo and radiation...that he would react as well as possible. And pray for God to be glorified in David's LIFE. And pray for my sister in law, Amy. Many of you know her as the photographer. She needs strength and grace and wisdom, and everything else a wife needs when she finds out her husband has a brain tumor.

Amy and David are already exhibiting a strength and a grace that I do not possess. I talked to Amy for at least an hour this morning and was blown away by her. My heart is full to overflowing..and for once, I can't find words to describe any of what I am feeling or what is happening. It all just feels so surreal. David is 27 years old...no real symptoms of anything...just going about his daily life. Then bam...out of nowhere, his entire life is changed in an instant. We humans think we have a modicum of control over our lives, but we don't. That verse about how man makes plans in his heart but it is the LORD who directs his path (Psalm something or other) comes to mind. I suppose that this is the moment when faith in God must be stepped up another notch. It is just mind boggling and heart wrenching when something so unexpected rips into life and shows you just how lightly we should hold to the things of this earth; our jobs, our dreams, our loved ones, our possessions.

I know that God can be glorified in this. I have a strong sense that He is going to use this to propel His love and redemption and strength into the masses. David is so very dynamic...and I am trusting that this is just another jump as David termed it...a jump from way high up where we cannot see the ground. But we know Who holds us. And so we jump...as a little child holding Daddy's finger. Faith becomes more than a word today.