Yesterday at church a man came up to me and asked me how Brinley was doing. I talked a little about her and how hard it is on her, the usual conversation, then he told me about his 12 year old nephew. He said that his nephew just went to Sea World with his family through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and told me about how much fun they had. I asked what he has, and he told me he has a tumor. I then asked if he was also going through chemotherapy like Brinley, and he said no, that this tumor was inoperable, and there was nothing they could do for him. I felt so small for thinking that what we are going through is so difficult. Here we have two people with cancer, one who will survive and one who has no hope of living through it. In the realm of people who have cancer, we are in the best place we could possibly be. I thought of all cancer victims as a big circle of people, and in that circle, we are the lucky ones. I thought about that boy and his family all day and when I rocked Brinley that night, I cried for them and all that they must be feeling. Him, a twelve year old boy, who should be thinking about sports, and skateboards, and girls (maybe?), instead he's thinking about how much longer he will be on this earth. And his parents and siblings, who's hearts must be aching with the reality of what is to come for them. I suddenly felt so incredibly grateful to be where we are in this circle of cancer, and ashamed for feeling frustrated with all that we have been asked to endure. I prayed for the boy whose name I don't know and whose face I have never seen, but who had been in my thoughts all day. Note to self: It could be much worse.

Kristin

As much as I would love to take credit for it. Kristin posted this under my account. That's why it says it was posted by David. :)
David

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you, David, for that insight. I'm reading a book about Abraham Lincoln, who found the same hope amid tragedy. While he was President, he lost his young son to an epidemic, and suffered the loss of tens of thousands of soldiers in heartbreaking Civil War battle losses. His biographer said, "Lincoln withstood the storm of defeat by replacing anguish over an unchangeable past with hope in an uncharted future." Your situation could surely be worse. How blessed you are to find gratitude in the midst of sorrow. The Lord is giving you and Kristin the gift of knowledge by experience. You are getting a small portion of the feeling the Father must have had as he watched His Son suffer and die on the cross. The Son of Man truly "descended below them all." Thank you for showing us all the way to handle the lot that is yours.

Amy said...

My nephew died from a brain tumor (a very rare kind) and it was really, really hard to see him go, BUT we had to remember that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us. Don't feel small for what you guys are going through, because it's tough work for all of you!!

Ashley said...

It's great to keep things in perspective but please don't underestimate what you are going through and how amazing you and your family are doing. I read your blog every day and I ache for you guys and at the same time, I'm so impressed with how strong you are.