My heart froze with the phone still in my hand.
The text was from a dear friend of mine, a presenter at my first writer’s conference. A mentor of my poetry, he endorsed my second book.
Now, he texts that he’s been diagnosed with bone and blood cancer.
He’s just at the beginning of his journey, a journey I know so well. The tests, the waiting, the doctor appointments, the hope, and the disappointments.
Just a few weeks ago, we sat at the local pizza restaurant on their outdoor patio along the river. We laughed, dreamed, and talked about the future. He’s working on his memoirs. He leads the church’s compassionate ministry to the homeless and needy. His wife and I talked about quilting and future projects.
Now, their lives are turned upside down.
I hate disease. If you believe in the Bible, you know it was never intended to be this way. Mankind was created in the image of God, who has no beginning or end. There was no evil, death, or disease. Mankind had a purpose, provision, and a relationship with God.
That all went by the wayside when Adam and Eve decided they wanted to be like God, knowing good and evil. And the result of evil is death.
He’s a man of faith, so I’m not concerned for his future. But I absolutely hate the process.
No, I take that back. I hate the suffering and the feelings of loss contained in the process. I hate not knowing what is going on. And I hate the bills!
But as I reflect, I do appreciate parts of the journey. I’m excited about what he is going to experience—the peace of God. There will be new richness in his relationship with his children and grandchildren. If I know him, there will be intentional living. He has a lot of passion and hope.
Eventually, there will be a legacy, left in my life and in the lives of others.
Sorry to hear about your friend! I’m sure you will be a huge help to him in the journey ahead. Thanks for your vulnerable sharing.