So, here's the deal. My mother-in-law is sick.....again. She has battled non-Hodgkins lymphoma twice; she is now about to take up a battle with bladder cancer, though I'm not sure she fully realizes this. Today my husband and I drove through cold, pre-dawn to pick her up for her 6am appointment for a bladder cystoscopy and biopsy of a lesion found the week before. Lorraine is an amazing woman. Strong in faith, abounding in love and kindness...she is truly my "mom"...I am blessed. She is a little confused about exactly what she may be facing, and that is a good thing. Bladder cancer is a very ugly thing. Not an elegant cancer like her lymphoma, that allowed itself to be put under control with the magical drug Rituxan, with nary a trace of serious effects. No hair loss, nausea or major weakness. This bladder cancer may be different. It may be a bully, forcing her into a beaten corner. I pray this is not true for her.
Lorraine, her son Jerry (my husband) and I are believers. We have been saved, transformed and are fully confident in Jesus our Savior. This cancer, this reminder of our short time here is not a panic producer, but rather it brings us so much closer to our Father. It is impossible for someone who hasn't yet believed to understand that it is these fleshly, nasty, painful moments reveal our loving God. His very presence is palpable in trials. It breathes life and purpose into our suffering and opens our hearts and mouths to praise and proclaim Him.
For the next 10 days, Lorraine has time to just live. To have lunch with her friends, to entertain her much adored great-grandchildren, and to throw herself into the merciful arms of a Savior who has promised to be with her, strengthen her in her weakness and glorify Himself in her suffering. Day 11 will be the start of a new chapter written by her author, who knew her before she was "knit in her mother's womb." A day that will dictate the days of the months ahead.
Lord, we thank you that you have protected and directed Lorraine from her first breath. May she feel you close. May she lay her worries in your strong arms. Be merciful to her and may she proclaim you to all.
