How many days do we have to impact this world? Love our
families? Give wisdom? Learn?
Since that answer is cloaked in the gauzy film of unknown I
will not speculate. The veil cannot be
lifted to reveal the day of our departure. I
have a friend that is facing a terminal cancer.
She is close to that veil but still she focuses on love, wisdom and life
lessons.
I went to console and comfort, armed with homemade
cookies. How does one approach social
entertaining with a dear friend with a limited calendar? Awkward at first I talked too much and
listened to little. I left feeling empty
and sad.
The next visit, again toting homemade, warm cookies, I
prayed for peace and comfort for both my friend and myself. I asked that God would contain my mouth and
allow for my emotions to be real. I
prayed I could be a comfort instead of a distraction. Here is the paradigm shift that God
orchestrated.
As we chatted I carefully listened. I listened to the horrifying story of her
initial diagnosis. I fully engaged in
her story of transformation from healthy breast cancer survivor to terminal
cancer victim. I heard and felt her
anger and frustration. She transitioned quickly to expressing her desire to make each day count.
I found myself being easily agreeable. As I relaxed, I cuddled up next to her and shared pictures
on her Kindle. Her eyesight is failing
due to a bone tumor pressing on her brain.
She wants me to see the newest pictures of all her grandchildren. She explains that, while I am in the midst of
raising my sons, she is free to experience the sheer joy of grandchildren. She says to hang in there because grandchildren
are the true reward of raising good children.
She then looks me straight in the eyes. She informs me that she is limiting her
audience of well wishers and visitors.
It appears that when you reach the time in which you can see the veil
blowing in the breeze you truly see the hearts of those around. She loves more tenderly the husband she’s
been married to for decades. She sees
him more clearly and regrets being so strong and a self-reliant. She embraces her new softness and lets him
comfort and dote on her. These are the
last days of her earthly partnership: oneness.
My friend shares with me her new boundary for gossip and
negativity. In light of her limited time
on earth, she is unable to stomach any negativity or gossip. She shares a particularly cheerful and
hopeful Bible verse as an example of how she desires to spend her time. This is the tone of her future days. She will love her creator, love her family,
love her friends and limit any distractions.
So, I am challenged by her decree. How will l decide to live my days; no matter
the number?
No comments:
Post a Comment