God of All Comfort

 Six years ago, two weeks before Christmas, our daughter-in-law was diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer.  Her children were all still at home.  She endured the chemo treatments with courage, determination, optimism and faith. Her family and friends gathered around her with encouragement, support, and love. Her faith and marriage with our son grew deeper and stronger. 

 After achieving remission, she returned to work, and, as our grandchildren left for college, she returned to school.  In May of last year, she graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.  But, again, shortly before the holidays, the cancer was back.  She opted for a double mastectomy and underwent surgery two days after our family gathered to celebrate Christmas. Knowing that there are many who are entering this new year facing personal challenges, I thought you would appreciate, as I do, what she wrote last week:

 “All is good. Except for that evening call from the oncology surgeon. Plans are derailed, and emotions are high because now it is back to battle. Plans are different this time, previous options are not acceptable; double mastectomy surgery planned in 2024 so that the holidays with family won’t be disrupted. The family! How to tell them that the silent nagging worry was real again?

 Internal reserves are just not available to care for the emotional needs of others. It all feels like too much, even to answer a text or leave the house. This time it will be a quiet battle. It is hard, but with prayer and support it is going to be okay. Attempts at normalcy: meaningful work, a long-planned trip to paradise with loved ones, and preparations for precious family time. My grandfather, the family patriarch, hero of so many over his 103 years of life, passes away leaving an emptiness felt by all.

 Then the call that the battle will begin December 19th. That gives less than a week to completely rearrange life yet again! Now the battle must be shared with others so that life can move forward with additional support. The love and acceptance, willingness to accommodate unexpected needs, complete assurance that worries from home would be attended to without a second thought lifts and humbles. Holidays are celebrated early and joyfully cherished. Everything is okay.

 Weakness and new battle scars received. Rest and recovery are all that can be done now. Wheeling down the halls of the battleground, looking into the eyes of those just inducted into the battle, praying for peace as they learn their battle plans. Seeing those already in the battle, praying for comfort and strength as they endure the daily trauma. Searching the faces of those with shared battle scars, praying for hope and health. The atrium is just ahead, and glorious sunshine is pouring in. Eyes closed, face lifted to the light like a sunflower, kaleidoscopic shapes of yellow and orange dance beneath eyelids while warming rays saturate skin. A wave of peace and assurance that God is in complete control washes over this space. All is well!”

 As I read these words from my daughter-in-law I thought of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4,  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in ^]any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”