When Christmas is tough...
We got the diagnosis a couple of weeks right after Thanksgiving. We've seen the changes such as her memory (short term) being affected and her balance, heard lots of doctors' reports. Mom has had surgery for one tumor, while the other one starts to be treated in January because it is inoperable.
We will be having Christmas at mom and dad's on Boxing day as usual, but this year dad has ordered in the turkey and trimmings while my wife and my brother's wife are bringing salads and the like. We are still looking forward to Christmas because it is celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the celebration is a little different though with our circumstances.
My dad has been a great example through this loving and serving my mom - his wife - using strength that is, in his words, "not his." We have had talks about things as father and son - some that are still obviously private and for family. What I want to say through this is that we are praying continually for mom and dad through this, and how we can help through this as well. People without hope, and without Jesus... I don't know how they manage in times like these. We as a complete family - my parents, my brother and family, my family, and my sister and family - are relying on God for our strength because we know in times like these our strength is insufficient. It is in Christ's strength alone we place our trust and that we know we can weather this storm. I love you mom and dad both, and this BLOG is for you, and for God. It has been tough to write about this, but God has given me strength to do it.
That's all I can share right now. I just wanted to share this much to try and encourage others who might be going through a hard time this Christmas, that there is a hope beyond our pain - it is Jesus - and He came some 2000 + years ago in a manger, born of a virgin. "Born to die, that man might live..." is what the song "Ring the Bells" from Word of Life Bible Institute's musical of the same name says. And it's true. Yes, we celebrate that Jesus came, and then at Easter we remember His death, burial and most importantly His resurrection from the dead so that we can live in Him. And yes, one day all sickness and pain and sorrow and death itself will cease. He will return and set things right. Until that day, though, His grace is sufficient to get us through the storms of life such as what we are encountering with my mom right now. Praise the Lord for... our Lord! May the peace that transcends all understanding be with you all both now and forever, A-men.
Andrew: Thank you for the beautiful BLOG and tribute to your Parents and their faith. We know and love Doug and Elinor here at Fairview Baptist Church. Ever since moving back to Lindsay 10 years ago or so, they have been leaders in our midst. Their leadership has been primarily through the example of their faith in action as they minister to others, encourage our pastors and live their lives in a way that honours their Saviour. I know something about what you are going through as a son. Lost my mother to cancer in December 1994. Not a day goes by where I do not think of her and her incredible testimony. My dad also cared for her with strength that was not his own. And as terrible and heartbreaking as such an experience is, we have a friend in Jesus Christ who has and will bear our burdens and carry us even through this. As we continue to hold up your mom and dad to God in our prayers, we shall also remember you and the rest of our family. May your faith be strong, and may you experience the power and love of our God who is ever faithful. God bless you, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteMark Doble
Lindsay, ON
Thank you Mark. The prayers of family and friends are so very much appreciated. Like dad said to me, the strength we have is not ours, it is the Lord's. God bless
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