The Gift of Family

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven...
Ecclesiastes 3:1

This is my Grandma Irene at her 90th birthday party last September. I like this picture because it's pretty typical of how you could find her on any given day -- laughing and usually with a grandchild in her arms. Grandma is an energetic, determined woman. She is full of life and faith. She is passionate about her family and has been a powerhouse of a matriarch. She has prayed for her family diligently over the years, watching as we have grown up, married, and had children of our own. I am fairly certain that this woman has prayed for me every single day of my life.

She and Marc share an uncommon bond these days. A few weeks before Marc was diagnosed with his cancer, Grandma was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They have somewhat similar cancers, share the same doctors, and the same family. Needless to say, Grandma knows exactly what Marc is going through.

While Marc is feeling better -- his pain is gone to the point that he doesn't take pain meds, his nausea is gone, and he is resuming his normal activities -- Grandma has grown worse. Her pain has escalated, she has contracted pneumonia, and the cancer has now spread to her liver. From a human standpoint, it appears that her fight is nearing its end and she will be going home soon. And, she is okay with that.

I marveled last night at how, once again, our family has come together to support each other. We stood around her hospital bed, held hands and prayed for her and for each other. We have been blessed with a loving and faithful family. It seems like life has heaped up a lot of sadness and uncertainty on our family in recent weeks. Part of me wonders how much more grief we can all take, but then I remember how much of a blessing these experiences have been. God has a purpose for this season in our life. We may not see it now, but there are good reasons for our suffering. I have started to see them already: Compassion, mended relationships, love, and refined faith, have all grown out of so much pain and uncertainty.

My family continues to struggle with grief over both Marc's and Grandma's illnesses. The physical and emotional demands are tremendous on everyone at this time. I find courage and strength, though, in our family and our shared faith. Thank you to all of our family members that have supported us and been such huge help during this time. Thank you for the prayers and the love. A family that loves each other and serves each other is a beautiful thing to watch.

Please join us in praying that...

• Grandma's doctors and nurses can keep her pain under control
• Her pneumonia would resolve itself and that she can return home to rest
• Her family would find comfort and peace during this time
• Her caretakers would not become exhausted and overwhelmed with her care
• Wisdom for the family to know how to direct and manage her care after the hospital
• Marc would continue to enjoy being pain free, hungry, and energetic
• That Marc's chemotherapy is effective and that his cancer is cured

Thank you for your continued prayers and support during this increasingly difficult time. With love and gratitude....