Cancer lessons
I was visiting a friend yesterday (that is how I will refer to the patients I visit, b/c they are now my friends) who had been in MDA for 2 months now. Back home, south Texas, she has left her 3 girls. Her mom continues to be with her as she received this 2nd round of transplant bone cells for bone marrow. Last July she was in hospital quickly, wanting to get out and around, always inquiring of her release to go home. This time, she said, she's not so anxious. There are days when her fever aches her so much, she talks in dread of those times to come. Receiving the next suggestion from her doctor, that states her next round of meds may include such types that cause these headaches. I could see her mind reflecting back in history as she recalled the pain and anguish of those pains, and the "dread" as she calls it of taking them again.
Along her wall were hand made cards from kids at church. She talked of the last time she was home in making sure she was ready and dressed and at her best. She said she told her friends this time, if they see her in a tshirt and jeans they'll have to be ok with it, because at least she's there at church. Her husband is going to school to get his welding certification to work with her father. She is 26yrs old, and has already received 2 bm transplants, has 3 girls at home, and is distressed at the future of this treatment. However, in all that, she continues to invite conversation at her bedside. The nurse came in, and she would d not let her leave until she inquired about another nurse. Giving her a hard time for doing their job. Talking about the time that has past since she last saw the nurse. To me, it shows a great need to my friend to have social conversation with anyone. To be touched, to talk with, to just smile.
As we prayed, I felt a connection with her and her kids, as I have 3 kids. I know the pain there is in being away from your children. I know the concern you have as a parent not being able to be their support, their protector, their teacher. And I wanted to help her reframe on her children at home, and be there with them now, remembering the times, the anger they sometimes give us, but the joy we receive in loving them no matter what they say or do. Just as it is with our Father, he loves us even in our outburst, our questions, our doubt, our sickness and our joy. We trust in Him.
As I was waiting at the elevator, a family member was waiting with me. She asked if I was going home. What a profound statement now. I talk with my friends in the hospital about "when they can go home" or where is home. But now it hit me. I am here waiting to go home. Home to Heaven, a place prepared for me, where I will be loved and nurtured, and felt a part of a family. A place of joy and excitement, and the anticipation I have to reach out and hold my Father. To meet him Face to face. I wonder how often our friends think about that question. Do they dread it? Or does it bring them peace?
steve
[This will probably be one of my verbatims during the course of my internship]
Along her wall were hand made cards from kids at church. She talked of the last time she was home in making sure she was ready and dressed and at her best. She said she told her friends this time, if they see her in a tshirt and jeans they'll have to be ok with it, because at least she's there at church. Her husband is going to school to get his welding certification to work with her father. She is 26yrs old, and has already received 2 bm transplants, has 3 girls at home, and is distressed at the future of this treatment. However, in all that, she continues to invite conversation at her bedside. The nurse came in, and she would d not let her leave until she inquired about another nurse. Giving her a hard time for doing their job. Talking about the time that has past since she last saw the nurse. To me, it shows a great need to my friend to have social conversation with anyone. To be touched, to talk with, to just smile.
As we prayed, I felt a connection with her and her kids, as I have 3 kids. I know the pain there is in being away from your children. I know the concern you have as a parent not being able to be their support, their protector, their teacher. And I wanted to help her reframe on her children at home, and be there with them now, remembering the times, the anger they sometimes give us, but the joy we receive in loving them no matter what they say or do. Just as it is with our Father, he loves us even in our outburst, our questions, our doubt, our sickness and our joy. We trust in Him.
As I was waiting at the elevator, a family member was waiting with me. She asked if I was going home. What a profound statement now. I talk with my friends in the hospital about "when they can go home" or where is home. But now it hit me. I am here waiting to go home. Home to Heaven, a place prepared for me, where I will be loved and nurtured, and felt a part of a family. A place of joy and excitement, and the anticipation I have to reach out and hold my Father. To meet him Face to face. I wonder how often our friends think about that question. Do they dread it? Or does it bring them peace?
steve
[This will probably be one of my verbatims during the course of my internship]
posted by sirEller | 8:20 AM
1 Comments:
With tears in my eyes, I am honored to be your sister. I think you will do amazing work for God and bless everyone's life that you touch.
March 24 will come too soon.
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