It’s a cold Sunday evening and over my laptop screen I can see my old, yet beautiful Christmas tree. Glowing proudly, announcing Christmas is only a week away.
The house is quiet save for the faint sound of the TV in the background. I sit at my usual spot at the kitchen table reminiscing of the week and choosing carefully what to share.
This week has been a sad week here at our home as my father in law fights that horrible war of cancer. ‘The C word’ as he calls it, just in case the children might be listening.
But they know; they see the sadness in their dad’s eyes and my inability to stop the tears. They see a once independent and tenacious ‘Gramps’, now spending the majority of his days in bed, sleeping. Such is this horrible disease that can rob anyone of their body and deteriorate their every cell.
I know he wishes he could be walking along the Australian shores he often spoke of, or find something to repair simply because ‘they don’t make things like the used to’. Or something as simple as accompanying his son during his morning drive to the train station, as he had faithfully done every day for the last 4 months, before his body could no longer muster the energy.
The amazing thing is, cancer has robbed him of his physical ability but not of his inner strength as he looks up at me and says ‘I will not give in’. I believe you!
And so this is our mission…day by day, we will try to revive his physical strength…plump him up into ‘visual’ health so he can live drug free (the oral chemo he was taking to slow the spread of cancer has taken a toll on his body and the doctor has decided to stop it). One day, he shall walk the Australian shores once again.
I know this is not a cheery joyful Christmas post, but this is what has been going on in our lives for the past couple of weeks. I know that we are not alone. I know many of you might be experiencing hurt and pain – be it cancer related or any other health issue. Perhaps your pain is emotional or you have a financial burden or you feel alone? Whatever it is, no matter how big or small, know that for God nothing is impossible.
As Christmas fast approaches and we feel the need for joy and cheer, the burdens of life can interfere, but please know He can give you peace even in the midst of your despair… you need only allow Him to lead the way.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Thank you my friends, for being there to ‘listen’ and lend support….
Tomorrow I will show you what is hiding inside that mug, but for now, I wish you all a peaceful Sunday night.
much love,
Lucy
Prayers to you Lucy. It’s tough. Death, aging, sickness– all of it. We want to be happy and rejoice in time spent together as a family, but I know thoughts of worry linger unsaid.
My father’s in the hospital now…dealing with heart issues. It’s something I haven’t been able to say on the blog. But it’s omnipresent.
But still…prayers to your family. And hugs.
Prayers and blessings for your family.
My prayers are with you and your family
Hi Lucy, sending thoughts and prayers your way. Glad I can still somehow be ‘there’ for you and let you know that if you ever need someone to talk to I’m more than happy to listen. The pups send their love too!
Lucy,
I’m sorry to read about your father-in-law. The important thing now that he is surrounded by his family and he knows he is important to you too. Thinking about you during this trying time.
Blessings to you! A sad and poignant post. But, it is true that for many Christmas can bring sadness along with joy. Thanks for the beautiful reminder!
I feel your pain. I just lost my mom a couple of weeks ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Lucy,
I am so sorry that you are dealing with the sadness of seeing your father-in-law so ill. I know it will be affecting your entire family. He is obviously a fine, and well-loved man and so lucky to have all of you around him during this struggle. I pray that he will be given the strength and healing he needs.
May God bless each of you during this time.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. It must be a trying time for you, your Dad and your family. I hope that the days ahead bring you some relief and good news. Merry Christmas.
I am still praying for you and FIL but I have to tell you that your joy in Christ is so evident even in your sadness. You are so encouraging and I am even more sure you are a tremendous comfort to your family. I love that your transparent tears do not overshadow your strength in Christ Jesus. And I love your FIL’s spunk and tenacity. And you. 🙂
Thinking of you at this difficult time x
It is hard to remember those that are not merry and bright this holiday season. The joys of Christmas tend to damper the realities of other people’s hard times this season. A first Christmas without a loved one, a first Christmas after divorce, a first Christmas without a job, a first Christmas filled with bleakness and despair. But HOPE is always there, waiting to be embraced and give comfort where there is none. ‘Gramps’ is on our prayer list.
This is a beautiful post. I could really feel your love and determination in what you wrote. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas. 🙂
I am so sorry my prayers are going your way.
Oh Lu, I am thinking and praying for your father and for your family. I love your personal stories and the beauty in which you share them. xo
Jaime
My father past to 2011 fathers day. He was and is in my heart a strong man. I have gotten through it he past of the C word also. He left to his home land Cost Rica to pass with out telling me that he new that was why he was living to do alone with my mom. I was very pissed at him at the time.And mad after words also. Till one night i had a long prayer to him and let him Know how i felt. And that next morning i could say i feel closer to him more Know then i ever have. Just in-case you have any unsaid words you feel i really hope you could be strong and let your daddy now know and send him off to have his rest and be with other family members he may have in heaven. Be stonge
Just as the soul comes to join the body of a newborn baby, it leaves just as fresh and excited after its visit for awhile. You serve well, you are all filling the spot where angels dwell
Our grief at our tragic loss of our young son in law lifted gradually, but the understanding of the mysteries of life have never made sense to me. On this human level they never do. But the GLORY OF GOD is all around us and sweet surprises await us all. I am so sorry for the burdens that you all carry so deeply now. Your father in law will smile as he sees God. Stay the course with love.
What a beautiful and tender post. Thank you for sharing this painful experience. We are never exempt from death, even during the “holidays.” I pray your husband is coming to acceptance and that you passed the holidays with your father in law this side of heaven. Thank God one day we will all be together again to sing His praises. I will keep your family in my heart and prayers.
Oh, how I feel your pain. I’m facing losing my mother in law. Every day I wonder, too, is this the day? I don’t have the words to post about it on my blog yet. You write so beautifully. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
This is a beautiful post. I could really feel your love and determination in what you wrote. you can visit https://kimmyscareathome.com to get Healthcare Services For Senior Citizens.
Wow!
https://digitalho.com/blog/heor/
Wow!