A graced life

Together with two friends, I visited another friend who is having a second relapse of breast cancer. This time, she has been referred to Hospice for some necessary practical help. But she is also on chemotherapy to reduce the lung effusions and other secondaries and perhaps give her more quality time. We had not seen her since late February or so, and noticed she has lost weight. However, her spirits are good and there are many friends who drop by with boiled nourishing soups and other food.

She described her recent trip to London, accompanying her husband who was on business. There she shared her faith with a taxi driver!! And that was the highlight of it all! Such is life....that in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, when we reach out to others it not only blesses them but also brings meaning into our lives.

We might have 'over stayed' today, chatting away. Our friend was getting slightly breathless after two hours!! She later sent an sms to thank us for the visit but also about the breathlessness.

I reflected on the visit as I reviewed the day. It made me realize how the stance of "gratitude" is one that helps us remain focused on the Lord, rather than on our limitations. As far as I can see my friend embraces everything in her life especially now, with much gratitude.....we can only trust along with her that the Lord will walk her and her family through this dark valley, providing his always loving presence.