“Eight Years” (Psalm 107:23-30; Hebrews 12:1-13)

Eight years it’s been since cancer swept
Like mighty waves across my deck –
As I pitched down in lowest trough,
Then rose again, decks all awash.

It’s been a merry ride indeed –
Confronting us with vital need
For love, support, and medic’s care,
As in a daze we faced despair.

How blessed we’ve been by friendship’s prayer;
The Doctors’ skill; and Cancer Care;
Words in that Chicken Soup for Soul –
Survivors’ gifts which kept us whole.

Priorities were quick to change –
Important tasks all rearranged,
Not just for me (horizon shrank) –
For kith and kin, for which I thank –

You Lord for bringing to my side
The folks who, this round, could abide
The stress that comes with standing by,
As we face fact, “Someday, all die”.

I got reprieve – that bullet dodged;
I find myself in Westman lodged;
“What now have you the courage for,
You lacked ’fore cancer tapped your door?”

That question haunts me every day;
But now I hear you go my way,
I pass along words given to me –
Wring more from it, than it from thee”.

Your outcome may be good or bad;
Both outcomes call for Grace – I’m glad
It’s there – for faith to live each day
Supports both paths down “Cancer Way”.

God bless you, friend; this storm will pass;
When I look back, I find I ask,
“How could I, seeing, have been blind
To all of these gifts of cancer-time?”

Thanks Lord for this.

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