Great Joys and Sorrows

            Back in September, 2013, sometime early in the process of my radiation treatments, perhaps the very first day; I was sitting in the radiation therapy waiting room, anxious about what was to transpire.  As I sat there, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation of the couple a few feet away sharing their story with another patient.

            A couple in their late 40’s and she has a tumor the size of a lemon on top of her brain.  I listened in awe to their story that morning and found myself amazed at their optimism and amazingly positive attitude toward the ordeal.  It was inspiring.

            Two days ago I watched as friends and family gathered to honor her life and the reality of cancer hit me once again.  Muggy and I visited Janet and Dale

Janet, Dale and me

in early January at their home.  We knew Janet was in hospice at the time and we are glad we had a chance to visit.

            Janet Miller was a sweet lady!!  I am blessed and enriched to have met and known both she and her husband Dale.  They always had a story to tell and a laugh or word of encouragement to share.

            Why did our paths cross at this point in time in our lives?  Why did cancer take Janet? Why am I here writing a blog entry?  So many questions that we cannot know the answers to, but I can draw solace from just having known her.

Dale, his Mother and us

            And I lift up prayers for God’s grace and mercy for Dale and their children, for Janet’s parents, for Dale’s parents, for all the family and friends who have lost a piece of their world that could only be filled by Janet. 

Dale and me