Do you know someone with cancer?
Your answer is probably yes.
My answer is yes.
Quite a few dear friends of mine are walking that journey alongside a loved one. Recently, for me, it's my precious sister's husband. Though we are many miles apart, I have joined her in her journey. I can sincerely and honestly say I don't know completely how she feels, but to use her exact words; "Though people cannot really understand how I feel and my experience in this, those that do, their compassion runs deep". I told her I could not have said it more beautifully. Walking through cancer not only affects the person with it, but also the entire family and a host of friends.
COMPASSION.
Zechariah 7:9 says this:
Thus says the LORD of hosts;
Execute true justice,
Show mercy and compassion
Everyone to his brother.
My sister has a personality that does not see a stranger and always sees the brighter side of everything. She's beautiful, funny, encouraging, strong, and mischevious. Spending time with her is to be reminded of the joy of life. I miss shopping with her and finding great bargains. We always had so much fun that people were drawn to what we were doing and wanted in on it. This is not to say that she does not have sad days, she does, but she does not plan on them. They just happen at the most odd times and places and she goes with that.
I want to tell you about a party they had at their house a month or so ago. They have two incredible sons that wanted to do the cooking. The menu at their cook out is usually elk, venesin, salmon, fresh vegetables from their garden, homemade zuzzini bread and homemade salsa from mild to spicy. Then of course, since this was a neighborhood afair there was even more of a variety added to this culinary feast.
You see in their neighborhood there are several who are courageously going through cancer treatments, side affects and healing. My sister wanted very much to bring all these families together to support one another and encourage one another. To give the neighborhood an awareness of eachother and what it means to stop in and say things like "I'm going to the store. Is there anything you need? or How are you feeling today? or How about a cup of coffee or lunch or simply visiting for a bit?
They expected about 30 people or so. They ended up with 75 people! There was plenty of food and drink because they don't skimp on their cook outs and everyone was more then generous when they arrived with thier favorite dishes to share.
Since my brother-in-law began cancer treatments like many, he began loosing his hair----his "blond locks". He is one of these guys that has kept his blond hair and same pant size since highschool. My sister and I can only imagine that! They married as high school sweethearts and have remained the same.....now in their mid sixties. She asked him one day if he wanted her to take him to get his head shaved. Then she said "I think we can do it". His reply was just the two of us? Somewhat skeptical, but they did shave his head about a week before the cook out. What followed next was their two sons showing up with shaved heads as well.
As if that wasn't touching enough. During the party at their house there were 12 men lined up to have their heads shaved! Their daughter-in-law was there and happened to be the experienced "shaver of heads". My sister said it was the most amazing thing to see. I don't know about you, but I would love to have been there. Moments like that are precious aren't they!? Time spent loving one another and cheering each other on causes the heart to press on in difficult times.
Crossing your path today
will be someone that needs
a kind word and prayer.
Don't miss it.
Much love to my family and friends who are on this same journey.
Denise Sherriff
November 8, 2011
