By Mary

Three weeks before our Mom transitioned from life to Life Eternal, I sat with her in a room all too familiar to her. She had made many visits to this room during the last four years since she had been diagnosed with cancer of the bone. So many visits in fact, that she had her “favorite” chair. All the hospital staff knew her on a first name basis—from the front desk to the Lab, to the Emergency Room, and finally to the Short Stay Unit where she sat in the room in her favorite chair.

All the staff there knew she needed a cup of ice immediately upon arrival. They brought her juice when her sugar level was low, hot tea and warm blankets when she was freezing, and a healthy snack and lunch when she was there for several hours—and, they lovingly coaxed her to eat things we could not get her to eat. Of course we all knew this was their job, but it was evident that our Mom was their Friend, not just another patient to care for.

This room (called the Patient Lounge) was a sanctuary of hope for our Mom. Life sustaining events happened in this room in her favorite chair. Friendships grew and gave a burst of happiness and sunshine in what was otherwise a frightening and depressing situation. Mom never looked forward to the medical treatments she received, but believe me, she looked forward to seeing her friends!

I am so blessed to know our Mom had such loving, caring friends administering hope of extra days for her through medicine. To these and the many professionals touching our loved ones who experience terminal illnesses, I salute you! Our Mom is with our Lord today and for eternity. In memory of her, I say “your ministry goes on”! Be encouraged in knowing that those you touch are receiving life through relationships with you as much as through the meds you administer. This was so true for our Mom!

I will not soon forget the room, the favorite chair, the people who cared. Above Mom’s favorite chair hung a powerful reminder of what really matters. Those things that can never be destroyed by cancer and even death. You will find it here as my conclusion. But first…

Mom, I am so blessed to have had a few days with you this spring. You quietly said one day when I knew you were afraid to ask when I had to leave, “I wish you could stay all summer.” Well, it’s summer now and you’re in Heaven. (By the way, I’m still in Iowa for a few more days!) I’m so glad I didn’t have to tell you goodbye and see the sadness in your eyes one more time as I returned to my home in Colorado so far away that I couldn’t just drop by to say Hi. We did do daily email, though which I will greatly miss. I love you Mom. Mary

CANCER IS SO LIMITED!

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO…

It cannot cripple LOVE

It cannot shatter HOPE

It cannot corrode FAITH

It cannot destroy PEACE

It cannot kill FRIENDSHIP

It cannot suppress MEMORIES

It cannot silence COURAGE

It cannot invade the SOUL

It cannot steal ETERNAL LIFE

It cannot conquer the SPIRIT

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