This year, I started reading through the book of Ecclesiastes and the Holy Spirit has been speaking in a Fatherly tone as I listen to the words of Solomon giving wisdom about living and enjoying life in all of it’s seasons. Solomon says that there is a time for everything and each season of life has it’s purpose.
Like many of you, there are seasons that I’m eager to quickly move past (AZ summers, diaper changing, the flu) and others that I wish I could float in for eternity (my wedding day, watching my son build with excitement, a good wine). Solomon goes on to say that everything God has made is beautiful in its time and that “nothing is better then to rejoice and to do good in our lives.” (Ecc 3:11ff).
I have a confession for 2011. I don’t like that my wife has cancer. Cancer is an unwelcomed season in my home and in my marriage and in my family. Before her diagnosis, it never dawned on me that cancer would become a part of our lives. Once the diagnosis came, I was heartbroken that the world we lived in (the one where 35 year old women DON’T get cancer) was not the real world and that the real world was not as safe as I thought. The truth is - right now - I don't particularly care for this season of life.
As 2012 dawns, I’m finding encouragement from the words of Solomon to enjoy this season rather than ignoring the reality (and possibly the beauty) of what it means to live with cancer. I’ll continue to share updates on the status of my wife’s health as well as personal reflections on our experience.
So, what does this season of cancer look like presently? It’s a lot of busy routine. The day begins at 7AM with coffee and ends at 7PM with a Green Juice. Lariate is a trooper and is firmly committed to the demanding rigors of Gerson Therapy. With the help of our support team, she is enjoying 12 daily juices, three square meals, and all the prep and planning that goes into making it happen. We have been blessed to have such a great network of friends and family who have served in our home at all hours with everything from veggie washing to house cleaning. We have also been blessed to have Sprouts Famer’s Market join Team Lariate by providing all of our organic produce in a convenient weekly pickup.
We have had three visits with our Dr’s in Arizona and two phone consults with our Dr’s in Mexico. So far, there is little or no change. My wife still has cancer. It does not seem to have grown or spread. I suppose this is good news.
In the midst of the rigorous demands of Gerson, we are finding ways to enjoy time together. Lariate and I attended the GTN vision banquet in October and the family headed up to Williams after Christmas to take a trip on the Polar Express. 
This was a fun memory maker for the boys and David still talks about Santa Claus with me each morning while I sit and read my bible. The boys are doing well and have ample distractions with their recent Christmas booty. I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you in 2012. Please take some time and tell us about your season of life. You can leave a comment below or send us an email. We are greatly encouraged by such notes!
Dhondi
O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God Who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day, defend us in the same with Thy mighty power and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any harm or danger, but, being ordered by Thy governance, we may be righteous in thy sight through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end, Amen.
ReplyDeleteWe lift also up to You this day, thy servants Lariate and Dhondiram and Calvin and Jonathan and David. Hold them in the power of Your love. Warm their hearts and embolden their spirits as they take on what You have sent them. And, if it be Thy will, send that tumor off somewhere, and let them be a sign to us that quickens our care and deepens our spirits. We pray also in gratitude for the outpouring of community that surrounds this family. Let them all experience the strength of Thy Spirit and show that strength in healing to all they encounter.
In the name of Thy Son, Jesus, who taught us to pray . . .