“Christ himself promised us eternal life." ~ 1
John 2:25
When the oncologist entered Marie’s
room, she knew the news wouldn’t be good.
Her somber expression told it all: cancer that had metastasized to lymph
nodes and lungs; inoperable . . . terminal.
She stayed for a long time, speaking in gentle tones;
patiently answering Marie’s every question with kindness and hope. They discussed the difficult path forward. Marie fought back tears, knowing that her life,
once seemingly boundless, was gradually dimming.
Despite her 80 years, and except for cancer, Marie’s body
was strong and healthy. She’d likely
hang on for a long time. She might face
weeks or even months of hospice care. No
way could she fathom allowing herself to become anyone’s burden.
Marie knew about chemo – she’d held hands with several
others who braved the grueling process.
She knew the effects were cumulative – that each round would hit harder.
She could deal with the nausea and vomiting, hair and weight
loss, and constant fatigue from the toxins poisoning her body. She wasn’t concerned about her weakening
immune system and its high risk of infection.
She wasn’t even worried that she could develop morphine-resistant pain.
None of that bothered her.
What did worry her was becoming a burden to her husband of
nearly 60 years. Stoically independent, Marie
constantly feared seeing the pain her children would experience watching her
die. Guilt consumed her daily thoughts.
As fate would have it, Marie’s chemo-odyssey ended
relatively quickly. On what turned out
to be the last day of her life, Marie’s nurse arrived at her bedside with an
unexpected guest - a young intern doing his hospice rotation. He seemed ill at ease, but observed and
listened with empathy.
Marie suddenly realized that God sent that young doctor to help him learn how to deal compassionately with the dying patients
and families that he’d encounter in the future.
It gave new meaning to all her suffering, even when it seemed to make no
sense.
Wonderfully, in the few days that followed, God showed his
undeniable splendor; His presence compelling rather than diminishing. Their trial became a treasure as He walked
with them through what would be the final days of grief and uncertainty.
Her adversity served a real purpose. Suffering wasn’t meant to be experienced
alone, but rather shared where God’s grace could be known. Those heartfelt chats and tender memories;
the opportunity of sharing your last moments and extending love even in your
last breaths. Death was not about dying,
but about preparing. Because of God’s promise,
Christians need not fear death or guilt for others suffering with them.
Marie died peacefully that December, a death made glorious
because those she loved witnessed her passing and celebrated her transition
home together.
Lord Jesus, You know about dying. You understand hard goodbyes and walk beside
us in our final hours. In Your death,
You gave us hope and the promise of life well beyond this place. Thy will be done Oh Lord, Amen
