Monday, January 11, 2010

The Big "R"

Last night, we cuddled and talked wistfully about more time.

He wants more time.

More time for making furniture;
More time for deepening friendships;
More time to enjoy our children and grandchildren;
More time for me.

“If I had more time, I’d…” and then he would fill it in with wonderful, worthwhile projects and people.

He’d love another summer at the lake.
He’d love to get down to San Antonio again.
He’d love to see our favorite college student get that degree.
He’d take his wife to Alaska; he’d buy that Ducati in Asheville.
He’d read through the Bible again.
He’d teach another class on saving your marriage.
He’d help several friends whose lives are messier than ours.

And his wife, who is NOT a big-muscled faith warrior, asked in my puny voice that our Father would give this man more time.

And a few tears were shed as we faced this morning’s doctor appointment.

Our hospital’s oncology department is filled with sunny, smiling people who refuse to greet the day with anything but enthusiasm. Their mission statement, written or not, is to insist on looking toward the future with a hopeful face.

Everyone greets Mike and tells him how good he looks. That’s true, of course. But looks are not what we’re after. We are waiting to hear the doctor tell us about whatever they found last week in his blood work and the CAT scan. Are the occasional tummy ache, the sore joints, the itchy eyebrow an evidence of tumor growth?

We sit in the little room. Blood pressure is good. Of course. He’s not going to die from a heart attack. His weight is good. Of course, he’s not going to die from obesity.

In breezes the doctor. Hand shakes to both of us. She sits. She flips open the file and reads, again. She raises her head.

“Well, your reports are great.”

Say what?

“Blood work is normal. Tumor markers are normal. And the CAT…”

She flips to the multi-page report.

“Normal. Nothing to report.”

Huh?

We have other things to chat about but my head begins to travel back to last night and that list.

I asked her what I should say to the people who are waiting for a report.

“Tell them REMISSION.”

So, I’m telling you.

Doctor says that it looks like that summer at the lake is going to happen. All those smiling faces, as we exit, are smiling even bigger. Each one shakes Mike’s hand and tell him, “Get out there and live.”

So we will. We will also have more time to ponder what a gracious God we serve. Praise HIM with us this day.

11 comments:

  1. Joy from the center of my being for you Michael. Do all the things on your list and keep making the list longer! I love you. Your devoted little sister

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  2. I second Lisa's advice - Praising God for time..how precious it is and what a joy to appreciate it and really live it!
    Rejoicing! love, janis

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  3. What a blessing! Tears of joy for you Uncle Mike from out here in Nevada. If you plan that trip to Alaska, our door will be open and waiting for you if want a place to stay!

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  4. Phenominal...God is amazing...and so are you two.

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  5. How humbling it is to witness how great God is!

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  6. REJOICING WITH YOU AND THRILLED TO HEAR THIS REPORT! ALL GLORY, LAUD AND HONOR TO OUR KING! With a smile that reaches ear to ear!!!! Clinging to OUR STRONG TOWER, Kristine
    PS: Want to reconsider the Metal of Honor invitation? XXO

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  7. What wonderful news for Mike, your family, and all those that love him and are inspired by you both! I will go to sleep tonight with a huge smile...
    Betsy

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  8. Incredible! God is SO, SO GOOD! We'll start planning Thanksgiving 2010... :)

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  9. WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!!! keep adding to the list ...you have time!!! so incredibly happy for you and your family! duffi

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  10. God is gracious and merciful beyond measure to each of us every day. It is beyond appropriate to praise him for yesterdays news. It is a testimony of His great grace for you to honor him for the sweet moment the night before and the recognition of the gift kids and grandkids are. But what if...? Remember than, as Job did, that He is still worthy of the same praise. Because in light of what we deserve and in light of the promises of enternity He is still infinitely gracious and merciful.

    Dan H
    long lost cousin
    praying for you regularly

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  11. a thought provoking article written by my pastor on the eve of his cancer surgery.
    http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2006/1776_Dont_Waste_Your_Cancer/

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