Wednesday, August 14, 2024

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.” (Psalm 57:1)

                It has been almost a year since we learned of Susan’s unwelcome cancer recurrence after five years of being cancer free. It had migrated into her hip, disabling her badly.  I have not written about it as we tend to be private people, especially in times of crises and, at the beginning of this battle, the future seemed tenuous. Those early days, for several weeks, at least, were very scary times. My wonderful wife was perilously ill. But now, it is time to give thanks publicly.

                Susan began cancer radiation treatments immediately. In relatively short order, the disabling pain in her hip began to abate. There were bone scans which showed considerable bone damage. She was prescribed two cancer medications. There were regular hospital visits for checkups, which are still ongoing. Along the way, she has received the best medical care one could want. For that alone, we are very thankful, especially to live in a province in which this is relatively free (except for parking, of course).

                And now, a year later, Susan is doing very well. Even the deteriorating hip bone has shown some healing.  There is still the cancer but it appears to be under control. She is back to being herself doing the things she enjoys, e.g. being with her grandchildren.

                Thanks be to God. Thanks be to our children who supported and cared for us, who rallied around and made our home a better place for her recuperation.  Thanks be for the constant prayers of our church, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, who each and every Sunday and through the week includes her in their list of people to pray for. Thanks to close friends who aided us along the way. Thanks be to God for healing and restoration.

                It was a tough August last year. Susan’s cancer. A flooded basement. We lost our 16-year-old dog, Charlie.  Yet under the shadow of God’s loving protection, we have survived. Beneath the shadow of God’s wings, we have come through the storms. Susan is so much healthier. The basement is currently being remodelled. We haven’t found a new dog yet but we’re thinking about it.  There is much to be thankful and grateful for.

                Once, after Jesus had healed a leper, he told the man to go to the priest to be examined. “Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” (Mark 1:44) It is a reminder for us to acknowledge God’s gift of health and restoration and to give God the gratitude and praise for our well-being. God sends us his aid through doctors, nurses, medicines, family, friends, the church. God walks along side of us in these frightening and perilous storms in so many ways. We should never take any of this for granted. We are never alone, never forsaken.

                We hid beneath the shadow of God’s wings – until it was safe for us to come out. Now, we need to go and give God our thanks for safety and new possibilities. We are a witness to God’s Love and Grace.

                The battle is not over. “But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” (2 Timoth 1:12)

Dale