“7 Years”
It was 7 years ago today in a small hospital room, where my wife-to-be was being treated for stage 4 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, that my father read the words, “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in scripture….None of this phases us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus has embraced us.”
The small space held just a few important people who perhaps like me wondered in their hearts if this betrayal of biology called cancer would indeed separate Heather from me, if not from the love of God. The next 7 years have been a testament that not only would this betrayal fail in separating us from each other, but in a mysterious way cause our bond to fuse stronger yet. Over the years, there were many parts of ourselves that broke and yet love found a way to mend those fragments time and again. Like it is with many of us, we are made of patches that need attending to regularly.
Worthwhile love is not a fluttering sensation at the bottom of one’s stomach, rather it is a substance born from hard work and a willingness to struggle together in understanding what it means to live it. For most (including us) it does not come easily and not without its price.
All I know is that on March 30, 2001 it was more than Heather who was saved—I too was saved. Now the work continues on being grateful for that gift.
11 comments in “7 Years”
March 31st, 2008 at 9:25
Congratulations on 7 years!
You both are beautiful – much love to you both!
March 31st, 2008 at 23:30
i was so glad i saw heather’s picc line that day because exactly 3 months later i was like "well if heather can do it then i should be able to do it without peeing myself!" And i did! Otherwise, you know, i wouldve needed a diaper. happy anniversary!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:52
Beautiful compilation. Happy Anniversary
April 2nd, 2008 at 20:30
Thanks for the comment Andrew, you don’t know how it means coming from you;-) Anyways, I looked at this the other morning and cried and cried when I read your narrative. You guys are the best! I miss you both so much. Thanks for sharing, we all benefit from it;-)
April 2nd, 2008 at 21:05
Lis,
You were one of those people that helped “patch” us back together. I vividly remember when you and Karen came over to our place to scrub and disinfect the whole place before Heather’s return from Dana Farber in Boston. I will never forget your gift of selfless hard work you gave us on that day.
April 2nd, 2008 at 21:10
Dave,
You don’t know how grateful I am that your cancer continues to stay in remission and that your body and spirit fought its way out of your first encounter—I hope that was your last struggle with it.
April 3rd, 2008 at 0:12
happy anniversary (even if a little belated!)… it was delightful to chat w/ you both on Sunday, and I look forward to the times we’ll be able to get together again in the future =)
April 3rd, 2008 at 14:06
wow
April 14th, 2008 at 18:52
you bring the heart of the matter to bear is a way that makes me examine my own heart – thanks
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:19
there are no words worthy enough of expressing how this made me feel inside. i am delighted to see that your wife made it through. that you BOTH made it through such a struggle together. she is very lucky to have a husband is has been supportive and there for her. i may not know you or your wife personally, but these words show that you both love each other very much. truly beautiful. your father’s words were very empowering. i will remember those words and try to be a little more faithful. living with kidney stones and a few kidney failures here and there since birth has really taken a toll on my faith. and i’m only 22. but reading this, i feel like i can once again believe in that higher being.
February 1st, 2009 at 2:49
This is by far the best testimony I have read in a very long, long time! I am so very happy for both you and your wife!!!
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