More Things I Love

Valentine's Day is almost upon us, and some sad things have happened lately. My friend Cindy Hansen's son has been diagnosed with a brain tumor that is essentially inoperable. You can read about her sweet Atticus here. And then my friend April's son, a little boy who was essential born without a brain, has now died. You can read about little Caleb here.

So probably a title such as the one above is confusing if these sad things have been happening. But you know what I love? I love the way these families have dealt with very hard things.

April, mother to Caleb, has selflessly served her son for seven years. She has done so without complaint and without expectation of praise or honor for her hard work and dedication. She has served him with a happy heart, grateful for the miracle that he was for their family, even when the doctors urged her to abort her pregnancy. She chose to see her son, no matter how he was delivered to her, as a perfect gift for her wonderful family. And indeed he was. He was a blessing to her and to her children, and I think he is a reminder that what we think of as perfect does not even come close to how beautiful perfect really is. I love April's faith in God rather than in man. There is no doubt that for everyone who knows her, her husband, or her family has seen that sort of faith in action. I'm sure her only regret is that they didn't get more time together.

I also love Cindy's example of strength as she watches her sweet boy suffer. She is so strong for him, and she loves him so so much. She does not lay blame on God for his suffering. She has faith that whatever must come will come, and she is grateful for the time they have together now. Her faith in the face of the most trying of circumstances helps me to see that I can overcome my trials and that I can do hard things. I've always known that others had difficult trials, but this particular situation, a mother losing her son, has touched my heart in a way that nothing else has. And because she is maintaining a faithful heart, I know I can, too. The truth? I cannot imagine a trial more difficult than watching your own child die.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love that I know...I KNOW...that Caleb is whole and well now, and that when the time comes, April will have the opportunity to raise him. I know that when Atticus' time comes, if it be too soon, that Cindy will have the same chance to raise her boy and to be with him again, without the pain of radiation and chemo therapy. Both boys will be whole and well.

What a great blessing to know such amazing women. I love them both very very much. Thanks ladies, for showing me what it means to be a faithful, gracious woman of God.