Perspective

I don't even know where to start here. I've been laying on this couch...this being my 5th day...suffering (if you will) with flu symptoms. Fever, chills, aches and the worst case of burning eyes from this cold I have on top of the flu. Complaining, feeling sorry for myself. No more I tell you. You know why? Because I just got a little taste of perspective.

I just got an email from my brother giving us an update on one of his friends (who I believe is about to turn 42 on April 9th) and his bout with cancer (melanoma). He has multiple tumors - some even in the brain. Several weeks ago, his wife emailed my brother the news that the doctors gave him 2 months to live and were trying to make him more comfortable etc. before his death. In today's email, Joni (the wife) was telling of a party they were planning both for her kids' (who celebrate birthdays in Feb and March) and a Celebration of Life party for her husband Tom. At this party, people will be taping their goodbye messages to this man who is staring death in the face.

I bawled my eyes out reading the email from my brother. How heart wrenching. This family is going through so much. How do children - ages 5 and 9 - come to grips with saying goodbye forever to their own father? The wife has strength beyond comprehension. To be planning a party and at the same time wondering if her husband will live another day. I just cannot even fathom the pain she is going through. I do know they are believers. They have God to comfort them. They know their goodbyes are not...forever. They'll meet again.

God bless this family. For those of you reading this that pray...please pray for continued strength and comfort for Tom, Joni and their family. Pray that this family will have peace in their hearts. Thank you.