My Dad Died of Cancer but my Hope is Alive
Two years.
For those of you who do not know my dad’s story, he was diagnosed with prostrate cancer in February of 2014. My dad was doing pretty good for a few months until the seizures started. Because of worsening seizures my dad had emergency surgery in May of 2014. They found a brain tumor. My dad had two completely unrelated cancers which is extremely rare! My dad’s brain cancer was very aggressive and on October 16th, 2014 he went to be with Jesus. My dad fully believed in the power of God’s healing. He would say, “Whether I am healed here on earth or in Heaven I win. I can’t lose.”
I wish that my dad’s healing could have manifested here on earth but I take comfort in the fact that I will see my dad in heaven one day.
In my article In Sickness and Health, What is True Love I share a bit more back round on my dad and his battle with cancer. Thankfully the last few months of my dad’s life were filled with joy.My dad loved to encourage those around him. So as I acknowledge the day he entered heaven I would like to share two of my dad’s favorite passages of scripture as well as some quotes that have encouraged me to not be afraid to grieve. May they encourage you as well.
You never completely get over the loss of your beloved.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most Highwill rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust.”3 Surely he will save youfrom the fowler’s snareand from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.5 You will not fear the terror of night,nor the arrow that flies by day,6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,nor the plague that destroys at midday.7 A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand,but it will not come near you.8 You will only observe with your eyesand see the punishment of the wicked.9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”and you make the Most High your dwelling,10 no harm will overtake you,no disaster will come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning youto guard you in all your ways;12 they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;you will trample the great lion and the serpent.14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble,I will deliver him and honor him.16 With long life I will satisfy himand show him my salvation.”
It is healthy to recognize the need for grieving.
You will never be the same, and that is ok.
In conclusion, if you have experienced the loss of a loved one I encourage you to allow yourself to feel.
Acknowledge your grief. The pain of grief does not go away but it does become more manageable. Do not be afraid of your memories. Cherish them. Do not allow death to rob you of your joy. Keep your hope alive.
Remember to appreciate those you love everyday and always live life to the fullest.
This article can also be found at the Simply Every blog’s Mom Life Monday Link up party.