Good morning…
Up in the middle of this late June night, I water our thirsty plants and I take pictures of the waning moon. At age 39, at home in the care of hospice, saturated with the love of family and friends, the vibrant life of Elizabeth is also waning away from this world.
Elizabeth’s mother-in-law, Joan, is a beloved member of our Friday group. Yesterday, she emailed us.
“Good morning sweet friends,
I have a very specific prayer request this morning. Today is Graham and Elizabeth’s 14th anniversary. We are told that she only has a few days remaining on this earth. Please pray that God allows her to remain with Graham throughout this day.
Thank you.
xo Joan”
Many of us responded with loving, kind words. A few of us collectively concocted a prayer. I texted the prayer to Joan.
“Jesus, thank You for being right there in Raleigh, taking their worries not only near but into Your hands. In Your hands, all our worries turn into miracles. We know it, we believe it, we speak it over Elizabeth and Graham, the kids and extended family, especially our dear friend Joan. Please hold Elizabeth on earth all through this anniversary day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
A moment later, I picked up my ringing phone to hear the voice of Joan. She and I talked for an hour, unpacking every mixed emotion flowing through our hearts. What an incredible gift from God. Being honest. Being present. Being tearfully in sync.
I promised I would find for Joan the poem our previous pastor often shared at funerals. Here are the strong words of support.
WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is so limited….
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot destroy peace,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot suppress memories,
It cannot silent courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot steal eternal life,
It cannot conquer the spirit.
– Author Unknown
Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, MSG).
Cancer will never conquer the eternal spirit of Elizabeth.
…Sue…
