One of my sisters from the W2W Ministry has stage IV cancer and is currently staying in hospital as she was throwing up and could not eat as 2010 came into being.
This week she underwent last ditch, three-day chemotherapy.
Although it is now three days after the treatment, she is still suffering from a piercing and persistent pain in her left kneecap, on top of the nausea and inability to eat much.
As with my father's last days, I feel helpless in the face of such suffering, and hope that what I do does offer some solace and comfort.
Despite the difficult circumstances, it's been heartening to see how an informal network of women come together to act in love. And how a community can grow stronger bonds (as D. observed) when one of their kind is in distress.
It is as Eleanor Roosevelt said, ""A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water."
The hot water of A.'s illness has brewed a wonderful decoction of flavours as each woman releases her unique brand of strength.
It's been lovely to recognize how each woman's singular gifts blossom as she reaches out in love to A. and her family, bringing a special grace to the situation and drawing A.'s family closer in crisis.
There is so much I have learned just watching each woman in action. Plus, I've gotten to know A.'s good friend D. who is a gem of a woman.
What a beautiful garden love can create, even in the desert of disease and impending death.
1 comment:
You're spectacular too...in watering this garden with your love.
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