Remembering Those Special People

Recently I have been thinking about my past trials and struggles. In 2000 my world as I knew it fell apart. My husband of 16 years was gone and my children were shell-shocked due to the nature of his disappearance from our lives. It was good he was gone, but nevertheless very traumatic on our family. Within 3 months of his departure I was divorced and moved to Houston with 5 children. I found a job and a month later was diagnosed with cancer. What a horribly devastating year 2000 was. Y2K was the buzz in 1999 in anticipation of what might happen in 2000, but what happened in my life and the lives of my children was far more frightening than any Y2K prediction could ever be. It seemed as if everyone’s life around me continued to go on perfectly while mine had taken a cruel, sharp turn. I began to feel like Job, but was afraid to ask God what else could happen for fear something else would. The year finished out with my brother collapsing at my Mother’s home and subsequently having surgery for 3 brain tumors. I was so sick from radiation and chemotherapy that I couldn’t even go to the hospital. But, God never let me get too down without reminding me of His provision. My employer of only 1 month at the time of my diagnosis saved my job for me (even though I was unable to work for nearly 4 months), paid my health insurance premiums, and also provided our Thanksgiving meal. Members of Sagemont Church drove me to daily radiation appointments at M.D. Anderson Hospital for weeks. At Christmas, through the teachers at Freeman Elementary, the Houston Police Department came to my home with gifts for all 5 children, as well as groceries. A wealthy businessman sent me $2,000 for Christmas and $1,000 a month for the next 6 months to help me get back on my feet. Time and time again, God showed Himself in many, many ways. He assured me I would be healed and that my future was secure in Him. I leaned on prayer warriors from Dogwood Church in Athens, Sagemont Church in Houston, and First Baptist Church, Cleveland to pull me through. My former pastor, Phil Greenawalt, was always available for me to cry on his shoulder, even after I moved from Athens to Houston. I still thank God to this day for those who prayed for me and helped me during that time.

2001 was looking much better as I was able to return to work in January. January 12, 2001, I was told the cancer was gone. I am writing this in June 2010 and I am still cancer free! Praise God! My brother returned to teaching but took a turn for the worse in March 2001 and subsequently went to be with the Lord in June 2001. You can see just from what is included in this blog that what I lived through in less than a year is more than some people live through in a lifetime. Through all the trials, God has become my everything. The essence of my being is in Him. No, I don’t want another cancer diagnosis or divorce or heartache, but I would not trade what I have gained in knowledge of God and how He works for anything this world affords. I am who I am today and my faith is strong because I have seen God at work in adverse situations over and over again.

So, what I intend to do this week is find addresses for all those who were particularly helpful to me during that time. I will send each one a personal note – not an e-mail – to let them know that I still remember their kindness and support. In doing so, I hope to impress upon them exactly how much I appreciate them in hopes that they will be encouraged to continue to help others. Ten years have come and gone, but I will never forget the unselfish acts of others on my behalf. Is there someone you need to thank? Perhaps a teacher, pastor, friend or even a former employer meant a lot to you and helped you in the past. Let them know you appreciate them; I know it will be a blessing to them and to you.

I hope you know how very much God loves you.

Candy