Lessons of Love from Cancer

I am so thankful to have a family that has loved, supported, and carried me these past eight months! Below is a guest post by Mom. Her words reflect our lessons we have learned from cancer. Enjoy! 

Dearest members of Caleb's Crew,

As we reflect on this past year of 2015, it has been the worst year of our lives- and yet the most life-changing. God has taught us many sacred lessons, that could only be learned in this dark valley. 

First of all, we have learned that we are never alone. In the most terrifying moments, God is there. When you are in the "cannot-breathe" moments, God will make Himself known. He shows up in such unexpected ways. The words of a hymn will come to mind, 

"Every joy or trial fallen from above- Traced upon our dial by the Son of love. We may trust Him fully all for us to do. They who trust him wholly, find him wholly true."

The words of a friend, a smile from a stranger, a letter in the mail- are all gifts. As you pray for us, there is a sense of relief. Like we can exhale deeply. Your prayers breathe life back into us.

One of my favorite memories from this past year is when one of Caleb's resident doctors came and prayed with us before Caleb's first chemotherapy treatment. One of our greatest fears was met with the faith of a friend. God's confirmations are all around us.

Secondly, we are learning to be thankful for every moment of breath we have. Every day, hour, minute, second . . . is a gift. That is why it is called the "present". (Not very original, but I loved it) Treasure the precious "snapshots" of life. Be on the lookout for them, they are everywhere. Caleb is leading us in this. He is teaching us how to be thankful by example. Thankfulness changes your perspective. 

Last of all, love looks so different now. It is so beautiful in its unrehearsed, spontaneous in a life-giving way. Did you know that love gives life? It's like water to a dry plant. Children blossom under the care of love, we as adults flourish and grow. Unconditional love has no motive except the best for the other person. Love dies to itself to help others. In our darkest moments, love shines so bright- it is breath-taking. There are no politics in love- it cannot be silent or neutral. Love has to act, to bridge gaps. You have to smile when love shows up in a spontaneous meal, or a Starbucks gift card, or Caleb making us laugh so hard that we are crying and begging him not to say another word . . . which he of course does. :) 

And that is what brings me to all of you. You have shown us “what love looks like”. You have carried our heartaches as your own. You have given and sacrificed to bring the relief we have been comforted by. Many have given out of your own need, you have prayed for Caleb as if he was your own child. You have showered us with love. Our children’s faith in God has been strengthened- because of you. We will be forever indebted to each of you. You have taught us that in our darkest moments, love will show up.

Merry Christmas, Caleb’s Crew!

It is an honor and privilege to be on this journey with each of you.

Tina

(My incredible parents, Scott and Tina)