The warmth of the sunshine felt good, not only on the outside, but it warmed my soul as I sat on the back deck--my favorite place of refuge and solitude. I sat with our dog Chara lying beside me, her head on my lap as I gently stroked her, my mind racing in many different directions. I thought of my friend Andy and smiled as I pictured him in heaven, reconnecting with so many others who have gone before us--Bob and Guy and Dave and Herb, to name only a few. I thought about the work of Hospice and the many people our volunteers have walked with on the palliative journey / at the end of life. I thought about friends who are on that journey now; those fighting courageously and modelling a faith that encourages me. As these thoughts rolled around in mind, I was struck with the realization that over the years there have been many, too many times when I have had to walk with others in the valley of the shadow of death.
On this afternoon, I was trying to come to terms with the news from the veterinarian that my four-legged friend, whose name means 'joy', the one who came into our lives after having to saying good bye to our dog Shady, has a life-limiting form of cancer. She is only three years old and there is a knot in my stomach at the thought of having to let her go so soon.
I know it may sound foolish and sentimental, but as I stroked behind her ears, I quietly whispered, "I'll love you till the end, we'll take care of you, you won't have to suffer".
On this afternoon, I was trying to come to terms with the news from the veterinarian that my four-legged friend, whose name means 'joy', the one who came into our lives after having to saying good bye to our dog Shady, has a life-limiting form of cancer. She is only three years old and there is a knot in my stomach at the thought of having to let her go so soon.
I know it may sound foolish and sentimental, but as I stroked behind her ears, I quietly whispered, "I'll love you till the end, we'll take care of you, you won't have to suffer".
It's been a few days now since we received this news and it still troubles my spirit. I'm learning again how deeply we are affected by loss, whether it's a beloved family pet or a close family member or friend; anyone one who is loved. I'm also recognizing again what a gift it is to walk with those who are dealing with a critical illness; those who are on the palliative journey and who may be nearing the finish line. I'm being reminded how critically important it is to stay on the journey with them, to reassure our loved ones and friends that we will be there for them, to support, encourage and care for them; to whisper, "I'll love you to the end".
Mostly I'm having to remind myself again of the truth of Scripture that death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54); that we have a home in heaven waiting for us when our time on this earth is done; that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:-13)
Mostly I'm having to remind myself again of the truth of Scripture that death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54); that we have a home in heaven waiting for us when our time on this earth is done; that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:-13)
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