I couldn't believe my ears.
How could anyone thank God for their brain tumor? A brain tumor is the last thing I would offer
thanks for. Yet, here was Cindy, our incredibly beautiful and unique
daughter-in-law, admitting that she thanks God every day for the astrocytoma
tumor that lies at the base of her brain, a tumor so situated that doctors
cannot risk removing it. The tumor is
benign and hopefully it will remain so.
Still, I cannot fathom anyone, much less someone I love, being appreciative
of its existence.
What
makes Cindy so grateful for such a dreadful condition? We were eating breakfast at Shoney's a few
days after Christmas. My wife and I
would soon leave for home in Birmingham
and we were enjoying a meal with our son Jeffrey and his wife. The four of us discussed Christmas, family
and other subjects.
Our
banter turned a bit more serious as Jeffrey talked about things that irritate
or upset him. He's not unlike most
people. Let’s admit it, most of us
become aggravated with things or situations, some of which are beyond our
control. Whether it's our jobs, an inconsiderate motorist who cuts us off in
traffic or simply the weather, at times we allow ourselves to become irritated.
It’s been part of the human condition
since the beginning of time.
"What
irritates you?" I asked Cindy.
"Nothing,
Mr. Bill, absolutely nothing." I
knew she was being genuine.
"I
thank God every day for my brain tumor," she added matter-of-factly.
I was
surprised by her last remark. "What
do you mean you are thankful for your tumor?"
"I
thank God every day for the tumor," she repeated. "Because I know what's important in life
and I try to enjoy each day as a blessing."
"So,
nothing irritates you?"
"I
used to get worked up about material things.
Things like owning a house or if the apartment were messy. Not anymore.
Those things aren't important at all."
I was
nearly speechless. My young daughter-in-law was sharing a slice of wisdom with
me. I had never seen Cindy as a person
attached to material things, yet apparently she had been, at least to some
degree. Now, after being struck with an
inoperable brain tumor, she had discovered a truth that isn't easily grasped by most people. It's not the
things we accumulate in life that give us real comfort but the love we are able
to share each and every day. It’s the
blessings we receive when we avail ourselves to them. She had learned the wisdom offered by Jesus
in Mathew 6: don't worry about tomorrow; today's worries are sufficient. Yet, Cindy had taken God's message a step
further. She doesn't worry at all.
It's
not easy living each day as if it's our last on earth. It takes a simple approach to life to do
so. Modern life is so complicated and
complex. Too many gadgets and demands
control our lives. Yet, Cindy offers us
another way to view the blessings we are afforded each day. Live life. Love life. Love all.
© December 2002
William Charles
© December 2002
William Charles
