I was reminded of some very profound words today that came from a person who has always been wise beyond his years. After nearly a decade of courageous fighting, my father was nearing the end of his battle with cancer. We could all see it, but I couldn’t bring myself to believe it. Somehow he always found a way to fight back when the doctors told us there was no hope. But this time was going to be different. My adult brain knew it, but the heart of daddy’s little girl could not reconcile what was right before my eyes. My instinct was to hold on to him as tightly as I could and not let him go. Then these wise words came from my son.
Mommy, if it’s time, I love grandpa enough to let him go.
I could barely grasp the words that were spoken so effortlessly and lovingly from my 10-year-old son. But I knew that he meant them with all of his heart. I also immediately knew that I needed to love my father as much as his grandson did. From that day on, I was given strength and courage from a ten-year-old. And my focus became making dad comfortable about what he was facing. Without my son’s insight, I never would have been able to support dad at that time, and I owe a world of thanks to my son for giving me the clarity I needed. Maybe it took grandpas little buddy speaking to my little girl’s heart to have it all make sense. But wiser words I have never heard.
Today I was reminded of the sentence that changed my like when I heard the update on Diana. She has been fighting bravely to remain here for her husband and son. But each day brings new challenges. After her liver transplant, she made huge strides and left the hospital briefly. Then came infections and reactions to medication that almost took her from her family, but she did not give up. After being unresponsive for a week, she slowly returned. She could wiggle fingers and toes, blink and try to smile. After another week, she was breathing on her own and knew her husband on sight. There was still hope, and she was fighting for every second of her life.
Sadly though, she is now slipping away again as the infection takes over her brain. She can barely squeeze one hand and can no longer open her eyes. Most of the professionals say there is no hope. My heart aches for her family. I can’t imagine facing the loss of my husband and all of the pain that her husband must be enduring in these moments. But I know in my heart that there comes a time to love someone enough to let them go.
I have no way of knowing if this is that time for Diana, only He can decide. But I ask each of you to take a moment and pray for this amazing lady. Ask that she receive whatever it is that she needs to move forward on her journey and continue with the tasks that God has planned for her. And also ask that he provide the strength that her loving family needs to remain by her side and show her the love and support that she needs during this very difficult time. Prayers are answered every day, and Diana and her family are in great need of this vital support from all of us.
I will light a candle for Diana and hold her and her family in my heart and prayers.
Thank you so much, Pam!
I hope my prayers aren’t too late. As a mother, grandmother, and wife, and as a human who has experienced loss, my prayers to her family. Whatever God does, it’s for a reason. And with patience, he will show us why. I pray for strength and endurance for her and her family.