Zach, and Nick, and So Many Others Needd Our Prayers

Zach McCulloch is 19 years old. He has been battling rhabdomyosarcoma for three and a half years. His care has just been changed from curative to palliative, meaning nothing is being done to stop the disease, only to alleviate symptoms. His father, Kevin, writes with such hope that another treatment plan will come along. I can't tell him, but I don't think it will.

Nick Raitt is 20 years old. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma about two and a half years ago, just before his high school graduation. Like Zach, he has relapsed, and will begin a year of treatment next week, including chemo and six weeks of radiation.

Treatment is tough! Ending treatment is even tougher! I remember being where Zach's and Nick's families are now. They are clinging to hope just the way I did. Hope can be a warm blanket that shields us for a time from the bitter, cold reality of losing a child. There are so many desperate struggles for life going on that we know nothing of. Oh, dear Father in heaven, teach us to cherish one another while we can! Heal those who are sick. But if not, then please wrap them in that soft, fleecy blanket of hope. Comfort them, dry their tears, mend their broken hearts, we humbly pray. Give them patience for those who do not/cannot understand their extreme pain, and who inadvertently hurt them with words that are meant in kindness but are like daggers to the hart.

Stacie, a CLL friend, was diagnosed at age 33, when her oldest daughter was 12 and her twin daughters were 11. That was 13 years ago. She has had many close calls, and seems to be entering another one, which could very well be her last. I pray that she can spend many more years with her family here on earth! Her first grandchild, Colton, is only a year old, and she is blessed to have a close relationship with him. And yet, through it all, Zach, Nick, Stacie, and many, many others are thankful for every blessing, enjoying each moment of life they have, and doing little to no complaining at all. Now really, in light of their courageous example in the face of real adversity, and for so many other reasons, I think the majority of us can afford to up the gratitude factor quite a bit, as well! Let us focus less on ourselves, and more on reaching out, and showing love and respect to all who need it! .. and isn't that not just ourselves but everyone?