Insidious

I couldn’t think of another word to title this post, because I’m about to talk about cancer. And quite frankly, it’s just an insidious disease that has crept in far too often on far too many people I love.

I got a call this past week from one of my dearest friends, Jenny, who told me her father-in-law Pat had just been diagnosed with a late stage, inoperable lung cancer. And hearing the pain in her voice, and knowing all he’s about to go through, simply breaks my heart.

Jenny and her husband Kris have welcomed me into their families, and their parents have been so kind to me as well. When my car would break down I’d take it to Pat’s repair shop and he’d handle it just like he was my dad … only a little better since he actually knew how to fix it. :) They have welcomed me like family at birthday parties and celebrations, days at their camper on the river and rides in their boat. They are good, kind people.

So this is where we have to start replacing the word insidious with better ones. Ones like hope, and family, and faith and prayer. Words like love and friendship and support and compassion. Because as Jenny and I kept talking, we knew that as they face cancer they are also going to be reinforcing all they are teaching their kids about the importance of family and the power of prayer.

One of the first things Jenny asked me is if I would ask all of you to pray for Pat. She knows you all have become like another family to me and that more people praying has never been a bad thing. So if you would do me a favor and take a moment to say a prayer for Pat today… pray for healing and strength and peace and fortitude as he walks this journey… I would be very grateful. I’ll be praying for all of you and your families as well.