I think one of the ugliest words in the English language is cancer. I hate the word, and I hate the disease. I don't think I know a single person who hasn't been affected by cancer in some way.
Four years ago, I left my job in Cincinnati to practically live in the Cleveland Clinic. Diagnosis, then to my parent's home in Dunbar, West Virginia to help care for my mom, along with the wonderful people from Hospice.
An agressive form of sarcoma cancer, fast acting. Charts to remember the med routines, swollen legs from the drugs, assistance to just get to the bathroom in time, her apologizing a million times for things she couldn't control, telling her, "It's okay, mom." Trying to get her to eat. Trying to get her to drink. You may know what I'm talking about because you may have been there too, at some time in your life. And if you're like me, it still stings to remember.
But oh the joy of knowing that when Mom said, "If God chooses to heal me, I win, or if He chooses to take me home, I win."
September 17, 2006 Beverly Dawn Musgrave Bowles got to meet the Jesus she loved face to face. She got to bow before the God she'd served faithfully since she was four years old - never looking at the world and wanting its temptations. She just wanted to be all God wanted her to be. She taught me so much, and I miss her wisdom.
Her favorite verse she'd tell you is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
Life gets hard sometimes. Really hard. But I know if I can live by my mom's favorite Bible verses, and her signature tag line in all her emails "The prayer that never fails ~ Thy will be done", then I can face whatever is ahead.
So four years later, this is for mom, who wasn't perfect, but left an incredible example for anyone who knew her to follow. If you had the privilege of knowing my mom, I'm sure you would agree.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Your comments are always welcome.
Comments
I am there fighting your battles, I am there fighting your enemy's, I don't sleep, I don't slumber, and I don't need food. I do need your trust, your undying faith that I can pull you up during this difficult time in your life. You will be alright, you will pull through on the other side a better person, your children will come around. God is not mocked, He is the righteous judge, and He will grant grace, mercy and peace who accept it! Reach out, grab ahold, and hang on tight, He is with you! CM
Your story today made me remember your Mom and all of the fond memories I have of her at Chester. I think about sitting in her Sunday school class and I almost can’t eat a string green bean without thinking about her. As I type now I can hear her voice say to me “What’s up Doc?” with a smile and the hug that would follow. Thanks for sharing.
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