SURVIVOR.
I really like the sound of that word. And I don’t mean the TV show, either. That word, “SURVIVOR”, still gives me goosebumps. Still brings tears to my eyes. Still makes my heart overflow with gratitude, love, and admiration. Still makes me remember…and rejoice.
It was one year ago – April 14, 2009 – that we heard another wonderful word given to us by Matt’s oncologist: REMISSION. That beautiful word was quickly followed by others:
“No trace of cancer. Anywhere.”
“PET Scan clear.”
“Successful treatment.”
“Excellent prognosis. Almost zero percent chance of relapse.”
You bet I’m grateful. I’m grateful for every one of the past 365 days. They haven’t always been easy or fun, but I’ve had the privilege of having my husband by my side for each of them. I’m grateful for God’s healing over Matt physically, that every doctor’s appointment, every bit of lab work, every scan or follow-up procedure confirms: his cancer’s gone. I’m grateful that God has restored Matt to life completely and given us opportunities for travel and fun over the past twelve months. I’m grateful for God’s provision when our resources were stretched to the breaking point, and for bringing us to a place of financial stability once again.
But most of all, I’m grateful for the future that lies before us. For the blank canvas of days ahead, just waiting to be written. For the moments we will share as husband and wife, mother and father. For the life that is eager to be lived. For the experiences that will make us, shape us, and bind us together. I’m grateful that as we look out toward that horizon, we stand hand-in-hand, ready to take that first step in that lifetime journey together.
Beautiful!