The greatness of His ways

My friend's mother got sick and I went with them to her medications just to be there and offer a helping hand when I can. I even used to sleep in the hospital with them and ran errands for them. Now I don't get to be there always anymore coz my current work schedule doesn't allow it, although I still visit there sometimes when I can. A moment ago, while walking home, I passed by some people and smelled disinfectant alcohol. It instantly reminded me of my days "living" in the hospital---the private room, the hospital bed where her mother laid, the food we ate out of plastic cups, the hospital bathroom, the doctors who made rounds each day and try to be as cheerful as they can be, the nurses who check in on us about every hour, the stories we tell while trying to look strong for everyone, the tensed atmosphere while waiting for the result of a lab test, the tears, the words of hope and faith and love, the pain…everything about that time. It was a difficult time but glorious at the same time. The realization that you might lose the one you love any minute or that the person you care about might weep for the loss of a loved one is always difficult. The diagnosis, the test results, the acceptance of the condition, the battle----they were all difficult.

But for me it was also one of the most glorious times as I saw how wonderful God's works are. I saw how His ways are beyond anyone can conceive. It's amazing how He let things lead to the discovery of her sickness so that she can begin treatment before it's too late. They came to Cebu because her mother's back ached so much she can hardly move. It was the result, they thought, of her falling off the tricycle few months ago of which the doctor just advised to bed rest. The aching calmed down for a bit allowing her to perform her church duties. But after about a month the pain got worse so they decided to have it checked in Cebu. It turned out, as the doctors checked, the aching in the back is just a strain and nothing to worry about. But they found something that needed to be examined more closely---a lump in her breast. That was something they worried about so tests were made left and right. It was, in fact, breast cancer and already in an advanced stage. Her mother have been bearing the lump for 4 years and thought nothing of it. Had she not fell off, her back might not have ached, she might not have come here to have it checked, her real condition might not have been discovered. Her falling off the tricycle was His way, I think, for her illness to be discovered so that it can be treated. And so when the doctors made their final diagnosis and laid the treatment course the battle began. Currently, she is still in her course and responding well to treatment.

Now, I may not be there all the time but I know that they'll be alright because God is watching over and He loves them. And me, too.