Sunday, July 29, 2007

Mesothelioma


In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10


My uncle got to the point where he could not breath on his own. Unlike my father, who had COPD, he had mesothelioma. The cancer had ravaged his lungs and the rest of his body. Where once stood a strong, vitile man, a frail shadow of his former self emerged. In spite of this condition, he kept a pleasant demeanor. Always with a kind word, and a welcome greeting when you met. The man inside was untouched by the ravages done to his body. Breathing had become labored, but he tried to speak. His disposition always revealed a smile despite his ailment. A positive attitude was something he and my father had inherited from my grandmother. This mindset carried him through war in the south pacific on a naval ship, through the tough times of farm life during the great depression, and now through his final days.

What could instill such a way of thinking? What reassurance was he aware of that kept him upbeat? What hope did he have when the doctors had none for him? His life, his very breath, lay with a man that could make him whole again. This man was no doctor, but he is the great physician. Christ is that man that could make him whole again. So he laid down his tired old body, in exchange for a new one filled with light. And what disease free lungs he must now have. He's now able to shout, and shout he does. As children, being the oldest, Uncle Bob yelled at the younger children to come to supper. My grandmother alerted him first, he passed the message along to his siblings. I'm sure they heard him shout all over heaven, as he called my father to his eternal home, where his mom was waiting on him at the great supper with the lamb.
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,Mesothelioma

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story. We all need to keep a positive attitude and our lives would be so much better. Everything always works out for the best, sometimes that is hard to remember.

Love and Blessings,
AngelBaby

jhunnelle said...

another beautiful story, the enemy may touch our physical body, but he can not touch our soul when we are in Christ.

Anonymous said...

Some of my relatives have also experienced cancer. Each person responds differently to the news of illness and also to the prospect of healing. Regardless of the scientific prognosis, a person can evolve to believe he or she exerts control over thoughts and the evolution of dis-ease. We have opportunities to learn about ourselves though experiences of other people. They are all blessings.

Unknown said...

Very, very well written, my dear Lance. I see ads from lawyers wanting clients with that nasty stuff, but this is the first time I have ever heard of anyone actually having it.

Kim said...

That is very sweet. And so true. Though I don't have his disease, I do struggle with illness and some of it involves having trouble breathing, so I can relate a bit to this. And I can relate to much to knowing that the Great Physician is taking care of me day by day and that someday my body will be perfect. Your uncle knew the 'secret' of contentment and joy, and that is in our loving God. I know you can't wait for the day when you see your father and uncle again. What a wonderful family reunion that day will be! Thanks for another uplifting post.

Gigi said...

What a man your uncle was! And what a great reward awaited him when he went to be with our Father...Thank you for sharing your family with us Lance - God bless you!

Josiah said...

hey lance.. i've updated my blog..

"The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul."

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