Fragile Times

As the April snow fell on the tender blooms of spring, I was reminded of how fragile life has been recently for our family. The sad and unexpected passing of my husband's physician, effected a host of patients and leveled an entire practice. Then, my father's diagnosis of cancer, took me completely by surprise, just as my mother's diagnosis had in 2002. Before my grandmother's frail body succumbed to liver cancer, this disease called cancer had never been part of our family history.
Dad's condition has been labeled "treatable", but being so many miles away only intensifies my sense of helplessness. Having lost my mother to leukemia in 2003, my father is well practiced in living each day to the fullest and knows how precious time becomes. There is comfort in knowing that Dad has been blessed with a great support network, including family and friends, in my hometown. His faith gives him assurance and contentment, as the apostle Paul's statement expresses in the book of Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain".
Each day carries it's own set of difficulties for me, but I know I must draw courage from his "ready state of mind", though often this fragile human spirit gives in to its share of "sadness". Keeping the strength of scripture close at heart helps rescue me from those days of despair. One favorite verse I keep in thought is Hebrews 13:5 "..... :for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" and as Hebrews 13:8 states, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day and for ever", gives comfort that there is something in my life that will never change.