A Very Special Day

Today we received news… news that we have on some level been anticipating since this all began.

The MRI scan was completed and the cancer cells in every area–the tumor site, the brain as a whole, and the spine–all appear to be clear.

We are cautiously joyful.  Joy-filled because we never expected to hear this news, yet cautious because this is a viscious cancer that doesn’t give in easily.

Despite what looks like a cancer-free body, Chase is only 16 weeks into his 54-week chemo protocol, so while we revel in this moment, we do not rest for long.

I’m wrestling as I write and erase, and write and erase again.  I don’t think I’ve ever written such exciting and positive news in such a tentative way.

This day is funny and strange, because happy news doesn’t erase Chase’s pain and suffering, even as it potentially extends his life.  There will still be fevers and transfusions and frequent hospital stays.

Many things ahead will be subject to constant change, but there are some things that will be as they have always been: God’s incredible grace to us, our complete need for Him to rescue us, and the never-ending necessity of living in a moment-by-moment existence.

As Bob and I prayerfully thanked God over Chase’s hospital bed in that first breath of knowledge, we were released from the cancer burden to exult.  And now, we turn towards what is yet to come, acknowledging that it is all–the good and the difficult–a precious gift.

Today was a very special day.

Moment by moment.

Our soul waits for The Lord; he is our help and our shield.  For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.  Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.  Psalm 33:20-22