This is a picture of Juli, Shara and I. The three of us are very close friends. Juli is wearing sunglasses. Below is my attempt at an Ann Voskamp style of writing, in response to Juli's diagnosis.
On the Other Side of the Fence I know how she feels on the other side of the fence. I know how it is when the doctor calls you on a Friday and tells you that lump you found is green. It comes with thousands of questions that return with only a handful of answers. Then answers come with 1000 questions more. The tears, the ugly, the fear and the fatigue. And the waiting. The kind of waiting that watches sand fall from an hourglass one grain at a time. Now she knows on the other side of the fence. She, is my neighbor and friend but really she should be called sister. I knew the day would come when I would carry another on this same path, but her? And now? My skin is still peeling and my hair is pixie-like. She saw me on my good days, she saw me on my 'just ok' days, but she saw me on my darkest day when no one else did. Why did she see me and now it has to be her? She has calloused knees for all the prayers she has said over me. She has fed, bathed, clothed and driven the joy-bringers countless times. They call her "Auntie." She has carried us through since last winter. Now we will carry her on the other side of the fence. When I was about to leave my own valley the way out looked steep and dark. The forward way unclear. Embarking I climbed slow. Even fatigue and pain become familiar and I didn't know how to reach the top of my mountain. Steps were attempted but my footing slipped because I saw her falling. Now I'm back in the valley, but it's hers not mine. The Creator must know it's easier to follow when someone makes a way for you. Even the Lamb had the way prepared for him by the man who ate locust and honey. Now I can help her navigate the valley and show her how the Helper will meet her there. He will show me how to reach my mountain, and her too- on the other side of the fence.
2 Comments
Auntie Wynda
12/13/2017 02:59:34 pm
"The Creator must know it's easier to follow when someone makes a way for you. Even the Lamb had the way prepared for him by the man who ate locust and honey".... that's the Nugget I take away... it's somehow comforting to know someone walked this path, someone is further down that road than me...thanks for your words. You have no idea how powerful they are! But God does...and He's using the very words He inspired you to write.
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Rebekah Morimoto
4/25/2018 07:56:16 am
Thanks ,Nikki , for all you shared at the retreat. Good to look in on what it is like to face cancer with the Lord actually in the conversation. Dean refused to discuss God with me. He did allow people to pray for his healing. I was very alone as we walked through the end of his life. I had the women of my Bible studies. Now is way better. I have had six years to recover. God is so good. He led me to the Life Change ministry at New Hope and I am finding a place of healing there. Of course I am still most strongly connected to KCC. I have my Sunday night group with Gloria and my sisters in Christ. Teusday night prayer with Tom and Shannon. And Thursday night bible study with Andrea and the girls. A rich life. Am very blessed. Worship is so sweet. Sunday morning. Monday night. Teusday night. And in the car as I drive or on Pandora as I do projects around the house or whatever the Lord puts in my head as I walk the beach. My life has a score, like a movie. Been well. Be encouraged. I love you. Rebekah
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