With a telephone call came the
good news that the biopsy was negative and there would be no need for further
treatment.
A colonoscopy for most people is a standard test. Now
performed about every ten years. But, when your mother died from the dreaded
disease – colon cancer – the routine test comes around much more often. Usually
there is that gnawing question in the back of your mind, "Will this be the day
they find something negative much like they did in my beloved parent?"
They were at the hospital early. Medicine was given
intravenously and swift, sweet, sleep enveloped her. She woke up to the doctor’s
voice informing her that only one polyp was found and removed. And then he
mentioned a fatty mass had been discovered at the top of the colon. It didn’t
appear to be anything serious but a biopsy was taken for further observation.
Then came the waiting. The doctor had tried to assure
her that it appeared OK. But memories surfaced of those last two years her
mother lived. She vividly remembered there had been surgery and then more
surgery. No chemo was recommended even though the pain was intense. The cancer
was already too far advanced.
Finally death came as her two daughters stood and held
her hands. Very briefly she opened her eyes as if to say, "Thank you for being
here with me as I leave this earthly body and go to live forever with my
heavenly Father." With that same look she seemed to add, "I will be waiting for
you at that glorious place with streets of gold and gates of pearl." It was not
easy to let her go, but we knew she was already meeting face-to-face with our
wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
These thoughts were going through her mind as she
waited for the results of the test that could place her down that same difficult
road.
But, alas, the news was good! There was no malignancy.
Everything was benign. Suddenly, there was a new release on life. More time to
finish the tasks that needed to be finished. More time to love and care for her
family. More time to just be what God wanted her to be. More time to minister in
His Name!
If your test does not come back with those same
positive results, are you prepared for the answer you will receive?
Today, let’s prioritize our lives before we are forced
to hear such physically condemning words. Put your trust in Jesus, the Great
Physician.
My mother did. She is worshipping in heaven at the
feet of Jesus today. My sister did. She continues to worship Him here with her
family and friends knowing that someday she will join our mother in that
paradise.
Both were ready. One for heaven, and the other to
complete her time here on earth.
Can you say the same? Complete your readiness now to
meet our Lord.
Melva Cooper
Jmelva@cox-internet.com
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