All of us have those "Special People" in our lives. The ones that have a special place in our heart and our thoughts. I guess the older I get the more I am reminded of how short this life on this earth is. I also realize how much time is wasted on things that just aren't important. I have been following several people that are critically ill and they have a web page on Caring Bridge. This is a wonderful network that allows the families of one that is seriously ill to stay in touch with friends and family to keep them updated on progress hopefully. There is a young woman named Michell Joyner who has been fighting leukemia for 2 years. The last few months have been so hard on her. She has had the transplant of bone marrow, gone through all the side affects and has been told today the leukemia is back. There is a one year old child named Mari who has gone through the chemo and radiation for months to finally have her eye removed but is now considered cancer free. A young mother of 4 who goes to our church in Greenwell Springs has been fighting breast cancer for the second time. She is so brave and faithful to our Lord believing Him for all His promises He has made her. Another woman in her mid 50's has just found out she has breast cancer and will undergo radiation next week. Now there is this precious young girl 23, who has taken ill and been in a coma since around January 12th of this year. She has gone through many procedures, ups and downs, as her family faithfully loves and supports her and lifts her up in prayers continuously. When you notice all this pain and suffering it makes you realize how very blessed we all are not to be going through any of these major illnesses with any of the "Special People" in our lives. We hurt with all these families and pray for all of them. And I thank God every day that I am not having to experience this pain or suffering. I have been in the place of knowing that my child was on life support, in a coma, responding to nothing or anyone. I have had to accept the fact that this was one of the times that God would not heal Susanne on this earth but her healing took place as He took her to heaven. I also know that there are no words to speak to anyone that is traveling down this road. We are told to believe what we pray for and that we should do so until there is no reason to believe any longer. We should never give up on God to heal our loved ones. We should never give up on God for any reason. Our lives are in His hands always. Life could end at any moment for any one of us, unexpectedly. Every moment that we have left on this earth should be spent in loving our Lord and His people, loving our neighbors and friends and yes even enemies. Love those "Special People" that are in your lives, forget the little petty things that take up so much air space. Most things are forgotten the next day anyway, harsh words, unforgiveness, meanness, etc. are not easily forgotten. A kind word, a prayer, a gift of food, money or clothing are never forgotten. A smile is a great gift to give every one, it generates another smile. A frown or hateful look causes pain and heartache. Which one would you rather be remembered for sharing. Tonight I thank my God for all my family and Wayne's family being well and healthy. That indeed is truly a blessing.
