This post was originally published on August 17, 2012.
Today I have faced sadness, hope, triumph, and the gentle touch of God.
I drove a friend and mentor to his radiation treatments this afternoon. It was my honor and privilege to do so. I have been inspired by Sandy Steward and his walk in the faith. This is his third time in the ballgame of cancer and he’s refusing to strike out.
As we pulled into the parking lot of the treatment center a familiar feeling washed over me. I stepped into the waiting room and flashbacks filled my mind. Two chairs from where Sandy and I sat was the same place I sat with my father over a year ago. I remember staring at my “pop” as we waited for his name to be called for the first treatment. His leg was shaking 90 miles/hr. He was scared to death. So was I. Both of us were too prideful to admit it.
Sandy Steward and Doug Graham were diagnosed with the same type of cancer in the same month. That was the only similarity between the two. My dad sat in 
that waiting room with no hope in his heart. His eyes screamed with fear. Pain filled his soul. Today I sat next to a man whose presence took over the room. Hope radiated around him. Strokes of deep trust were painted into his smile. His pain was washed away from God’s embrace holding him tightly. And I had the honor of experiencing it.
Today I could easily allow myself to ask “what if’s”. But I choose not to. What’s done is done and God has restored and redeemed both men. My father was taken to heaven where his restoration was made complete. Sandy’s is still being perfected in this world. His light is still shining and I’m so thrilled I have the honor of standing close enough to him to let it shine on me.
As we drove back home he filled me with God’s word. He lifted me up. We prayed for friends. We laughed. I remember driving home from my dad’s treatment and the air was thick and silent. There was none of the above.
I have watched the journey of two different men with the same issues. One fought. One didn’t know how. But both were saved with God’s Amazing Grace!
Don’t ever lose hope. Don’t ever let the light go out. Reach to Him – He is your saving grace!
This is very moving and profound. Thanks for sharing
Linda
Thanks Linda. Have a great day!
It’s always something, when the great men of our lives radiate what’s within them.
Whether good or bad, seems to always hit a mark somewhere :)My dad died from cancer a few years back. He was a man of great faith, very strong and confident in God. He knew he was going home (God told him) but we didn’t want to hear. We acted up real bad when he mentioned, encouraged or tried to comfort. I still remember his quiet smiles, his confidence and prayers, the light in his eyes which always said more than words. His confidence in God, his final parental blessing and the doors which opened up after shored up the family in a way that nothing else could have.
It’s a blessing to a father/father figure/mentor who radiates God.
Yes it is. Thanks for sharing Ngina.