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Recently, one of the couples learned that their 4 year old has cancer. It's been a difficult week for the family that has included emergency surgery to remove a kidney, waiting for a pathology report that revealed the sad news, and adjusting to a whole new way of life. The upside is that the cure rate for this type of cancer in young kids is high. The downside is that in order to get well from cancer you have to get really sick first. So now they are on the chemo road and adjusting their lives to fight this battle. I have only been in touch with them via email but they are on mind, in my heart and in my prayers often. I just want to be nearby, give 'em a hug, provide space for them to vent and grieve and walk beside them. Since I can't do that, I will pray for them and try to stay in touch as I can.
This whole experience has caused me to realize how much I care about those with whom I share a history, no matter how far back we go. The connection through their being married is unique and means something to me. I feel invested in the well-being of their family life and so I guess I just wanted to express that through my blog. Having the privilege of marrying people is not something I take lightly. The wedding ceremony is a holy moment. I have the power to pronounce them husband and wife, forever linking their lives. It makes perfect sense to me that I would stay invested in their journey over time and space.
I am appreciative of the ways the college students I was close to when I worked at the university continue to include me in their lives. Those were amazing years in my life. And I will always treasure the journey I took with those who chose one another as their beloved and then included me in that process. And so this is a shout out to the couples I have stood with at the altar...May God bless and keep you in your marriage...I said those words to you on your wedding day and I say them again today.
a deep encouragement to read this Jodi... God's blessings on you - His faithful servant. I know He takes great delight in you! Libby Byrne
ReplyDeleteThanks Libby. The blessing is all mine, I assure you.
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