Anniversary Thoughts

Three years ago on this date, I wasn’t anticipating the news that was coming that summer or the journey we would be on in the upcoming year. I didn’t know that my husband’s symptom-less liver disease would develop into cancer very quickly. I didn’t know that we would be told that it was inoperable, that he wasn’t a candidate for a transplant, and that he only had weeks to live. I couldn’t be fully prepared for the stress and trauma awaiting our family.

But I also wasn’t aware of the miracle God had planned for us to share in and the work he would do in our lives since then. Today we are celebrating the second anniversary of my husband’s liver transplant and his new lease on life! He is healthier today than he was for many years before the surgery, and we are so thankful to God for the physical and emotional strength he gave us throughout the ordeal of 2021-2022, as well as his amazing grace and perfect peace.

Life is different today than it was before our near-death experience. I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way. Priorities change; most of the things of the world fade in importance. I try harder to appreciate my loved ones. I try to be grateful and not take anything for granted. I accept both my husband’s and my limitations and celebrate small victories. My expectations are smaller than they used to be. I try to choose joy every day. I feel contented most of the time. 

I would never wish that anyone else would have to face the kind of health concerns and diagnosis that was given to our family. But I have learned through this and other hardships that God’s best work shines through when life looks the darkest. And I have experienced the blessing of God’s comforting presence that only comes when we are in need of comfort. On this anniversary of new life, we thank God for walking with us and safely bringing us through to the other side – and teaching us more about himself along the way. God is good . . . all the time!