When a Husband Learns His Wife Has Cancer

The tears. The silent knowing that in a moment of a test result your life has changed forever.

I read that the majority of  patient's reaction to a cancer diagnosis is,

"Why me, God?" 

Well, why not me? I mean I've sat at the bedside of young mothers taking their last breath. Why not me? Why them? Stupid questions that humans will never answer.

"You have leukemia" the doctor said.

"For the glory of God" I said.

 Just being honest. That's what I said. I mean, who knows what you will say when cancer rings your doorbell and death's door moves next door. You don't plan a speech for this moment  because you know it won't happen to you. But it did to me.

And what did my husband say? He held me and said "I'd do anything to trade places with you. I wish it was me and not you."  Bless this man who loves me as Christ loves the church.

True love.

How blessed I am to know the love of a man wishing he could die in my place 

and the love of a Savior who did.

"Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her . . ." Ephesians 5:25

May you all know the great love of our Savior Who holds you when life falls apart.


PS: Praising God for "targeted therapy" which targeted the cancer cells, destroyed them, and continues to stop their progression, while leaving my healthy cells alone. So, no hair loss, no sickness, no side effects. I have full energy and look forward to many years of service to my Lord Jesus Christ and to my dear husband.


PPS: I wasn't going to share my story, but, as my first response was "For the glory of God," I realized, if I don't tell people, how will God be glorified?


Splashes of Serenity, in the midst of cancer. That's what God does. He never leaves. He never forsakes.

Say "I Love You" Every Time You Say Good Bye.

In my travels as a speaker, I am blessed to stay in the homes of lovely people. Many are precious   widows. I love hearing their stories, for they have much to teach me.

Some watched their beloved suffer over years. Other deaths were sudden. The blink of an eye and their sweetie was gone. Whether a long death or quick, they all were final, and they all remember one thing:

The last words their beloved spoke to them. 

Sitting around the kitchen table, talking over chamomile and honey, my widowed hostess and I     were eager for more conversation, but our eyes were drooping. We decided to do the wise thing and get a good sleep.

"Do you mind if I say good night to my hubby before I turn in?" my widowed hostess asked.

She hit the "1" on the answering machine. The male voice echoed "Hi honey! I'm going to bed  now. I hope you have a good sleep. Good night. I love you."

"Those were his last words to me. I listen to him say 'I love you" every night before I go to sleep"

 He died years ago, and his loving voice still brings her joy as she heads to her empty bed.

Tears flowed as I witnessed an intimate moment in the life of a widow and her dear man. I'll never forget the lesson they taught me that night. I never leave Dan without telling him I love him.

What will be your last words to your beloved? Make sure you

 say "I love you" every time you say good bye.

“. . .  let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely” 

Song of Solomon 2:10 

Sweet words are splashes of serenity on your life and marriage every day! Say them often. Every day. As often as you have opportunity.