My friend, Joel, has been on my mind. Actually, he has been in my prayers every day since last January, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer. I know that some of you have been praying for him too, and I am deeply grateful, as is Joel.
Despite his medical team feeling cautiously optimistic after initially treating Joel with immunotherapy, he learned in April that the cancer had grown in all directions. It ranged from Joel’s airway to his diaphragm, had begun to wrap around his spine, and was creeping ever closer toward his heart. A new treatment regimen commenced: radiation, chemotherapy, and a new immunotherapy.
In July, a CT scan revealed just how unrelenting the cancer is. Chemo was discontinued and a new treatment initiated consisting of radiation, blood transfusions, and yet another new dose of immunotherapy.
Just 10 days ago, Joel posted on his Caring Bridge site that the cancer has spread to his brain and other multiple key organs. He has now been told that he most likely has just months to live. This news is especially heart wrenching, given that Joel is just 39 years old with a wife and three young children.
Joel is no stranger to grief. He has had years of experience as a chaplain and as the manager of spiritual care of Allina Health’s north region. He wrote his Ph.D. thesis on the topic of grief. And he has taught courses on grief and spirituality at the university level. But facing the reality of his own death and the loss of so many unfulfilled dreams (such as seeing his children grow up), is a grief one cannot even imagine, unless one finds themselves in it.
Yesterday was All Saints Sunday, a day set apart to remember and give thanks for the lives and faithful witness of those who lived and died in Christ who are now part of the Church Triumphant. But I have been reminded by Joel that the “great cloud of witnesses” are not only those who have died; they include the living, too.
He has written several times about the “great cloud of witnesses” that have been so crucial to him on his devastating journey – all those who have offered prayer, words of encouragement, a meal for his family, and countless other acts of kindness and support.
May we give thanks for the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us and for those who surround us in this life. And may we remember that we bear witness to God’s love and mercy with each act of kindness and every prayer we offer.
God of compassion, give comfort and strength to all who suffer, and help us to be your faithful witnesses in the world. Amen.