A Happy Death

Mom called yesterday morning to share the happy news that her latest tests show that she is cancer free. Next week, February 18th, is her final chemo session.

She's had to work through the assault on her femininity and the loss of her hair. She's fought bout after bout of nausea and increasing illness as the poisons mount and her body breaks down with infections - all part of chemo treatment she's reassured us.

Mom has decided enough is enough. With yesterday's happy news, next week's final chemotherapy is as far as she is going to go. She's cancelling the intensive radiation treatment that was to follow. "The radiation will just break me down even more," she tells us. "I'm going to put my hand in God's."

She tells us of her interaction the day before with my thirteen year-old nephew. After being told that his grandmother was going to go for tests to see if she is cancer-free, he responds that he hopes she is.

"Well," replies my mother, "what you should do tonight is pray and ask God that I will be free of cancer. If you pray, He'll listen to you." My nephew ponders this for a moment and agrees he will prayerfully make the request. Then, with all seriousness, he adds, "and if not, I'll pray for a happy death for you."

Wisdom from the mouth of a child.