In 2005, 800 people in the United States were diagnosed with Synovial Cell Sarcoma, a rare and aggresive cancer. 799 of them were not my daughter.
So begins the story I wrote for this latest book in the Guideposts Extraordinary Answers to Prayer series. I am honored to be included in a book that features such renowned writers as John and Elizabeth Sherrill. And, I’ve always wanted to write something for Guideposts. It was one of those “I’ll know I’m a writer when…” markers in my high-maintenance moments.
But, the thrill of being in the book was surpassed by the message the book itself sent me. Serenity’s cancer story had a happy ending. In the summer of 2010 she was declared Cancer Free!!!! For about two weeks. Then the doctors started talking about watching “these little blips in your lungs which are probably nothing.”
We went ahead and celebrated at our family reunion this summer as if no one had seen any blips. Yet, they lingered in our minds. And, then, they grew. Or they seemed to grow. How can you really tell with something so tiny it is still below the miniscule margin of error?
Last week we learned that Serenity will have to go through a lung biopsy soon. Everyone, including her doctors, believe these blips will turn out to be harmless scar tissue that most people carry around all their lives with no problem. We’ve heard such things before.
And, that is when my book arrived. I was thrilled to hold it in my hands, and overwhelmed to see Serenity’s story highlighted on the back cover. Then, I looked inside. In the back index, prayer needs are listed by topic. And here is what I found: If you need a miracle, turn to Page 12.
That’s us. Page 12. The story of how God met our needs, surpassed our expectations, carried us through terror, comforted us in grief, and sheltered us from fear — even when we didn’t know how things would turn out in the end.
And, I know He can do it again.
Awesome!!!!
Kath,I was so overwhelmed with the goodness of God when I read this post. The timing of the book arriving, etc. just wreaked me. I kept trying to read this to Harold but was so choked up it took me 5 minutes to get to the place where I could. God will do it again, my dear friend, he will!
Well, there’s nothing about this that doesn’t make me dissolve into tears, including Lori’s wonderful comment. What good friends we have! Which is, of course, the point.
I’m also so proud of you.
I’ve always known it! I know it now! and I’ll know it forever!!!
WONDERFUL——-now for the rest of the wonderful news, we wait.
Love, love, love the picture…Congrats Kathy! And Seren–You are so much in God’s hands, that I’m surprised Michael can get close enough to hug you… š
Tears blurred the final portion of your blog and then the comments brought on more of the same! What amazing timing! And… I’m so happy you are published in Guideposts.
Thanks, friends.
I am in tears, also. I am so proud of you for many reasons. One, you are, once again, a published author, but more importantly, you are a wonderful mother and a dear friend. Let’s all turn to page 12 and expect a miracle!