A cancer diagnosis not only affects the patient, but family, friends and community as well. Nothing can “rally the troops” quite like the news of cancer! My husband Jim and our children, who are my best friends, became the anchors I turned to for support and laughter!
The sweetest sources of encouragement were the eight boxes of blessings my children put together — one for each chemotherapy treatment. They contacted my extended family and friends and asked them to send notes or cards to one of my daughters. She printed the e-mails on brightly colored paper and divided them into the eight boxes, along with cards and other messages she received. A day or two prior to my treatment a box arrived in the mail for me to open during my chemo session. What could have been a long, boring, uncomfortable afternoon always was full of hope, laughter, and sometimes tears, as Jim and I would read the notes. Just to see a familiar name brought a smile to my face. Never underestimate the power of the written word or even a signature to encourage someone who is facing a difficult situation!
The blessings continued as I taught two classes of eighth-graders at Oklahoma Bible Academy. They became an extended family and supplied prayers, meals and group hugs! From pink ribbon tattoos on my students’ faces to the entire school wearing pink the day of my final radiation treatment, their love kept my spirit soaring.
I never felt alone during my cancer journey, thanks to a community that believes in the power of prayer. Strangers would tell my husband their church was praying for me. Believe me, I felt every one of those prayers.
Let this be my opportunity to say “thanks” to so many that did so much for my husband and me. You truly were the hands and feet of our Heavenly Father who met our every need and turned a difficult time into its own blessing!
Betsy Mabry, Enid
