Accepting the Journey

The note from my husband, John, stopped me cold. He’d written in my birthday card, “Many thanks for always
resolving my medical issues—serious fun along the Trail of the Great Adventure!”

I reread his words, struggling to grasp his acceptance of his life-threatening illness. Advanced malignant melanoma—serious fun? Part of the great adventure? Really?

The truth was I didn’t want to hear what he was saying. I didn’t want to think that there could be some part of what we were experiencing that was at all okay, that it was even part of normal life. I was always busy chasing new remedies, researching supplements, paying medical bills and keeping John’s supply of bandages and salves stocked. I cried when he wasn’t looking. I prayed for this journey to end. For an escape. For God’s resolution. Healing.

But as the days marched on, I tried to see the wisdom in John’s words. Yes, his disease was indeed a journey that would mark us for life. But it brought circumstances that were worth living, even a benefit to our spirits. And maybe thus a benefit to others. I just had to accept the journey.