I can’t stop thinking about Tiffany. I can’t stop thinking of Crystal.
My dear friend is going through the biggest struggle of her life…being the mom of a 20 year old who just found out has a rare pancreatic cancer that has spread to her liver. At 20 years old. It doesn’t make sense.
Tiffany and I have shared a lot over the years. We first began our friendship when our children were in the same grade in Elementary school. Actually her daughter and my son were “boyfriend and girlfriend” for about three years. Tiffany and I would have the same schedule…bringing our children to school each morning and picking them up after school each afternoon. We’d wait together by their classroom doors and our friendship began in those school hallways.
Our conversations were full and we shared much of our lives with each other. Tiffany encouraged me greatly during a tough time in my life. I’ll always be thankful to her for that.
After our children “broke up,” we didn’t converse as much as we had in the past, but we’ve always stayed in touch. I would see her every now and then when I’d bring her Mary Kay products to her door that she had ordered. Some times we’d visit for an hour. At other times when we’d be busy, we’d only have time to swap a few lines of conversation.
But I’ve always loved Tiffany. I’ve loved her heart, her spirit, her zest for life. And I’ve always known if I needed anything, she’d be there for me in a heartbeat.
Now she needs me. Last week her family found out this devastating news about her oldest daughter, Crystal. This week they are at Mayo in Rochester. I know Tiffany is a fighter, and Crystal is just like her mother. They will do whatever it takes to fight this. And I’m praying for God to do the rest.
Crystal is such a sweet young woman. She’s gifted, talented, kind and is beautiful on the inside and out. She’s always seemed healthy from head to toe. But I guess cancer doesn’t discriminate, does it?
When I found out from Tiffany what was going on, I immediately, without even thinking, went to God. I can’t begin to understand why this would happen to Crystal. I asked God some of the same questions that Tiffany is probably asking Him. “Why, God? Why? Why Crystal?” And I was reminded again that God is in control. Nothing happens that’s beyond His grasp. If He allowed this to happen, then it must be for a good reason. I don’t have the answers, but I know the One Who does.
I find it no accident that in Bible Study Fellowship (the weekly Bible study I attend) this week we are studying Genesis 37 about Joseph. Joseph experienced so much suffering through his adult life. I’m wondering if there were times He felt God had left Him. If God had abandoned Him. Those of us who know the story know full well that God’s plans for Joseph’s life transpired through His suffering. God didn’t leave Joseph and the great news is…He won’t leave us either. His Word promises that.
But Joseph’s story gives me much hope, and I pray at some point I can share it with Crystal. Genesis 50:20 reads, “Even though you intended to harm me, God intended it only for good, and through me, He preserved the lives of countless people, as He still is doing today.” I’m claiming that verse for Crystal.
God can heal Crystal. God can bring people to Him, through Jesus Christ, through Crystal’s illness. God can do anything and everything…and each day I’m praying He gives Crystal, Tiffany, Rod, Courtney and Cassidy exactly what they need at each moment. I’m praying for complete healing for Crystal. And I’m praying for Tiffany, as I somewhat know what it’s like to have a sick daughter, and as a mom, our world stops.
Days were much simpler when Tiffany and I would be chatting in the hallways at school. Some days I’d like to go back to those simpler days. But since that’s not possible, I’ll continue to trust God on behalf of my friend and immerse them in prayer. And I’ll do whatever I can to support Tiffany in the meantime. I love ya’ girlfriend!
0 Comments