After 2 years our family Get-together was long overdue. We're all aging. My oldest brother and his wife Weren't able to journey from Their facility, and for a decade, now, Since his fatal accident, my second Oldest brother has been missing. But his widow and I and my 3 Other brothers were seated around the Loaded down table with their spouses. Like always, we laughed, reminisced, Debated the issues with vigor, Ate too much and lined up for a Family picture in front of the Fireplace. It wasn't until late afternoon that My 4th brother announced the Awful news. He has cancer. How quickly our mood changed! How quickly our family seemed Threatened and vulnerable! He described in detail how the Dreaded invader was discovered and The treatment plan. It could be gruesome. My prayer at the supper table was a Plea for healing, for the doctor's Skill, for God's peace, knowing that Whatever the outcome, He is in Control. We lingered at the door. Our good-byes were drawn out, Not jovial and lighthearted as in Past years. The reality we all faced was just Too heavy. |