“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
On Saturday morning 25th July we headed into the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital. It was quiet and quite surreal. The hospital had also been a Nightingale centre for Covid after the first wave and things were getting back to a bit of normality, but the Cancer Centre was quiet, hardly anybody was about. We were immediately spoilt with the abundance of nurses and doctors and shown to a private room. The day consisted mainly of questions, examinations and lots of blood samples.
Later in the day, Jude was transferred up to Ward 10 and it was there we met Dr Damian Finnegan who would become Jude’s main consultant. A distinguished cancer specialist, one of the best in his field of haematology, we were not only in God’s hands, but He had provided the best care.
Early evening, we were called into a room and following all the tests Dr Damian explained that Jude had a very rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia which included some problematic chromosomes and it was important that treatment began as soon as possible. Maybe at that time we really were not listening fully but I do faintly remember him saying it was a difficult diagnosis. There are lots of types of Leukaemia, some respond to treatment very well but the Acute type as its name suggests is rampant in its progression if left untreated. In some cases, without treatment death can come in weeks!
So, day one, all surrendered to The LORD, Jude settled in the ward and I’m heading off home late & tired. In thirty-four years of marriage this had been by far the most difficult day, but as the marriage vows profess:
“….to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God we make this vow.”
Prayer
Dear Lord, draw close to us, draw close, we need you so much.
Let the light of your presence penetrate the darkness that comes.
The uncertainty, the outcomes, the fears……. continue to garrison our hearts & minds with your peace in Christ Jesus as we walk through the valleys of life.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Jude Gray 