Delivered and Forever Remembered
Another week of chemotherapy has come and gone. I intended to write while inpatient but as well as the week went for Jake, my mind just wasn’t ready to sit and process. Two posts ago, I asked for prayer for our friend, Roderick. Since then, he has flown home to Jesus. There is no more pain or treatments or unknowns for him. He is free. But while I sat in a hospital room with tubes of chemotherapy dripping into my son’s chest, my mind kept circling to Brandy and Roderick Sr. and their heartbreak. As children of God, we know that in death there is great celebration, freedom from pain and sorrow. But those left behind still hurt. Roderick was one of Jake’s first friends on this journey. We first met him on the 9th floor. Jake was in for chemo and we were in the playroom. In comes this bouncy, bald, smiling kid in a purple LSU shirt. He sat down next to Jake and said I’m really good at Wii too, can I play? He helped Jake through levels and just sat with him, talking Mario lingo and being a kid. We were still new to this world and it made my heart so happy to see such child-like normalcy. Just two little boys playing Wii. In many ways, that was “a moment” for me as a cancer kid’s mom that things would never be the same, but they would be OK. I have told Jake that Roderick is in Heaven now and it has spurred questions and conversation. His innocent, little-boy self is
gets to eat pancakes in heaven. While in clinic yesterday, Jake asked, “so Roderick won’t be here anymore, either?” He’s searching for what it means to be in Heaven and he’s asked why Mr. C won. While I have answers for many of his questions, I don’t have an answer for that one. Roderick will forever be a hero in my heart for giving Jake a friend and showing this mom that cancer doesn’t defeat our kids, it slows them down, it wears them out, but their spirits are so much stronger than this horrible disease. They continue on… whether it’s here or in Heaven. “Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.” 2 Tim 4:18
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Comments (4)
Connie Fry
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Always praying for your family
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Nonnie Fry
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I read your comments to keep up Jake and now some of his friends, and of course family. I was thinking tonight I was missing my kids, Amy in Houston, Bill lives in another town too. I read this and realize the love and strength you have. You also have a talent for putting words down where we can feel some of what you feel. Your writing is special and you all have my love and prayers. We have a network at work that pray with you also and I believe there are many more that have spread the word.
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Cindy
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This is tough to read. Tears for Roderick’s family. I’m sorry Jake lost his buddy.
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Amy McCann
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May God Bless that sweet family. I love you!!
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