The Price Has Been Paid

Being a cancer survivor sometimes affords one unique opportunities. I have often said that every cancer survivor has a story; if you want to hear it, just ask him or her. A few weeks ago, I was asked to share some of my story with the senior members of a church in San Angelo at their monthly meal and fellowship. I began by saying that I am not a public speaker, but that I do have a testimony that I like to share. If you have ever heard me talk, you know that, while I may not be a polished speaker by any stretch of the imagination, I am long-winded. I spoke for about 35 minutes, probably five or ten minutes longer than I intended to. Anyway, as I was walking out when it was all over, an older gentleman and I were talking. He said, "I know you said you were not a public speaker, but..." I was waiting for the compliment to follow. He continued, " I was wondering if you WERE a public speaker how long you would have talked." The grin on his face along with his chuckle told me he was joking with me (even if he might have made a valid point), and I thought it was HILARIOUS! Like I said, I am long-winded.

We are loving retirement so far. I have told several people that I don't know how we ever got anything done when we were both working full-time. The truth is, we didn't. Or, not much, anyway. Being retired has indeed relieved a lot of the pressure we had in our lives. The past few days have been especially significant, the first days back to work after summer break for most school employees; the reality of it is beginning to sink in for Helen. She is very excited about not having to go in.

We were blessed to be able to make an extra trip to San Antonio for a very special purpose this past week. We were told about a "farewell reception" being given for Drs. Mita at CTRC and that patients were welcome to attend. In light of everything those two doctors have done for us and how much they mean to us, there was just no way we could think about not going. While it involved another 600-mile round trip, it was so worth it. We were able to spend quite a bit of time with the Mitas in a "social" setting and talk with them on a personal level. To make things even better, my two side-kicks (the other members of the "Three Whatevers" -- see my post dated May 10, 2010) and their spouses were also there, so we enjoyed several hours with them as well. It was such a great day for us. And while this may be an odd way to look at it, Helen and I felt like this provided a sense of "closure" for us, with our doctors moving away.

We are getting used to being at home a little more since our visits to SA have been spread apart to every four weeks. After going every other week for over two years, it seems like quite a long time in between. Our last three visits to the clinic have been relatively uneventful, with the exception of having our last appointment with Dr. Mita and saying our good-byes to both of them. My neck problem, while unrelated to my cancer, remains a problem. Our doctors at CTRC have told me that I probably should see an orthopedic about it, but I have been putting that off. I guess if the pain gets rough enough, I will do that, but I don't really relish the thought of going to yet another doctor. We did see several friends during our visits, allowing us to catch each other up on how things are going.

We were again reminded a few days ago of how horrible this disease can be when a friend passed away one month after being diagnosed with lung cancer. I cannot even guess how many people we have known who have died from some form or other of it in the past four years. Life is short. Tomorrow is never promised. The Bible says it this way in James 4:14: "...you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

Kinda sad if you look at it that way. But there is more. Jesus made an incredible claim. He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die (John 11:25-26)." It is the reality of eternal life -- life that never ends. Jesus, when praying to His Father, said, "...this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent (John 17:3)." How can we know God? "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)." Knowing God, knowing Jesus Christ, on a personal level, begins when a person realizes that he is a sinner, repents of and confesses his sins, and believes in Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, crucified and resurrected, making Him (Jesus) the Lord of his life. That's when knowing God begins. That's when eternal life begins. And it's all free. The price has already been paid.

Blessings and Love,

Kenny