A gathering storm

It was hard for Sam to wake this morning. We got back late from the Center yesterday and because he didn't get to pump his formula until about 4:00 pm, it was 11:30 pm before he completed 3 cans for the day (1125 calories.) Between the pain meds, nausea meds and waking up to cough up mucus, it was hard for him rise at 7:45 am for me to drive him to the Center by 8:30 for hydration and radiation. But, he made it. He's a trouper!

All things considered, he's doing okay today. Nausea is beginning to develop, but for now it's under control and aside from a hugely sore throat, he is not complaining.

If I were to describe our mood today, I would say we are bracing for a gathering storm. I'm picturing people in Texas who are aware that hurricane "Ike" is headed their way. They know it will be difficult but while they hope that the storm turns away they prepare themselves to survive its impact.

Sam and I became acquainted with fellow North Park Church members Bill and Thelma. Bill has been diagnosed with cancer and had a recent chemo therapy that put him in the hospital. He's recovering at home now and I called to see how they were doing yesterday. Thelma answered and as we talked, our conversation turned to prayer and she gave me a wonderful analogy that I will share about the benefit of prayer.

Thelma said, prayer is like the oars of a canoe when you are out on a lake. The oars don't bring the shore closer to you; they bring you closer to the shore. And prayer, like the oars, doesn't bring God closer to you, it brings you closer to God. I thought that was a beautiful word picture.

I don't know when the full force of the storm will hit or how difficult it will be for Sam this weekend, what I do know is that prayer has a calming effect on Sam and it helps him to keep fighting/striving and that can't be bad.