“A Good Day” – A Poem by my Wife

It’s understood that trials in one’s life don’t only affect the afflicted. The lives of family and friends are often just as impacted. Even so, it’s easy to overlook or minimize the challenges faced by others. Their perspective is often missed as attention is focused on the stricken. Unless that person has been you…

Think about it: how would you feel if your husband or wife was seriously ill and you were left trying to care for him/her and two young children? Your life has been thrust on its head. Everything that was normal or routine has been reduced to a triage as you try to do what’s most critical for those you love and shelve all the rest, all the while dealing with your own emotional turmoil. The future you dreamed of is suddenly in question. Where do you go for help?

In retrospect, the difficulty of two deployments to Iraq has prepared us somewhat for this experience. It would have been hard to appreciate this when were experiencing them. Still, this time different challenges and risks present themselves; preparing for these would have been nearly impossible.

The following is a poem by my wife, Christi, written after my first round of chemotherapy when I was home for a few days.  I’ve already told you why she is my best friend. She is amazing. Even more amazing is the God she serves.

“A Good Day”

Sunken cheeks
Thinning hair…
And arms…
And legs–
Not so subtle reminders
That tell the story we wish was not true.

Outwardly perishing
But the spirit soaks up
Your Word and finds renewal.