People

---

Through the Eyes of a Caretaker
( A Parents' Journey)

The caretakers keep their "chin up" even though the bad news comes.

"I'm sorry," the doctor says, " Your son's tumor was cancerous. He'll need a specialist, and then there's the chemo and radiation."

Shock, denial, anger- how can so many emotions flood the heart at one time?

As they hear the news, the caretakers turn their heads, wipe their tears, and recompose.

Chin up again, they turn to their son.

"Come on, we're gonna make it. God will help us. You know they've made a lot of progress with treatments these days. We're gonna be right here with you.

The caretakers wait for the right moment to slip away unnoticed, close themselves in behind locked doors and unload their burden of grief. Thrown into a world of uncertainty, life changes, and broken hearts, the caretakers embrace this moment of solitude to try and sort things out.

"Please help us, Our Great Caretaker!" they cry.

The Greatest Caretaker of all softly replies, "Do not be afraid."

At first the news seems so unreal, even as though they are in a dream, but as appointments are made and the treatments have begun, the reality sets in. "This is real. This is our son that has to face the horror of cancer."

They see their son suffer from pain, nauseated and throwing up from the treatments, becoming pale and tired from low blood counts. How can their hearts bear any more? Back they go to their room of solitude, behind locked doors, crying uncontrollably

"Please help us Our Great Caretaker!" they cry.

"Cast your care on me, for I care for you," The Greatest Caretaker of all softly replies.

Their son still needs them so they wash their faces, give themselves a few encouraging words, and put on their chin up attitude.

The caretakers will cook the meals, sometimes two or three different options, because the chemo has changed their son's taste senses. They'll straighten sheets, fluff pillows, and make sure the bath water is just the right temperature. At the end of the day, tired and weary, they'll find their place of solitude behind locked doors where they can finally fall to their knees and cry,

"Please help us Our Great Caretaker!"

The Greatest Caretaker of all softly replies, "My strength is made perfect in your weakness."

And so the days continue on.

The caretakers take a long journey in which they learn of patience, endurance, and love. They know they can not of themselves have strength, physically mentally , or emotionally to take care of their son.

The caretakers learn they are the hands and feet of the Greatest Caretaker of all and by His grace, they can make it through one more day.

Brenda Thomas

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE