My good friend Mark was not unaccustomed to serious illness. As if suffering through terminal stomach cancer wasn’t enough of a cross to bear, he had survived a previous bout with cancer, as well as life threatening heart attacks.
Mark related how he “died” from one heart attack in a public area at the Denver airport some years ago. While laying on the ground in terrific pain he wondered what all the gathering people were experiencing as they watched someone die right before their eyes.
From his previous cancer he had a good idea what was in store with the proposed chemo treatments for his latest diagnosis. He considered whether just to forgo such treatments and maximize quality of life. To his great credit, his overwhelming consideration was to do what was best for his wife. He said he had a high tolerance for pain and could, once again, deal with the treatment. But he didn’t want to drain the family savings to disadvantage his wife. Fortunately, his medical insurance covered him sufficiently.
Mark didn’t fear death. His faith gave him confidence in the hereafter. He did fear leaving his wife a widow, and burdening her with his care in his decline. He also confessed he was apprehensive about the difficult journey leading to death, not what would happen after.
A few months ago I asked him if he had regrets about his decision to have chemo and other treatments, if the added months of life were worth the suffering. He said he would do the same again. (I have heard others say, after having gone through chemo, etc., that if they had another diagnosis they would not go through it again.)
I never heard Mark curse his misfortune with ill health and premature demise. I only heard words of faith and testimony in his God, his Savior, and the plan of salvation. And gratitude for his wife and family, the wonderful life he had enjoyed, and many who surrounded him with service, as well as his opportunities to serve others through his life.
Mark, your difficult journey is over. Well done, my friend. May you rest in peace.
He sounds like a man of great faith.