My nephew Caleb was diagnosed with leukemia a little more than 15 months ago. I cannot tell you the shock of knowing another child in my family would have a journey of living in hospitals. Another child in my family would have illicit chemicals running through their body with extreme side effects. Another child in my family would grow up while being tethered to an IV pole.

It did not seem fair. I mean, if these life-threatening pediatric diseases did have to exist, then surely they should be spread out into different families. Certainly not within the same lineage??

Over time though, I started to see a beauty of sisters sharing a similar yet unthinkable journey. My sister Jenny and I could fall apart together, be angry together, and rejoice at medical victories together.

But most importantly, we understood each other. I understood the world Jenny was walking into, and now for the first time in my family, someone else understood mine.

This bond of shared hardship is instrumental to survival and ultimately healing. Because God knows in times of crises, the suffering need each other.

“Mourn with those who mourn,” takes on a whole new level when the one mourning with you actually knows how to mourn.

Click here to listen to a podcast of my sister’s journey this past year. It is beautiful and incredibly heartfelt. And for those of you who have followed our family the last 10 years, you will see traces of similarities: seeing God through the pain.

This podcast is part of a series called “The UpBeat, Powered by Coach Art.” It focuses on families of chronically ill children – cancer, diabetes, autoimmune, etc. It brings together those who need hope and understanding during their hardest moments.

Please listen, it will be your unexpected miracle of the day.

Love to each of you,

C

     

My nephew, Caleb & his mother/my sister, Jenny