Surreal Moments
Wes Wick
First it was just a nasty cold, with congestion eventually making its way to my chest. Some wheezing and light coughing followed, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Surprisingly, my doctor advised that my cold had progressed to my first-ever pneumonia bout, and meds and blood tests were prescribed. Later that day one test revealed a high white blood cell count. I assumed it was my body fighting off the pneumonia. But my doctor soon clarified that my numbers doubled the elevated level expected with pneumonia.
Long story short, I have leukemia. More specifically: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, the most common form of leukemia in adults).
It’s surreal getting unexpected news like this. I’ve heard some of these medical terms before, but never so jarring or personal. Dreams of living to a ripe old age seemed instantly compromised. Internet medical research yielded articles of comfort and hope—and grim realities.
Not all believers respond the same way, but I was immediately blessed with a calm assurance that God has this. He knows the path forward and will walk it with me. We have a Savior who experienced the worst suffering imaginable, firsthand…for us.
Although leukemia is a frightening word, the early prognosis looks good, pretty much living life as usual. No treatment for now, just quarterly blood tests to monitor.
I know that my calm assurance may later be tested. A recent study in James reinforced our familiar ‘count it all joy’ admonition. We don’t race to joy when others encounter trouble, but God’s gift for us in personal setbacks is His wide-sweeping joy. In another passage, Paul, a frequent prisoner, said he experienced joy that knew no bounds.
Recently Judy & I wrote about time’s relentless march, moving us from life’s second half into the third third. One slightly older friend quickly reminded us that our final quarter loomed close at hand. And I may have just barreled into that quadrant, too.
We’re blessed to already be in the process of passing the YES! leadership torch to Dan & Shani Parotti. So grateful that we’re not scrambling. God in His sovereignty knew we would need them for such a time as this.
Jesus, take the wheel! Your prayers and support are certainly appreciated! Unexpected hurdles come, but we’re still young enough to serve. :)