One Month

A month ago today, as I lay on my hospital bed, the effects of the anesthesia slowly dissipating from my body, my gastroenterologist announced that a cancerous mass had been discovered in my sigmoid colon.  In that moment everything changed and yet the core of who I am and what I believe solidified and provided a foundation of strength for the challenges ahead.

Those who know me know that my faith is central to my life.  I truly believe that we are each a son or daughter of a kind, loving Heavenly Father who knows us, loves us and whose deepest concern is our happiness.  While He doesn't necessarily place trials in our lives, He allows the normal challenges of being human to be part of our lives.  During the trying times of our lives He doesn't abandon us nor does He usually take away our challenge.  Rather, as we turn to Him, He increases our capacities and abilities to meet our circumstances through the grace of His son, Jesus Christ. I have experienced that enabling power in numerous real and tangible ways over the past month.

While I am terribly embarrassed about the amount of attention I have received, I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the innumerable acts of faith that have been performed on my and my family's behalf over the past month.  Hundreds of  individuals have prayed for us, fasted for us, and strengthened us through acts of service and kindness.  A direct result of this unified faith on our behalf has been the gift of peace.  During the past month I have not experienced fear, despair, or even anxiousness.  I have been blessed with a spirit of peace, hope and comfort.  A favorite scripture has been a source of inspiration, "The Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.  And we did take courage ... and were fixed with a determination to conquer ..."  Alma 58:11-12

We have been blessed to be guided to a wonderful surgeon who skillfully performed my operation. We are grateful that my body has responded and is healing quickly.  I am sore but not in pain.  I lack stamina but am growing stronger each day.  The results of the procedure and pathology test have been overwhelmingly positive.  That being said, the tumor was categorized as "ugly" and "aggressive" and has left traces of its mark.  Dr. Kim stated that I am 85-90% cured.  Over the next few weeks we will be determining the best treatment path forward.

So much can happen in one month.  Our lives have been altered for the better because of the events of this past month.  In the classic movie "It's a Wonderful Life" the lead character, George Bailey, receives a note from his guardian angel, Clarence, that reads, "Remember, George:  no man is failure who has friends."  This past month has been my "It's a Wonderful Life" moment.  I am so grateful for each person and relationship that has added to the tapestry of my life.

Thank you for all you have done for me,

Chris