Monday, March 30

Psalm 31: 9-16

Thinking on those lines, my thoughts turned to my elderly aunt who passed on a few years ago. In her late 80’s she came down with cancer. She endured a year or so. I visited her on a regular basis, before and during her terminal illness. I think she appreciated it, in part, because my Dad had been her favorite brother and she saw him in me.

It became apparent that cancer wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened to her. Sure, she was miserable with pain and discomfort. Just as bad, or worse, she had lost most of the loved ones in her life: Husband, daughter, brothers and sisters. All had died and left her pretty much alone. She once commented to me “Everyone is gone! What’s the use of living?”

I made attempts to encourage her to take an interest in something new, but her fate was sealed.

She remained at home in her final months. A gracious niece from the east coast came to care for her and I managed to visit a few times until her final day.

Is there an uplifting ending in this story? A faithful, religious woman, I know she appreciated the kind ministry of her church. But, in the end, did she truly look to God for grace and steadfast love? Will I? Honestly, I am still seeking the answer.