All This Time

I remember the moment - Sitting on the far side of the living room while my parents told us that Mom had cancer.

I remember the pain - a broken heart, a collapsed world, and no hope.

I remember every single moment between that day five years ago, and the beautiful sunrise I watched this morning. From Mom's surgeries, sickness, bald heads.. All things cancer...

I remember the sobbing as she told me my uncle, her little brother, had cancer as well. The phone call from Grandma during his first surgery. The way he engulfed me in his huge hugs. I remember the heartache watching him and his family walk such a similar path. I remember the hug from my aunt at his funeral. The way his boys look so much like him and were so strong for their Mom.

But I also remember the hope. The way that Mom and Dad grew closer than ever before, with Dad serving Mom as Christ washed His disciples feet. I remember the laughter over the crazy wigs. I remember realizing just how much I love my parents. I remember planting the Hope garden, remembering my uncle, and praying for his family still. I remember the families that brought us meals. I remember all the tears, all the laughter, and I am grateful for all of it. Through all of it, I know that He has walked with us all of the time, and grown us closer together as a family because of it.