[Faith-talk] Kitchen Camping by Vivian Mabuni, a breast cancer survivor

[Paul Smith]

The following was taken from her book "Warrior In Pink:  A Story of 
Cancer, Community, and the God Who Comforts" by Vivian Mabuni, copyright 2014

Tired of being in our bedroom staring at the ceiling, I began to 
migrate to new places to sleep.  After another round of chemotherapy, I 
found myself knocked out sleeping on the couch in the TV room.  Around 
2:30 A.M., the predictable pain peaked.  I thought I'd done a good job 
of layering my pain and nausea meds, but I found myself unsuccessful.  
I wandered into the kitchen to get some water and then slid down to the floor.

My husband, Darrin, came into the kitchen and sat down next to me.  He 
said nothing.  Leaning up against his arm was enough.  After sitting 
for a long, long time in silence, Darrin asked, "Do you want to stay in 
the kitchen?" I nodded.  He left the room.

I closed my eyes hoping it would quell the nausea.  When I opened them 
again, Darrin stood at the doorway to the kitchen, arms full of 
sleeping bags and pillows.  I watched as he set up camp for us.  As I 
lay there in the dark next to Darrin, I fell into a fitful sleep 
wondering, How much more can I take?

As the daylight streamed in through the kitchen windows, I knew the 
battle still raged on.  I knew chemo had more to take from me and to 
teach me.  But I also knew I'd make it.  Because I had Darrin.  Because 
my children pulled for me.  Because our church family tangibly loved 
us.  Because people prayed for me.  Because God stood very near.

And all of that told me that no matter what chemo took from me, it had 
given me far more.  Life, yes.  But also blessings I would have never 
known--or allowed myself to accept--without what I struggled through.

And there you have today's short but hopefully timely article.  Until 
tomorrow when, Lord willing in this space there will either be another 
timely article or perhaps a message from Tim Smith from the Museum of 
the Bible.  Until then may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob just 
keep us safe, individually and collectively, in these last days in 
which we live.  Your Christian friend and brother, Paul