An unexpected expression of love, friendship, and the healing hope we have in Him.
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts come at the very moments we need them most. They may look like something simple to others, but carry a story and a meaning that reaches much deeper. This is one of those stories.
By late May, my chemo-radiation treatments were taking a much greater toll on my body than I had anticipated.
My last treatment had been Thursday, May 21. I was 19 treatments into the planned 30. The following day, the radiation machine broke, much to my relief. With the weekend ahead, I had four days away from treatment and thought that by Tuesday, when the machine was expected to be working again, I would have had enough time to recover.
I was very wrong.
On Sunday, May 24, I went to the ER because I felt awful. I had almost no energy, was experiencing significant abdominal pain, and was having difficulty walking. They weren't able to find anything definitive and sent me home.
By Tuesday, I knew I couldn't continue. I had no strength and was barely functioning. Dan took me to see my radiation oncologist, Dr. Sharrett, and had to push me in a wheelchair to get me into his office. Dr. Sharrett was concerned about my condition and agreed that we needed to stop treatments.
That same day, I was scheduled for IV therapy. Since Dan wasn't available to take me, my dear friend Natalia Winecoff, whom I've known and loved for more than 24 years, offered to drive me and stay with me. We had changed my usual Artemisinin and High Dose Vitamin C IV protocol to Cachexia and Poly MVA in hopes of helping revive my system.
As it turned out, Sunshine was there that day, too!
I was so happy to introduce Natalia and Sunshine. The three of us spent time visiting and fellowshipping together. During our conversation, Sunshine asked if I had decided on a painting for the fundraiser. I hadn't.
Jenny, who was helping organize the fundraiser, had suggested that the painting be something representative of Idaho, perhaps an outdoor scene. Sunshine showed me a couple of her paintings, and I told her that if it were entirely up to me, I would choose one in particular. It’s called “The One Who Heals.”
Without hesitation, Sunshine offered to give it to me as a gift.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude. What a generous and unexpected gesture!
Little did I know how much that gift would come to mean to me in the days ahead.
Later that week, my health took another turn. I spent Friday in bed, my abdomen terribly swollen and causing so much discomfort that by evening I told Dan I needed to go to the ER immediately.
What followed was a hospital journey of its own, which I've shared in another post series beginning here: The Goodness of God in the Land of the Living (Click on this link to read).
I finally came home Wednesday afternoon, June 3. I was still extremely weak, using a walker to get around and spending most of my day resting on the couch. My sister was visiting and caring for me, along with other friends and family, and I was grateful just to be home and able to spend time with them.
Then, on Sunday, June 7, another little expression of God's goodness arrived.
Natalia had stayed in touch with Sunshine while I was in the hospital, and she brought me a beautifully wrapped gift from her.
Inside was a printed copy of the painting I had admired and told Sunshine about, along with a necklace featuring a miniature reproduction of that same painting.
I was so touched. Both the painting and the necklace moved my heart. The story behind it, the timing of the gift, and the love of the two women making it happen made it so much more than a beautiful piece of artwork and piece of jewelry.
The painting depicts the woman in Mark 5:25–34 who had suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years. Having sought help from many physicians without finding relief, she reached out in faith, believing that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus' garment, she would be healed. And Jesus responded to her faith with such tenderness, calling her "Daughter" and telling her that her faith had made her well.
There is something about this story that touches my heart so deeply, especially as I walk through my own journey with cancer. I don't presume to know what the road ahead holds, but I know the One who walks it with me. Jesus is my precious Savior, and I continue to look to Him as my Healer. Having this painting and necklace as daily reminders of that truth means more to me than words can express.
I have worn that necklace almost every day since.
I receive so many compliments and questions about it, and I love having the opportunity to share the story. More than once, I've watched someone else become touched by the meaning behind it. What a beautiful reminder that something given in love can continue blessing others long after the moment it is received.
When I think about how Sunshine and I met, how Natalia was there that difficult Tuesday, and how she later became the connection through which this gift reached me, I can't help but see God's hand in it all.
God connected us in a way that overflowed with His goodness.
He is such a good and loving Father. Jesus is our precious Savior and Healer, and I am grateful for these beautiful reminders of His love that I get to see on my wall and wear close to my heart.
Every time I put on that necklace, I am reminded not only of the woman who reached for Jesus in faith, but also of two dear women, Sunshine and Natalia, and the beautiful way God used their lives to bless mine.
What a gift. What a story. What a good Father God.
To read part 1 of this series, click here: When God Sent Sunshine
To see more of artwork done by Sunshine click here: Sunshine Neighbors
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