Saturday, December 23, 2023

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 

Illustrated by Hannah Angerer, age 11

This time last year, our family’s world was turned upside down. And now, with my cancer in remission, I am overwhelmed by the lessons I learned about how good people truly are.

Late in 2022 I discovered a lump on my neck and was shocked to learn that it was cancer.  As our family was busy with holiday activities and coordinating SMPC’s Angel Tree project, I had a lymph node removed and a port inserted that would administer an intense regimen of chemotherapy for lymphoma.  At 6 a.m. on December 28, I arrived at the hospital where they did a series of tests, and I received my first chemotherapy treatment which lasted for 10 hours.

The months of treatment left me extremely weak and unable to do just about anything. That’s when I began to see the face of God in all of the people who were there to support both John and me.

My daughter Kristin is the pragmatic one – like me. She sees a task that needs to be done and she handles it; she drove me to appointments and reminded me, “It’s OK. We’ll get through this.”  My daughter-in-law Tierra is a nurse. She was with me at all my doctor’s appointments armed with a list of questions. She took my vitals, checked my blood pressure, etc; she is a nurturer and would make sure I was doing everything I could to get through this challenge. Their husbands were their support; also, when Kristin and Tierra could not be available for their own children, friends stepped in to help with the grandchildren.  I am amazed by all the people I don’t even know who found ways to support our family.

A neighbor stopped by and said that several people had expressed a desire to do something for us – would it be OK if she sent around a signup to make dinner? Soon, there were 35 neighbors signed up! Along with the dinners supplied by SMPC’s meal ministry, we were well cared for. When all I could do was sit, I would look at the kitchen counter filled with food and flowers and snuggle with a comforting prayer shawl. It was all so uplifting to John and me – especially the cards. All the cards!! Some kind souls sent us cards every week!

Throughout the year I saw God at work in so many ways, including the sense of peace I felt. I was seldom anxious; I knew I’d get through it in some way even though I was told afterwards that no one my age had received such intense treatment.

This Advent season, it is my hope that all can find peace and calm in their hearts and enjoy the gift of Christ.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for sending your precious son into the world. Bless all those facing challenges in their lives and may they feel your steadfast love. Help us to find peace in our hearts and in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Karen Sandeen

Today 16 families will receive 237 Angel Tree gifts and a full Christmas meal, delivered by 16 SMPC families, thanks to the efforts of our Angel Tree coordinators — the Sandeen and Colson families.