I'm not even going to touch the fact that I haven't blogged in oh....forever! I have good intentions but...anyway, no excuses. On to my post.
I was very blessed last week. I went to Atlanta and stayed at the Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge with a friend. This is a lodge run by the American Cancer Society. My friend Judy has leukemia and had a stem cell transplant. She stays at the lodge because she has to go to the hospital every other day for treatments. Since her immune system is so suppressed, she needs a caregiver to stay with her and support her in every day activities. That's where I came in. Last week was my turn.
There are so many guests at the lodge who are facing such enormous challenges, yet they are always smiling and caring. I can't tell you how many times someone came to me to ask how Judy was doing if they didn't see her with me. They have genuine concern for each other. They check on others after doctor's appointments, they encourage each other when going through severe pain, and they rejoice together when milestones are reached in their recovery. We all celebrated together when one couple "graduated". The husband's treatments were done, he was doing well, and they were allowed to return home. It was a great moment.
There are some there who are very discouraged, scared and down. Others come to stay at the lodge alone, because they have no one to support then in their illness. Other guests are quick to rally around them, include them and encourage them.
Throughout the week, I praised the Lord for my health, and also thanked Him for the lessons learned in caring, compassion and encouragement.
I was only there one week, but it was a week I will never forget. It was such a privilege to care for Judy and meet each of the guests there and learn a little about them. I wouldn't trade that week for anything!
I pray daily for Judy and her husband. Now I have new friends to pray for and I am grateful.
