I got to babysit today. This means two things: someone outside of my family has actually hired me (I hear that’s a good thing, they have to like you) and I was able to have some deep conversations with a three year old. I just love hearing the view on the world from a kid because it just excites me. Anything can happen and dreams are just as common as a diaper change or whatever kids show paraphernalia is popular at the time (Yo Gabba Gabba is… well… the jury is still out…). Despite these conversations that I love to have, the one that really got my attention was with the mother.
Robin is a mother of two that are both younger than three years old and is fighting a battle no mother expects to fight at her age. In her mid to late twenties at best, Robin has just faced the last year filled with treatments for cancer. I remember getting an e-mail from my sister-in-law the day they found out, and I can’t even imagine what that moment would feel like. The message was written by her husband, and in a calm and confident way, he just asked for the prayers of his friends and family. Losing this battle was never an option for anyone (I don’t think it ever is though).
When I showed up to the house this afternoon, I was greeted by a woman, rocking the short hairstyle, full of energy and excitement. Over the next few minutes, she gave me the run down of how I could take care of the kids and along the way, I was able to hear a little about the journey that this past year has been. I don’t think there’s ever been a “good” battle with cancer, but her testimony and peace around her just speaks so clearly. I know there are testimonies all over of people surviving this battle, but I just can’t help but be reminded of what matters when I hear her speak.
Praise God that these two kids get to grow up with a mom (a lot of us take that for granted). Praise God that Robin has been able to stand strong despite her body fighting against her. Praise God that this family will always have the reminder of how short life CAN be.
I’m sure not much has been easy during this time, but how Robin welcomed me in and told her story, showed me her strength. At this point, it would be easy for me to say, “Be careful what you take for granted,” but I don’t feel like that’s enough. What I will say is there’s a strength in all of us that too often remains dormant. We wait until we have a good story or reason to test our strength when it’s there all along. Don’t lie dormant believing you’re not strong enough. If there’s something inside that longs for more, don’t let fear paralyze you. After all, passivity through fear cripples way more than that leap of faith does.
