At 34, I buried my mother. Half a year later, my five-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. I have seen pain. I know what it is to be angry, sad, numb; to want to hide in the darkness of your bed.
But I have also experienced tangible love through the Christian community: friends brought meals every day; delivered flowers, fruit, and pastries; did our laundry; babysat our boys; or simply showed up with a card and a hug. One friend threw a birthday party for our son while we held vigil at my mom’s bedside; others offered to sing and play piano at her funeral.
I have been held up by prayer when I thought I had nothing left. We have heard so many “I love yous” – without words.
This is a gift: God has shown me that when “I wish I could help,” I should!
Don’t wait for the right time. When you ask, “Is there anything I can do?” be specific. Do laundry. Shop for groceries. Make a meal. Take the kids for an hour. Or just go ring the doorbell, and give a hug!
—Betty Doerksen, St. Catharines, Ont.
We want to hear your stories! Send your 50–200 word account of being or experiencing “the hands of God” to mbherald@mbconf.ca or MB Herald 1310 Taylor Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3M 3Z6.
