Have you ever experienced a difficult month where life seems a bit too much to bear? A month when one after another crisis challenges you?  These are the times that many want to blame God for the injustice and tragedies that are witnessed or experienced. These are situations we cling to God and ask, “Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?”

When I was a kid I heard the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”  Perhaps the saying should be “When suffering comes our way, let God’s love take over.”

The past month we witnessed one tragedy and crisis followed ever too closely by another.  I witnessed the lives of two families who transfigured pain, suffering, and ultimately death with the power of God’s love and promise of the resurrection.

Hudson Taylor was a two-year old recovering from a brain tumor.  He came to Camp Agape from Montana with his caring mom Kendra and two brothers. They had a magnificent time at camp­–I remember the smile on Kendra’s face as Hudson lay upon her chest.  She shared how she loved watching her boys laughing and having a great time at camp.  She said, “Life can’t get any better Fr. Tom.  God is good–and life is good.”

Hudson was scheduled for a routine tonsillectomy the day following camp.  Wisely, Kendra felt something was not quite right and asked that Hudson have a CAT scan before undergoing surgery.  The results were not good.  Hudson had developed several marble-sized tumors up and down his neck and spine.  Treatment was not an option so the hope was to minimize the pain for Hudson as the tumors took over.  Kendra and her family knew that time was short for Hudson and that his time on earth was limited.

 What transpired in the days to come was not an angry family clenching their fists at God.  There was not cursing and even rage towards our Creator.  What unfolded was God’s promise to us that when “two or more are gathered in His name, He will be there.”  Everyone who stepped into room 1260 experienced the sacredness of time and realized God’s presence.  We saw Kendra in bed with her sweet boy gently caressing his soft face and wiping off the sweat.  The image of little Hudson embraced in the loving arms of his mother as he is hooked up to countless monitors is etched in my mind.

What would you say?

During the same month, we had the privilege of visiting our dear friend Christine Hall just three days before she died.  Our precious friend had been courageously battling melanoma cancer over the past four years.  During countless treatments and procedures Christine had many dear family and friends faithfully praying for her healing.

Christine lived a life of courage, faith, and perseverance.  She was determined to choose life at every turn of each chapter of her cancer story.   But the tragic news came at the beginning of summer that the cancer was spreading with a vengeance and time was short.

Christine invited Presvytera Pat and me alongside a few other friends to her home for our final visit.  She was sitting on the couch with her oxygen tubes in her nose.   She looked frail and weak but her spirit was willing to share her love and gratefulness with us.  We giggled over old memories and stories with both tears and laughter.  She asked us to watch over her two teenage daughters, her husband and her parents.

Finally, as she slowly walked us to the door we all prayed the Lord’s Prayer together–realizing that it was truly our faith in the resurrection and life that is to come which sustains us at these most difficult moments. If you had an hour with someone you loved and knew that death was imminent, what would be the focus of your conversation?   What words, prayers or songs would you be sharing?  Few are privileged to experience this kind of intimacy and love with another person before they die.  I continued to think of how important it can be to honestly and lovingly share with those we love our thoughts and feelings daily.

For some, it could be a perfect opportunity to rage at the unfairness of life and all the pain and suffering that comes along with death.  It could be a time of great doubt thinking that God doesn’t really hear and answer prayers.But through these experiences walking alongside both Hudson and Christine, there were only grateful hearts for God’s abundant mercy and life-changing miracles. These last days were all about allowing Jesus to transfigure pain, suffering, and even death with His love.

Christine’s husband asked her “What would you want to tell people who attend your funeral?”   Her response was shared at her memorial service before hundreds of family and friends.  She said, “I’m so deeply grateful, honored and touched that all of you took time out of your busy schedules to be here today to honor me and my family. I want you to know how your love and faith has transformed and inspired me.  How your prayers have changed my life – I am forever grateful for your friendship and influence in my life…”

 “Everlasting be their memory.”               + Fr. Tom

 As we begin the Ecclesiastical New Year, may we remember to take up our cross and follow Christ our Lord.    With truth, grace and love, He will guide us through all circumstances.  Please make ever effort to attend the upcoming feast days on Sept. 8 and September 14.