The Diagnosis

Cancer

I had his diagnosis. And, once again, one of life’s great truths came to past.  What I came to know, I had always known.  I knew in my heart he must have had cancer. I just had to have a diagnosis.

What would I do?

The drive home was endless. It was a terribly cloudy day and yet every now and then the sun would break through and I knew God was
speaking to me.  And, when the sun would hit me, I would feel His sense of peace. But, then, I would look over at this little dog.  Still trying to smile.  Restless. Thin.  I can feel every bone in his back.

Why just yesterday, he walked down to the lake and kicked his feet letting all the other dogs in the neighborhood know he was still the
pack leader.  He ate all his food.  He was still drinking plenty of water.  The veterinarian said his lab work was good!

What would I do?

I knew deep inside what I had to do.  He would never come home.  If I took him home and let him ‘live out his days’, who would that be for? Him or me? No, today was a pretty good day for him and his last day would be just that.  I would not let his last days be miserable.  He would leave this earth feeling pretty good. I would not let him lose another pound.

The clouds thickened. My heart swelled with emotion. Today would be his last day.  His days were numbered.  28 miles to Wytheville .  I looked down at him and realized that in less than an hour, he would be gone.  The Word describes life ‘like a mist, here today and gone tomorrow’. He would be a memory.  And, then the sun broke out and I realized that God was looking down at me.  My days are numbered too.  He looks down at all of us – and knows – one has 5 minutes.  One a week.  Someone else has 3 years and another only 30.

Thank you Lord that I was so kind to my little dog – even up to his last days.  No matter how much trouble he had become.  No matter that I
had to carry him up and down the steps. No matter the thousands of trips we had to take outside. I was kind and patient with him.

I vow to use this great lesson in my life and in yours. Make this day the best day of your life.  Your days are numbered.  And, make someone else’s
day the best day they have ever had as well. Their days are numbered too.  And, no matter how much trouble someone seems to be – when they are gone – you will sit and remember kindness. And, that helps heal a broken heart.

  “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” Psalm 90:12