Redeem the Day…

I was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago on this date. Anyone who has studied mental health and human behavior (as I have done) can tell you that anniversaries of any type of trauma are difficult.

Knowing this, I decided to take back November 22 from the realm of trauma and return it to its rightful place. How, may you ask? By asking God to redeem the day.

Several weeks ago, I looked up in my old journal the EXACT day I received the news that I had cancer. For the last 20 years, I have let my emotions remind me of that horrible time, getting sad or cranky on and around that day.

Not this year….

I put the date in my calendar and made the decision that I would do something on the exact day to celebrate the miracle of being alive.

I should probably state why that is a miracle. According to medical studies, I should have been dead a long time ago. When I was first diagnosed, my prognosis was 2-5 years. There are very few that make it past 16 years.

I was reminded of this miracle when I was at my appointment at Mayo in September when my hematologist said how glad she was to see me. I looked at her oddly and said, “I am happy to see you too…” She then let me know that most people don’t do this well with my kind of cancer. It was good to have a medical professional confirm what I already knew. God is Good!!

When I made the decision to celebrate today, I didn’t know what today would look like. Last night, well before I needed to get up, I awakened with the plan for the day. Today is going to be a day of gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord. (I know, good timing, right?)

I have asked my husband and kids to participate in this day of redemption and they willingly accepted. When they all get home from work this evening, I will let them in on the plans.

First, I am going to ask everyone to find a piece of clothing or hat (looking at you, Zach) that they feel will be appropriate for the occasion.

Second, I am going to ask each person to go off to a quiet space of their choosing in the house and write down everything they can think of throughout their lives that God has helped them through or with.

Third, I am going to lead us in a prayer time, and we will list all of those things out to God and thank Him for absolutely everything. Hopefully Glorifying Him in the process.

Fourth, I am going to request that each of us get a musical instrument of some sort (I will use a shofar) and I am going to lead a procession around our house in jubilant dancing to music. (Think of King David). Of course, I will be dance-hobbling, but I think God will be pleased either way.

Fifth, I am going to have us pick out 2 scriptures, one for the side of the door that we use to leave the house, and one for the side of the door we use to return home. I will then design pictures with those words on them and when they are delivered, I will hang them on the door.

Sixth, We are going to prepare a feast.

Seventh, We are going to thank the Lord for that feast and we are going to enjoy it.

Now I know what I am asking my family to do is a big ask. I have never played the cancer card before, but if I have to, I will. I really don’t think I will have to. I have an awesome family who will do these things because they love me and are willing to give up their Friday night to honor my requests.

Whelp… that’s my plan. I am very hopeful that God will redeem this day for all of us. I honestly think it will work so well that I may want to repeat it next year.

Who knows? It may become a tradition in our family.

So if you drive by our home and hear a ruckus, you’ll know why and you can smile to yourselves knowing that this family is CHOOSING JOY and asking God for redemption of the day!

“Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”    Jeremiah 31:13 NRSV

Note from Jeff:  Stephanie is letting me add a quick note to this posting.  I am so thankful that God has brought her through these last 20 years.  The boys and I certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without her.  Most importantly, she always take the opportunity to use her trials to help others going through similar experiences.  Proud to call her my wife and look forward to the next 20 ,30, 40 years…