Our goal was a new adventure every day. One was an ATV tour
of a large private ranch which had been the setting for movies such as
Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. Before we got too far into the tour, we were screened
to make sure we could drive our vehicles safely. The last test was a descent
down a steep muddy embankment full of roots and ruts. We parked our ATV’s on
the rim of the embankment in preparation for the test and listened as our guide
gave instructions. Getting into his vehicle to demonstrate, he offered this
invitation:
“If you don’t feel
comfortable driving this descent, get out now. You may take the rest of the tour
as a passenger in my vehicle.”
The ensuing silence was interrupted by a cell phone. Harold
glanced down; saw the number and quickly stepped away to take the call. The
rest of our small group awkwardly waited.
“Hey, was that business or family,” our guide kindly
questioned as Harold rejoined the group. Looking a bit sheepish, Harold
replied, “Medical.” The subject was dropped and the demonstration began.
There was no time to talk as we jumped back into our vehicles
but Harold quickly whispered that the call was from our hospital letting him
know that his brain surgery had been scheduled for Friday, February 1st. *
We may not have had time to talk but that didn’t keep my
mind from playing with the strange juxtaposition of ideas: driving down a steep embankment / scheduling brain surgery.
We were not afraid of taking the descent down that
muddy track because we've driven ATV’s before and know what these machines can do. There was no need to accept the
guide’s invitation and besides, driving was the point, the fun. We enjoyed the element
of danger and excitement.
We are not afraid of Harold’s approaching
surgery because we’ve taken this road before and know what our team can do. There is an element of danger and perhaps anticipation but instead of excitement, a sober recognition of the challenges ahead.
Here’s where the comparison got interesting. Unlike the ATV
excursion, we’ve accepted the invitation of a ride through this cancer adventure and believe me, it doesn’t ruin the fun. Faith in the Savior allows
us to be carried through the steep challenges of life while receiving the
refining experiences that enrich our lives.
We are grateful for the lift.
* Harold will
undergo a craniotomy, which is a surgical
operation in which a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access
the brain so the tumors can be removed. The bone flap is then replaced using
titanium plates and screws. This will be the third time he’s had this surgery.
He will also have another gamma knife procedure on February 13th.
