The Ride

Hawaii was a good idea. We hiked jungle trails and biked shoreline paths. We played in the surf and swam pristine pools. Evenings included moonlight dinners and barefoot beach walks. It was the perfect place to unwind and regroup for the challenges ahead.

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 1^st. *

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 13^th.