So much of what you describe about your experience and going through chemo for stage four cancer is achingly familiar. In my case, my wife had ovarian cancer, but the size of her tumor was very similar to your wife’s and the process was the same. Initially, it seemed like no big deal, but with each round, the side effects became more debilitating and took longer to recover from. We were both relieved when it was over.

But enough of reminiscing about a painful period in our lives. If I may, let me offer a small token of hope for you and your family. Most people would say that there is no silver lining for those battling cancer. My experience was a little different. After going through the trial of three major operations and 12 rounds of chemo, my wife and I finally found a place where we could breathe again. Our nightmare was over (at least for a short period. No one knows what will come next. The waiting and uncertainty is hard.)

After all the suffering, which seemed like it would never end, we found we had a new appreciation for life. Even the small things like the smell of flowers on the breeze or the warmth of the light filtering through the trees as we sat outside enjoying nature, took on a new vividness. The delight in an unannounced visit by an old friend. We could fully just be in the moment, doing and saying nothing, immersed in the creation that God had wrought.

We did not even think about tomorrow. We took joy at just being in the moment. We had a new appreciation for life. The demands and plans and struggles of ordinary existence faded in the distance. We understood the parable of the birds and the lilies of the field in a new and deeper way. We did not fret about what tomorrow might bring. it was a glorious time.

I am thrilled that you and your wife and children will have the opportunity to enjoy a special vacation in a place of beauty. My prayer for you is that you and your whole family are blessed with the same experience of wonder and joy during that special time.