This picture was taken one year ago today. As it showed up in my memories on Facebook, it broke my heart. My sweet handsome boy. How did this happen? He was a healthy 10-year old boy that was full of energy and loved life. He would wake up at the crack of dawn and seize the day. He loved the outdoors from swimming, fishing, hunting to riding 4-wheelers. The dirtier he was the better.
Wow, how his world changed all in one afternoon on September 11, 2017.
Luke went from rarely missing a day outside to rarely being able to go outside and when he did, he had to wear a mask.
Even though Luke is not here today, I still believe Luke was stronger than this cancer because cancer didn’t take him, God took him away from this cancer. I also believe that the real battle is not whether you live or die but how you respond to the challenge.
He went from being able to go outside everyday to being stuck in the hospital for over 150 days and never once did he complain. He was happy most of the time. He never once complained of being bored. We always thought of something to do whether we were making slime, shooting nerf guns, playing with fidget spinners, drawing, arts and crafts, watching you tube videos or movies, playing board games, visiting the nurses, or playing video games. Luke made the best out of every situation. God gave Luke the strength of a true warrior. He was courageous and insistent on enjoying life. I saw God work through Luke and change his life. He became compassionate and caring for others. He had patience and such contentment that can only come from our Savior.
Some people say that Luke lost his battle with cancer, but I couldn’t disagree more. Luke fought hard and never gave up until God allowed him to let go. He gave him a peace that surpassed all understanding (Philippians 4:7). He quit fighting this awful disease the day we found out there was no further treatment . Let me explain. On April 3, we found out that Luke’s leukemia had returned and there was no further treatment. Luke had texted his Mason to tell him that the leukemia was back and that he was going to die. In the text, Luke mentioned that he wasn’t ready to die yet. Well on the way home from the hospital, during our 2 hour drive, Luke was very quiet. I kept asking him if he was ok and he just said,” Mom, I am just trying to take this all in.” The next day, April 4th, he told me he was ready to see Jesus and he had said that several times before he died. He was ok with dying and he was ready to go to heaven. He knew he didn’t have to fight anymore because God was taking him away from this awful cancer and setting him free!
So yes Luke is stronger than cancer because he is sitting with Jesus right now, cancer FREE!
He is living the most victorious life possible!
If we could see Luke now, we would definitely and he would definitely disagree that he lost his battle to cancer.
At one time, Luke had said ,” Mom, God just can’t wait to see this awesome kid!”. And he was right. Heaven was waiting for Luke and there is no place like home. Luke won his battle victoriously!
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:1-3).
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Truly inspirational! I love reading your blogs! So informative and faith filled. Thank you for sharing with us! Luke truly was an amazing kid. I am still learning from him through your posts. Still praying for you and your family.