Father’s Faith

My father has been diagnosed to have lung cancer.  He is 89 years old.  It is not too surprising for him to have health issues.  In fact, he has already outlived all his family members as far as I know.  He will probably pass away in the not-too-distant future.  It is very hard to talk about this.  I also struggle as to whether it is appropriate to share something so private.  On the other hand, in the face of his struggles with cancer, most other matters pale in comparison.  And I find it difficult to write about anything else.  

He has led a very full life, and he continues to impress all the people who gets to know him, even when he is in the hospital.   He has decided that he is ready to leave this life and go to be with God.  He does not want to have his cancer treated.  He does not ask God why he has cancer.   He has faith that he is going to heaven and  heaven is a good place, so he is not afraid.  He openly and cheerfully discusses with us how he would like us to take care of his remains when he passes away.  The pain is getting stronger, particularly when he coughs, and he needs strong painkillers to manage the pain.  But once the pain is under control he is cheerful again.   His only question is why God does not take him away right-away. 

He has always been a people person.  He is easily the most popular elder among our extended family and relatives.  He is so good in his work and so kind to his workmates, subordinates and superiors that people go out of their way to help him when he is in need.  Since his retirement, he spends most of his time volunteering at church, nursing homes, etc., that the Ontario government gave him multiple awards (more than 10 at last count).   

Now his strong faith in the face of cancer is impressing everyone around him.  When I accompany my mother and sister to his church, so many people come up to ask about him continuously.  He seems to know everyone.  And everyone seems to know him.  He has touched a lot of people’s lives.  I told my father perhaps this is part of the reason why God is keeping him here for a little longer yet.  

I am very proud of my father.  I made him a bird, out of a piece of a branch from a palm tree, that can balance on its beak.  He seems to like it.  My father is very good with his hands.  And I think he appreciates things like that.