Thor has just undergone a third surgery to his knee to remove infection. After yet another week of IV antibiotics, the doctor is threatening a fourth surgery next week if the healing does not progress. Compromised by his cancer and the radiation treatments, it feels as if he is scaling a steep, and dangerous, cliff wall.
What we desire right now is relief: a sign that things are turning around and that a return to health is imminent.
There are no worldly things that can calm the anxiety of uncertainty. Even our summer travel plans, which had previously given us something to look forward to, are now cancelled. Life is on hold.
The kindness of friends brings reassurance and warmth, but the reality still looms, stifling.
Rationally, I know that grief has many stages and that bargaining is just one of them, however, that is exactly what I want to do: negotiate. I want to make a deal with God that I will give up all my material wealth if only He will promise me that my husband will be well.
It is a desperate and hollow plea.
Instead, I must find inside myself the courage and strength to carry on. Surrendering to fear is not an option – my husband deserves more than that. Fiercely, I must attack this enemy with all the love and compassion that I possess.
It is all that matters right now.
One Woman's Quest 