I had the privilege of being with my little brother, Kenny, for many of his treatments at UCSF. This was one of my reflections…

I get to UCSF very early. This gives me time to look out the windows for my little brother’s arrival. The shock of his appearance staggers me every time; cancer seems to be erasing his flesh as his bones protrude, and his once energetic walk is now a slow,unsteady hobble.  As I walk the halls, I pass people whose faces are also etched with pain and our heartbreaks ricochet off one another. This disorienting reality catapults me to the edge of eternity.  I think about the time we are given on this earth. Our stop here is so brief. And I am consumed by the significance of what we choose to do with our moments.

Lord Jesus, You created us for purpose. Let us not miss it.

Grief is feeling like childbirth labor; mind altering pain…trying to breathe through it…pant, pant, pant. And just as labor produces new life, so may the healing balm of grace do the same.