CHAIN REACTION

"Cole", nineteen, was diagnosed with leukemia eighteen months ago. After ten months in remission, his cancer has suddenly returned. Last week, Cole was admitted into our hospice program. When I went out to meet with the family, Cole was unresponsive and his death was imminent. The family is rallying around, is involved and supportive.

I met with Cole's father, "Ben", who would tear up when he thought about those future moments that are now lost. Ben was looking forward to spending adult time with his son. Those moments had only just begun for him. Ben shared that he felt his life would be tortured because of what he and his son would never have.

I also met with Cole's sixteen year old sister, "Lisa". She told me that her father has always been a "Man of Steel". Lisa said that she feels Superman is crumbling when she sees her father cry. Both Ben and Lisa are wise beyond their years due to tremendous insight. I know they both will be fine as there is an abundance of love in this family as well as their strong Christian faith that sustains them.

Father and daughter are both grieving such a strong personal loss that can only be identified by each of them personally; father to son and daughter to father.


CHAIN REACTION


He's grieving for the years ahead
that suddenly vanished before their time.
Yearning for more of those special moments,
that had only just begun.

He foresees a tortured future
in this life without his son.
The dreams so quickly snatched away,
leaving a hole deep inside his heart.

He has always been her protector.
Her "Man of Steel"; her powerful dad.
Now she sees Superman crumbling.
Family dynamics unexpectedly changed.

A grief driven chain reaction
has interrupted the family's flow.
A momentary stop redefines the course.
In proper time, they'll forge ahead.

A chain reaction of love
is that strong.