Can light shine, even in the darkness?

For many people, spiritual questions arise not just at the point of a cancer diagnosis but also with the ebb and flow of the hard work of treatment. Most of us have worked hard at one time or another, at a career, in school and home—and we have experienced the ups and downs of each. If a cancer diagnosis can be approached from the vantage point of a second job—and a hard one at that—we might be able to remember that there’s usually no straight line between start and finish. I have listened to a friend speak about chemotherapy being tweaked and intensified, one round following another, and feel like I am hearing life’s triumphs and discouragements recapitulated in her indefatigable spirit.

It brings to mind Langston Hughes’ poem, “Mother and Son”:

Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair,
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So, boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps.
‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still going, honey,
I’se still climbin,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair

Can light shine, even in the darkness? The Psalmist (139:12) says, “Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee: but the night shines as the day, for darkness is as light to thee.” I offer you the possibility of spiritual care that shines light in dark places!

Posted in Cancer Support, Spirituality |

No Comments »

Celebration is a Spiritual Discipline

I’m glad to report that my friend maintains the physical energy and will to continue chemotherapy. Since I no longer fill the role of primary caregiver, my focus has once-again returned to providing spiritual support here at Holy Cross—even as it will continue long distance to a friend. Luckily the energy of spirit is infinite; my experience is that it works very well across the miles.

In June it was my pleasure to bring the invocation at the annual Cancer Survivors’ Celebration of Life. There I saw a ballroom full of cancer survivors, their caregivers, friends and family, including children and grandchildren! Recognition of their hard work and tales of the journey unfolded into the sheer physical exuberance of a crowded dance floor! Here I found a group of kindred spirits, together in the moment, welcoming the joy of being alive. I recommend this focus on celebration as one element of good self-care. Richard Foster, a wonderful writer and spiritual guide, even names “Celebration” as a spiritual discipline, an integral part of our spiritual lives. The Psalmist said, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…!” Consider it done!

Posted in Cancer Support, Spirituality |

No Comments »

“Peace, be still….and there was a great calm”

Since my last post, I spent a month away from my chaplain’s duties at Holy Cross in order to care for a dear friend diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer, and I want to share with you some of my reflections on the role of primary caregiver.

1) Every day stretches the imagination of what is possible: I learned to connect and disconnect daily TPN feedings; I learned to give abdominal injections.

2) The immediacy of physical needs fills every waking moment: I learned that a conscious effort is required to remember that there is a bigger picture, and act on it.

3) Anxiety beckons with every small change: I learned to enlist every psycho/social/spiritual resource available.

4) The primary caregiver is a liaison for the larger support group: I learned that inclusion, through information—and hope—allowed many people to do their best.

New understandings continue to slowly emerge as I ponder that time together, so I may have more to say as time goes by! Right now I remember a story in scripture that tells of a great storm at sea, in which the disciples of Jesus ask, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” Jesus says to the waves, “Peace, be still….and there was a great calm.” The cost of compassion defies limits; its rewards are truly boundless. I believe that I left behind healing space—a healing place—as I returned to my role as chaplain. I shall be forever changed, and forever grateful, for the experience.

Posted in Spirituality |

No Comments »

Changes

“Change” can be a challenging word for any of us to hear. Regardless of the portion of our lives affected, change can sometimes redirect our paths as we reconsider the meaning and purpose of the journey. It happens to all of us, including the chaplains in the Spiritual Care Department of Holy Cross Hospital! We recently re-aligned our work assignments, one goal being seamless spiritual care for Cancer Center patients and families. I continue to provide spiritual support at the Cancer Center, and have now added the matching oncology and critical care inpatient areas to my portfolio. Whether patients’ initial contacts with their chaplain are at the Cancer Center or inpatient units, the goal of the Spiritual Care Department is to provide continuity of care throughout their course of treatment, including the post-treatment Cancer Survivorship program now being developed at the Cancer Center.

From diagnosis to survivorship, religious and spiritual needs can evolve in many ways that are life-giving and contribute to the well-being of patients, families and friends, and all who work with them. My goal is to be available to accompany you every step of the journey.

Posted in Spirituality |

No Comments »