Powerful Poem

Below is a poem written by one of my TS sisters; she was able to capture in words how I quite often feel and what is so hard to describe to others about living with such a relatively rare condition...

Cancer and a Courageous Christian Co-worker

     These past few days have been particularly hard, because one of my co-workers lost her courageous battle with cancer and its aftermath at a young age.  Nikki was a fun-loving person who almost immediately captivated everyone she met with an infectious smile and servant's heart.  However, I think what impressed those of us who knew and worked with her the most was the strong and grounded faith in Christ she demonstrated, especially in facing her cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Except for the obvious outward signs of her illness (losing her hair to chemo in the beginning and later having to be on oxygen), you would never have known she was sick, because of the amazing attitude of perseverance she had, which could have only been a gift from God.  I was awestruck at the grace she displayed when there had to have been days she felt awful.
     At her funeral yesterday, a video was played that showed she and her husband discussing the journey of her cancer fight that I believe was recorded a short while back by their church as a testimony (if you'd like to watch it, the link is https://vimeo.com/129309442).  I have attended plenty of funerals, but never one where the person whose life we are remembering and celebrating pretty much preached the message themselves!  Also, the service concluded with a time of invitation/commitment, which was actually so appropriate, because Nikki truly believed the struggle with her illness was somehow meant to glorify God, especially if it touched someone who did not know Christ.  If the many messages on her Facebook page are any indication, I think she would be humbled at the sheer number of people her life/story has impacted.  I can only hope to follow the wonderful Christian example Nikki set in how she handled such challenging circumstances in her life.