Just as we were unwinding from our trip, the phone rang with news that had us packing our bags again and heading north...
Leroy's mom had been admitted to the hospital in serious respiratory distress. Her bout with lung cancer several years ago and the mega-doses of radiation had severely compromised her lungs and while the cancer is now in remission, the lungs have been left scarred and weak.
And so, the winds of life blow...
While we were walking the beaches in St. Lucia, we came across this beach at Anse Cannelles... a wild, craggy coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean.
The waves crashed and beat against the cliffs, {it was definitely not a swimming beach!}... still, it had a majestic charm that reeled us in...
We hiked down to the slim sandy shore and poked around amongst the driftwood and coconuts...
And on that far off cliff we noticed the tree line...
...beaten down by the relentless wind, but holding on despite all odds.
The Biosphere 2 project was created to be a miniature version of our planet. It is owned by the University of Arizona and was constructed in order for scientists to study how the planet's ecosystems work together.
In this artificial environment, they created 7 unique ecosystem models, like a small ocean, a rain forest, a desert and a savanna grassland. Then they produced all kinds of weather patterns and studied plant growth.
And in this tightly controlled experimental model they made a surprising discovery.
They learned of the major importance of wind in a plant's growth and maturing.
In the Biosphere, trees grew much faster than they would grow in the wild. They also began to collapse before they completely matured. As it turns out, the lack of wind played a huge role.
Scientists discovered that the pressure of the wind is what strengthens the tree trunk and allows them to hold up their own weight.
When plants and trees grow in the wild, constantly exposed to the wind and wind movement, the plant compensates by growing "reaction wood" or stress wood. This stress is what makes a tree strong enough to sustain the wear and tear it will face later in life.
And this is where I say Ahhhh.... I see it now. God opens shuttered eyes... Weathering the storms of life builds our strength.
It's true. The winds of life will blow. And if we allow, they will strengthen both our faith and our character.
But it hurts.
And that's the truth. Our hearts ache as we tuck sheets up and hold the frail hand...
Dr. and Nurses hover. Family rallies around. Decisions are made. There is nothing else to do for failing lungs. The paramount goal is now keeping her comfortable. Hospice is called.
Tears refuse to fall as she closes her eyes in relieved sleep. Fighting is hard work. This warrior is ready to relax and rest as others manage her care.
Determined to give God Thanks for the gifts we are receiving
even in the midst of this howling storm.
Right now our lives are as bent as the trees on that oceanside cliff
but we are choosing to trust His Hand,
for He alone knows what lies ahead on this wind-swept road.
Resting in Grace tonight,
Knowing the Lover of Our Souls holds the Night-Watch,
My Love, Always,
Jane
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