Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12: 12 ESV).

How does a young man in the prime of life deal with an incurable disease, loss of strength, the news that he cannot be a father, and the likelihood of a shortened lifespan?

At the age of 29, our son, Steve, began a journey we never expected. After completing his Master of Physical Therapy degree, he began working at a hospital and soon became ill with pneumonia. His doctor said, “Steve, I believe you have cystic fibrosis.” Two positive sweat tests confirmed the diagnosis, and he began respiratory therapy that he would need the rest of his life.

My husband, Jim, and I, were shocked as no one else in our family had the genetic disease. About 10% of CF patients are diagnosed in adulthood because one of the parents carries a mutation of the CF gene; and tests verified that truth for us. Cystic fibrosis destroys the lungs by clogging them with thick secretions and causes other organs to malfunction because of the mal distribution of cellular salt and water. Digestion is also affected, so Steve also began taking digestive enzymes. No cure is available for cystic fibrosis. As part of his physical therapy training, Steve had learned how to treat patients with CF, but he had no idea that he would eventually become his own caregiver.

The jolt of this news had barely become reality when Steve almost died with renal failure due to IGA nephropathy, a separate autoimmune disease. Added to his respiratory treatments, he then needed three trips a week to the hemodialysis clinic. Still, he continued working part-time in home-health PT. After three years, he switched to peritoneal dialysis that allowed him to use a computerized machine at home where he dialyzed at night. Finally, he did not have the strength to continue his profession, but he used his time to begin a home-based business selling air purifiers. Between his numerous hospitalizations, Steve penned and published two books, Jesus Really Said It, and Make the Right Choice, still on Amazon.

Steve lived every day with hope. As a child he had received Jesus as his Savior, and he continued growing in faith throughout his years. He sought out Bible study groups in college and beyond and attended church regularly. He prayed daily for healing and believed God could, if He willed, completely heal him because nothing is impossible with God. We prayed together. (Mark 10: 27).

One day Steve said,“Mom, I know God can heal me, but if He doesn’t heal me on earth, I know I will be healed in Heaven.” Click To Tweet

Although Steve lived in a townhouse about an hour away from our home, I helped him regularly and stayed with him during his hospitalizations and recuperations. Just a few days prior to his last hospitalization, Steve said, “Mom, you know I’ve been sick a really long time.”

“I know, Steve, but God will not take you home until your work on earth is done.”

His healing came following much suffering when irreversible complications of CF accelerated; and at the age of 43, Steve moved peacefully from the hospital to Heaven on September 22, 2012.

A few weeks later I had a dream, like a brief vision, truly a gift from God. I saw Steve, dressed in his suit, standing tall, handsome, and physically strong. And while smiling he announced in a happy voice, “Mom, I’m well! I am healed!”

Two months before he died, Steve wrote a tract, So What Happens Next? containing Scriptures related to eternity. The only name on the publication? Jesus. He had 1,000 copies printed. Since Steve’s move to Heaven, my husband and I have ordered more copies to be shared with missionary friends in the Philippines, the Ukraine, Sierra Leone, and other parts of the world. In the past nine years, 20,000 tracts have been distributed locally and beyond.

Our son taught me many lessons about courage, faith, perseverance, and hope. As a physical therapist he wanted to help others and he did while he was able. But his anointed words will encourage even more people by pointing them to Christ.
Jim and I look forward to the day we will be with our son forever. In the meantime, I am reminded of a quote by the late Peter Marshall, former chaplain of the United States Senate, “Those we love are with the Lord and the Lord has promised to be with us. If they are with Him and He is with us, they cannot be far away.”

Meet Fran

Fran and her husband, Jim, have two sons in heaven, a daughter, and her husband, and three wonderful grandchildren. Jim and Fran live in Greenville, Texas, where they are active in their church and community. Fran, a retired nurse, has authored See You Later Jeffrey and Touching the Clouds plus contributing to twenty other books. Her new book is Hope on the Way: Devotions to Go. Visit her website at www.fransandin.com for free downloads of  articles. Find her on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Peace and grace,

Tammy

I often link-up with the following wonderful bloggers.

Mondays   Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda

Tuesdays InstaEncouragements/Anchored Abode

Wednesdays  Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story/Sitting Among Friends Linkup/Let’s Have Coffee

Thursdays Heart Encouragement  /  Tune In Thursday  /Salt and Light

Friday Blogger Voices Network /Grace and Truth Linkup/ Five Minute Friday/ FreshMarketFriday