I’ve been keeping up with the Caring Bridge Journal for
Walker Rainey, son of Chad and Missy Rainey. Missy and I were in our church youth group together, and though we weren’t ever really close friends
(different ages/different circles), I feel a special connection to her now
because my Jack is only a few weeks older than Walker.
Walker was recently diagnosed with cancer and has already
had surgery to remove a kidney as well as chemotherapy treatments. My heart is
literally breaking for them, because I look at my little one and can’t even
imagine the reality they are facing. My heart won’t let me.
Their faith is inspiring. No matter what, they continue to
hope and have faith that God is in total control. And they continue to praise
Him. That’s the part that doesn’t always come easy in situations like this, but
it’s when God can really show us most who He is.
Sunday’s journal entry struck me and was finally the
thing that prompted this post. Missy writes that on the way home from
the grocery store at the end of a great weekend with Walker, she reached over
to pull a piece of lint from his hair – and the hair came with it. Our little
Jack was born with a decent amount of dark hair which all fell out after a few
months (as happens with most babies) and was replaced with a lighter peach
fuzz. It has taken forever to grow in. Lately though, we’ve been commenting on
how much hair he is getting – something that in all likelihood will continue
until he grows a full head of beautiful hair. It is something that up to the
moment I read her entry, I have taken for granted. And that is one of the reasons that I continue
to follow Walker’s journal. I read it because I want to pray for their specific
needs and to be a silent support, but also to remind me to cherish every moment
that my child is healthy. Because in an instant we could find ourselves walking in
their shoes.