Dear God, My Daddy Has Cancer

Dear God, My Daddy Has Cancer

My wife and I live in a nice neighborhood with our two small boys. I had a good job that enabled me to spend evenings at home. My wife took care of our home and our boys. I was overseas, fighting for our country, when our oldest son, Doug was born. He was seven months old when I first saw him.  When I returned home, my wife and I wanted to have another baby. I was in the delivery room when Randy was born therefore, he has a special place in my heart.

I was recently diagnosed with cancer. The doctors have told me that it is terminal and inoperable. To receive treatment would only make me miserable. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is uncertain so we must live for today. How do you explain that to a child that has no concept of time? Their favorite toys only hold their attention for a few minutes before they move onto something else. However, when you tell them that someone is going away forever, their whole world suddenly changes.

As a parent, we want to give our children the freedom to explore but we  protect them by putting locks on cabinets and covers on outlets. We want them to succeed while protecting them from the dangerous world in which we live. We want our children to be happy. What can you do when you are the reason for their unhappiness?

Earlier this week, my wife and I helped our boys write their letters to Santa. The letters were stamped and addressed and placed with the outgoing mail. As I was sorting through, the mail the next morning, I found a letter that had not been there the night before. I recognized the handwriting of my youngest son.  The letter was addressed to God. Where do you send a letter addressed t God? I decided to read it and then discuss it with the pastor of our church.

The letter said; Dear God, my daddy has cancer and he said that you want him to come live with you. My mom said that you answer prayers. My mom and my brother and I prayers for you to make daddy better but he is still sick. Why does daddy have to live with you? Love, Randy

As I read his letter, my heart was breaking. Randy and his brother have friends whose parents are divorced. The children live with their mothers and see their fathers on weekends and holidays. They don't like it but they still have both their parents.

After reading Randy's letter to God, I prayed. I asked God for strength and guidance. I was filled with a peace that passes all understanding and also answers for Randy.God loves all His children. We each are put here to do things for God. When we have finished what God has for us to do on earth, He takes us home to Heaven and we will one day be reunited with our loved ones. God does not cause bad things to happen but He will never give us more than we can handle. When we are afraid or sad, we can talk to God and He will help us. He may not answer our prayers the way we want Him to but He will help us accept the answers He gives.