Mountains and Miracles

By Sarah Meece –

“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”
Psalm 77:14

Certainly, all of us have faced our share of hills and valleys in our lifetimes. But occasionally, those hills can become mountains when we are faced with difficulties that we find to be almost insurmountable. Have you ever faced such a high mountain that you knew it was going to take some kind of miracle to get you to the downhill slope? Well, I have had my hiking boots on during the last four months and have felt like I have climbed several mountains. I’ve also spent a great deal of time on my knees while trudging up those peaks. I’ve had to ask God for some miracles and, sure enough, He has made this journey with me all the way. Let me explain…

I have an elderly aunt and uncle, both in their 80’s, who live in a rural area several hundred miles away from me. Recently, they received some horrible news with a phone call from my uncle’s physician. “I’m afraid it’s thyroid cancer,” the doctor reported. “And I’m sorry to say that it’s the worst kind, very aggressive, and at best, you probably only have about three months to live.” Can you imagine getting this kind of news over the phone?

After researching his diagnosis, we realized our journey ahead was going to be filled with multiple mountains, major mountains. We also knew that my uncle could not receive the best care in the small town where he lives, so with much prayer and faith-filled attitudes, our family put together a plan of attack. We arranged for my aunt and uncle to move in with us for the duration of his treatment which would include a clinical trial study in addition to chemo and radiation. The treatment plan would last for several months.

And so we started the climb. I have to tell you that as terrified as we all were with my uncle’s diagnosis, we suddenly experienced God’s power by witnessing one miracle after another. The Lord was definitely there, helping us get up and over that mountain.

Miracle 1: The initial miracle occurred when a sweet receptionist from an oncology clinic connected us with one of the top ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat) physicians at a major university medical center. She said, “Write this number down, but give me ten minutes before you call, because I am going to call them first and tell them about you.” Really? In this crazy-busy world, this compassionate young lady stopped everything and took the time to help us. Praise the Lord!

Miracle 2: When we called the ENT’s office, the receptionist regretfully informed us in a sorrowful voice, “Unfortunately, we don’t have an available appointment until January.” We explained that time was of the essence; we needed immediate attention. Silence on the other end of the phone, and then she asked, “Could you be here on Monday at 9:00 a.m.?” Praise the Lord! Our bags were packed!

Miracle 3: Thankfully, the ENT physician recognized the urgency of our situation and said he wanted to perform surgery by the end of the week. He sent us to the surgical scheduler who, coincidently, was the same person who had made our initial appointment. Again, we heard that sorrowful voice, “Oh dear, we don’t have any open surgical dates for three months.” However, after making a few calls, she had my uncle scheduled for surgery the following day. She exclaimed, “I can’t believe there is an opening for an OR tomorrow!” Yes, the following day! Needless to say, we weren’t surprised; we were watching God at work!

Miracle 4: Unfortunately, the surgery did not go so well. With the thyroid being located so closely to the jugular vein, my uncle suffered major blood loss. When the family met with the physician after surgery, it was apparent that he didn’t know if my uncle would make it through the night. Our spirits were deflated; tears and prayers filled our hearts as we waited in the ICU waiting room overnight. The following morning we stared in amazement as we witnessed yet another miracle—my uncle was alive and well! He waved at us as we walked into his ICU cubical.

Miracle 5: The next few months were filled with clinical trial study drugs, as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but my 80-year old uncle was an amazing trooper. One doctor told him he was her favorite patient while another constantly told my uncle he reminded him of Bob Hope. All of his physicians were amazed that someone his age had done so well…it was truly a miracle!

My husband and I were fortunate enough to have my aunt and uncle living in our home for three plus months. What a blessing! Not only could we provide care and support for them, but the love and sense of family they brought to us was phenomenal. When we think about all of the “what if’s” that might have happened, we are so thankful for all of God’s miracles. Looking back at this experience, it becomes so clear that God was helping all of us up that mountain!

We’ve all read about the miracles Jesus performed—from healing the blind to raising people from the dead—but, when you witness miracle after miracle in your own life and the lives of those you love, it definitely has a major impact. Fortunately, because of God’s miracles, my uncle just celebrated another birthday. He has outlived the three months the first doctor gave him, and today, he and my aunt are enjoying life in their own home! It is with tears in my eyes and thankfulness in my heart that I praise God for the miracles He performed. While it was a treacherous hike up that mountain, please know we are shouting praises from the mountaintops!