A Rose For Felicia

A person’s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

FELICIA TRIED TO TAKE a deep breath to settle her nerves. But the breath caught in her throat as pain from her recent lung surgery radiated across her chest.

It had been only five days since the lobectomy. Doctors had removed three-quarters of her left lung in order to stop the cancer that had metastasized to this part of her body.

Felicia’s world had turned upside down five years earlier when she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. She had endured major surgery, thirty-eight rounds of radiation, and twelve rounds of chemo that first year, and at the end of it all, her doctors pronounced her cancer-free. But just before celebrating the all-important five-year-cancer-free milestone, Felicia learned that the cancer had returned.

She was devastated by the news, yet she knew she needed to fight just as much this time. But the brutal battle was taking a toll on her body and her mind.

Now Felicia began to withdraw. Her own body had turned on her. Nothing felt safe anymore.

She had a deep faith in God and knew he was with her, yet the fear, doubt, and pain were relentless.

Felicia tried again to slow her breathing and calm her mind. She adjusted the pillows propped up behind her and began to cry out to God—for help, for hope, for strength.

Hours later, after the pain had subsided and the fear had retreated, she was overcome with the strongest desire for . . . a puppy.

What a ridiculous idea! Who gets a puppy while fighting cancer and recovering from major surgery? she argued with herself.

But day after day and week after week, the desire grew stronger. Felicia began searching online for puppies. She visited animal shelter websites, pet message boards, and Facebook breeder groups. She even sent her son to check out some possible candidates.

Just to give him something to do other than worry about me, she said to herself.

And then a friend sent her a photo of a black Lab puppy who needed a home.

This is my new dog, Felicia thought.

Her son was surprised at the choice. “I thought you wanted a small fluffy dog who would lie on the bed and snuggle with you. This puppy is going to grow into a large, active dog. Are you certain you want this one?”

“Yes. And I’ve already decided to call her Rose.”

Rose was no wallflower—she was a bull in a china shop who was always on the go and into everything. And the sweet bundle of energy was exactly what Felicia needed.

Instead of lying around wondering what the future held, Felicia needed to get up and feed Rose. Instead of wallowing in despair and worry, Felicia needed to take Rose outside. And instead of withdrawing from those around her, Felicia socialized with Rose and played with her.

Felicia moved slowly, but she moved. And she healed.

Felicia still had moments of fear and doubt, but then Rose would give her a sloppy kiss on the face and place a paw on her leg. And Felicia was once again smiling. God still had a plan and a purpose for Felicia’s life, with Rose by her side.

PAWS & PONDER . . .

What has threatened to break your spirit? Where did you turn for help? For hope? If we believe in him, God promises each one of us a future and a hope. In what ways does knowing God loves you, that he is for you, and that he is your hope help sustain your spirit?

Paws & Pray

Lord, life can feel so hard sometimes. My spirit can feel so defeated and overwhelmed. Father, draw my heart ever closer to yours. Whisper your name over me, reminding me of who you are and who I am to you. And as you fill me with hope, help me to share that hope with others.