This Story Pulled at My Heartstrings

So I just started a new job working at a garden center about a month ago. I couldn't have found a better job for spring.

Well, I've met so many different people who come into our store. Some, who come in weekly, others daily. And some of the sweetest people on earth too, and I've come to be friends with a few of them.

There's this one guy who comes in, uh let's call him John, and he's installing new plants in his landscape for spring. He's been in and out of our store quite a bit in the last few days trying to finish up his landscape.

Well, yesterday he came in looking for zinnias and some bird of paradise. I showed him where the plants were and told him I'd set them aside for him. He said he'd be back tomorrow to pay and pick them up. He began to tell me why he couldn't take them home today: he just came from chemotherapy.

I questioned his explanation, "Chemo?" Almost in shock.

"Yeah, chemo."

"Wait you have cancer? I had no idea. What kind, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Stage four kidney cancer. Terminal."

And it took a minute to wrap my brain around his words that spilled out of his mouth so casual. Like he had said it a million times before. Terminal, terminal, terminal. Wait that means, fatal, incurable, the end. Deadly. 

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I really had no idea."

But he shrugged it off like it was no big deal, and with a smile on his face he said, "Aw, it's nothing." 

You would have never known John had cancer. He's always in such high spirits when he comes into our store. Always has a smile on his face. He never gets upset about his orders not coming in on time. And he always jokes around with us. Even his wife is always upbeat. 

Why is it that sometimes life throws great people really awful curve balls? Sometimes life can be so tough for some people and we'll never understand why. This blog has never been about sending out mass prayer requests, but John's story really pulled on my heartstrings yesterday. So if you think about it, would ya mind sending up a little prayer for John and his wife?

I really appreciate every single one of you who stop by and read my little piece of space here.  Thank YOU. 

Happy Thursday, friends!