Compassion

For the last couple of hours I've struggled in how to present today's blog entry. A few moments ago the word I needed hit me like a ton of bricks. Wikipedia (of all places to search for it's meaning) defines compassion as "an understanding of the emotional state of another... is often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another; to show special kindness to those who suffer."

That is the state in which Joan and I find ourselves today. A coworker of Joan's who is also one of her closest friends found out this morning that her son has a brain tumor attached to the outside of his cerebellum. Joan accompanied her to tell the news to her husband whose an old golfing buddy of mine. To say the least they are devastated.

Matthew is around Jessie's age. In fact we've often joked over the years that the young man is already betrothed to our daughter since he is such a great kid and comes from potential in-laws that we would definitely enjoy being around. The news also came out of nowhere. The tumor was discovered through investigating what was thought to be discomfort related to his oral braces.

Many of you that visit here know all too well how both mother and father must feel. The unknown journey ahead is filled with nothing that can be even closely considered positive. From experience they are feeling the worst pain today that any parent could ever endure.

For those that do so say a prayer on behalf of Matthew and his parents. At the very least lift up good thoughts for our friends today and in the coming weeks. Compassion is really all we can offer them right now.