The Four Freshmen recorded a song in 1956 that was later covered by the Beach Boys. The song was called “Graduation Day” and the lyrics went something like this…actually they went exactly like this.

Theres a time for joy
A time for tears
A time we’ll treasure through the years
Well remember always
Graduation day

That song came to mind as I remembered a day with far more impact for me than graduation day. That day was March 20, 2006.

Theres a time for joy
A time for tears
A time when we felt numb with fears
We’ll remember always
Diagnosis Day.

Every cancer patient will remember always that dreaded diagnosis day. I will never forget that call from my wife telling me (between sobs) that her tests were positive for breast cancer. Now we are nearly eight months down the road. Joni completed her chemotherapy 10 days ago. We are in a blessed recess between treatments. Up next is a six week regimen of radiation. A lot has happened since Diagnosis Day. It has not been easy for Joni. But we have so much to be grateful for as we face the rest of the treatment journey and beyond.

We are grateful for…

• Hope. Joni’s diagnosis is good but our ultimate hope is in God.
  
• Peace. While we recognize that the prognosis is good we have peace because we believe in a God who is sovereign. No matter what happens we are confident in Him.
  
• Friends. So many people have shown their love and concern. It helps.
  
• The Body of Christ. We have people praying that we don’t even know. That is amazing, touching, and encouraging.
  
• One another. We are partners in this journey. And while I don’t pretend to share even a small percentage of what Joni has endured we have traveled this path together.
  
• New perspective. We have gained a new insight into what matters in this journey.
  
• Our sons. We are blessed with wonderful sons and daughter-in-laws.
  
• Our family. From Florida to Ohio and points beyond we have prayerful and loving support.
  
• Joy. Even in the storm there is joy.

Thank you for your unrelenting prayers for Joni (and for me). We have sensed those prayers and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Diagnosis Day seems like a long, long time ago. We are marching forward to Joni’s graduation day from treatment (sometime next summer). And we look forward to Joni’s advanced degree (masters of survival) five years from now in March of 2011. Both of those days will be a time for great joy.

Thank you again for praying and caring. And thanks in advance for your prayers as we begin stage 2 of the treatment triathlon.

No matter what happens we have had some important truths reinforced.

His grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness. God is good no matter what diagnosis life dispenses.