This past Sunday, River Ridge Church started a series on Philippians, titled "More than Happy." As we were on our way to church, the kids and I were talking about being more than happy, about choosing joy and about how Katie epitomized that. Lots of people talk about Katie's infectious smile which was ever present and just beautiful. She appeared to be happy even in the midst of very unhappy circumstances. It was more than happy. That child chose joy. Late last fall, shortly after she was diagnosed, Katie and I worked through a bible study together called, "Fight Back with Joy," by Margaret Feinberg. It gave both of us a lot of support and encouragement, as well as opportunities to discuss the path we were walking. As I read through Katie's journals recently, I found something she wrote at that time. Katie wrote those words and they became her mantra. Despite the experiences she endured, she never complained. For a 13 year old girl, one of the worst aspects of having cancer was losing her hair. It was a huge, ginormous, big deal. As you may expect, there were lots and lots of tears shed. What you don't know is that she actually lost her hair three times over the course of that year. Just as those short brown hairs would start to grow back and she would be excited about the possibility of it, a new chemo or treatment would be initiated and it would all fall out again. It was terribly upsetting. Not happy at all. Yet she would find her favorite hat, take a few minutes to apply her makeup, and you never knew. It was different than pretending; it was a conscious choice in her response. The 3 months that she spent in the hospital in Cincinnati were so difficult in ways that only Chad and I know. The experiences she endured were so hard to watch, but one of the hardest was seeing her lose all joy and hope. She was so physically sick and so emotionally defeated that her smile vanished. For weeks and weeks, no one in Cincinnati knew our joyful child. As I sat with her primary oncologist one day, I showed her a video on my phone of Katie being silly and flashing her big smile. I told her doctor, "This is my kid. That child in that bed is not my Katie. I need my kid back, and I need to take her home. I want you to meet my Katie because that isn't her." Eventually, the smile returned, a little at a time. Thankfully, the joy followed. Katie's team of physicians fulfilled my one request: to take my joyful child home. She came back to WV at the end of June as if that nightmare had never happened. She planned a "come and see me" party right away. She pulled her bathing suit on as if the scars and pigment changes were invisible. She marched her frail little self up to the front row, closed her eyes and sang her heart out on Sunday. I didn't know if she could. I didn't know if I could. As it turns out, joy comes by choice. It isn't denying the hard parts of life, it is finding satisfaction in something greater. One of Katie's favorite songs is Old Church Choir by Zach Williams. I see her smile every time I hear it. Blessings, Sarah, Chad and Forever Cobb 7
13 Comments
Diane Lett
2/16/2018 06:11:52 pm
As this sermon embraced my heart Sunday morning my thoughts were centered on sweet Katie and each of you. I want to get Annie to decorate some cookies sometime soon when there’s an opening at the next class!
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Erin Crouch
2/16/2018 08:16:00 pm
I was able to see joy in Katie during the short time she was in my classroom. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Sam & Amy
2/16/2018 08:39:45 pm
We will continue to pray for your family!! God Bless! One day soon!
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Nicki Thompson
2/16/2018 09:24:50 pm
I can’t imagine the heartbreak you all endured or the why’s, why her? But I do know Our loving God and how his heart broke when yours did and ours broke with you. Katie chose to live her way and not let the cancer rule her. She chose and believed the joy of the Lord was her strength and now it is yours. Continued prayers for you💕
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Missy Weiford
2/16/2018 10:38:52 pm
Thank you for posting Katie’s journal page, that served as a great reminder to me. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and while I’ve tried to remain positive and know that it is completely in God’s hands, I sometimes let my attitude slip. Reading her words reminded me that even though I don’t have control of the cancer, I always have control of my attitude.
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Melody
2/16/2018 10:45:07 pm
Thank you for sharing Katie's joyful attitude amidst her pain and suffering. It is an inspiration! My prayers are with you and your family.
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Terry Brogan
2/17/2018 10:37:25 am
Thank you for sharing a great example of joy. I think and pray for your family. Katie's messages are very inspiring. Her thoughts continue to inspire.
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Darlene Geyer
2/17/2018 01:26:36 pm
Katie had the cutest hats. She wore them with dignity and style. 💜
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Jennifer
2/17/2018 03:21:49 pm
I know your times are difficult. I can not imagine. My mother lost a child when I was little and I don't know how she carried on. I hope that you all can find you again.
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Whitney Cox
2/17/2018 04:07:38 pm
Wow! Just wow! This is beautiful. 💜 She really did have a contagious joy. What she wrote in her journal is so touching. 💞
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Sharon
2/17/2018 06:55:11 pm
Her awesome testimony about life is so inspiring! JOY JOY JOY! Thank you for sharing!!
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Tim n Bev
2/17/2018 08:48:11 pm
Just the other day as I was cleaning stuff out of my cell phone, I came across a picture I took of Katie with the 5 year olds we were coaching at Big Kick , and there it was , that dazzling happy smile 😁
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Sam & Amy
7/26/2018 10:51:59 pm
Such a special child! Through her and her Joy may we learn from her experience. Through the storms he is always there. No matter if it’s a small storm or a hurricane. I personally did not know Katie only through Zach, but she sure left an impression! I’m so thankful that your able to share in order to help others. God Bless you and your family!!!!! One day SOON!!
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