The Key

If the key could tell a story, it would begin with fear. 
Of getting diagnosed with PMLBCL 
Of needing to undergo Chemotherapy six days each cycle of six 
Of receiving R-EPOCH and not sure if it will work.  

Then it would sum up a cancer patient's journey this way:
 
 February was total confusion, and March was Turbo-charged stress 
 April was descent into Hades, and May was fear and elation, 
 June was a lull and a doldrum, and July is supposed to be hope and jubilation.
 This cancer road is long, and it’s unsure when the son stops treading this on.

When the wheel of life refuses to turn back up
And you feel there is no way out,
And your only recourse is to bow down and whisper, “God…”
You’ll be surprised at God’s quick response.  

“Sorry to hear about your son’s condition,
But not to worry, we are here all the way.
Take him to ER in MD Anderson A-S-A-P!
And here is the key to the condo for you all to stay.” 

How did we merit such benevolence and generosity?
To a luxury condo only the wealthy can afford to stay!
“Give us this day our daily bread!  Don’t we all pray this every day?
So, trust God who provides, thank Him not us!” 

A week, a month, four months  plus– we held on to the key:
The key that made us relish the glorious sun everyday
The key that showed us the magnificent city skyline
The key that directed our steps to the tall trees and green grass of Hermann Park! 

It’s the key to confronting the tough realities of life.
It’s the key to questioning where we’ve gone wrong in the past.
It’s the key that made us seek understanding and forgiveness.
It’s the key that healed our weeping souls and wounded hearts.

And this key opened a myriad of thoughts unbound:
That FAITH in humanity is as resilient as the Bayou City
That HOPE is as concrete as the Mosaic North Condominiums 
That LOVE is as alive as the fastest lane of the South Freeway.

Turned in to the owner, this key will remain a treasure,
For as we traverse life with all its twists and turns
We shall tell the story of how a golden, magical key
Has made light the burden of a dreaded malady.

“Thank you,” the only words we could say.
She pulled me close to her heart; 
He shook my hubby’s hands tight.
We handed them their key of a lifetime memory.