A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
What better days than Easter to speak of death, and life eternal.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11: 25-26)
The past few months I’ve been silent on Ripple Effects. Actually, for the past year, I’d been posting just occasionally. Fact is, for fifteen months, I’ve been caring for my husband afflicted with cancer. It had been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. On some days, he was well enough that we could go out to have a meal in a restaurant; on other days, it would be just a tiny morsel or nothing at all. All these months, I’d learned to find joy in afflictions, and be grateful for just being able to sit down at the breakfast table together, the warm, morning rays seeping in, and immersed in the moment.
This year started with an ominous diagnosis. The metastasized cancer cells had not only mutated but the new growth was extremely aggressive. Battling terminal illness had made everything superfluous, books, movies, or music. What was left was the very essence of my being, faith in the risen Christ. Both of us were often revived by the promises of the living God, inspired by His Word, and sustained by the encouragement and prayers of countless supporters the world over via online prayer groups. It had been a journey of faith. Ultimately, it’s all grace.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed… (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
On March 21, my husband departed to a better country. We were not unfamiliar with the immigrant experience. Now, a final move to that eternal kingdom, a homeland much more beautiful than anywhere in this world. He had arrived there first, I’ll join him one day. He was accepting, which was grace in itself. We were prepared, even planned his celebration of life service together. The event turned out to be a memorable occasion for hundreds to gather for a collective remembrance in peace and even joy.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
All because He is risen. He is risen indeed!
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Happy Easter!
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Ripple Effects 
My deepest condolences to you and your family. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
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My condolences. I have wondered why you were so quiet. Thanks for sharing this with us.
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Every time I folded a new piece of sandpaper at work, I read the line “Made in Canada” on the back, and offered up a prayerful thought for you. Certainly, you haven’t been far from my mine, and your silence spoke of what you surely were experiencing. I’m glad for your husband’s grace-filled departure, and wish all the best for you in this new chapter of your life. Blessed Easter, Arti!
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My dear friend, this is so beautifully written and shared. You’ve been in my thoughts so very often, knowing you were on this journey. I send you love, gentle hugs, and hopes that this road you are traveling, one with so many ups and downs, as you already know, will smooth in time, aided by the grace of faith and past memories. More to come, off blog.
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Oh, dear Arti, I’m so sorry for your earthly loss but also encouraged by our eternal hope. I’m struck with the fact that on the surface we have no idea what someone is going through in their journey on this earth. Knowing a Savior who was resurrected, never to die again, is the most assuring part of our salvation. Praying right now for God’s continued comfort and peace in your life. How lovely that so many came to remember your husband and surround you with support and comfort. That Corinthians verse is one my sister-in-law cherished in her terminal illness. We have a wonderful, merciful Savior.
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Arti. You are in my prayers.
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Please accept my condolences, and know that my prayers are with you and all who mourn. I am glad that this season of the resurrection is able to give you some orientation in this time. Deep peace to you…
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So sorry.With my prayer on this Bright Week (as we call it in Orthodoxy) for you and your husband
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I am so sorry for your loss. I find your words about your faith and your love for your husband very moving — what a gift your presence and support was for him throughout his illness, of that I am sure! I wish you peace, comfort, and many loved ones around you.
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Oh Arti, now I understand why you’ve been so much quieter than usual. I am so sorry to hear this but how wonderful that you were able to put unimportant things aside to care for and be with him in whatever ways you could. I am sure that, alongside your faith, those memories and experiences will help sustain you through the loss and sadness that you are now facing. Take care of yourself. x
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Dearest Arti,My deepest sympathy is with you, I
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