We had two difficult but testimony building experiences the past few weeks. A few weeks ago we attended a funeral for a dear friend, Noi Wisanbannawit, who had passed away from cancer at the age of 63. It was a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer that went from stage 0 to 4 in less than two years. She and her husband, Wisan, had been married 35 years, It was difficult for him to see his wife suffer, but also to lose her. She was a busy, happy, and overall amazing woman.
Noi's funeral where hundreds of friends gathered to say goodbye
Last week we were able to see another dear friend, Cherry Thongmee, who has had three strokes since August 2023. She cannot speak, but her husband, Arun, has figured out a way for them to communicate, so he was her mouthpiece when we were talking with her. She is bed bound as she has only recently been able to move the fingers on her right hand, as well as bend her right leg a little. She too, is an amazing woman, happy, busy, and full of life like Noi.
Many have prayed for miracles for these two women, but the kinds of miracles we have asked for have not happened. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need while we ask for what we want. I do not know why these two marvelous women and their families have had such difficulties, but I do know that God gives us the kind of trials that we need to learn and grow.
In the series The Chosen, Jesus' disciple, James the lesser, has a physical disability. Even with a cane he has difficulty walking. He tells Jesus that he knows He can heal him, and asks why He is not doing it. Jesus tells James that he has great faith and that those around him will benefit more greatly from seeing him exercise this faith while going through difficulties. His suffering serves a greater purpose, allowing him to inspire others through his faith.
This is how I view what our friends are going through. Noi, Wisan, Cherry, and Arun are all great examples of faith and strength through struggles. Noi was pleasant and loving through the end. Even though she was weak and could not communicate well towards the end she apologized that she was not responding to messages. Her faith was enormous and we all saw it in the way she lived her life.
Wisan's faith matches his wife's. After Noi got seriously ill his normally happy demeanor changed. He became more serious and it was clear he was concerned for Noi. It did not change his giving nature however. He was not only making sure the beautiful funeral ran smoothly, but did what he could to make sure those who attended were comfortable. After the funeral he said that Noi would not want him to be sad, so he was working on being happy again. He is a great example in how faith and perseverance can help you in your life.
Wisanbannawits, Khanakhams, and Mackleys in our home in Bangkok in the 2010s
It was difficult to see Cherry. We know her as a vibrant happy woman with a lot of energy. She is no longer able to go anywhere or communicate without the help of her husband. It is exciting that she is now able to move the fingers and the leg a little on her right side, and she has the sweetest crooked smile. Despite her not being able to do much on her own, there is still a light shining from her. It is clear she still has so much love and is happy when friends visit. She truly brightened the room, and we are better for having spent time with her. We cannot wait to be able to go back to see her again.
At one of the Thongmee son's baptism
A chance encounter on an escalator in one of the many shopping malls in Bangkok
Cherry's loving husband, Arun, is an amazing man as well. He has not only figured out how to communicate with his sweetheart, but is helping her exercise so that she will hopefully gain more movement before their son's wedding in December. Because he has to work, he has installed a camera in Cherry's room so that he can see her on his phone when he is at the office or away from home. It also helps him keep contact with the nurse who is at their home during the day. Arun tells you the good and the bad, but does not complain. It is clear the deep love he had for her before the strokes is still there. He still looks at her with the same love and affection. When asked how he is doing, he says this is the situation they have been given, and they are trying to figure it out.
These friends are beautiful examples of Christlike love. They are people we should all strive to be like. I am grateful to my wonderful friends for inspiring me and others. Their faith and perseverance through very difficult times strengthen my faith and resolve to become better and more faithful. They are beautiful examples of enduring to the end.
Such a beautiful example of love, faith and dedication. The bonds you and Craig have made with so many special people throughout the world is remarkable and has clearly strengthened you both by their examples.
ReplyDeleteWe are truly blessed with wonderful family and friends 💗
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
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