The Pearl of Great Price

Susan’s foray into the world of cancer treatment has clearly changed our whole family dynamic. A year ago this week, Paul and I were innocently planning a birthday weekend adventure on Anna Maria Island here in Florida and the biggest decision we were facing was where to have lunch. That now seems like a lifetime ago. When we got the call that Susan was being admitted to the hospital in mid-October and we left immediately for Colorado, our lives changed, our priorities were shifted, and our life-focus was redirected – permanently.

Now, you might be thinking that I am referring to sad, bad, and negative things (and there are some). Nope. I am referring to wonderful, joyful, and glorious things that have been a direct result of time well spent in Colorado. Chief among them is the new and improved relationships that we have forged with Susan’s family, and especially between Grampy and Tan Michael Paul Nguyen.

Because Susan needed so much hands-on help those first few months, Paul elected to stay behind and provide that. He became one of Tan’s caregivers, diaper changers, and playmates. We called him ‘manny’ (not nanny). Paul is in our opinion, the most wonderful grandfather a child ever had. He takes such joy in every aspect of the baby’s life and patiently attends to every need. Paul has always had a whimsical, playful approach to life and this golden opportunity to invest deeply in another child’s formative early years is not lost on him. If Tan wants to read books for two hours, they read books for that long. If he wants to go for a walk, play in the sprinklers, kiss the neighborhood dogs, eat strawberries, play with toys, play hide-n-seek, peek-a-boo, watch videos, whatever it is, Grampy is more than happy to attend. Tan gets the best and most choice offerings of strictly organic food from Whole Foods, designer made oatmeal each morning, and a daily bath time ritual with bubbles, toys, and a liberal dosing of lotion afterwards. Then he gets a clean outfit picked out to show off his good looks and cuteness. Paul’s reward is kisses, smiles, snuggles, and the trust of an adorable little boy and his parents.

The Bible teaches about ‘the pearl of great price” [Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matt 13:45 ].

We just know that everything we have lost or sold does not come close to the value of what we have gained this year. Blessings upon blessings, gifts upon gifts, all through a route none of us would have ever chosen.