“I don’t want a valuable life lesson, I just want an ice cream.” — Bluey

Australian television sensation “Bluey” follows the adventures of a lovable & inexhaustible blue heeler puppy, who along with her sister Bingo, parents and friends is learning all about the world.

The short episodes give example after example of real-life situations through the imagination of a child and evoke a wide range of responses that help shape healthy patterns of empathy and gentleness.

My kids gave me a “Rad Dad” shirt (featuring Bluey’s Dad) for Father’s Day last year — it’s now my “Moffitt shirt;” I wear it on the days I visit Dr. Chan at Moffitt Cancer Center in an effort to feel like my kids are with me.

Additionally, I now have another encouraging piece I carry along, a hand-carved olive wood cross made in Bethlehem, Palestine that my friend Pam Connolly recently gave to me. As I feel the shape of this cross in the palm of my hand, I’m reminded of the care and promises of God that we never walk alone…I’m reminded of the scores of friends who’ve promised to pray for me on this journey.

If you have watched any of the episodes from the  elaborated stories about Jesus, depicted in The Chosen, there’s an episode when Nathaniel meets Jesus (see the link) that reminds me of how closely Jesus walks with us — even in our lowest moments. In the scene, Nathaniel questions how Jesus knows so much about him (even though he’s just encountered Jesus for the first time). Jesus says to him, “When you were in your lowest moment and you were alone, I did not turn my face from you; I saw you…”

T-shirts, tangible objects, Bluey quotes and Chosen episodes hold special encouragement and meaning, but it’s the cheerleaders along the way who are really making a difference.

Friends like Jerry, a friend in our congregation who is facing his own daunting journey with cancer; my parents who put their lives on hold and moved in with us for 10 weeks to help ease the burdens; Dr. Chan who held time for us to ask questions as she reassured me over and over this morning that “the numbers look great;” my daughter Allie who reminds me, “Dad use the ‘cancer card’ whenever you need a break; Loki who calls nearly every day - just because; Pau who makes sure the hug I need is the strongest and best; Nic who reminds me that I am not alone; Jacob who creates space for meals and music together; Annikah who always answers my calls and hangs out on FaceTime for as long as we can; Brian & Kellie who make sure life feels as real and alive and fun as possible; some folks in our congregation who pray with me, call or text; and YOU! By reading this and by praying, donating, commenting — however you show up best.

But…most of all, it’s the faithfully faith-filled, calming and reassuring presence of Pam. She stops all of the demands of her schedule; all of the people she needs to pour into; all of the plates she keeps spinning…she stops it all and gives her absolute most to me.

This is precisely the cheerleading, care and love that is needed on this journey…and I cannot express my gratitude enough.

Thank you.

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