Prayer support: Help bearing the weight

At age 9 James Frew of Belleville, Ill., was diagnosed with leukemia. He was placed on the intensive prayer list of the Sisters of Providence. James’ parents Brian and Marcie Frew recently chose to financially support the construction of a shrine to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and the Sisters of Providence. Here they share some of their experience in the five years since the diagnosis.

By Brian Frew

With the words “Your son has leukemia,” the weight becomes noticeable. Fear, uncertainty, anxiety, pain and loss all rolled into one heavy weight that starts to bear hug your heart and mind. The weight sometimes takes all your focus and energy to carry during your waking hours. It is a reminder of our mortality. It is a reminder of our dependence on our faith in God.

Rolling through the next couple years of treatments and tests, the weight comes and goes. A positive test result and the all-too-familiar hug returns. A negative test result and release is given.

Prayers from others take on a new importance. The love from God and its true definition can be felt at a more granular level when you know of others who pray for you. God’s church resides in the prayers of its members, where ever they may be, however they may gather.

We in the Frew household are forever thankful for the Sisters of Providence. We know that their prayers are accompanying ours into heaven to help carry the weight that we bear. Our request for help in praying for our son has been answered with a choir of hope that the grace of God will bless James in his battle.

Currently, we are waiting on a decision from his oncologist whether to discontinue his daily chemotherapy. He is six years from diagnosis and doing well. We truly are thankful for our blessings.