Five months ago I was given a death sentence. Neurologists analysed myriad diagnostic tests and sadly declared that I had Motor Neurone Disease. That is a no-hoper of a diagnosis, as the medical field knows well. The rapid progression of symptoms and the bulbar nature (mouth and throat) of the disease, meant the prognosis was grim indeed.
I had to leave my wonderful career as an audiologist – a career that lasted 33 fulfilling years.
To the many Rotorua clients I had the pleasure of serving and helping, you made it easy to go to work every day. You caused me to grow skilled and confident in my field of work. I was honoured to walk alongside you through the difficulties of your hearing impairment.
You taught me so much about the power of communication in the human experience – without it we are lonely wanderers. What a privilege to "restore hearing", then watch confidence rise and relationships revive.
I am not the capable professional you knew me to be, but I am still mostly well and independent. The core of my being is the same as it ever was, so I remain joyful. You see, Jesus is my core. He always was but now I experience this reality so much more. He promises to never leave me, even in the midst of terrifying loneliness, and He doesn't. He promises to give me peace when the broken world fails me, and He does. He lights up this Valley of Death with His presence and directs my gaze to a glorious future with Him. I have had so many delightful experiences in my life, more than most I would dare to say, but Jesus is my sweetest delight.
