Re: Talking About Love

I received this letter from my minister and one of my best friends, Chuck. I want to share it and the amazing poem and the woman who wrote it with you all. Thanks, Chuck, and thank you Becky. And in her honor, here is the letter, and the poem. -RSP

Ron,

I've just gotten back from attending the funeral of Barbara's college suitemate and closest college friend, Becky. She died of leukemia last Friday. For you to understand the context of this poem, I need to give you a little background. She was first diagnosed with leukemia 5 years ago, and went through radiation, chemo and then the ordeal of a bone marrow transplant. All seemed to be working, and she was declared cancer free. Then in early '05 her husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He battled it for three years, but he died in February of this year. A month ago, we learned that her leukemia had recurred. She went back to Houston hoping that there might be something that could be done, but she died last Friday. She has two children--25 and 28. I cannot imagine the grief they must be feeling and how overwhelming all of this must be to them.

Anyway, Becky--like you--was a poet. She wrote this poem after her transplant ordeal and after learning that her husband had cancer. It was read at her funeral. Your comments about love brought it to mind, and of all people I know you will appreciate it!

"No Small Thing" by Becky McCutchen (December, 2005)

God loves me.

I sit quietly
and let it soak in.

God loves me.
No matter what
I have done or left undone.

This Abba Father
This Mother Creator
loves me.

Before time began
beyond infinity.

I am known. I am loved.

It is too deep to grasp
too deep to feel
too deep to believe
It could possibly be true.

And...yet...
I do know.

And in that split second of knowing
I am a perfect being
created in her image.
A perfect being
of grace and love
a quiet stillpoint of light.

In that second
I am the fullness of time
I am sure of my feet
I am at peace
I am all things
and they are me.
I am the perfect balance
of what has been
and what will be.

I am loved.
It is no small thing.