The Puzzle

Today I want to share another story of encouragement from my mom’s illness.

When we first went to see the radiation doctor, we walked in feeling apprehensive and unsure of what to expect. I looked around the waiting room and noticed a table with puzzle pieces scattered across it. The puzzle was barely started—maybe just a few pieces put together.

My mom and I have always loved puzzles, so I began fumbling around, trying to match a few pieces while we waited for our appointment. It was pretty challenging, and I only managed to fit one or two together.

The appointment itself was difficult, as the doctor gently explained that there wasn’t much they could do. Still, they suggested trying a few radiation treatments to slow the growth and possibly shrink the tumors.

About a month passed. That month included ten radiation treatments for my mom. She did so well—especially knowing that each treatment would cause her hair to fall out and likely make her very tired.

At the end of the treatments, we were scheduled to meet with the doctor again to see how the cancer had responded. Yet her decline was undeniable, and the day felt especially heavy.

I’ll never forget walking into the waiting room. I glanced over at that same little table, and to my surprise, the puzzle was still there—only now it was complete. It took my breath away. The once-jumbled pieces now perfectly fit together, revealing a beautiful image of a mother and daughter sitting side by side on a dock, their legs dangling down toward the water.

I like to think it was Big Sugar—a special family place on the river.

The moment was not lost on me, as I thought about how similar it was to our journey in this broken world. Life can feel messy and often doesn’t make sense—so much feels out of our control. And yet, He is in the business of crafting a beautiful story, even from pieces that seem impossible on their own.

We can trust Him with every second of our lives, knowing that one day we will see the big picture.

That day in the doctor’s office was certainly difficult, as we learned the treatments hadn’t caused the cancer to shrink. Still, I left reminded that the Lord sees. He knows. And He is not surprised. We can trust Him with the pieces of our lives that right now seem out of place!

As I thought about what to share this week, this song came to mind—it fits perfectly with the puzzle story. My mom loved to visit and sing for residents in the nursing home. When COVID struck and the doors were shuttered, she recorded videos to share with them instead. So her—always thinking of others. What a blessing for me to find this video she left behind.

I love the words of this old song, especially the line: “We shall meet on that beautiful shore.” When I saw the image of the mother and daughter on the bank of the river, it made me long for that day when our faith will become sight.

So here is my Mom singing - "In the Sweet By and By." I hoping you are singing along - I sure am!

There's a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar,

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.