There are not many people on this earth who embrace hardship with a joyful spirit.  Seldom does one find debilitating disease a reason to rejoice.  Indeed, most of us would cower beneath the horrors of cancer. 

Not so my aunt, Lerma.  From the day Lerma entered our lives, she has brought with her joy and upliftment.  It is most difficult to come into her presence and not feel her warmth wash over you like a wave of love.  I know of not one person who has experienced Lerma’s loving kindness and infectious joy and walked away untouched.  From waiters in coffee shops to presidents of companies, Lerma’s warmth has effected everyone in her path.

In the last 6 weeks, Lerma has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Some years ago, she worked with Benzene on a daily basis for a period of 2 years.  According to the doctors, benzene is a known contributor to leukaemia.  Her first round of chemotherapy found her suffering debilitating side effects and pain.  She lost most of her hair.  And yet, she is still smiling.  Still rejoicing. Still giving God the glory.  Still encouraging those who come to encourage her.  Every time my mother speaks with her, she is encouraged by her love for Jesus and her willingness to submit to His will. 

Recently, my mother shared this prayer letter with friends and family.  It shares her heart which reflects Lerma so well and deeply.  As you read it, please keep Lerma and Guy in your prayers.

Hi dear family and friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes sent to Lerma.

We came to Cape Town yesterday and visited Lerma at the Constantiaberg Hospital last evening.

We were met by one very cheerful lady despite her ordeal to date!

She has undergone her first treatment of chemotherapy. Initially hair started to fall out but seems to have stopped.

Lerma has reacted to the drug by coming out in a dark wine colour rash all over her body. Her doctor has not seen such a reaction like this before. Her ears swelled to what she describes as fat purple aubergines. She suggested to the doctor that she gets her hair coloured purple to match the ears. She refers to herself as ‘ Purple Lady’! What a lady ! She so cheerfully makes fun of these irritating things that she is having to contend with!

She has been running a temperature which the doctor says is due to a bacterial infection. She is not allowed home until her temperature is down. We are praying that it will be soon!

Lerma is experiencing the “Peace of the Lord’ as she undergoes her treatment for Leukemia. Her faith and trust in the Lord is strong.

She has a close relationship with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. One cannot but be encouraged by her wonderful positive outlook on life. She radiates ‘the joy of the Lord’ and truly demonstrates what Jesus said we all must do and that is “ to love one another as I have loved you!”

In the 14 years I have known her I do not recall ever hearing her say one unkind word about anyone. She has had many challenges in her life and to date it seems that each trial she undergoes she takes them in her stride. She gives all credit to the Lord and says it is ‘Jesus who gives me strength – without Him in my heart I would not have managed. “The Joy of the Lord is my strength”. (quoting Lerma).

Lerma is such a tonic and an inspiration to me.

The other morning I woke up pretty early with the song “I love you with the love of the Lord’ going around in my head. I wanted to sing it to Lerma but it was far too early to cell phone her. (each morning I send her a scripture and each evening I phone her). At this rather unearthly hour I smsed it but did not remember all the words. I ‘la la’d the words that were missing’. Lerma phoned me later in the morning singing the song to me. I joined along with her and then she went on to sing ‘In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time…” So there we were the two of us singing away together. Tears were running down my face as we praised and worshipped the Lord together. I was blessed as my sister in law with her beautiful voice sang to the Lord. I was bathed by God’s presence which was awesome!

Donna, Lerma’s daughter, comes into the hospital each day to help her mum. Lerma has about 5 tubes attached to her which she has named her 5 x 5! She says she drives her 5 x 5 into the loo, into the shower.

Guy, my brother, is finding this pretty tough as one can imagine. He adores his ‘tweetiebird’ as he calls her. He hates to see her having to go through all this. It is so hard to be on the outside looking on. One can feel so helpless. Please keep him covered in prayer.

Please stand together with us as we faithfully look to Jesus to restore Lerma to perfect health.

Lerma sends her love to you all and says thank you for your prayer support!

With much love to you in Christ,

Mum Sal

Please consider dropping a note of encouragement for Lerma here in the comments section.  She will definitely value your prayers and words of encouragement!