When the Unexpected Upends Our Plans by Sandi Somers

Repairing Calgary's Watermain Break

It was not the summer I planned.

It all began June 5th, when one of two main water lines into Calgary burst, cutting our water supply to 40%. Stage 1 restrictions thrust us into pioneer-like use of water, and we weren’t even allowed to water outdoor plants. However, I got around the restrictions, saving as much “grey water” as I could from washing dishes by hand, and from rescuing bath water and water from taps as I warmed it up for other usage. But then came July. It was hot with no rain, and some flowers didn’t thrive very well. My plans for a lovely show garden were put on hold to maybe next year.

Finally, after several weeks of repair work on the water line, test water began flowing through the pipes. We were allowed to water our lawns—one hour a week. With no rain for our parched, yellowing lawns, it was like giving a glass of water to a person dying of thirst! (It’s September now and we’re back into severe water restrictions as other fragile spots on the water main are being repaired.)

Then July brought two painful events. On July 4, my brother Keith died of lung cancer. I didn't know he was ill and didn’t have a chance to meet with him before he passed. His family hosted a private family viewing, with no service planned, which I attended. The same morning, another brother, Cyril, was brought to the Foothills Hospital. His health had been deteriorating in the previous weeks, and his condition had worsened to the point of needing hospital care.

It was a tough day for all of us.

Cyril was diagnosed with myeloma—blood cancer. “Do you know what that means?” the doctor asked me. “Yes, our sister died of it ten years ago,” I answered, heartbroken for what I knew lay ahead for Cyril. Fortunately, new medications are more effective in treating this cancer than in my sister Karen’s day. He’s on weekly chemo injections—twelve altogether, which will take him just past Thanksgiving.

Grief over Keith’s passing and caring for loved ones in deep suffering took a lot out of me. Meanwhile, when my summer plans became as short changed as our water, I kept in contact with Keith’s family, offering love and support, and I became Cyril’s principal visitor and caregiver, visiting him almost every day, sharing tender moments, sharing God’s love when he was afraid he was dying, and praying with him. I also texted our extended family and Cyril’s friends, keeping them posted on his progress. What a delight to see how God is answering our prayers as Cyril is gradually recovering.

When my life—our lives—veer off in unexpected directions, we often feel disoriented or upended. Yet God waters our lives with grace and His presence, sometimes growing us in new directions, new attitudes, new caring, and new compassion. New themes will emerge, perhaps even a new direction for writing.

It was then that I knew God has a higher plan and a way through these events (Isaiah 55:9). I knew He was inviting me to participate with His purpose and give Him honour for His wonderful care over many issues.