Little did I know what a life-changing journey we were embarking on when my 58-year old son Chris was diagnosed with stage 3 CR cancer 2 years ago.  He declined surgery, opted for chemo/radiation, and began treating himself with cannabis oil inserted rectally. It had worked for an acquaintance, and luckily Chris’s landlord was making it for a friend so he had a good source.  Chris had been a regular cannabis smoker for many years.  We did lots of research, helped him with dietary changes, etc.

Chris is a loner, a passionate advocate for the environment, and on disability due to his Asperger’s. He has continued to ride his bike around our town of Sonoma, CA, cleaning up creeks and roadways (while muttering curses at the perpetrators!)

Here’s the Hope part of my story.

All this time, I’ve been encouraging him to come over and watch uplifting stories about nature, Native Americans (another passion), and even some Neale Donald Walsh videos.

We found a healer to help him with old anger issues, family patterns, etc.  We found recipes and cooked together.  In other words, we’ve spent quality time together which never would have happened otherwise, and I’ve been given the privilege of seeing into the wise and passionate soul of another human being.

His father raised him and he was homeless for many years, so we never had much time together.  I’ve suffered all kinds of guilt and remorse.  I am an artist/teacher and have chosen to put most of my creative work aside in order to be there for my son.  So you can imagine how grateful I am for this gift of healing, and love, as both of our hearts are breaking open.

He’s still an old grump as my husband says, but we all see his big heart underneath. Our whole community is giving him loving support as well.  I wish I could say his cancer has been healed, but the tumor has grown and he’s now back on chemo and facing surgery and a colostomy bag.  He’s taking the cannabis orally.  His fate is in the hands of the Divine, and we’re all praying for him and for his highest good.

I’ve been following your wonderful series all this time and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, guidance and encouragement – and for this opportunity to share our story.

I must add that I lost my beloved husband and soulmate of 32 years to cancer in 2007, and still miss him terribly, but 4 years later I found the most wonderful unlikely man (23 years younger!) and we have been deeply in love for the last 10 years.  I’m 83 and he keeps my youthful spirit alive. The universe is full of surprises, especially when we’re open to them.

With love and blessings and best wishes to you and your family as we enter a new year with HOPE in our hearts.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara Jacobsen

If you’d like to share your Stories of Hope…we would be honored.  You can submit to [email protected]