CRUCIBLE defined:

1. A vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures
2. A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial
3. A place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces

I would say that Irene qualifies under option 2 …. “A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial.”  Do you agree?  Personally, I am convinced that she PASSES the severe test with an “A+” for her poise and carriage throughout the entire ordeal.

I am mindful of this relevant passage:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 3:9

I was recently inspired after reading Walt Wilson’s (a good friend who’s wife Dee is battling cancer and also the author of the book, The Internet Church) account of several young Marines as they completed their own CRUCIBLE ….

…. These men witnessed the Commanding General’s Flag Raising Ceremony, the graduation of 3rd Battalion Marines, and the Emblem Ceremony for Lima Company, 2nd Battalion. Lima Company was on their return from the Crucible, the final test to become a Marine after 11 weeks of the toughest training of any military in the world, including Special Forces.

The Crucible is 54 hours of nonstop maneuvers, 40 miles of forced marching with a 65 pound pack, ten pounds of body armor, multiple obstacle courses with 30 caliber live firing across the barb wire crawl through thick mud, concussion explosives being set off all around them, carrying of wounded through simulated combat explosions, little water, no meals (just protein bars) and only two four-hour sleep breaks for over the entire 54 hours. They are in constant motion fighting their way through combat obstacles.

The Crucible is the final test to become a Marine. At 3 am they leave the simulated combat range and begin the long march to the Iwo Jima monument to receive their first Marine Corps emblem, the eagle, globe and anchor.

Our party assembled at the Iwo Jima monument at 7:30 am to await Lima Company’s arrival. From the distance we could hear them singing Marine marching cadence. Andy commented it sounded like lions roaring in the distance, even though we could not yet see them. Then an entire company appeared shouting their cadence, limping, many bent over struggling to make the moment. All were muddy and wet, but they were all smiles knowing they past the test. There is almost a 30% dropout rate among Marine recruits. These were the survivors, the victors, newly-minted Marines. As the entire company assembled at the Iwo Jima Monument the ceremony began with prayer then the handing of an emblem to each man while the Marine Corps Hymn was played softly in the background. Most shed tears during this time as they become Marines — a defining moment in their young lives.

Despite her nausea, Irene was up early this morning making breakfast burritos …. “Yum”!! …. Then, since we hit the three month mark since the stem cell transplant we began looking at several spa options.  The UCSF Nephrology Department strongly recommends using a spa as part of the recovery treatment for Irene’s renal failure (ESRD).  There’s also a growing body of evidence suggesting that Irene is feeling more independent …. she’s starting to think about the notion of DRIVING …. look out sidewalks and shopping malls!!  Her vision has improved enough since the detached retinas episode that the only concern is that of the defensive driving reaction.  The jury is still out in terms of when she’ll actually start behind the wheel again ….

I’m extremely grateful for Irene’s faithfulness through her own “CRUCIBLE”.  I wish for her sake that it was only “54 hours of non stop maneuvers” like the Marines because she’s been going through her CRUCIBLE since April.  Yet I am confident of this …. that she’s as tough and determined as any Marine there is.  Yet she inspires me not only with her resilience and courage, but with a gentle perseverance …. and keeps smiling through it all …. especially when she’s playing in the sandbox …. uh, I mean …. the “wisteria” garden!!

Thank you for your continued prayers for her complete healing and restoration!!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave