For months, we’ve been praying for Ryan Schuhmacher as he battled cancer. Throughout the Diabetes Online Community, there have been numerous posts and updates about this precious family. Ryan’s wife Meri is a fellow blogger and the couple have four boys, three of whom have type 1 diabetes. For months, prayers have been whispered for this family. Sunday, Ryan lost his battle with cancer.
I am completely heartbroken for Meri and the boys. But through my faith, I find peace knowing Ryan isn’t sick any longer. I believe Ryan walked into heaven Sunday enveloped by open arms and a “well done, good and faithful servant.” Meri wrote on Sunday that the family’s miracle came, just in a way they’d prayed for differently. He didn’t suffer, and he left this earth surrounded by his family. While I’ve prayed for healing for Ryan, I’ve prayed for God’s will above all else. And that’s what I have seen Meri pray for as well. To see a wife and a mother pray for God’s will is nothing short of beautiful. We don’t understand all of God’s ways or His will. But we have a promise of what heaven holds for us. And I pray Meri is clinging to that scriptural promise during this unimaginable time.
To follow Meri and the boys through this journey, you can read Meri’s blog here. To help this family financially, please click here. Every bit helps, even if it’s a small amount.
Father God, I have struggled with this loss. Struggled to understand why You would call Ryan home so soon. When looking for answers, You reminded me in Your word that You are sovereign, that Your ways are higher than any other. I’ve seen You mold the broken, tattered and worn pieces of life into a beautiful, magnificent work of art. I’ve seen you restore the brokenhearted. I prayed for Ryan’s healing so that You would receive the glory from it. You chose a different outcome; Your will was not my will. I will trust that through Ryan’s death, You will still receive glory as only You can. I pray specifically for Meri. Wrap Your arms around her and let her feel Your love and mercy. Cover this family in grace and guide them as they move forward without Ryan. Lord, You know the needs, and You know Meri’s heart. Anywhere she needs You, please fill that place with Your love. I ask for Your protection and peace over this family. Put people in their path that can help them, that can mentor them, that can guide them through the transition into this new way of life. Lord, I pray that every financial need be met and that every medical supply be readily available. I pray for cooperative blood sugars and strength to continue that journey. Lord, pour out Your blessings over this family. As I prayed for Ryan to be healed of cancer, I knew that could mean through death. Lord, thank you for the comfort of knowing he is cancer-free, the comfort of knowing he is with You. Please cover this family in Your love until they are reunited. Amen.