Meet Roger Barrett, a patient of mine who just started coming to our office this week. Little did I know, this man would change my life. Mr. Barrett was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2009 and was told he could receive treatment, but if the cancer spread outside his bladder, there wouldn’t be much the doctors could do. As months passed and the doctor visits continued, Mr. Barrett’s cancer worsened. In 2010, during yet another follow-up, he received the devastating news that the cancer had spread beyond his bladder and that he had only five years to live. Despite the bleak prognosis, Mr. Barrett opted for any treatment that might help, but unfortunately, the treatments led to severe infections, and the doctors had no choice but to stop them.
A few months later, in December, Mr. Barrett carried on with his annual tradition of decorating his home with 150,000 lights to display the true meaning of Christmas. He opens his home to the public, offering hotdogs and marshmallows at no charge around a fire pit. One Saturday evening, while parking cars in his backyard, a couple pulled up. Mr. Barrett noticed they were dressed quite formally—the woman in a white, elegant coat, and the man in a suit. The couple stayed for about two and a half hours, admiring the light display. As they were leaving, they told Mr. Barrett, “This is the most beautiful light display we have seen; we saw Jesus more than once through this display.” Mr. Barrett responded, “Yes sir, that’s what it is all about.”
The man then asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, what does your utility bill usually run putting all this on?” Mr. Barrett replied that it ranged from $750 to $800. The man then asked, “Mr. Barrett, you’re also having some health problems, aren’t you?” Surprised, Mr. Barrett answered, “Why yes, I am. I currently have bladder cancer, and they have given me five years.” The man then asked, “Do you mind if we pray for you?” Mr. Barrett, of course, appreciated the gesture.
During the prayer, Mr. Barrett never felt the couple touch him, but he described the experience as if he were floating, swinging his feet back and forth. After the prayer, the man told Mr. Barrett, “Do not let yourself think about that cancer again. God told me He has His hand on you. Also, do not stop doing this light display; God also told me He is going to handle it.”
Still puzzled by the couple’s kindness, Mr. Barrett hurried to tell his wife, who was entertaining the rest of their guests. She was surprised, telling him, “Honey, there wasn’t a couple here of that description.” Mr. Barrett insisted there was and asked several others who were there, but no one recognized the couple he described.
The following Wednesday in 2011, Mr. Barrett went to the hospital for a biopsy. The next day, while sitting on the edge of his bed, his phone rang. It was his doctor. Immediately, Mr. Barrett began apologizing for not calling to set up a follow-up. The doctor, however, had surprising news. “Are you sitting down, Mr. Barrett?” he asked. “Yes, sir,” Mr. Barrett replied. The doctor then said, “I have your results. Do not ask me any questions because I don’t have the answers, but you’re cancer-free!” Overwhelmed, Mr. Barrett handed the phone to his wife because he couldn’t speak. The doctor sent him for more tests, determined to find any remaining cancer cells. After extensive testing, the results were clear—Mr. Barrett was indeed cancer-free!
Weeks later, when the utility bill arrived, Mrs. Barrett noticed something strange. She said, “They must have made a mistake, but I’m sure they’ll catch it next month.” Mr. Barrett asked what she meant, and she replied, “Our total utility bill with all three meters is only $187.” Mr. Barrett couldn’t help but smile and say, “There is no mistake. God took care of it!”
Credits goes to the respective owner.