A Candle in the Darkness

After VietNam, his daughter's death and a double lung transplant, Dave Sikes finds hope in this story about the small miracles of life that helped one family overcome unthinkable obstacles. Read more Continue reading Read less ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Knef is an award winning writer, journalist and healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience. He is employed at BJC Health Systems in St. Louis, MO as the manager of Creative Services.

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In recent years, studies have been conducted at Duke University by Dr. Harold Koening and colleagues and by the National Institute for Healthcare Research and David and Susan Larson. Results of the studies have concluded that positive spirituality plays an important role in holistic wellness (physical, psycho-social and spiritual) for the individual. Many have tried to define "spirituality." To advance one understanding of spirituality - someone else's or my own - would be presumptuous. For how can we limit "spirituality?" However, there are some common elements in the definitions that have been proposed: relationship, growth and the meaning of life are some. The search for meaning in oneÕs life is that person's spirituality. Positive relationships with a Higher Power, others, oneself and the world around us give life meaning, give life hope. We can approach life in a variety of ways. Years ago, I hung two posters in my office that reflect opposite views of life. The negative view of life: Life is a bowl of cherries. Why do I get all the pits? The positive view of Life: When someone gives you a lemon, make lemonade." Dave Sikes' story is the story of a young man who has been given a "lot of lemons." His spirituality has enabled him to squeeze those lemons and make lemonade. In the spirit of St. Francis, every time despair appears at his doorstep, David has been called to make a choice. Each time he draws upon an inner spiritual strength. That spiritual strength included healthy, life-giving relationships with God, his wife and family who love one another, and a will to live life to its fullest within the limitations of (or should I say in spite of) that life. His spiritual strength- his spirituality - continues to give him hope.

The wisdom that Dave teaches us in his responses to suffering is the spiritual significance of meeting responsibilities and having integrity. Dave personifies the maximum, "pray as if everything depends on God. Work as if everything depends on you."" Put the two concepts together and miracles can happen.

While Dave continues to confront physical health issues on his life's journey, his story - as you will read in the following pages - is a story of hope. It is a story of relationships - with God, parents, sister, spouse, children and grandchildren, extended family and helath-care providers - that are life-giving. It is a story of committed service to God, family and country - that is life-giving. It is a story that advocates by, personal example as donor and recipient, the ultimate gift of life - organ donation. And it is the story of suffering. Repeated mental anguish - in Vietman, through a daughter's death, and failing health - would lead many to despair. But for Dave, his spirituality, nurtured and supported by the love of Judy, his wife, has empowered him to overcome despair, grieve the many painful losses in his still short life and achieve an integrity, a wholeness, I call hope.

"A Candle In The Darkness" is a story that challenges us to reflect on our own life's journey and ask the questions: What give meaning to my life? Am I a life-giver, a person of hope? Answering these questions will give you a better understanding of your own spirituality.







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