Some children experience a season of uncluttered safety, belonging, and joy.
That’s how it’s meant to be.
That’s what God wants for His children.
Today, on this Mother’s Day, I want to tell you about a mother who has given that kind of love to many—my wife, Deanna.
And now, she needs us.
🧡 Deanna’s Journey to Health
We’re back in Canada because Deanna was diagnosed with serious cancer. Within 12 hours of landing, Deanna had already seen our family doctor. Tomorrow (Monday), we meet again for a second consultation.
We prayed, sought counsel, and felt led to seek treatment here.
Because healing isn’t just medical. It’s also spiritual. Emotional. Relational.
We need our people.
👉 To receive updates about Deanna’s Journey to Health, email rick.bergen@xtrememercy.com or WhatsApp me at +55 94 99271-2929.
🚣♀️ A Stormy Sea
Galatians 5:22–23
Deanna has spent her life pouring herself out for others—with steady love, quiet wisdom, and the kind of strength that holds communities together. For years, she was like a freight ship: strong, steady, carrying others through life’s choppy waters. She could take on heavy loads, navigate turbulent storms, and press forward with resolve.
But seasons change.
Recently, she tried to describe her experience.
“I used to feel like a freight ship plowing through stormy seas to help others. Now I feel like I’m in a tiny rowboat, caught in a giant storm.”
That’s what a cancer diagnosis can feel like. Not weakness—but a shift. Not defeat—but disorientation. When the sea is too wide, and the sky too dark, even the strongest need someone to climb in the boat with them—to hold the oars, to pray, to hope, to just be.
This is one of those times.
Now Deanna needs something sacred from her people.
🍓 A Fruit Salad
She needs the fruit of the Spirit, not pressure or opinion.
What helps her now is a healing, holy mix of:
Love that reassures
Joy that lifts
Peace that calms
Patience that gives space
Kindness that listens
Goodness that overflows
Faithfulness that stays
Gentleness that protects
Self-control that knows when to pause
📝 Before you send that message or say those words, ask yourself: “Is this encouragement—or anxiety in disguise?” “Is this helpful fruit—or is it my own unresolved chaos?”
💌 A Gentle Request
Before you talk to Deanna, please take a moment to be aware of your personal reactions and feelings. If you feel anxious or burdened about her diagnosis, please send me (Rick) your health tips, advice, or links—not to Deanna, who reads all our shared emails.
