One of the nice things about getting together with family is sharing stories. It was my dad’s birthday this weekend and we were all together to celebrate. After the meal, but before dessert we were talking about miracles. I mentioned the story of my brother and the above and beyond actions of a pharmacist who saved his life (click here for that story). Well, my dad recounted how his father was cured from cancer through prayer.
This happened in the early 70’s. My Grandfather had cancer in his kidneys. One kidney was completely cancerous and the other was 80% cancerous. He was bed ridden with tubes inserted for urination because of the condition. The doctors gave a life expectancy of 5 minutes to emphasize that he could die at any time.
My parents invited the parish priest, Fr. Flanagan, to come and administer last rights. At the time they were heavily involved in Marriage Encounter, and had activated a network of more than 1,000 people to pray for my grandfather.
About a week later my grandfather rolled over in bed, pulled out the tube, got up and said that he was better. When the doctors examined him they found no evidence of cancer anywhere and had no explanation what happened.
My dad tells me he does not think that my grandfather was even aware that so many people were praying for him. He attributed his miraculous recovery to carrot juice. He lived seven more years, and died of a heart attack - not cancer.
