I wish you enough…

BrendaBy Brenda Cannon Henley
Perhaps you have read one or more variations of this little writing that has come to mean a lot to me and to several of my friends. There are several that claim to be the original author, and I honestly do not have any way of proving the truth, but that doesn’t diminish the greater good of the thought. Some say it was taken from a letter from a father to a son. Others determined that it was a quote from a mother with a terminal illness saying good-bye to her only daughter as she saw her off for perhaps the last time from a busy airport. Still another suggested it was written by a mom sending her child off to college for the first year.

“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Good-bye.”

I do know that I began sharing this quote, and many times, only the word “enough” with one of my Sisters of the Salt, Pam Adams, co-owner of “the last house standing” near Rollover Pass after Ike’s decimation of the area. Pam and Warren’s home was shown on countless newscasts and in much of the coverage of our beloved Bolivar Peninsula. After Ike, the home was repaired and the enterprising couple went across the street and opened Fanta Sea BBQ and Grill and have enjoyed great success serving the hungry people who come to Bolivar to fish and swim and play on our beaches.

I have reminded Pam that God has promised never to give His children more than they can handle and that His matchless grace is always enough. Let me give you a bird’s eye view of why I said these things to my friend. In April 2001, Pam was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy with seven surgeries in 18 months. BCH_0825In June 2004, Warren, Pam’s husband, was taken to the emergency room with severe abdominal pains. His gall bladder had ruptured and had to be immediately removed. In August 2005 the couple purchased “Primetime,” a beach cabin on Church Street in Gilchrist. One month later, in September, Hurricane Rita came ashore and damaged the cabin beyond repair. The couple decided to stake their claim and build the beautiful yellow FantaSea. During the construction, Warren had a heart attack and underwent a triple by-pass surgery.

In March 2007, Warren was diagnosed with bladder cancer. In July 2007 the couple moved into their dream home much to the delight of family and friends. In February 2008, Warren is diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and began six months of chemotherapy treatment. Now, wait for it…In September 2008, Ike came to call and left the Adams’ home the only one standing for over 11 miles. Again, a very stressful time ensued arguing with FEMA, TWIA, and flood insurance to get the necessary repairs made. After 51 weeks, the couple was able to move back into their newly repaired home. In May 2010, FantaSea BBQ and Grill opened to the public.

In June 2013, Warren is again diagnosed with bladder cancer and in July of the same year, Pam had to have both implants removed and replaced. In January 2014, Warren underwent knee replacement surgery. In February 2015, Warren has severe chest pains and finds he now has colon cancer. Half of his colon was removed and he is undergoing chemotherapy again. In June 2015, Pam has kidney stone surgery to remove a stone lodged for over a year.

Now, why do I share this dialog today? If anyone has had enough, it seems to me that it would be Pam and Warren. But if you see either of them, talk to them on the phone, or get a text or email, they will be encouraging, funny, helpful, and kind. Both have Texas sized hearts and help countless people every month of their lives. His grace truly is enough to sustain us for whatever comes our way. Pam jokingly says she wishes God didn’t trust them so much, and I simply say, “Enough.” May I add that whatever we may be facing, God has enough grace and you can have enough strength for the battle.

[August 24, 2015]

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, at
[email protected], or by using the contact form below.

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