The Bell Rang

8/13/2026

Yesterday’s moment of joy was the ringing of a bell.

Yesterday was Joe’s last round of chemotherapy. It was a longer infusion day than usual because some of his lab numbers were low, but otherwise, it felt much like any other infusion day—with one important exception.

God willing, it was his last.

At the end of Joe’s treatment, the staff lined the path leading toward the door. They clapped, cheered, and celebrated him as he walked past.

Near the entrance to the infusion room is a colorful wall covered with ribbons representing the many different types of cancer. Hanging on that wall is a bell and a plaque that reads:

Ring this bell
Three times well
To celebrate this day.

This course is run,
My treatment done,
Now I’m on my way.

Joe made his way through the cheering staff and onlookers until he reached the bell. Then he gave it three strong rings.

Before leaving, he turned and thanked the staff for the care they had given him throughout this journey.

We came home as though it were any other day—but it wasn’t any other day.

Neither of us said much more about it, yet we both knew it was special. We sent the video of Joe ringing the bell to our family and friends. I suppose that was our quiet celebration, but in our hearts, it was something much deeper.

It was a major milestone.

A difficult journey completed.

We pray this will be our last battle of this nature, though we know there will always be battles of one kind or another along life’s way. Whatever we face, we take comfort in knowing that God is right there, fighting alongside us.

We find comfort and peace in that assurance.

Yesterday, after a long and difficult journey, the bell rang.

And that was our moment of joy.