There was a family that experienced a very difficult life. They suffered the death of some of their children, many miscarriages and struggled with raising an unhealthy child. All along, the Rebbe gave the couple advice, guidance and loving encouragement.
Thank G‑d today this couple has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a truly loving family.
My thanks to the family for sharing with me one of the letters that the Rebbe sent to the wife, one that I thought has a fascinating message:
ב"ה
16 Iyar 5711 [May 22, 1951]
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Blessing and Greeting:
I am in receipt of your letter of May 16th. As per your request, I hasten to reply to you, although a great deal of earlier correspondence has not been acknowledged yet.
First of all, I want to correct a wrong attitude on your part as expressed in your letter, to the effect that you put your faith in me and my promise. A Jewish person should put his or her faith only in G‑d, the Creator and Master of the world, who guides all its destinies, who Is the Healer of the sick and the Source of Good.
Because G‑d is good, He wants everybody, and Jews especially, to be happy. It happens, however, that we, with our fleshy eyes, cannot see and understand His ways. But we must be firm in our faith that only good can come from the good G‑d, and that the good will become apparent eventually.
In truth, I should have used stronger words of censure; with regard to your attitude of placing your faith completely in a human being. However, realizing the aching heart of a mother whose child is ailing, and no person can be fully responsible in distress, I wish to repeat again, what I have told your husband […] and requested to convey to you: Be strong in your faith in G‑d, who knows no obstacles or limitations, that He will surely send His help and that you will have lots of Nachos from your daughter and lead her to the Сhuрраh בשעה טובה ומוצלחת [the wedding canopy in a good and auspicious hour].
As I have told your husband, such firm faith in G‑d is the best means of hastening your daughter's cure. Be confident and cheerful, and help cheer others through participation in the preparations for a Chassidishe farbrengen [Chassidic gathering] at the proper times, and similar inspiring occasions.
With blessing,
M. Schneerson