Wednesday, July 04, 2007

~ A New Form of Government ~

I wanted to share this excerpt from Ronald Reagan to celebrate our National Holiday, and remind all of us to pray for our men and women in the armed services, those who stand between us and fight to keep our country free. We have such a blessed history, even though it has been hard-fought at times. As our pastor said on Sunday though, God cannot bless us if we do not call upon Him and repent. We need to stand for right; call sin what it is; honor God in what we do. Let's remember to pray for that today.

July Fourth is the birthday of our nation... and on that in 1776 in the little hall in Philadelphia, a day on which debate had raged for hours... The men gathered there were honorable men hard-pressed by a king who had flouted the very laws they were willing to obey. Even so, to sign the Declaration of Independence was such an irretrievable act that the walls resounded with the words "treason, the gallows, the headsman's axe," and the issue remained in doubt.

56 men, a little band so unique we have never seen their like since... pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Some gave their lives in the war that followed, most gave their fortunes, and all preserved their sacred honor.

What manner of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, 11 were merchants and tradesmen, and nine were farmers. They were soft-spoken men of means and education; they were not an unwashed rabble. They had achieved security but valued freedom more. Their stories have not been told nearly enough.

John Hart was driven from the side of his desperately ill wife. For more than a year he lived in the forest and in caves before he returned to find his wife dead, his children vanished, his property destroyed. He died of exhaustion and a broken heart.

Carter Braxton of Virginia lost all his ships, sold his home to pay his debts, and died in rags. And so it was with Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Rutledge, Morris, Livingston and Middleton. Nelson personally urged Washington to fire on his home and destroy it when it became the headquarters for General Cornwallis. Nelson died bankrupt.

But they sired a nation that grew from sea to shining sea. Five million farms, quiet villages, cities that never sleep, 3 million square miles of forest, field, mountain and desert, 227 million people with a pedigree that includes the bloodlines of all the world. In recent years, however, I've come to think of that day as more than just the birthday of a nation.

It also commemorates the only true philosophical revolution in all history.
Oh, there have been revolutions before and since ours. But those revolutions simply exchanged one set of rules for another. Ours was a revolution that changed the very concept of government.

Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.

We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should.
Happy Fourth of July.
Ronald Reagan President of the United States

Editor's note: When he was president, Ronald Reagan wrote this piece for Independence Day in 1981. Aide Michael Deaver later wrote: "This 4th of July message is the President's own words and written initially in his own hand."

Saturday, June 30, 2007

10 Reasons to be Grateful

Everyday we see more evidence of people who've contracted the fatal disease of entitlement. Paris Hilton is great example. Here is a young woman with everything to live for, every privilege, every benefit. And now by flaunting the law, she is going to jail for a brief time. She's all over the news. And the one word I keep hearing from all the newscasters and speculators is the word "entitlement," that she feels entitled.

All of life is a gift to be enjoyed. The Scriptures tell us that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights, that is, God. If you're finding it easy to feel sorry for yourself, and hard to count your blessings, here are the Top Ten Reasons that might help remind you to be grateful:

1. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the millions who won't survive this week. That's a reason to be grateful.

2. If you've never experienced the horror of war personally, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you're ahead of 20 million people around the world at this moment who are. Remember to be grateful.

3. If you're able to attend a church of your choice this week without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost 3 billion people on this planet. That's a reason to be grateful.

4. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world population. That's a reason to be grateful.

5. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or spare change in a dish somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. That's a reason to be grateful.

6. If you can hold your head with a smile and truly proclaim that in your heart you are thankful, you are more blessed than the majority of people who have every reason to be thankful except the power to be so.

7. If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, touch them on the shoulder, you are more blessed because you can offer encouragement which is, more times than we know, God's healing touch.

8. If you can read this Dave Rave you are more blessed than over 2 billion people in the world who cannot read anything. That's a reason to be grateful for the people who've invested in your life.

9. If at the end of this day you're going to retreat into your home being surrounded by those who love you, you'll experience today what the majority of the earth's population will never experience in a lifetime. That's a reason to be grateful.

10. If you get up every morning convinced of the protection, the providence, and the promises of God for your daily life, if you feel that you serve a purpose, that you've found work that is meaningful; if you feel like your life matters then you have every reason to be grateful.

This was from Dr. David Foster's Blog - he has practical information from God's Word that you can really use... visit him at www.myspace.com/davidhfoster

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Lightening Bugs...

I realize that some folks call them fireflies... but I was thinking about them recently. My cousins from Florida were here to visit, this is my cousin who is a year older than me and she has 10 kids and has/is homeschooling all of them... wow, right?! Anyway, they do not have lightening bugs where they live. It was a neat thing then, while at Dad's house, the lightening bugs came out and we were running around like silly kids trying to catch them.

They always signify summer to me, and lazy days of playing at dusk with the kids in my neighborhood - kick the can was always a popular night game. But summer days are longer and more relaxed, right? Supposed to be, anyway. And as an adult, I have lost that carefree feeling. Nothing seems simple or fun, everything is rigid, routine, demanding, stressful... and I am a Christian! What is wrong with me? No joy in simple things; everything is so hard, especially lately.

I just returned from our youth mission trip to Pennsylvania, and this group was awesome. The youth/college students were very unified, no drama really, the adults all worked together, the worship was great... and it was exhausting, but in a good way.

Now, I am back home, back to work, back to bills and back to medical appointments with my mom... and I feel physically and mentally and emotionally exhausted... I sometimes just SCREAM at the Lord, WHY IS LIFE SO HARD?!! What have I done? Don't I deserve a break sometime??? And then immediately, the Holy Spirit within me says, what about Jesus? What did He ever do except LOVE ME? and be OBEDIENT to His Father? You see.. I cannot even have a proper pity party, the Lord just won't allow it.

I know that God is at work all around me, around us, and yet, I sometimes just do not see it. Like I would not have noticed the lightening bugs at my Dad's that night, except that my cousins were LOOKING FOR THEM! If I do not look for God's work, then I am not going to see it. How convicting is that? But I am still so tired...

I am grateful beyond imagination for the Christian brothers and sisters who encourage me... things that are done, maybe just a smile, that will give me just enough energy to push on, and make that next step... even when I am so tired of life.

Take notice of the lightening bugs around your place, and thank God for His Work in your life, even when you are too busy to notice.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Disturbing Info

it doesn’t make sense.

I just read this information...

We live in a day and age when ministry materials for children and youth have never been so plentiful, so relevant, so trusted and so utilized by churches like yours across the country. Yet the statistics tell the hard truth – 75 percent of young people will walk away from their faith by the age of 25. Take a look at your youth group. For every four youngsters learning to serve Jesus today, only one will be doing so ten years from now.

ONE in TEN?!!

We need to remember that we are not "doing program" at church, but we are to be loving people, looking to develop relationships, raising children who love the Lord, and continually spending time with the Father so that we can fall in love with Him more and more ourselves.

Imagine...
(http://www.awana.org/homebase/)

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Monday, May 28, 2007

Do you have a "Stop Doing" List?

I admit, I have been overwhelmed with life and unable to figure this out, but I came upon this article this morning and felt that it would benefit you also.

Creating a "Stop Doing" List
Do you ever get frustrated with feeling like there's too much to do and not enough time to do it? Well, if you have, Jim Collins just might have a possible prescription for you.The basic storyline is that early on in his twenties, Jim took a course in creativity with Rochelle Myers at Standford. Afterward he stayed in touch with her. As a young, energetic and driven individual, Jim regularly planned out his life.

Yet in the midst of all that organized planning, Rochelle said to him, "Jim, I notice that you are a rather undisciplined person." Obviously, that shocked Jim. However, she continued, "Your genetic energy level enables your lack of discipline. Instead of leading a disciplined life, you lead a busy life."

She then challenged him to what Jim now calls the 20-10 assignment. "It goes like this: Suppose you woke up tomorrow and received two phone calls. The first phone call tells you that you have inherited $20 million, no strings attached. The second tells you that you have an incurable and terminal disease, and you have no more than 10 years to live. What would you do differently, and, in particular, what would you stop doing?"

That assignment was the turning point in Jim's life.
The most important question Jim asks of himself each year is, "What do I need to stop doing?"

I love that question. It has a very Pauline ring to it, doesn't it? For Paul regularly argues that for change to occur, you first need to "take off" the old and "put on" the new. Or, to put it in more mathematical terminology, "You need to subtract, before you can add." Anyway you put it, the question that Collins asks is a question all of us, as leaders, need to regularly ask, "What do I need to stop doing, that I'm currently doing, so that I can focus more of my time and energy on the things that matter most and will create the greatest impact over the course of my life and time?"

So how are you doing? If you were to do an inventory of your time, what percentage of your day or time, would you say, is spent on doing those things that matter most? That have the greatest impact? That you're passionate about? That fit your genetic encoding? If, according to Collins, you're spending less than 50% of your time in those areas, then your "Stop Doing" list, may be the most important list you could make this year—or today! In fact, don't go to bed tonight without making one up.


***This came from http://bruced.typepad.com/brucedjohnsoncom/2005/07/creating_a_stop.html***

Monday, May 21, 2007

QUIRKY Quiz

Your Quirk Factor: 40%

You have a few little quirks, but you generally blend in well with society.
Only those who know you well know how weird you can be.

wow... how time flies

The month of May has been so busy for me, I cannot even tell you how glad I am to be nearing the end...
I prepared for Children's Church puppet show, and now we are working on mission tour, as well as block party in July; I am playing piano for the youth choir and have been stretched for that practice; I played piano for my cousin's wedding which was last week; I am still taking Mom to doctor appointments, chemo continues! My job is going well, but has also kept me busy; And I moved one of my girls home from college; On top of that --- my husband and I completed the Awana year with an Awards Program and a Leaders Appreciation Banquet. I am EXHAUSTED!

I did schedule a scrapbook event for myself at the beginning of this month, so since I had already paid - I did attend. It was so worth it!! I am still working on my Raggedy Ann album, and I got 8 pages done on Saturday. I am glad I went, even though I whined as I was getting ready. lol

I just needed to pop in and say hello ~ I'll be back... :)

Sunday, April 15, 2007

New York again...

This time I traveled with my youngest and her friend; Thursday we spent at the Inner Harbor and boy, was it ever cold! I was not aware that the Hard Rock Cafe workers stood and danced on the bar until this trip. I am not a big fan; anywhere that I have to YELL to have conversation with my meal is not on my first choice list of places to eat. Top of the World was the Trade Center, and even though I have done it before, it is always nice. Weather was clear and we had a wonderful view, even though it was bitter cold at the water. The parking garage was $27, I was shocked!

My oldest and her boyfriend drove up for Friday, and we all went to the TV station to sit in the news room during the broadcast. That was a treat, and it had been a while since I had done that as well. They did not have camera-men - it is all automated now. That was different... When we got home, we did a craft project - and we had a chocolate fountain for dessert.

Saturday morning, we got up early for the charter bus to NYC. We saw Hairspray on this trip. Very good show this time - even though we were WAY UP HIGH in the balcony. Gee - those balcony seats can be scary. But I suppose we were fortunate to get them. It was a packed house. Weather this whole weekend was very cold - it was windy in the city, just like last time. But we had a great time. We always stay pretty close in when we go up for the theater - there is just not much time to wander around. Did make it to the theater district and to our favorite little diner for lunch.

Travelled home very early on Sunday morning - it was Easter and the traffic was not too bad.

I'll have photos put up this week. So come on back! :)

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

**Thanks Missy**

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Missy for my Spring surprise package... what a terrific treat to come home to... and I really appreciate it. I have "known" Missy since 2000 when we were on Scrapals together, and when I took a trip with my family to Orlando/Tampa, I had hoped to connect with her. She was working and I have family in that area, so we just did not have enough time to get together. But Missy, do you remember telling me about that outdoor flea market somewhere? We did go to that, because we love to do stuff like that, and it was so much fun. I have ordered many of Missy's handmade paper-piecings for my albums, we both seemed to have a Raggedy Ann obsession, and she does absolutely THE BEST work ever. You will not be disappointed with anything that you purchase from her.
ANYWAY, I digress... I appreciate your friendship and the gift was super! Thank you thank you thank you!!

Photos of the trip

Well, I realize that I have been delayed in my postings. Must have been the cold New York wind or the snow or just the changing weather... but I could blame it on my sister or my husband... I have had a cold/sinus/ear ache with temperature and just not feeling good at all! To add to that, I missed work on Monday, but I still was required to attend my husband's work dinner, which was really good and I was happy to meet his boss and his boss's boss, and coworkers, but I was really not well. Oh so, poor pitiful me, I am sure you are feeling my pain! ha!

Cool Slideshows

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

SPRING in New York City?

I know that it is officially spring, but wow, was it ever COLD in NYC today! Being a southern gal, I do love the sunshine...
But we had a blast. Walked MANY blocks up to Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate... yep, i know it was too cold for a frozen drink BUT that is what they are famous for, so... ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?

I am happy to report that the show we saw was good - The Drowsy Chaperone - very entertaining, good music and good dancing - just the way a musical should be... and not "R" rated like the last show I saw. :( The bus ride could be improved, not that I am prejudiced, but why do northern people talk so loudly and get into your personal bubble space? Perhaps I am spoiled?

anyway, i am tired and it is late... just wanted to post a quick update. Hope you are well and that it's warm wherever you are!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Who Are You?

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12 )
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17 )
I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19 -20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt. 5:13 -14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27 )
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18 )
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ. (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine. (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 ).
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).
I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10 )
I am confident the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14).
I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God.


Do you know who you are!?

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Spring is Here...

...and I am so GLAD! I dislike cold and these past two days have been "roll down your car window" weather. I LOVE IT!

We are preparing for a Spring Break trip (trip #1) to Baltimore/NYC - I still have lots to do. Just me and one of my girls is going. Then next Tuesday is Mom's 3rd Chemo treatment. I am letting the husband take her... he was willing to take off work, and I have prepped him with the details of the routine. I think it will be good for him to go and see what we have been doing for these past 3 months.

Anyway, I am looking forward to getting away from home. Sometimes it is just nice, you know? Enjoy the weather wherever you are... one thing is for sure, it is going to change! :)

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Kaleidoscope & Caution

What cool tools they have for sharing photos now! Just be careful about what you post.
There are lots of people who have ugly motives. Check out your neighborhood on http://www.familywatchdog.us/


Cool Slideshows

2nd Chemo...

Hello Friends ~

Today we went back to the Oncology office for lab work and a visit with the doctor.

We were surprised when Dr. Moraes said that we were to have chemo today, because our understanding was that it was going to be every 4 weeks. (Some of you knew otherwise!) He asked about how she felt, how she thought she was handling the chemo... When we mentioned the headache, he said that was from the anti-nausea medication – that it was a pretty strong med and headaches were a frequent complaint. Mom said she would rather have the headache than the nausea, so...


Our appointment was at 2:30 – which is rather late to begin a chemo treatment.
They hurriedly rushed us through to the other side of the offices to see if we could get in... It was either do it today, or have to come back Wednesday or Thursday; they had already attached the plastic syringe to the port during the blood draw.
Of course, this was not the first time that things did not go as we expected!


They began with the Pre-Meds at 3:10 – the saline solution, a tylenol, and then the bags of steroids, anti-nausea drugs, and the benadryl. These drugs are so awesome because they take away so many of the side effects of the chemo drug.


After these go in, the cook has put together Mom’s particular chemo mixture and then that goes into the IV. These drugs are very powerful – the nurses always dress with their smocks, gloves, goggles, etc. - even the chemo patients have to use a separate restroom when they have this in their body. They are very particular and specific about the wastes being toxic.

When that was finished, Gina came over to give her the push-drug. Because Mom is slightly anemic, the doctor also ordered Aranesp and will give that every other week. This drug is similar to the drug that she gets on the day after chemo (the one that is the white blood cell booster). She says that it goes right under the skin (not in muscle) and it stings a little bit.

We wrapped everything up about 5:45. It was another long day. And then tomorrow she has that follow-up shot. I think tomorrow, Mom will use her numbing ointment and see if that will take some of the sting out.


~ and personal thoughts ~


Today we sat over next to the windows in an even larger plush recliner. I got to sit in a recliner as well – but did not recline, as the TV headphones did not reach! Honestly, you all would not believe this place! I got us both a coke from the fridge, gave mom a heated blanket, and she took a little nap while I read and watched TV. The world of cancer treatment has certainly changed over the past several years.


A church group from Virginia had made caps for people undergoing chemo and the nurse brought the bag over for us to look at... We had hoped that Mom would hold on to her hair, but it is not looking that way. My boss told me on Monday that it was a good thing, it showed that the chemo was working... And so I needed to hear that. After all, so many times it is not the reality of a situation but how we look at it. So, the chemo is doing its job and getting to all parts of her body. Our mantra is: Every little cell in my body is well.


This afternoon was our first doctor trip without Amy.
Unfortunately, she has a job way up north and she left this past Friday. We miss her. :(


Thanks for you continued prayers, encouragement, and wishes.
We love you

Thursday, February 22, 2007

"I'm Bored!" she said.

Kids have always been bored, but there seems to be an epidemic of boredom invading the minds of our teenagers.
I cannot tell you how many times MY precious ones have uttered the words to me
The Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg group recently did a poll anaylizing media-activities of teens. The result? Many still say there is nothing to do inspite of living in a "kajillion-channel universe."

One 13-year-old participant said, "I feel bored like all the time 'cause there is like nothing to do."

Most of the kids surveyed said that they do several things at one time. A 17-year-old explained, "You can open five or six programs simultaneously, work on a project, type a report, watch You Tube, check e-mail and watch a movie."

Still boredom reigns.

Poll director said that boredom has always been a part of the teen mindset, but feels that this generation "has been spoiled by the sheer volumne of entertainment and technology choices available."

A television excutive comments that the kids have grown up in "an environment where they expect to get what they want, where they want it, when they want it."

How sad to be bored.

As parents and leaders of these kids, we need to encourage -
*an appreciation and enjoyment of the world God created for us.
*a desire to do activities which produce results.
*a passion for reaching out to others in Christian service (and in doing so, getting their minds off themselves).

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Quiz for us Older Folks!

When was the last time you shaved your legs?
2 days ago
-What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas... always
-Do you ever think about your future spouse?
I'm married
-Do you ever watch any of the award shows on TV?
If I remember them, I watch all of them except for the Music - usually too much rap that I cannot stand!
I love movies and shows, so I really enjoy the Tonys and The Oscars.
-How often do you drink soda?
Everyday.
-Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school and why?
Mrs. Collins - 6th grade - she encouraged us to write and it is a skill that i use consistently
-Do you use mouthwash when you brush your teeth?
never
-Do you use body wash or soap?
Dove soap - don't you love their Real Women ads?
-Do you like any reality shows? If yes, which ones?
American Idol is my most regular reality show, i also like Project Runway
-What is the name of the book you’re currently reading?
Lisa Whelchel Busy Mom's guide to prayer
-Do you do your laundry every week or do you wait until you have absolutely no clothes to wear and no choice but to do laundry?
Every Monday
-What’s your opinion of Angelina Jolie?
she is okay
-What color underwear are you wearing?
navy
-Are you a Starbucks whore?
No.
-Do you have a pearly white smile?
Sometimes, I think.
-Do you wear a lot of jewelry?
No.
-Do you have a particular brand of water you prefer over another?
no, all water tastes horribly not good to me
-Do you like your grandparents or do they annoy you?
Love them! Miss them!
-Do you like sports? If so, what is your favorite?
Sports are okay but I am not addicted or obsessed
-Do you love being the center of attention or would you rather be a fly on the wall?
Fly on the wall.
-Are you still in high school? If so, what year?
No.
-What do you plan on majoring in (if you want to go to college)?
I was a computer science major
-What is your favorite accent?
British
-Where is your dream vacation?
Hawaii with the family
-Have you ever been fishing?
Yes, I caught something and have not been back since.
-What do you think of guys wearing pink?
those guys are TOUGH!
-Do you ever watch the news?
Yes.
-Have you ever been pulled over? If so, why?
Yes, mostly because I'm a wannabe race car driver.
-What is your cell phone service provider?
Suncom... and they don't get it all the time! LOL
-What does your fifth text in your inbox say?
It's from my uncle
-What was the last amusement park you have been to?
Universal Studios? Or maybe Dollywood!
-Are you a homebody or do you prefer to be out?
Homebody. Definitely!
-Do you have a big family?
Yes
-Have you ever been involved in a major weather disaster (hurricane, tornado, etc.)?
Not really.
-Do you enjoy science or do you hate it?
Hate it.
-Do you watch medical shows or do you think they’re too unrealistic?
I think they are like most things, based on reality and exaggerated for entertainment.
I do watch Grey's Anatomy some, but it's across from CSI which is my favorite thing to watch.
-Who is your favorite comedien?
Bill Cosby
-What do you think of when you think of Florida?
Family. I have relatives there and have been there so much in my life.
-Do you love or hate Valentine’s Day?
It is okay but we do not really celebrate
-How many pillows do you sleep with?
2
-How much money do you have on you?
don't ask today! I have only $1
-Do you use Post-Its?
All the time! :)
-What was the last game you played?
Catch Phrase with the kids
-What was the last thing you bought?
KFC for Super Bowl dinner

Saturday, February 03, 2007

February is Heart Month

It seems our causes are an ever-growing list, aren't they? So many things to be concerned about, so many things that need our attention... it is overwhelming. And yet, if we do what God says, to focus on the ONE thing that is most important, then all others things will fall into place. Why is it so hard to remember that? I get so busy with little details and things the probably do not matter at all (in the scheme of eternity)... and it just lays on my mind, causing me to be stressed, lose sleep, be grouchy (hard to believe, right?!!)...

I am trying to step back and let God be God, and let Him give me peace. After all, I do believe that He is in control and can handle it. Why I don't let Him? That's an unanswer-able question.

Have a great month. TTYL. <3

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Pink Ribbons

They have become more personal to me now... On the day of Mom's surgery, my sister and I wore pink Tshirts with a pink bling blink ribbon on the left upper corner. It was a show of support for breast cancer. This has been a scary time, although my Mom has been most at peace with all of it. We were doing funeral planning the day before her surgery, how is that for reality of death in your face?! And then I was just pacing and going nutz while waiting during the surgery. She did well and the surgeon was very pleased with how she did, even though she was much larger than what he had really been prepared for... they did a double mastectomy and took several lymph nodes. We are praying for a clean pathology report when we go back on Thursday. Will you agree with us?

It has all happened so quickly, and we were thrust into the unknown world of cancer. It is very different from being sorry and sympathetic when other people have that diagnosis, and suddenly my sister and I are moved immediately into high risk ourselves. I have had about 3 mammograms, I think that's right, and all have been good so far. I am not so comfortable with my body that I like to do self-exams and I rely on my gynecologist to do those... I don't know. I cannot spend my life with worry, I already have too many other health things to deal with - osteoporosis, my migraines, my blood enzyme deficiency... if I ignore them, then I can pretend that I feel good and things will be okay. I am using my imagination, just like Mr. Rogers said to do all those years ago.

It's a good thing to help me smile through the days.