Kindness of strangers

I continue to be in awe of everyone's kindness. Today especially to the kindness of strangers. At church today a lady came into my row, looked me right in the eye and sincerely asked me, "Hi there. How are you doing today?" She looked a little younger than me and was wearing a hat. I didn't even realize until my husband told me later that she was dealing with cancer as well.

Toward the end of the service, my pastor called people up who needed prayer. At first I wasn't going to go, because I was rather tired and didn't want to wait in line. But a couple who I know from church saw me waiting and came up to pray for me. I am so grateful they did this.

And then while my husband was picking up all the kids from their Kid's Church rooms, I was sitting out in the lobby. Two different strangers saw me sitting and came up to me to tell me they would be praying for me and my family.

Really, people are good.

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By the way, Ella wasn't sick at all today. Praise God!

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Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer….Romans 12:10-12 KJV

It's all gone.

All went well today. I'm now Port-free!

All the doctors and nurses and technicians were really kind and wonderful. My husband cancelled all of his patients this morning so that he could be with me, and for that I am so thankful. When I arrived home in the late morning, I took a Vicodin and just crashed into the early afternoon while Sara cared for the kids. The rest of the day I was a little groggy, and somewhat sore where the operation took place, but I guess all that's to be expected. Daily life went on as usual.

I'm interested to see what sort of mark the surgeon left, but I can't take off the bandage until tomorrow. Actually, I'm not even sure how I'm going to manage to pull off this heavy-duty vinyl-like tape without ripping my skin off as well.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, well-wishes, and prayers for a successful procedure.

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And speaking of prayers, please continue to pray for my friend Andrea and her family, as she continues to give life to and have hope for and faith in the healing of Nathaniel. Please encourage others to pray as well. Andrea really is an amazing person and I'm so touched by her strength and faith these past few months.

Prayer Power

I know I'm on vacation. But the kids were up early, so I was going through some blogs that I frequent while waiting for my husband to wake up. And I feel the need to write this.

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, my brother sent me a link to a blog www.fatcyclist.com. It's really a blog about biking (which I only do occasionally), but the author's wife also has cancer, and occaisionally he writes about what they're going through as a family. (They have 6 year old twins and two tween boys...here's a post with an adorable family picture http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/12/20/annual-christmas-letter/).

The author's wife (Susan), had breast cancer a few years ago. Then it came back and mestatisized (sp?) to her bones. She had chemo again and last year she had a hip replacement. She was supposed to have more chemo, but the blood tests showed the she could wait a while before she needed to start again.

This week they just found out that Susan has brain tumors now. Inoperable. Radiation will only allow for a couple more months of life. There's nothing else they can do.

But pray.

So I ask that you join this family in praying for a miracle for Susan. Pray for strength and hope and peace for all of them. www.fatcyclist.com

Please Pray

My friend who I wrote about earlier this week is sharing her story on her blog Chasing 2 Boys.

Her husband is finally able to make it home today to be with her. Please continue to pray for them as they process this and help their two young boys understand what is going on.