I scrolled down through my blog roll earlier this week and realized my last few blogs have dealt with facing the end of life. But today, I want to share with you a message of hope and the celebration of life. I do not understand why sometimes we are granted a miracle and other times we are not. Sometimes we are forced to face negative things – even sudden, unexpected death – ready or not. But I don’t ever want to overshadow the positive things in life with negative.
Today and everyday I remember and am thankful for a miracle that dropped into my life five years ago – a miracle that has unfolded each day, one day at a time. This story is sprinkled throughout the vignettes in Reflections. So if you’re curious about more details of this miracle, I invite you to click on the link to preview Reflections on the right sidebar of this page.
For no rhyme or reason, my then college-aged son came home on summer break with a malignant tumor. Local doctors, oncologists, and surgeons could not agree on post-surgical treatment for this rare and unusual cancer. It was, however, contained and had not spread. I am convinced the hand of God guided the surgeon’s hand in removing the tumor completely. Our family and everyone who knew or heard of him prayed – all in the name of Jesus – as we consulted with an out-of-state specialist.
We walked through this valley one day at a time and have walked that way with a peace that no one can understand for five years now. Just as it appeared for no rhyme or reason, it has not reappeared for any rhyme or reason. And that is my miracle for which I am thankful every single day.
Then, this past year, my brother-in-law faced a rare cancer. He endured months of treatment and is still with us today. We have learned to place one foot in front of the other, all of us, and have lived our lives one day at a time as each day has turned into a week, a month, six months, a year, and five years. These illnesses did not lead to death and we instead celebrate life, breath, and health and give thanks for every single day.
~ a family celebrating life ~
In celebration of life, I want to share my reflections of family, friends, and faith with you. I have set aside twenty copies of Reflections as gifts. All you need do is leave a comment below on this post between now and Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2013, to receive your copy, one per person.
Maybe you have a miracle to share or maybe you are hurting and need a miracle, or maybe you just need to read about ordinary people walking through life. Or maybe you just want to say, please send me a copy. It’s yours for the asking. I look forward to hearing from you and will respond privately via email to make sure you receive your autographed copy of Reflections. Already have a copy? I happen to think it makes a pretty good gift! 🙂
As we attended a Multiple Myeloma support group meeting this week I was stunned to find out how rare Toms Cancer is. It seems we know several of the 10000 that have this diagnosis. Knowing that the medical community is making GREAT strides in finding medications that have less side effects for this type of cancer so that those effected can lead a productive quality life for many years is so comforting. Even though there is no cure we know that this cancer will some day be considered in the same category as other managed illnesses such as Diabetes. Only through lots of Faith & Prayers has Tom conquered his stem cell transplant & thrives today. He still continues to have by monthly maintenance treatments so, Thank You to everyone who continues to keep him on your prayer list. We are blessed to be checking off items on our bucket list.
I do have a copy of REFLECTIONS But I could take one to the BLOCK Cancer Center for patients to read.
Perfect, Kathy. Can’t wait to get it to you to place there. Thank you!
Reading your blog is sure uplifting, your family has been through so much over the last few years and it has been a blessing for me to know your sister and Tom. God is good and there is nothing like the power of prayer. Thanks so much for your blog.
Thank you, Carol. Your comments are cherished and a copy of “Reflections” is in the mail.