CLUB SAMMICH CAFE©: Faith Love and Miracles

Perspective

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:30:47 GMT

Has me feeling amazingly lucky. As well as grateful in every sense of the word.

I am off to spend the day with my Family.

Hugs and Prayers, Always Hope

Sighs..Why!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:57:30 GMT

Yesterday my Daughter called me. Its was one of those calls you hate to hear about. Someone a Mom, she use to work with lost a Son in a shooting.
Senseless.
As I search through the the Freep.com, I was able to pull up things about it. Minus the names with held. What really hit me, was this. You have 4 fatal shootings. Two with people in the twenties. Still way to young. Then you have a 15 and 17 yr old out after curfew. At 2 in the morning. Simply to pick up a friend who needed help. These kids walked in to something they couldn't handle and are not alive today. It just amazes me that what society thinks are kids today. Sorry but to me 15 and 17 are still young.

I don't consider twenty old either my kids are all in the twenties. They still need guidance at times. Heck so do I at times.

My daughter was really upset. She and this other lady never got along but still she is upset at the loss of her child who just graduated high school. Potential lost.

I agree when is this world going to sit up and take notice. How does one become so dam lost,to do something so wrong over petty jealousy. Its so beyond me capacity of thinking.

Now a family grieves. Now people who care grieve. So senseless.

Lazy Hazy Days Of Summer.

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:36:27 GMT

I can honestly say its been hot as heck here. When its like this the hazy hangs and the humidity to. But that's summer in Michigan close to the Lakes.
We have rain on the way again.
Today we got up late goofed off and had a brunch with the Kids of cinnamon French Toast and it was great. I know our Grandbaby really enjoyed that to.
Then of course chocolate teddy bear cookies and milk. Then of course the dancing and blowing kisses. So whats better then that??? I don't think much is :)
Had thought about going to the lake for a bit to but it really looked like rain. So decided that tomorrow might be better. Maybe by then the humidity will be down a bit. I hope anyways.
Anyways I am off got a bunch of photos to edit and size down. And the dryer is buzzing for me to bring the clothes up.
So make it a great weekend.
Hugs and Prayers Always Hope

Rain!!!

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:42:08 GMT

Heavy rains passed through here this morning. Just how heavy? Well I went back this afternoon to weed the back garden a bit and It was up over my shoes. So that was a wash. No pun intended.
I came back up and weeded around the patio. Where the morning glory vines have gone wild. Got that finished. Came back in because it was so darn humid. Not hot just when its humid I sure don't last long.
I hear we have more rain on the way tonight. So our bon fire was a wash!! Hopefully tomorrow we can enjoy that.

I am off....Hugs and Prayers Hope

Whew Fast Week.

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:48:22 GMT

Oh my gosh its Friday. Where did the week go?? Anyways been a busy one and no time to talk about it right now. Storms rolled through here tonight and a lot of rain fell very fast. Lots of rolling fast thunder. Other then that spent the day with Hubby at the lake and park. Some really
neat things I got tons of pictures . If I ever get a chance to post them I will on the weekend.
Youngest is off to Colorado in the morning,for work. Not sure how I feel about it!! Lets just say nerves getting the best of me. UGH!!
So I will get over it ....long about Monday or so~~
So thats about it...Off some sleep have to be up early to drop him off at work. Saving a trip in picking his car up later in the day.
Thats it for tonight.
Sleep tight...always Hope.

Living Life

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:23:01 GMT

I am off enjoying life. Seems I am getting a ton of hits and thats great by my stats. PLease leave a comment here or in the guest book.

Please leave a comment in the Guest Book if you are a patient or a family member if the space has been useful to you.

I am off to enjoy the my family and the summer sunshine...

Have a great day. Make it the best one you have.

Always Hope

Love this..Sent to me by a friend.

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:50:03 GMT

I love this:

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but

Less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but Learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Happy July 4th!

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:46:14 GMT

This has been a really busy week. Lots of lousy weather and storms. Wednesday we lost power for a bit. Oddly then it was back on shortly. Thank goodness. Our side of the street had power while the other side did not for most of the night in to the the early morning.

Thursday was pretty busy . Got some things accomplished. Went and got a hair cut. As you can see I had a lot cut and got a new Doo!! They cut over 11 inches off and will be sending it off to Locks of Love on Monday. :) Its short and I do miss it long. But all and all its a good thing. Just nice to help those who really do need it.

Other then that I am off to have a BBQ and I might even fire up the the fire pit for a bon fire. Always a good day to celebrate!!

Have a great day everyone.

Hugs and Prayers ,Always Hope

Life...

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:20:26 GMT

*The greatest power that a person possesses is the power of choice.*

There are many times in life we have to make choices that we hate. Or one we are excited about.
Choice is something we all have the power in life to do.
Lately I know that I am moving forward from many things. Thats a choice I have made its a good one in my behalf.
However it doesn't make it easy, just different at times.
To sit here and say I am not afraid of cancer or what might come down the road is insane. I had to laugh yesterday some one said to me:
*You never act afraid when you talk about cancer*
I had to laugh cause I am afraid of it and what it can and will bring to our life. Frankly cancer is one of the scariest things I have ever faced and I am sure many with it will say that. Fear is common and that it continues to carry those *What ifs* as long as you live.
The only thing that has given me more power is the choice to educate myself about my form of cancer. But it doesn't take the fear away totally.
That resides with knowing what it like and where I have been.
There is a saying and its:
*Being challenged in life is inevitable being defeated is optional.*
Roger Crawford.

So its a choice that I make to do the best I can with what I have and whats been given to me a long the way.
Choice is a powerful tool. However it doesn't take away the experience I have had. It allows me the ability to do what I feel is right for me.
Sometimes its a *Just Do It * situation. Choices are limited and you just do what needs doing.

I find myself praying a lot that the choices I make are the best ones for that day.

Hugs and Prayers. Always Hope.

Sometimes all you can do is laugh!!

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:55:30 GMT

This has been a good week lots of kind surprises. Ones you don't expect :)
Then there are those that if you don't laugh or you lose your sense of humor your out of luck.

We live in a small starter ranch that was built in the early 60's. When we moved here things were great. Till the sewer crock busted in the late winter, a lovely thing happened raw sewage in the basement. We spent a fortune having it fixed. But it was one thing after another..in that time we did that , replaced the hot water tank that flooded the laundry room down there. Then we ended up with a furnace issue, that finally a friend happened to work for a heating and cooling company. Said replace it.Something in there was cracked and we were just lucky we did it when we did.

We have been debating the a few things lately. We have the bathroom from hell. I hate it. Its ugly old time till that small tiny stuff not all one color a mixture. The tile is ugly and the vanity on its last leg. But replacing it all is a fortune. The facet is a forsure is going ,sink and vanity its a matter of time.

This week the guts of the toilet are on their last leg. So we were thinking replace that and we could eek it out a few more months. Not. no way!! This morning we go in there and decided till Monday. Lets shut the water off in there. NOPE!! The damn water shut off value...will not turn!! I mean its simply stuck in the one position! I had to laugh so did Hubby. So he went on a search not recalling where the shut off was as well as if he shut that off , would it shut off the Kitchen water to??? We are good the kitchen works!! But then I go to get something out of the cabinets under the kitchen sink and there is water leaking there!!! OMG!! So I cleaned that all up. Moved the things stored there, and got rid of a few things not selvageable. One thing is we had this problem a while back, the difference is today I found the leak!! I could put a pan down there to collect things till the plumber is out the first of the week.

So we are off to price Toilets and a few things!!! I am not going to put money into something to just fix it for a few months. Since its the original toilet that came with the house. I calling the plumber. He is pretty good. He fixed the sup-pump in the winter. He use to work for the city water dept and he is good and reliable . Most of all reasonable cost wise to.

But I have to laugh cause we just added flood insurance and i am praying nothing happens in this bathroom up here LOL. Plus Hubby brought up this kitchen leak and if it goes bad what about all the cabinets below it..and the chance of mold and my health.

Truthfully I had to laugh and later he was to. I swear its always something!! Always!

Anyways I am off . I hear those the Mens Store calling our name!!I hate those places!! Anyone know what toilets cost or things on that???? LOL

Plus if anyone has a money tree in there yard...let me know!!!

Gotta run...Hugs and Prayers. Hope

Just a Thought to Click On :)

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:48:52 GMT

Summer.

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:33:44 GMT

Its been crazy around there. Our home has been like a revolving door. Not a bad thing :)
Summer is officially here and rolling. You can tell by the boats and trailers on the road. No matter what the price of gas. They are out and about. Sticking close to home but still out there.
In the Metro Parks close by. I have seen a lot more people on foot or bikes. The cool thing is some of the moped's out there, cause they don't take much gas and are small enough to take on the back of the car..or truck. Then drive around the parks.
Lots of people rowing boats or rafts . But still if your out by the lake a lot of boaters. I had to laugh listening about the complaints on housing a boat for the winter. I was thinking if you can't hack it sell the boat. But what can I say...some people complain no matter how good they got it.
No boat for me any time soon. I have a raft!! That works for me!!

So tonight we actually thought about having a our first family BBQ and Bonfire. Yup in our yard! We were out there working this past weekend. Our oldest Son worked hard getting things in shape with the weed whacker and mover. I pulled some weeds in the back flower box's. Thinking that we might just pull out most of whats left and put down some soil feed and thick so the we get no weeds at all back there. Put some brinks and lanterns back there on hooks and be done with it. Would cut down on the work . The lily's look great. and that would do it.

So we are just trying to keep up with things as they come up. Seems like a never ending battle at times. But all you can do is the best you can for today.

Anyways its been really busy here but thats summer.

I am off have a great night Everyone.

Hugs and Prayers Always Hope

Out To Enjoy The Sunshine.

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:58:12 GMT

Beautiful day here in Michigan. Seems like the humidity has finally let up. I was out early to take care of a few errands, Hubby isn't feeling well either . So picking up the ball and running with it today. I was really glad to be out. As all week I have really been laying low in hopes of feeling some what better. Today I finally feel human again. I hate how every little small thing I get causes me grief. But thats life I guess.nothing new and all we can do is roll with at times. So we are on a upswing and things are getting back to normal some what.
Make it a great day...Hugs and Prayers Always Hope

Ps I am out of here to make the best of this day God has given Us! I am so blessed.

Hope Happens

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:44:11 GMT

Hope Happens!

Hope is what happens when you first see a light.
Just a distant small star in the darkest night.

Hope is what happens with the first bud of spring.
When dawn touches the sky or the bird spreads its wings.

Hope is what happens when a wound starts to heal.
Whether its skin deep or soul deep,you begin to feel real.

Hope is what happens when you're poor but not broken.
There's a goldmine in dreams-just not yet awoken.

Hope is what happens when someone is kind.
A feeling not lost -just misplaced in your mind.

Hope is what happens when war turns to peace.
After everyone prayed that the fighting would cease.

Hope is what happens with the smell of fresh rain.
When your long time drought of dreams is renewed yet again.

Hope is what happens when clouds finally clear.
Troubled thunder falls silent-courageous whispers you hear.

Hope is what happens when your heart skips a beat.
And , so least expected, a soul mate you meet.

Hope is what happens when fresh bread is baking.
And, what hungers your heart, will one day stop aching.

Hope is what happens when kindling ignites.
You rediscover your passion burns all day and night.

Hope is what happens when the pain eases a bit.
And deep down in side you find true grit.

Hope is what happens as long as we breathe.
For although it takes time, the sorrow will leave.

Hope is what happens long after the pain.
Hope is what happens --again and again.
Written by Catherine DeVrye
Book: Hope Happens!

Urgent Prayers Needed

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:38:10 GMT

Please keep Nath and Tricia. In your prayers. Tricia is undergoing a lung biopsy tomorrow afternoon for possible cancer. Their story had me from the first day I started reading it and believe me you will be forever changed if you take the time to read about the miracles they have been blessed with. Its a really journey in faith the way I see it.

I am signing off ...I am really tired. but please if you get a second..say a few words in their behalf.

Sleep tight. Hugs and Prayers, always Hope

Immune Compromised

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:18:53 GMT

I really don't have a lot to say..Once again bronchitis and allergies to mold...all this rain..and things outside blooming. Love that cottonwood!
Anyways more antibiotics, different allergy meds and we will how it goes..Oh yeah cough meds to. Thats the worst thing this nasty cough.

So anyways...thats that. My Immune System still stinks. Its so frustrating.

One good thing to day. Some antibiotics are free, at Meijers. I never knew it till today. So that helped. Doctor also gave me of list of meds and where I can
get them for way less. So thats a plus in my case.

So I am off to have dinner and just relax..and rest.....Have a Good Night! Always Hope

Yikes ...Storms again!

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:49:14 GMT

I was just watching the weather channel and saw that we have a storm warning up again. If its anything like we had yesterday and Saturday night. I really don't want them. Temp is at a whooping 89 degrees out there. Ya open the door and it feels like an oven out there. I hate that.

We were watching those clouds yesterday and it was pretty scary...how fast it came and went. Then the errie sound of the sirens in the distance when ours warnings were done and others were just starting in the near communities.

The day the weather got hot I noticed the cotton wood was blooming. Not a good thing. I had a horrible allergy problem I took zertec thinking thats all it was. NOT. Sunday I went out the same thing. However now I know thats wasn't only it. I am congested as heck..and got a nasty headache with it. So I am hoping if I lay low today that this is not a sinus infection starting. Its so frustrating..get rid of one thing and get stuck with something new...YUCK.

I am off for a fast nap...I am pooped.

Have a great night....always Hope

Oh Yeah..Life Goes On

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:54:14 GMT

Its been a crazy few weeks here.. some of which I can't go in to here. Things happen sometimes with no explanation, tough things. Thats when we have to hang on tight to those we love and get though things together. Thats what we are doing.

Last night after some pondering and discussion. I decided to stick with something cancer taught me and thats *Taking it one day at a time!* There is no other way .
Most of the time I am flying by the seat of my pants on a wing and a prayer anyways. Thats life I guess. But doesn't everyone at times in there lives.

Anyway I was watching my little Grandbaby...last night ...dancing to of all things., to the song. Jack and Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp. We always end up cracking up and she is just dancing away !! Its so funny ..when it gets to the part...*Oh Yeah....Life Goes On!!! Then the drums. It always brings me to the point...Oh yeah life goes on and its about the little things in whole scheme of things. So I am holding on to the small things..as the big things work themselves out. :)

Gosh its Hot today..!! I am off to find somewhere cool to sit for a bit..

Hugs and Prayers, Always Hope

Ps...Welcome home Stanley Cup!!! Detroit Red Wings Rule!!

Taking a break from writing.

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:59:07 GMT

I have a lot of family things going on right now that need my attention. So for now I am taking a break from writing...might be a day or a week or whatever I don't know. More when I get a minute....Hugs and Prayers Always Hope.

Laughter

Sun, 25 May 2008 18:41:50 GMT

Laughter in my book has always been the hearts way of giving thanksgiving. Its always been one of the blessing in our day. Lately there has been lots of that.
I have decided to change my background . Most of you know 15 months ago we were blessed with our first Grandchild. I don't think there is any thing like it the world. She is at a stage now where she is walking chattering and every thing to her is of great interest. I mean everything. She is a little charmer. No doubt about that.
She is growing and changing daily and becoming her own little person. To watch for me is beyond words. I know thats part of what some refer to as grace.
We have spent many hours with her and just laughing. As she experiences things first hand...I wonder as a Mom...how can things be so much more incredible being a Grandma.

So we are really enjoying the laughter lately...on so many levels its very healing. Having a small child around changes things up and brings so much hope for the future. Thats a good thing.

After all isn't laughter the best medicine there is.:)

Go out and make it a great day.

Always Hope

Today Is Our Gift

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:37:21 GMT

Shake the box: unwrap it really slowly. Touch,smell, and hear your gifts today. Enjoy it: savor it: Then take the time to embrace it all.
I mean that to. Today is what we have the time is right here and now. Don't save the seconds of today use them and embrace them.

Today is my 53rd birthday...Happy Birthday to me!!

One thing I have learned is that death is inevitable. Thats unfortunate. I refuse while I am here to loss my sense of humor. To me learning to Laugh when you could die...Is one of the greatest gifts that I have could of ever received. You can't box that and or wrap it ..Only give it to others with a smile on your face.

So this day and a birthday is a huge gift.To take the time to realize it as gift as well. I mean think about this ..Did you wake up today and look at the clock and think. Oh my its to early and want to pull the covers over your head? Well I know I use to some days. Now I am just happy to be alive no matter how early it is and when my feet hit the floor...I can honestly say I am so happy to be alive. I don't take living for granted anymore.Cancer taught me to savor everything each day! Then at the end of the day to understand how much I do cherish the life I have. Ahh...Life is sooooo good!!

I need no gifts...I have them all already.

Go out and Cease The Day!

Hugs and Prayers.
Always Hope.

Same Doo-Doo, Different Day :)

Sat, 10 May 2008 16:44:33 GMT

Sometimes I sit here and think about all the things I could write about and I don't. I think everyone has something in their life"s thats stressful or getting to them. Maybe more then on thing and sometimes even ten if you have a house full of people.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I am already stressed out trying to make all the schedules of everyone mesh.
Two ways of dealing with stress...Do something....Be efficient set those priorities then use them wisely. Or...Do nothing. Relax,escape , let go and let God. Sometimes taking action works other times it doesn't.

So heres my plan this weekend.....I am going to relax and go with the flow.I am going to tickle a baby. Find a cat or dog to pet. Remind myself I don't know all the answers. Look for the silver lining. Say something nice to someone. Teach a child something special. If it rains walk in it or dance:). Have play time daily. Take a bubble bath. Read a good poem from a friend. Listen to good music. Play patty cake with a toddler. Take a drive to the lake but go a different way. Remember stress is an attitude. Remember there are always options. Remember I always have support from family and friends...and places to talk. Quit trying to *fix* other people. Get extra sleep..Talk less and listen much more... Relax and take one day at time.
After all you have...the rest of your life to live!

Happy Mothers Day

Always Hope

What am I reading

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:56:52 GMT

*God knew better than I where my journey was to take me.
I was aiming for perfection: He brought me
to a better place of grace and peace.*
Jan Dravecky

Long time ago I read this book called *A Joy I 'd Never Known.* It was sent to me by Jan and Dave Dravecky She is the co founder of the Ministry
Outreach Of Hope. Dave was a pitcher in the major leagues for the San Francisco Giants. This the story through Jan's eyes as spouse dealing with cancer and faith hope and the journey.
I read this book when I was first dxed. The message was so powerful then even more so now.
As I stated to read it again last night. Its an amazing read.

Maybe just maybe this one paragraph says it all.
*God did throw me a lifeline,pulling me out of a dark hole and to the his light. Molding and shaping me with his truth,he brought healing
into my life. At one point I believed I would never feel joy again,but in time he taught me a joy I'd never known.*

Wow!

This book is one of my favorite book because it tells Jan's battle and come back after a gripping battle of clinical depression. Her candor is amazing no doubt about it. There is so much in this book about life and what people go through and what it takes to get to the other side.

I have been talking a lot about talking to other cancer patients, helping and supporting.
This book really has shed some light on the stark contrast on how life changes and just how many need the encouragement. As well as just how much they need others through the journey. Its not just about the cancer journey but life and what it gives each of us to deal with.

Once again I am stopped in my tracks realizing what I am doing is the right thing.
Just maybe in a different way. Time will tell.

But I am off to finish reading. I had forgotten the wonderful message of this book.

Have a great day !! Hugs and Prayers Always Hope

P.S. I realized today Its my responsibility to walk maybe next to others. Yeah thats it. Comfort and Support them,but I can't solve their problems for them. I have to set my standards and boundaries to keep my life in order and manageable. Boundaries..yup thats it. This will ensure taking care of myself as well.

Living And Soaking Up Loving Moments

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:36:49 GMT

I know a while back I talked about not writing and who know why. A writers block maybe.
Saturday I spent a few rare minutes alone with my little grand baby. She turned 14 months old today. She is now walking jabbering and just a little giggly toddler all of a sudden.
While she was here I stole that hour just for the two of us. We sat on the floor playing with her yellow Dora ball and every toy we have. Then of course she wanted to go out in our kitchen . She loves to look out the window at the birds. She isn't saying much yet. She knows that this Gramma
is going to make sure she sees it all .
I take nothing for granted she is one of the best things in my life. Every little smile, giggle and wild sound of laughter is like music to my ears. It all makes me smile. I now can't imagine life with out her.
We played and played and took a short car trip with Hubby. We came back and she was sleepy. I knew that she is to funny when she is. And she doesn't care to give things up either. It took me a bit but she finally wanted up in my arms and just went to sleep. Then she heard a noise. Pa Pah
in the kitchen. I waved him off and to be quiet. And she looked up at me and closed her eyes that was it for three hours LOL. Thank goodness.

Yesterday her Mom and her came while Dad was a work. We had dinner together. Then just enjoyed the time we had as a family. Ahhh life is good!

I forgot what its like to have a little one in the house. But its the best ever no doubt about it.

always Hope

Never Know Whats Around The Next Corner.

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:54:42 GMT

There is no statement truer then that. Life is funny you never know whats going to happen next. Would you really want to? I am not sure I would.
Life hands us so many challenges. It amazes me at times and how many I talk to in some way have beaten the odds. Heck it amazes me that I have beaten the odds time after time.
Its not just about cancer I don't mean just that , but life in general. Life is one heck of a roller coaster trip no doubt about it. I keep think of some bitter hard cold people and wonder where things went wrong for them. Then I think about my own life and know that I can't be as hard as all of them nor can I forget those around me that love and care for me.

They don't need the punishment of me turning inward or away cause of anger. What they do need are the lessons taught and learning life isn't perfect it rarely is for anyone.
Growth is a amazing on all levels with all ages. We learn something daily and thats a good thing.

I was thinking today about Sept of 97. I don't dwell often on my start and realization or introduction to cancer. In fact I think back and wonder how in the world we did that . Not just me but we ...my family. I remember having surgery. Thinking if I can just keep myself in normal every day life I will be okay. With Teenagers in the house. No matter whats happening I was brought back to the land of living very quickly. I still say I had a great diversion and a great reason to fight my way back.

In the early days of cancer my oldest Son was running cross country and I was going to watch him no matter what it took. I was going to be there and I was. It didn't matter if I slept that whole day. I was going for that few minutes he was running. I think back and shutter to think...that I did that !! But I did we did . With the help of a few other Moms looking out for me as well. I went and I did not miss on cross country meet that year .

Nothing else for that matter having to do with my Kids. That was a blessing. I received.

I remember thinking just let me get though this year. Never once thinking I would only get this darn partial remission and this lymphoma would come back. Which it did. I remember thinking when it did. Now this isn't fair. No it wasn't but the reality was of it .. I was alive , living and no matter what happened I was will to fight to a better point.

Then the third time that was a huge reality check. I remember thinking now wait a second why now. I was doing so many things I loved to do and things we loved to do as a family.
In my head I knew it could come back but heck why now. I was mad but I never said *Why me!* I kept thinking better me then my Kids or my Husband. OR any Kid for that matter. There was no time for whining just getting the job done. That was it. Just do it . Kinda like the Nike commercial. Just do it !

That reality check was huge. It reminded me of all things really important. It gave a clear perspective on so much to do with life. As I see it now it changed the total map of who I was . Not a bad thing really. I am the same in lots of was but oh so different.

The biggest thing it taught me is you can go through life and things can be so wonderful then when they change and they do with everyone. Those tough times , the life and death issues though the toughest you will ever deal with in life. They tend to be the worst case scenarios at the time, and something happens with the worst possible event...They turn
out to give us the most positive implications ever.

I know I know thats hard to get if your not in my shoes. All I can say is this. When I think back I realized that time was tough but not the worst time ever. Strange I know. But
no matter what happens in life. No one knows whats around the next corner.

I was thinking today. We are given an awesome life. When its almost taken away its amazing when you come out on the other side. Faith hope and doctors guided by God got me here. Man I am so blessed its amazing. One thing though I was blessed along the way of the toughest days with much to do and things I felt were so important . I was thankful then but now all this time later even in the mist of problems caused by cancer. Its not active cancer and that my friends believe me is a huge blessing. I can get all wound up about it or I can just be thankful and remain positive that its all in Gods hands. So thats where I will put it. I realize growth is really important now and molding as well. But at the time I wasn't thinking about that. But I realize now the growth in me and those around me is being finely tuned. Amazing people I have in my Family under my roof :))

Ahhh...I am so happy to know there are more corners in life!!!

Cease the Day Everyone. Its the best one we all have.

Hugs and Prayers Always Hope

Not much to say ..

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:15:22 GMT

I don't have much to say today. I feel like I need a break from blogging on a daily basis . Time to just enjoy my Family. Time to get out and take pictures and just be. Time to do the things we love and enjoy them. Time to soak up some sunshine.

Lately I simply don't have the time to read and comment. I really miss doing so. As I see my stats shoot to the moon its amazing to me where
they are but I still have my faithful ones who read daily. Thanks all of you!

Those who read and don't comment...Hey....I love comments leave your mark in the guest book! Or say hello!

* Life is what you make it, all you need is a little faith!* I don't know who said that. What I do know is that life is good. I have been given a great life. Lately I have had a few reminders of how it was I don't like to sit and stagnate. That only makes things worse. No pity parties. Its time to move on and grow. Faith and a ton of hope push me forward.

Pema Codron said *And the teaching continues....theres always more to learn.* Thats very true in life. We learn something new every day. I am still learning about so much in life.

Ahhh life. Nothing better then that. Nothing!!

We are off to the lake...Time to refresh a bit and regroup for today.

Go out and make this the best day ever!

Hugs and Prayers Hope

Balence LOL

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:19:47 GMT

Okay so..there are words. There is always joy in the morning...How true that is for me. One cause its a new day...and two...I am blessed with another day. That is like a miracle sometimes.
The past three days have been umm well insane. After all the dentist stuff of last week. I was doing the nystatin for the infection. I got up Saturday feeling good. Late afternoon. I felt like I was hit by a speeding freight train. To make a long story short. I was miserable. Low and behold Sunday was the same. I knew then a urinary tract infection. Sunday night I didn't sleep at all. I was up every hour and said forget it got up and painted. I took my Son to work as his car is in the shop. That was at 4 am. Then I came back and putzed till 8. I was to see the primary doc by 9:20 and sitting in the lab forever. They gave me bactrim and said if I don't feel better on Friday to let them know and they will change it to Cipro.
We also had a long talk about all this dental jazz. Amazing that will all get worked out thanks to my PCP. What a Guy and his Pa...love her to pieces.
I slept all day yesterday. I mean all day. Between the antibiotics..and just hurting. My bp was up as well. Well no kidding. Enough stress to drive a saint insane lately. So thats adjusted now....And i am no saint lol..Problay why I have not cracked yet LOL
Chaos..just when it gets quiet..Chaos creeps in. For some known reason thats my life and I know others who are the same. However thats all my life there is so much more not seen here.

Bliss happens every day. It seems I think of so many things that bring us happiness around here. Thats really a good thing.

Chaos and Bliss...maybe that brings balance. I don't know but I was thinking what if life was so quiet it was a bore. I would hate that!!

Besides...if you all really knew me and met me you would see I thrive on chaos it keeps me in the land of the living and I can forget some of the harsh stuff. Funny how that works..

So thats been my week. I am not pushing stuff just resting and regrouping.

always Hope

Tricia and Nate

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:57:31 GMT

For sometime I have been reading cfhusband . This is a real life story unfolding of a young couple. Nate Tricia and their baby Gwyneth Rose. If you get a chance please check out this blog. Tricia is a awaiting for a double lung transplant as we seek they have received *The Call* with a possible donor. Tricia has Cystic Fibrosis and is such a fighter. Nate incredible in his own right in his love and constant care of Tricia.
If you don't have time to visit. Do so later. I promise this a story of Faith Love and so many Miracles. My thought and prayers are with them and her medical team tonight.
Please send up some prayers for Tricia and Her family as well. Thanks. Always Hope