1. I now read each and every word of a hallmark card clinging for encouragement and hope. I used to just see who signed it.
2. Nurses who use Lanacane to numb my arm before placing an IV should receive a bonus pay.
3. I can no longer stand the smell of hand sanitizer or saline flushes.
4. I wish I had child like faith...a faith without doubts knowing God will provide and get me through this. Just like a child knows Santa will bring presents on Christmas Eve.
5. My life has more purpose than I thought it did...especially through this battle.
6. I think I have seen just about every rerun of the O.C. and 90210. Time to move on.
7. Back scratches are great stress relievers.
8. I have a special place in my heart for the drug companies who have come up with the drugs for nausea and heartburn! They are lifesavers.
9. I love to listen to the sounds outside...the birds chirping (especially the Robin), the frogs croaking and the kids playing.
10. The little things that used to bother me, just don't bother me anymore. I hope that I can keep this mindset after this is all over.
11. The best words of encouragement I received today was a verse in Isaiah 26:3-4 "People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing." I am not sure what version of the Bible this is, but I loved it!
12. No matter where you are in life, you will have an impact on those you encounter, those you speak to and those you show kindness to.
13. Cuddling in bed with my kids has new meaning in life.
14. Having my husband physically by my side is the best calming medicine anyone could prescribe. Even better than Ativan.
15. I have the best in-laws in the world!
16. God hand selected the neighborhood we live in - filled with so many wonderful friends that care deeply about us.
17. I am so thankful for my friends - I am amazed by the love shown from friends in ages past and new friends.
18. I took my family (Mom, Dad and Sister) for granted in the past. Never again!
19. Is is so important to always say "I Love You" because you never know when it will be the last.
20. I never shared enough of myself with others. I have more to give to others than I thought I did. From now on, it is my commitment to share this journey with each and everyone of you.
21. Prayer is powerful! And when I am just tired of praying, it is comforting to know that there are others taking over for me.
14 comments:
Thanks for sharing this Sue.
I really like number 12. That is so very true.
I was once told that you need to be very careful with whom you get upset during the course of your day; other drivers, the cashier in the grocery store, a waiter, etc... You never know what they are going through in their life. The patience, caring and love you show them might be the difference to them that day.
Thank you for the reminders, it's too bad that we constantly need to be reminded of things like this! Important things should stick with us.
Derek, Connie, and Bella
Hi, Sue --- You don't know me, but I was at your wedding X years ago. My husband Steve and I are friends of Phil & Barb. In fact, Steve & Phil played baseball together several eons ago.
Anyway, we're so sorry you have to go through all this, but your faith is remarkable. Please keep writing your blog. (Bev Johansen told me about it.) Keep the faith. All will be well.
Connie Stephens
Platteville, WI
Sue,
Your thoughts are really amazing and honest. I'm glad today is better. Know that we are right around the corner and always available to help however you need it. Your girls make ours smile and all those smiling girls can't be beat!
Jeremy
I am so glad to hear you are feeling much better. Every day will be better! I enjoy reading your blog and catching up on your progress. Take care. I hope to see you soon. Ruth L
Sue,
Your blog is such an inspiration to so many.
I'm glad you're feeling better and able to enjoy the day. You will remain strong through this and be well to enjoy your family. I continue to keep you in prayer.
Maryann
MAY DAY PRAYER
MAY the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. MAY you have perfect peace as you trust in him. MAY the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. Romans 15:13
Happy MAY DAY,
A praying friend
Dear Sue,
What a great list! Such good reminders for all of us. Thank you for that! I hope today finds you feeling stronger. Have a wonderful weekend with your precious family!
Love,
Jen
sue,
you are such a sweetheart!
lynn
Sue - what a beautiful reflecation of the blessings you have received during this time.
Thank you for sharing.
Heather T.
Wow! What a powerful post that can teach us all so much! I so often forget to keep things in perspective, and your journey has really helped me remember to do that.
I will pray that now that your energy is up a bit, you can enjoy this beautiful weekend with your family! Tell them hello for me:)!
Love and prayers,
Dani
Sue,
A good hydration nausea helper is seltzer water flavored with a little bit of your favorite juice. It is not as sugary as soda or as sweet as gatorade and the juice helps with the constipation.
I love your list. Enjoy the good days! They are a blessing!
Love,
Mary
Very much agreed with your comment about your husband and Ativan. I actually laughed out loud.
It is truly a miracle that God has given people the talents needed to create poison that can be injected into a human body for GOOD purposes, and nice "calming" medicines like Ativan. (I still rely on my Ativan for random times...surrounding appointments, hospital visits, and such.) Yes, a miracle in deed!
And for the saline/hepron flushes...suck on a piece of hard candy, and hold your breath during the flush. Those always tasted/smelled like rubbing alcohol in my mouth for some reason, for me. Go figure...a port or IV is no where near your mouth.
Just wait til it is warm enough that you are able to simply sit in a lawn chair and watch those kiddos play outside. Children laughing, and sitting in warm sunshine (under an umbrella, of course) is good medicine for anyone! :)
You can do this, my friend. You can do this!
Jami Helvick :)
Hi Sue :)
I like your reflections... and the very fact that you are sharing all this shows that you do share yourself with others.
You might think you never shared yourself with others (#20), but as I have mentioned to you before, I feel like I know you so much better than I'm sure you know me.
The words you chose when updating Mackenzie's caring bridge site and the words you choose on this blog share so much about the person you are. I learned so much from you about how to be a strong person. It was because of your sharing in these posts that I was able to share so much more encouragement to others going through similar situations -- more than I ever would have been capable of, had you not given so much of yourself.
Don't ever doubt your contributions to the lives of others - you've impacted some you didn't even know about. :)
It takes a very special person to reveal so much of themselves, especially in times of vulnerability. You're a terrific example. Keep your chin up!
Shawn Anne
You are strong - so strong, Sue. You've gone through so much and I know you'll master this next round. I hope you can feel the love we all have for you. I hope you can know the power of our prayers going forth on your behalf. I hope you can experience more and more the presence of His Holy Spirit. Don't let the enemy fool you or tease you with His lies! God IS in control even when you are down and doubt. You are His little girl and so loved by Him (even more than you love your own) - and are so dearly loved all of us who know you ... Feel our hugs.
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