I felt inspired to write this post before chemo tomorrow. I started
thinking about the upcoming season, Thanksgiving in particular...yes, I
know it's not even Halloween yet, I'm nutty. I have such a thankful
heart, and I don't say that in a boastful way, I just mean that I feel
so thankful that my heart is overflowing, and it's spilling out here. I
am thankful for my family here, here in Missouri that have never made me
feel like an 'in-law', they took me in and made me feel like one of
their own, for many many years now. My husband and my boys, I know it is
difficult right now. I see that look in my husbands eyes from time to
time, sort of a sad, sorrowful look and he doesn't have to say anything
for me to know what he's thinking. My boys who just go on as if
everything is fine, Logan rubs my fuzzy head and Keegan makes
jokes...which is all ok, I wouldn't want it any other way. My friends and family in North Carolina especially my sister
that is so far away from me, I'm so thankful for her. Our many, many
phone conversations and texts help keep us connected.
All of you. I am
thankful for your support, the encouragement. I know I am not in this
alone!
I think about my boys particularly going through this. We do not have a perfect life. I am not a perfect mother nor are they perfect children, I most often cling to the good and forget the bad. I am so thankful for them.
My baby Keegan circa 1997 who somehow turned into this:
...then grew facial hair??? When did all that happen? He will be turning 16 next month and driving? I know exactly why parents make their children earn their first car, it's one of those parenting secrets no one tells you about. It's to keep them close to home, to make their dependance on you last a little longer, to slow the time down just a little...I know this because it's exactly how I feel. I know once the car comes he'll be gone all the time...I remember running the roads constantly at that age....of course back then it only cost 20 bucks to fill my tank. ;)
And don't even get me started on this one. There must be something in the water making my boys grow so fast, and yet I haven't aged a bit!
This is the man that has been by my side for many, many years. So many years now, I hardly have any memories that don't include him. He's my rock and I depend on him so much.
I appreciate you coming by each day for the past 14 days, for your comments and emails, I hope I don't sound like a broken record.
I'm so thankful.
You are amazing! You really are!!! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending positive thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteGratitude is a blessing. This is a beautiful post. Your boys are handsome and so is your hubby. XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteIf you were not such an amazing example of kindness, strength, and compassion then you would not have the wonderful support and friendships that you need in these difficult times. Be blessed, be well, take all the love you can and give it back again. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle. I happened upon your blog a few days ago, looking for mantle ideas and yours grabbed my attention. You have exquisite taste. So I kept going back to your blog, and then finally came upon your story about what you are dealing with. I have been praying for you and your family, and now I know you have two handsome boys. I have two boys also. I watched my mom go through her chemo and all the doctors' appts. and everything that goes with it. She lived with me and my family for a little over a year. My dad also had cancer. I know chances are I will get it. I just wanted to share with you about a book I read after losing my mom. I wish I had read it while she was here. I became obsessed with cancer. The book is written by Ty M. Bollinger (a Christian man) "Cancer: Step Outside the Box." It is very interesting, explains a lot. Some of it is very detailed, but there is a lot in there that just makes sense. I can't begin to know what you are feeling, but I sat with my mom through all her "stuff" and I feel like I just have to tell you about the book. I will continue to pray for complete healing of your body, for strength, joy, peace. Blessings to you and your beautiful family. Debbie
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle: You are amazing and you do have a lot to be thankful for. And that is the reason you are so strong. Because of those sweet boys and wonderful husband. It's not easy on any of you but just take one day at a time and make the most of each one. We should all live our lives that way. I'm thinking about you and hoping that tomorrow won't be too hard..Judy
ReplyDeleteAh yes I'm thankful you wrote today. Thankful you felt overflowing thankfulness at that moment.
ReplyDeleteI'm your verse poster with the TBI. I forget now where this verse is found. Oh give thanks to the Lord for His mercies endureth forever.
Prayers
Gwen
Being thankful is a wonderful thing and I can just feel it coming from your blog. The support and love you have will help you heal. Fear and worry can make you sicker. I also feel so thankful for all I have..a wonderful loving family. Though we are not going through what you are, there have been bad times...and they just make us stronger and closer. I'm thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I found your blog when I was looking for ideas for the renewal of kitchen kitchen. Since then, I visit you often. All those things you wrote about your illness upset me, but I know that everything in our life has meaning. I pray that God support you in sickness. Hold on tight:)Love:)
ReplyDeleteHi, Michele-- May you find joy in unexpected places this week. May your treatments be effective. Praying for you- Emily Dykstra
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Michelle, Beautiful post, your pictures of your "boys" all 3 of them are wonderful. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. A big hug to you.
ReplyDeletePeace, love and many blessings as you begin chemo rx.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful to hear from you. What a wonderful family. I am praying for you today and everyday. Take care of yourself. See you later. (((Hugs)))
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome. You have such a wonderful beautiful family and you are so proud as you should be. I pray for you to make it through this. Carol
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful loving family. I hope you feel their strength and love to carry you through these tough times. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to those you love so much! Sending prayers your way tomorrow as you begin your next round of chemo.
ReplyDeleteThis was so beautiful & touching. I felt the tears welling up from the beginning. One, cause I can relate to so many things you shared about your boys growing up too fast {I have 3 of them & feel the.very.same.way}, & not having many many memories w/o your hubs {been married 21 yrs & dated 4 yrs prior to that}. Two, because your sweet spirit radiates through & is impacting so many. I'm so sorry for the things you are going through, but it's uplifting to see how gracefully you are handling it. <3
ReplyDeleteMichelle, you are a beautiful soul inside and out. You are in my thoughts and prayers, especially tomorrow. I am so sorry you are having to face this life challenge so young. I pray for God to give you the strength to pull yourself successfully through this unwanted journey. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteNever a broken record...play on.
ReplyDeleteSending many prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful family. prayers and hugs..Pat H
ReplyDeleteJust hugged my little ones a little tighter. Praying for your continued strength and blessings.
ReplyDeleteOkay Michelle, you just went and made me cry.
ReplyDeleteGloria in Virginia
Just stopping by to say Hello! Sending prays for you and your sweet family. (((Hugs)))
ReplyDeleteGood morning sweet friend wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle - just stopped by to wish you a peaceful, healing weekend - the week is over! I am sending you well wishes, and to let you knowe3 I think you are extraordinary! You are beautiful inside and out!
ReplyDeleteTerry in Milwaukee
Praying for you and your beautiful family. "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him..."
ReplyDeleteWhen all is said and done there is nothing more important then family. The kids are growing to fast, didn't understand it when our parents would talk about this stuff. I'm glad for the family and support you have there; but truly wish I could be with you. I do enjoy our phone time, but just want to HUG you and make it all better. Sister I love you always and I'm thankful for YOU love Klair
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by to wish you love a good day!
ReplyDeleteGloria in Virginia
Hello! Friend just wanted you to know I'm still thinking of you and praying. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog while search for magnolia leaves, projects for them, preserving etc... and I was lead here.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog; the design work you do, your creative talents, the way you share what you do and teach us how we can do the same. That being said, I am also saddened to hear of your having cancer. I struggle to find the right words, but want to say that though I don't know you, I am so sorry for all you're going through. Know that I'm thinking of you and wishing you all the best during these tough days.
Michelle - Your blog is always an inspiration to me. You are such a brave down to earth person who is sharing what you are going thru. You have so many people praying for you and your recovery. But, I still know that it's so hard on you and your family to go thru all of this. You must all be remarkable people. Just know that I am praying for you and your treatments, complete healing and a peace that only the Lord can give you at a time like this.
ReplyDeleteYour boys are all precious. Isn't it amazing how fast they can grow up - almost overnight. Enjoy them while they are still at home. I know they are probably a big help to you.
Blessings,
Judy