A New Perspective

Yeah!! I was able to go to church on Sunday. It was so nice to see our church family. We are so thankful to have them as part of our lives. We can't imagine what it would be like on this journey without their love and support. We had no idea where we were going to live once we returned from living in New Zealand. We were open to anywhere God wanted us to go. I'm so glad He brought us back to Corona. We've been a part of Olive Branch since 1995 and it's just other place to call home.

It was the first time for most to see me in a wig. I have to laugh thinking about it. Many did not recognize me. I even had someone comment on how they liked my new hair-do (I don't think this person knows about my illness) and I explained it was a wig. All I know is, as I was standing outside I was sure my wig was melting onto my scalp (and it really wasn't that hot). I couldn't stop sweating and I was really selfconcious. Janelle thinks I need to invent some kind of cooler to put under wigs. I'm not sure how I'm going to wear a wig during the summer.

I'm so glad I felt good enough to go to church. I told Jim it was just what I needed before starting my second half of chemo treatments. The Bible tells us that when you are sick you need to have the elders of the church pray over you. I don't know why I didn't make it a priority before my surgery or chemo, but Theressa kept reminding me it was something I needed to do. She made sure to arrange it so that they would pray for me after church was over. I was so thankful the elders took the time and their wives joined in too, with Jim, Katie, and Kyna. Prayer is so powerful. I just felt so humbled and blessed. This morning I came across this scripture: LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Psalm 26:8 I feel the same. I know God is with each of us no matter where we go, yet when we gather together in prayer, worship, and study, there is a renewed sense of faith and strength. We need each other and I needed to be there.

I have to be honest though and tell you I was exhausted when we got home (we also stopped for lunch and a trip to Petco). I couldn't believe 4 hours away from home could be so exhausting. I felt like a zombie. It just baffles me that my body can become so fatiqued so quickly. I have never experienced anything like it before. My family was so gracious to me that they allowed me to do nothing once I got home. I was even in my PJ's by 3:00 o'clock.

I watched a documentary Sunday afternnon about Farrah Fawcett's battle with cancer. Jim questioned if I should be watching it, and Patty told me I probably shouldn't have. I just couldn't stop and by the end it did bring me to tears. Cancer is awful and I hate it more and more. I was so saddened by so much of the documentary - especially about her not wanting to use drugs that would cause her to lose her hair. What's with us women and our hair? I just hurt for her. I've thought a lot about it (probably why I'm writing about it) and as hard as it was to watch - it allowed me to be so grateful. I have a cancer that has a high survival rate, and I have a port for chemo - didn't understand the true importance of it until I watched them search for over a hour for a good vein on her. I just have a thankful heart. It allowed me to put a different lens on the camera and take notice of all the little details I was missing. I think this will be one of those lessons that will change how I look at things from here on out.

I hope whatever you are facing today, you can do the same.