Peace and Community Where I Am
Thank you, thank you, thank you
The peace I felt was indescribable.
“Peace I leave to you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”
John 14:27
The Thursday prior to surgery.
A sweet time with Jesus in the morning. A semi-slow day at work meant extra moments of conversation with my co-workers, who feel more like family. A few minutes at Rost on my lunch with Christianna. A walk around our neighborhood with my Babe.
All of these moments are reminders that I love the people God has put around me and the small town where we live.
Thank you to Jesus who met me in the silence before we began our day together. Thank you to the co-workers who said they were praying and gave hugs as we left for the day. Thank you to one of my son’s teachers who stopped Christianna in the coffee shop to say he was praying for me. Thank you to the guy who stopped mowing when we walked by to ask how I was doing, and the lady on her bike who stopped peddling to hear the latest update.
Build community where you are; it matters! You need it; the people around you need it. Show up for someone.
God’s peace has rested on me since the first day of my diagnosis.
And the Friday morning of surgery was no different. It’s not something I can take credit for; it’s just been there. Sometimes I stop and ask myself and others if I’m just in denial that I have cancer, because worry and fear aren’t existent.
I pause and examine my heart.
No, I’m not in denial. I’m experiencing the peace that surpasses our understanding which is promised to us as followers of Jesus. I know that no matter how things turn out on this cancer journey, God has me. I am in His hands and He won’t let me go.
In this chapter of my story, my belief in this truth has been reassured.
My 90-minute surgery to remove the tumor (that was no longer there, according to imaging), a margin around it, and a couple lymph nodes was completed without any problems.
Doctor’s orders: Do NOTHING for a week or so. No driving, cooking, laundry or cleaning. I assured her that wouldn’t be a problem. I haven’t done much of that since chemo started due to low energy and not feeling the greatest.
Thanks to my amazing family and those of you who have brought food—I have been able to follow doctor’s orders.
Recovery is going well.
I have had minimal pain and I’m healing quickly. It’s been several weeks since I’ve had chemo and energy levels are starting to increase. I’m starting to go stir crazy! My family is quick to remind me to not do too much.
I have a follow-up appointment on Tuesday, June 4th. Dr. Brenda wasn’t sure if my pathology report will be back by then, so we patiently wait.
Enjoy all life moments, big and small.
You have become the peaceful presence that settles those around you. So grateful you are you. Love you!