Forever Family

I have been thinking the last week about my family. (It took 6 weeks because up to now it was all about me!!! HA!) It wasn't until this morning I saw this on facebook that it allowed my thoughts to become words.

Family is so important, but never as much as when you are facing an illness, issue, and/or inconvenience to daily life. And...that is where I find myself.

Do we take time to reach out and hug or send up a prayer for the family members as they stand by and walk along side a mother with colon cancer, a dad with lung cancer, an aunt with breast cancer, a niece with leukemia, a husband...a wife? They are walking through the valley of the shadows along with their loved one.

So my shout out today is to MY FAMILY!!! Charles, what a great husband you have been but especially during this time of uncertainty. All of the hugs I have gotten from friends and family, I should have shared with you. You show me so much love. You won't let me be afraid. You speak life and pray in faith for my healing. But, thank you for shedding tears about me, too.

My children - to you I say, "I Love You." I will say it every time I speak to you. I want you to be sure and know you have been my best accomplishment! Each of you have heard your 'birthing story' on each birthday, but those were the best days of my life. Ryan, Kacy, Brandon, and Brent. Now as adults, you make me so proud. Watching you come into your own lives has been interesting and so fulfilling. The families you are forming are wonderful. It is not a comfortable place to be wondering what the near future holds. I have asked God for healing, and will believe it to be! I pray that those around you who know what you are walking through will grab you up, give you a big hug, and be there to listen, encourage, and walk beside you.

My children by marriage - Toby, Brooke, and Brian. For 16 years I have had the opportunity to get to know you, love you and be loved by you. Each of you have created a family that touches our lives. You mean so much to your dad. Thank you for keeping him close to your hearts, being there to visit when you can, and calling him to talk Ole Miss football.

Grandchildren - Daley, Rain, and Archer - the Sessers
                           Brett, Calie, Claire, Ally, Mason - the Bowens
                           (and those to come)
You have been icing on the cake for my life. You make life so much for enjoyable. Being able to watch you grow has been such a blessing. I pray I will be watching you for quite a while longer.

Families go outside that immediate boundary.  Helen - Sisters - brothers - nieces - nephews - cousins! Each word of encouragement from you has been like honey. But, many of you have had to see changes in your immediate family due to cancer. I pray that my experience will not bring bad memories to the forefront. But that God's touch will be felt in a new and healing way. I am fortunate to have you in my life. The loved ones that were lost showed me how to trust in the middle of a raging storm.

So here is my update:

Power Port was"installed" near my left collar bone last Thursday. I have 11 staples to be removed in two weeks. To add insult to injury, the surgeon reported since I was a bit fleshy (ok - over weight) my port has a bit more tissue between the port and skin. Let's all be in agreement the nurse will be able to spot the port!!!

Wednesday morning, I will be going to the Cancer Care unit in Starkville and start this treatment process. I will be counting down the treatments on this journey to wellness.

Finally remember - when you see those family members in the back ground watching and waiting for that loved one - go up to them. Talk to them. Hug them. Let them know you understand what they are going through in their silence.

"Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2