Twinkle Lights

Christmas Has Come and Gone...so has treatment FOUR!

I am so grateful that we had Merry Family Christmas on Sunday, December 21, 2014. All were present except Brent Sesser - in Florida, Daley Sesser - in Louisiana,  and Toby Bowen's family - he was running fever and thought of me.

I felt awesome! Especially since Kacy came in the night before and took over cooking my part of the dinner meal. Charles led her down the path of chicken and dressing, she made my broccoli and rice casserole and other dishes. Brian fried the turkey breasts. Other children brought food...and we ate and ate and ate. It was a beautiful sunny day that allowed the kids to play outside. Archer ran and ran and the boys, Rain and Mason played soldier with nerf guns. It was a great day.

Then Monday rolled around. Mary Ann Smith, my sister-law was my partner for the day. We were there from 8:45 am - 5:30 pm. I left with my fanny pack. On Tuesday, Brandon came and kept me company. We enjoyed visiting with Mr. Wade from West Point, who also was diagnosed with Colon cancer - stage 1. On Wednesday I went to have my fanny pack removed and met Linda. She also is a colon cancer soldier. Mr. Wade was  there to have his pack removed so we spent a few minutes on Christmas Eve comparing effects of our treatments. We were very close to having the same outcomes. Although...I have not had metal taste in my mouth as they reported. I am grateful.

On Christmas Eve Eve - Charles and I had a special treat. The Traveling Carolers came with goodies, songs, and hugs. It was such a meaningful time.

When I returned home from the Cancer Center on Christmas Eve, I realized I was going to have a fight on my hands. I felt bad. I had not had such a reaction with the previous treatments, Maybe a day or night...but this one lasted all night Christmas Eve, all day Christmas Day as well as the day after. I spent most of my time in the bed or on the couch gazing at the twinkle lights on the Christmas Tree.

In my hours of weakness and self talk to be courageous and think positive - God knew I needed support. A little bird must have sent out a message, because I started receiving texts, family pictures for distraction, and baby birthday pictures, and words of encouragement!!! Thank you all!

Today is December 27, 2014. I am on my way up. I am still enjoying the twinkle lights on the tree. Sitting here, each light represents a special word, a  hug, a meal, a text to check in on me.

The Light Of The World.
During Christmas we hear story after story of how normal people are the light in someones life. It doesn't take long to listen to the news to recognize the darkness of bad news. Jesus was born as a light. We now can continue to carry that light in us. One twinkle light dispels darkness.
I guess that is why I would lie on the couch in front of those lights. I will have to admit, I found myself being tempted to look at the darkness instead of the the light. But because of others who decided to be a twinkle light in my darkness, I find myself feeling on the other side!

The New Year is quickly heading our way. My next treatment will be January 7th. Yesterday in my darkness I wondered if I could do it again. Today...because of YOU and the light you shared with me - I say YES! I can do all things through Christs' strength,

Something came across facebook this morning that I would like to share as a beacon of light if you need one:

I AM HE
I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and
I will carry you;
I will sustain you and
I will rescue You.

Isaiah 46:4