Quote of the Day: Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way. Abraham Lincoln
Exercise Log: Today I woke up with a lot of energy so I did 3 miles on stairmaster and then met Kathy E. and I walked another 2.84 miles (total 5.83) (-2.24).
I know I talk a lot about how important family relationships and friendships are always but seem to be even more critical during a crisis. I have learned so much from other people about how to be loving and caring in showing support. Visits are so important and I am so grateful for Linda and my Dad and their visits, e-mails and comments on my blog. Sisters, Lynne and Erin for checking up on me constantly, Sue O., Sue B., Susie, Kathy E. for making sure I get out there every day to walk. Laurie for her e-mails, phone calls and packages. And then my children who have grown up thinking of me as “strong” to realize that they have to step in and help. Mike has been a great help in many ways. He is the only child living at home so it’s on his shoulders- he can’t defer to Alex or Taylor. He is always willing to help in technological ways and even though he’s not gushy about sharing his feelings, especially with his Mom, I know he loves me and is concerned about me. And then there is Mary and Nate who make sure their girls brighten my heart every day!
I received such a darling package from Laurie Hymas yesterday complete with e-mails from her missionary, Carson, one of my favorite former students and one of Taylor’s best friends also serving in a Guatemala City mission. Carson is in the South mission and Taylor is in the Central mission. They are such great boys working so hard to be awesome missionaries and I can tell from Carson’s e-mails that he is a fabulous missionary. Laurie sent me a Missionary Mom Heart Pin which I am excited to put on a bag, hat or somewhere always near. One of the hardest things about going through this cancer is thinking of Taylor so far away and worrying. He is my most tender child and has always shown so much concern for his family growing up but we don’t want him to worry. I know he is comforted because that’s how it works when you are far away and can’t control the situation. I have felt his prayers and I know he has felt mine. I also feel that he has lots of angel watching over him!
In the package from Laurie is a beautiful, dainty set of pearls with these great quotes and thoughts. “A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear (that results) from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, it we had not been injured, then we will not produce the Pearl.” Stephan Hoeller
“Pearls lie not on the seashore. If thou desirest one, thou must dive for it”. Old Chinese Proverb
Laurie’s and family thanks for this beautiful gift and sustaining comments: “Joanie, I am sure you feel wounded and injured some days but you are one of God’s greatest “Pearls” in our eyes!
Pearls from the Hymas Family
Hi Joanie…you don’t know me, but I am Jami’s sister inlaw. I married Bob who was one of those little boys that came and visited your family when you were two! I am so sorry to hear you have cancer. My heart goes out to you. I will be praying for you daily and I just know that you will be healed! Please give my love to Boyd and Linda. Its been awhile since Bob and I have seen them, but we think of them often.
Joanie, I am so inspired by your faith and positive outlook as your fight this battle. You have had such a positive influence on my life over the years, I would be remissed if I didn’t express my thanks and love for you and your family. Know that we’re praying for you.