Quote of the Day: “Even our misfortunes are a part of our belongings.” Unknown
Exercise Log: Met up w/ Patti, Lori, Denise, Melissa. Patti and I did 4.60. (-1.36) My legs were tired- didn’t sleep well last night. I’m guessing that this runny nose is a result of the chemo. It is very buggy- it never stops! At this point, I’m just trying to focus on the finish line. I am at this really irritable stage. I’m at this place where I don’t feel so bad that I can’t function but not good enough to really be motivated to be excited about life. I did work in the yard after I walked today and can’t wait to get all the flowers planted in my front yard- after that the fountain! I think I will totally immerse myself in the French culture these next two weeks because of the tennis French Open- yes, something to look forward to.
Got the nicest card and bag of candy from Kathy Petersen. Kathy’s mom was diagnosed with cancer when Kathy’s children were little. She is so introspective and knows just what to say. Also, had a package from Lynne. I should be sending her things and she keeps my spirits up on chemo days by sending things my way. She said: “My wish for you is to get stronger each day, and know that you are on your way to a wonderful, healthy new chapter in your life… She also gave me this beautiful Native American rattle heart. It says “Use this rattle to help rattle some rain into your life, some rain out of your life, to help rattle your worries away,..” Isn’t it amazing how a beautiful piece of artwork can evoke all those emotions- someone cares about you, someone loves you, someone is thinking about you.
Taylor wrote me and said: “I know once you get through this time you’re going to start getting super strong. I bet you will be stronger than ever before. I mean that because you have learned how to overcome something so hard. Your pain endurance will be so much higher.” I love those encouraging words!
One thing that adversity teaches you is really who you are. How you act under pressure is really the indicator of your character. But I think we can always learn to build our character and change how we act or react under pressure. That’s really why we are here on the earth- to give us enough time to work through those hard situations where we may be reticent to forgive another or share what we have with those in need. I’ve always felt that Heavenly Father gives us ample time to prove ourselves- sometimes it seems we keep doing the selfish or inconsiderate action over and over again. Everyone has a part of their personality that is the weakest, whether it’s insecurities with status, money, athletics, spirituality, etc. We all just need to find out what is keeping us from being out best and improve ourselves- it’s not enough to just keep doing the same things over again and expecting different results!
Joe and I in St. George. I’m getting more use to the wig!
Joanie: I’ve been playing catch up on your blog…you still inspire me sweetie.
Doris (my mother) and I are getting ready to leave tomorrow morning and head back to Louisville. I wish I could have come to visit you, but the time just flew by me….even though I have been here 1 week, minus the time that we “girls” were in Idaho. Lynne told me that she bought you the Native American Rattle Heart…they are quite cool if you ask me…we found a great shop in Driggs…she has wonderful 1 of a kind treasures.
I hope that you start feeling better….I used to tell Lynne that I felt “stuck” if that makes any sense what so ever. I hope that the Crystal Light works in making your water taste better & have you ever tried a netty (sp?) pot for you sinuses? They are wonderful…Lynne turned me on to them…really helped me get rid of all the allergy problems that have plagued me all my life.
I may be coming back at the first of August to help my mom when she has some eye surgery…..we shall see.
Love to you & you amaze me….Young “women” are very strong.
By the way, I saw Kelly Brewer Saturday night at a bbq I was at…I haven’t seen him in years….he is still such a very kind soul.
Hugs,
Shelley
Joanie: I think you are amazing. I don’t know how you manage to walk so many miles. I could never get enough food in my body to get much exercise.
Your runny nose is from the chemo. I had the same thing. I went through a case of Kleenex. It finally stopped about four weeks after my last chemo.
You have a wonderful positive attitude and that will get you through this. You are so strong! Remember to be kind and patient with yourself. Hang in there. It does get better. Sending hugs and prayers your way.
Suzi Eichers