Counting the days...

Only 5 days, 10 hours, and 23 minutes until my son comes home from college for Thanksgiving. I am so looking forward to pampering him, including doing his laundry and making his favorite meals. Especially since he's been feeling sick and exhausted - I'm sure due to studying late at night and not going to parties.

I bribed him with the enticement of cold hard cash to go to the Campus Student Health Center and said I would deposit the money once he texted me with the diagnosis. Worried it might be mononucleosis, I was relieved when he texted to tell me he has 'walk in' pneumonia.  I got a little chuckle from that one. Antibiotics, rest, and some of my TLC and he'll be back to normal in no time. 

I will be the most thankful one at my dinner table this year - on that I can assure you!

xo

Lisa

Thankful Every Day for You

Today I was cleaning out some old notes when I came across the list of donors who contributed to St. Baldrick's when I shaved my head at the start of my chemotherapy. Over a year and a half later, I'm still taken back and swept up emotionally by your kindness and generosity. So many friends, family, neighbors, and even friends of friends and family donated in support of me and the children of St. Baldrick's. 

It is so important to me that you all know what you did was truly amazing. You blessed me in immeasurable ways. You built me up when I needed it most. You were and still are a blessing to me. I wish I could stand before each one of you and give you a huge hug. 

I know life goes on and difficult times come and go, but your gift of friendship and selflessness will never be forgotten. 

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 

Life is life, fight for it.

It's been awhile since I've written in my blog, mostly because life has been busy and all is well for the most part. I have gotten used to having my oldest child thousands of miles away and while I certainly still miss him terribly, I am happy he seems to be thriving in his first semester of college.  My other two children are keeping me employed and I'm keeping busy writing and revising a new picture book. 

In the past, I have always loved Fall with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all things having to do with pumpkins. But now this time of year, October, has a new found meaning to me - it is the anniversary of my diagnosis of breast cancer. Ironically, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I have to bite my tongue from remarking that I already donated (my breasts!) every time I'm asked to contribute to the cause at the grocery store check out line. For me, every day of the year is breast cancer awareness, and unfortunately I don't see that easing as time goes on. 

It's been an odd month with some dear friends, neighbors, and relatives having health issues of their own. It has felt good to give back to them with a meal or a card in the mail, as so many others gave to me in my time of need. In particular, a friend of mine who I met on my cancer journey is sadly now fighting this disease once again. I pray for her and ask that you pray for her as well...she is the epitome of grace and courage.

I have come to the conclusion that some people in life experience hurricanes, some experience storms, and some just experience a rain cloud or two. While I don't wish a hurricane on anyone, I will say that once you've been through one, your life will forever be changed for the better. No matter what your meteorological life forecast is, I hope you live each day with the proverbial sun shining down on everything you do. 

Mother Teresa once said, "Life is life, fight for it."  And that is just what I intend to keep doing. 

Happy Fall!