What to do?

Today, I found out that the one person, who has faithfully called over the years to check in on me, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. About two years ago, her daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. Thankfully, she is doing well.
Instead of letting my emotions run wild, I will do what I know works for me. Pray.

New Life Begins

In October 2005, I completed an ironman triathlon to celebrate my 40th birthday. The day before my birthday my mom told me she had Breast Cancer.
May 2006, eight months after completing the ironman triathlon, I was diagnosed with the last stage of Lung Cancer.
Between 2005- 2008, Mom and I stayed thankful for our lives through our tears and laughter while living with cancer.
April 2008, sad for me, but happy for her………Mom moved onto Heaven.
March 2009, my oldest daughter had a precious baby girl. She arrived a week ahead of time on my mom’s birthday. On that day, I became a grateful grand mom.

Simple things crack me up & I'm inspired by long marriages

I was sent this link from an email friend, Kelly, that is on our church’s prayer chain with me. I haven’t met her yet in person, but have formed a bond by our faith and because we both lost our mom’s. She sent this to me, it’s hilarious!
http://www.fark.com/cgi/vidplayer.pl?IDLink=4365716

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. ********************************************************In May 2007, I had developed avascular necrosis in my hip. My lower back felt like it was crushing because it was taking all the pressure from my dying hip bone. Fortunately, I was able to have my hip replaced. Especially grateful since the year prior I wasn’t even sure if I’d be around. This was my second hip surgery and the recovery was long. I was in a hospital bed in the middle of my living room for seven weeks. I was only able to get up to go to the bathroom and cross the street to my friend Monica’s for a shower. I needed assists going across and a walker. I could not walk up stairs. Saying the Serenity Prayer daily saved me from myself and probably from my family not abandoning me.

Ride for the Roses & Out of the mouth of babes

In October 2007, I was honored to be asked by Spencer Lueders, founder of the 24 Hours of Booty Event, to go to Austin Texas for the Ride for the Roses Weekend. This weekend is held in conjunction with LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin. It was an uplifting, motivating and all around special time. I was still on cloud nine the month of November. Randy Paush who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2006 was giving his infamous “Last Lecture” on Oprah. Watching it with my son Tyler I was screaming and pointing into the TV acting worst than Tom Cruise when he jumped on Oprah’s yellow couch declaring his love for the last time to I’m not sure what number wife. As I yelled, “I should be on the Oprah Show.” Tyler turned yelling, “Don’t be selfish Mom, you were just in Texas and met Lance Armstrong.” At that moment my feet landed on the ground as I nodded to him in agreement.

Drew honors his Dad

Drew Sharp performed an amazing duet with his friend Adam at the Ardrey Kell Concert. He sang with thunder in his voice. The audience's was captivated by the love that he expressed to his dad. His dad, Gavin, was diagnosed December 18, 2006 with a stage 4 cancer of the unknown primary. My daughter Jayme and Drew are in Chorus and have been in school together since fifth grade. During our drive home from the concert Jayme and I talked sharing our similar sentiments about Drew's singing. We both cried with a bit of understanding and felt Drew sang to his Dad straight from his heart.

One of my favorite quotes

Always direct your thoughts to those truths that will give you confidence, hope, joy, love, thanksgiving, and turn away your mind from those that inspire you with fear, sadness, depression. By B. Wilbertforce

This practice has helped me immensely over the past three years in living with cancer.