Friends For The Journey

11.15.09 — 1JO 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world (or brings the world to its knees [The Message], but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

These words have brought great comfort to me recently for I have realized I truly can rise above the circumstances I find myself in and go on. I don’t have to be sad and discouraged, it doesn’t help anyway. I find I love life and am enjoying it to the max, something I might not have done before having to battle cancer. I think I took a lot of things for granted before, including relationships, but now each day is precious to me and each person. I find I make a conscious choice to enjoy and love others even if they are different than me.

Joseph and I were talking about faith this morning. We have received bad news several times recently and it is hard not to give in to anxiety and worry about how things will turn out, but I told Joseph that at the very core of my being is the belief that God loves me and that he is faithful. I can look back in my life and see how he has brought me through tough times before and I know he will do it again. And, I realized that I don’t worry about things…they may cross my mind but I choose not to dwell (worry) on them. I say a prayer for the people involved and release it to God. In that way I maintain my peace and I know that I have put that situation in the most capable hands I know of.

I am adjusting to the weekly chemo schedule slowly, although it has not been easy because there is no week “off.” And it turns out that I have to get the shots that cause the terrible pain because this chemo makes the white cell count drop drastically.

One week I had to have three shots to get my white count back up. I am thankful for sleep on those days. I know it is hard for my family to see me like that, but it really is the best way to handle it; speaking of which, thank you for your prayers for them, as well. It is not easy to be a caregiver, but I am grateful to have such wonderful ones. If you are a caregiver…bless you and thank you for all your efforts toward your loved ones. We may not always say thank you, but we are glad you are there.

Oh, did I tell you I am taking weekly dance classes with Joseph?

We are having great fun and I actually have the stamina to hang in there the whole 90 minutes. Like I’ve said before…if you get the chance to dance….then dance! Life is good.

Blessings,
Debbie