Friends, I have pasted in here some email responses from you all. THANK YOU for each and every one of them, each word, each thought, each prayer. And the phone messages and cards. I love them all.
I want you all to know that I am not super-brave or extra-courageous or anything other than each of you are. It is God's strength, and all your kindnesses which are showing His love, that lift me up. literally!
My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness. 2 Cor 12
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I don't share my poem with people when they are first diagnosed, however I could tell from you are blog you will "get" it. I found peace in it after my cancers. May God's peace continue to keep you strong.
What Cancer Can Do For You
It changes your life.
Your priorities change.
You learn patience.
You appreciate what you had.
You learn to accept what you don’t have.
Your awareness level changes.
You admire those with strength.
You have compassion for the weak.
You’re thankful for the simple things.
Your time becomes precious.
You learn what is important.
You learn to depend on others.
You value loved ones and friendships.
You appreciate the beauty in nature.
You learn to trust in God.
It can be quite an awakening experience.
It can come and go at anytime.
You can choose how to live with it.
K- A Surviving Cancer Patient 2003
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Thank you for sending me the update on your treatment. God meets us wherever we are. I know for me, when I am on the mountain top I am overwhelmed by His presence. When I am in the wilderness. I am overwhelmed by His absence. One situation in utter awe, the other in pure dependence. There's much to learn either way.
I will keep you in my prayers.
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Getting to the last one? Happy days! It will be tough, but you are doing so well. Take care of yourself -- there is an end. I just visited w/a neighbor who said one of her greatest pleasures was shaving her legs again!
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All summer my prayers have included you and your family. I am so thrilled that you and your family have done so well!
Any way I know your family has been well cared for this summer...thanks be to God! Just wanted to let you know I love you.
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Prayers work miracles and I pray the Holy Spirit guides you and Mike! Love ya Lady! Hope you're feeling great very soon!
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we will certainly pray for more good news….. will be thinking of you, especially tomorrow.God bless,
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you are the strong trooper for sure ... I am so impressed with your positive attitude ... your strong beliefs will carry you through this ordeal .... (with just a little help from famil)
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I've got your back, as they say. You are in my prayers.
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Good morning! Sending you extra prayers and love today and in your next recovery days. Hang in there and continue to be as strong as ever! You can do this.
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Good morning Sara: You have been on all of our minds especially as today is another chemo treatment.
I know we wish we were right there along side you again today as you go to get this HOPEFULLY last treatment of chemo. Despite not being there in person, know that our clan are right there with you in spirit, love and prayers as you undergo your fourth chemo treatment. We are sending you all of the positive karma we can find and with Mike and God's help today, we are trusting you come through it all without incident.
May the words contained in Psalm 18:32-34 be the truth....... It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
God speed you brave, humble and wonderful servant of God.
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Hope all is well, sounds like everything is on God's schedule. Love you and praying for you.
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Oh dear one. Be healed and full of great life, health and happiness.
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I just wanted to wish you the very best and thank you for all you have done. Im sure this process has been tumultuous and grueling, however I believe you have handled it with the most grace and understanding possible. Your fortitude has really put everything into such perspective. God brings everyone into our lives for a reason and I believe he has shown me what true strength is through you. Although I did not or still not wish this to be the example... I really think you have been amazing through this entire process. I look forward to seeing you soon and will pray as you have asked.
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Your faith and attitude are keeping you strong and focused on the good health to come. The fatigue associated with this allows your body to heal and grow stronger. I know this first hand. Remember to give yourself permission to nap or sleep 10 hours- whatever it takes. If you listen, your body will tell you what you need.
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my soul is gently reminded of the why of our existence; love. Each and every nuance of how we experience love is to be treasured.
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May God continue to bless you with His strength for your perseverance and determination. You are much loved by all. Now is the time for you to enjoy and flourish in the help you both receive.
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May you rest peacefully in God's hands as you recuperate and the healing continues.
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You are like the parable of the mustard seed:
The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:31-32)
Your strength can move mountains and it is upon this strength many come to rest.
May you continue to feel, albeit from afar, our prayers, smiles and hugs.
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It's the little things!!! Great blog Sara!! I think of you everyday and thank God that you are such an inspiration! God knows exactly what He is doing!! Stay true to your Faith no matter the road you must travel and know that He has great things in store for you when it is all over!
When I was at my worse - as strange as this may sound- I visualized the process a craftsman uses to make the perfect sword. It's such a brutal journey but the outcome is magnificent! I liked the sword analogy b/c I'm a guy; you may like the pearl or diamond analogy better!!! All tough processes to bring the world some valuable possessions! You are God's valuable possession and He's making you perfect!! Luv u and Mike!!!!
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So glad to hear you are doing better with each day. Laughter is the best medicine for your heart and soul. I came to after a surgery, couldn't talk yet, but I could hear laughter, my families, and friends. I could tell each persons, what a wonderful thing isn't it. to not only know the sounds of voices but to know their laughs! The nurse asked them to quiet down, and I remember just being able to move my hand to tell her "no". There is no question that God gives us things at just the right moment. Who would ever think to pray for laughter? and what a wonderful gift it is.
Keep on the healing girl! 2 more to go! awesome!!!
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Wow, what a blog, Sara ... So I had just given a biz presentation in when I got an email from my wife that our son had just scored two touchdowns in his first football game. Ecstatically, I jumped into the air. Shortly thereafter, I noticed soreness in my groin area. I must have pulled something in my jump. But no ~ later I discovered that in fact I was just wearing a pair of my sons boxers !!! Oops. Gotta love life.
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Still having a hard time seeing the computer because I keep wiping away the tears.
You are a wonderful woman,
Get healthy,
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so powerful to read your tale of love, laughter, courage and grace amidst one of life's hardest personal challenges. I'm uplifted to hear all the love pouring over your soul.
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You have been very brave and God will continue to use your experiences in a mighty way as time goes on. LIVE STRONG!!!
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You continue to be in my heart and mind and have been lifted up with each step of our newly created 7 circuit Cretan labyrinth.
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We are praying for you and your family! Our God is a great healer! You're in GOOD hands!
