The Quilt

I have the coolest story to share with you all, but first... I owe you an apology!!  I last posted and asked you to please pray for my surgery just before Christmas.  THen, I never updated you!!  The surgery went GREAT!!  I have had NOOOO problems at all this time.  No fluid, no pain, no anything but smooth sailing!!  :) :) Thank you SOOOO much for your prayers!!  WOrds could never express how much it means to me to have you praying.

Now... for the story!!  Brace yourself, it is a very COOOOL story!!!!!!  Let me know what you think....

I have always been fascinated with quilts, even as a little girl.  Since I've lived in Blairsville, I've said I want to learn to quilt.  "One of these days...."

Last week, I got a slip of paper in the mail.  A package was waiting at the Post Office, it could not be delivered because the snow on our driveway!!  The next day, Chris and I ventured out to do some errands, one of which was picking up the mystery package.  I had no idea what awaited me. I've always LOVED surprises, and was getting a little more than curious~

Once I got into the Post Office, waited in line, patiently awaited as the clerk retrieved my package, I could hardly stand the excitement!!  The first thing I did was look at the return address.  I didn't have a clue who this person was, and why they would have absolutely stuffed this box full of whatever it was stuffed with!!

As soon as I got back to the car, Chris helped me open the prized package.  By this time, I was REALLY excited.  As I opened the end of the box, I could see it was a quilt.  I completely fell in love with it immediately, still not having a clue from where it came!!

Neatly folded in the folds of the quilt was a brightly colored paper.  Here is what it contained:

"Dear Krista,

I am wirting to you about this gift from my heart that I have sent you.  Back in March of 2010 Amy W nominated you on my blog for a chance to be the recipient of a "RAndom Act of Kindness."  You were one of 3 to win.  I have 3 grown daughters who read all of the comments and picked the winners.  My daughter Shannon picked you.

Your story of faithfulness and suffering has touched our lives.  To be a Mother, ministers wife and a teacher is a true example to us all.

My plans were to five you a quilt that my Granny made but about a month after I posted this, my Granny passed away.  My heart was so sad and I didn't know what I was going to give you and the other 2 winners.  I just knew the Lord wanted me to give you a quilt.  My granny was 96 and still made 3 quilts a week.  She was such a blessing to me.  Once she was gone I put the "Random Act of Kindness" on the back burner and started working on another gift for you all.  But in my heart I just knew I was supposed to give you a quilt.

My Dad (76 years old) had started quilting right before Granny passed away.  He could not make a quilt for months after she left us.  He was so sad and missed his MOm.  Then out of the blue he brought several quilts over and asked me to sell them for him.  I was so happy to see him quilting again.  And then it hit me.... I was suppose to give you a quilt!!  The Lord sent my dad to me.  Daddy's quilts are not perfect, just like Granny's weren't.  But they are wonderful, cuddly, usable quilts made with love.  I want you to use this quilt with your children.  Let them play on it, eat on it and then let them snuggle under it with you and their Dad.  Please consider this a gift from me to honor you are you serve your family, church and community.  And give Amy a hug for nominating you and sharing your story.  I admire you more than words can say.  enjoy your quilt."

She also included the kind words that Amy used to nominate me.  

There are not words for what I felt at this moment in time..... overwhelmed, humbled, sad, happy.... plus so many more....

Of all the gifts I've received during the last year, this has to be the coolest.  Not because it was a surprise, or kind words were used, or because someone made me something.  I am convinced this is a God thing... "The Lord told me I was suppose to give you a quilt...."  I have heard the analogy before of ones life being compared to the differnt components of a quilt.  Seperately, the pieces may not be very attractive.  Sometimes there are ugly things that happen in our lives.  Sometimes, there are some pretty cool things that happen.  There is the mundane and even the occasional surprise.  Much like a quilt... these things are woven together to paint the picure of our life.

To me, this quilt is much more than a gift from some strangers heart.  It is such the reminder that the analogy is so true.  I (like we all) have had some pretty crappy things in the past several years.  (The death of family and really close friends, my own battle with breast cancer, and all that comes with 'regular' life).  I've also had some pretty happy times (our oldest graduated and is doing well in college, I have been so very blessed with TRUE friends, there have been some really fun family vacations and time with others and many more)  I've also had mundane things... just every day life... cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc.  There have also been surprises.  Gifts here and there, precious cards, phone calls, a sunset.  (There have also been some not so fun surprises, but that is just 'life'...)

As I look upon this beautiful gift, I see all those things in my life.  There are some beatuiful pieces of fabric pieced together.  There are some straight stitches (mundane) and some not so straight ones (the surprises in the mundane).... 

The other reason this is such a beautiful gift is this:  I think, for both parties involved, it represents healing.  For me... this is almost a year after I was nominated, and I am WELL on the road to healing!!!  (Thank the LORD).  For the family who sent it... it represents healing because the father was able to pick up and go on with the art of quilting after the passing of his mom.  

So.  That is the story of my quilt.  The most precious gift... 

Thank you, Amy, for the nomination.  I know that you had no idea at the time that the time you took to do this would turn out to be such a big thing for me.  God used you in a huge way. Thanks for your obedience!!

Pretty cool story, huh??

Holidays and Surgery??

I just realized that I've not been a very faithful blogger lately.  That is both a good and bad thing!!  It is good, because that means there has been nothing much to update!!  Bad, because I guess you didn't know that!  Sorry....

Which brings me to today:  In the morning, I will have surgery.  This is my 'exchange' surgery that will replace my temporary implants with the permanent ones.  This is the last big hurdle that I will have to jump in the list of my recovery things!!!!  And, just in time for the end of the year!!

If all had gone as 'planned'.... I would have easily been able to have all these hurdle completed by now.  That isn't really how I do things, as you know by now!!  I so wanted to have this done in this year, 2010, so I can just write it off as finished!!!  God was good to provide that for me.

This surgery will be outpatient.  We have to be at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. and should be on the road for home by lunchtime or so!!  (Just in time to stop and get some Chick-Fil-A!!!)

Everyone tells me this will be the easiest of the things I've faced so far.  We'll see, I guess.

So, if you wouldn't mind praying, yet again, for us, I'd sure appreciate it!!
~Please pray for the team of doctors, nurses, etc.  Please pray they will have a good night's rest tonight, and will be ready to take good care of me (and Chris)!
~Please pray I don't get any stomach bug or crud that has been going around.... pre or post surgery.
~Please pray for my children. They are all doing great.  I so want them to be peaceful about this, and they seem to be.

I am hopeful that your perspective on Christmas is Christ centered ~  Take a few minutes out of the busy-ness of the season just to let it sink in... what this season really means...... THIS is the time that God began His process of healing for all of us.  He sent His Son, Jesus, in order that we might be 'healed' of our sin.  No longer do we have to rely on someone else to approach the Throne for us, but WE can do that ourselves.  What a personal God we have.  So, I would encourage you to take those few minutes... It might just be a time you need.....

Merry Christmas to you all.  I will post tomorrow to let you know how things are!!

Love you all.....

Surgery update

Hello friends and neighbors!
I wanted to let you know that I'm doing GREAT!!  NOTHING like the last surgery.  I am in no pain, but I"m very sore.  As long as I stay still it is all fine!!  I can get out of the recliner all by myself!!  (That is HUGE because it took a while last time!

I'm sure the ride home yesterday was a bit comical, because I just could NOT keep my eyes open! I tried and tried, but just couldn't!!  I would sleep for just a few minutes and when I'd wake up it seemed like I had been sleeping for hours!!

The doctor was pleased with how everything went. If I am remembering right (and that is afar fetch at some points the last day or so)... she removed a good bit of scar tissue, positioned the tissue expander and was able to put more fluid in than was anticipated.

You will get a kick out of this:  When got in there, she found some fluid that had built up over time! It wasn't much, but cracked me up kind of. She did send the fluid to the lab, so we'll see what it turns out to be!!

I have a follow up visit on Tuesday with the surgeon.  I also have my herceptin 'treatment'... along with that, they are putting magnesium into my drip.  This, hopefully, will help with my energy levels.

I will return to school on Wednesday!

Thanks for all the prayers!!  Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend!!!!

Labor Day Weekend...

Ahhh, a long weekend!!  Don't we just love the thought of having a 4 day work week?  This weekend is traditionally spent by celebrating the last little bit of summer before the beautiful Fall season is upon us.  This year, I'll be celebrating, but not the last little bit of summer!  I'll be celebrating that I am recovering from surgery!! I know that doesn't sound like much of a celebration, but, this means I am able to make some progress!!

Friday morning, September 3, I will have surgery to replace the tissue expander (implant) that was removed because of the fluid issues back in the spring!  I will be at Northside, ATlanta and will be there only as outpatient!

On Tuesday (following Labor Day) I will have the next Herceptin treatment.  My boodwork is still a little out of whack, so I will have magnesium in my infusion, as well.  Hopefully, this will boost it enough to return to the 'normal' state and I won't have to worry about it any more!!  (I am told low magnesium can contribute to my tiredness... SO ready for that to be over!!)

There IS exciting news today!! (Not that the other things were not exciting)
For the first time in several months, I am wearing mascara on my little eyelashes!!  AND, my hair is growing in very dark and thick!!  (although, on the top, it is a big gray... not a little bit, but a big bit!!)

So, things are moving right along, and I'm looking forward to being a step closer to the finish line of this road!!

Would you mind praying for the following things?
~Doctors, nurses, all staff at Northside that will be involved with my care
~A good night's sleep for me and Chris tonight
~NO EXCESS FLUID this time!!!
~NO MRSA!!!!!!
~Speedy and complete recovery
~Blood levels to return to normal

Thanks everyone!!  Hope you have a great Labor Day Weekend!!  Look for things to celebrate!  Doesn't matter how large or small, if it is to be celebrated, CELEBRATE!!!!

Summer Time Pictures

I am going to attempt to post some pictures of our wonderful summer!!  God was gracious and I was able to go everywhere I wanted to go!!  Here are a few pics!!

My precious family at the beach!

Me and my man!!

Waiting for food!  Happy girls!!!

Gabe's new home (away from home)!!

GO SHORTER HAWKS!!

First day of school, 2010-11
Katie is 8th grade
Kelsey is a Junior

Rolling along....

Hey everyone!!
Just wanted to give you a quick update on things that are happening!!

I have surgery set for September 3.  This will be to replace the expander (implant) that had to be removed back in the spring.  This will put me back to square one!!  From that point, I'll travel to the doctor's office approximately every two weeks to be 'filled up.'  Once this process is finished, I will have one more surgery to replace the temporary implants with the permanent ones.

I am still doing the Herceptin treatment.  This is the antibody that teaches my body to fight the HER2 protein that my cancer fed from.  I will do this every three weeks until March.  (If I counted right, that is only 10 more times!!)  This is 'non-toxic' and does not make me sick, tired, etc.

I am growing hair!!  It has begun to 'come back' and I am so excited!!  If I happen to bump in to you somewhere, I will show you!!  Many people have predicted how it would come back (straight, curly, dark or light).  So far, it is a good bit darker than my 'old' hair... but I don't think it is curly.   Last night, I was re-tying my doo-rag; and got a few hairs caught in the knot!!  That was COOL!!!!

School has started back!!  The girls and I are trying to settle into a routine.  It is taking me much longer than usual to do this, and it is driving me crazy!!  I am realizing that just because i'm done with chemo, its effects aren't done with me!!  (I am still slightly on the anemic side.  This doesn't help!!)

We've taken Gabe to school, and he continues to adjust.  Football camp/practice has been good, but very different.  He hasn't started classes yet.  His schedule seems good for a first semester freshman.  Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, he'll have a routine, too.  Things sure are different around here without him!! (We are still in the process of adjusting, too!)

I am thankful that there is nothing really 'exciting' to report....having said that, I'm excited that things seem to FINALLY be progressing!!

This is also "Judgement House" season coming up.  THAT is exciting!!!

If you don't mind, please pray for the following for our family:
~Everyone to settle into a routine and feel good with new routines.
~Upcoming surgery that it will be successful (no infections!!!!)
~Energy level to return... anemia to go away...

Thanks friends!!!

Look for something in every situation to be thankful for.  Might not make sense at the time, but, will do wonders for your attitude!!  :)

Changes....

WOW.  It has been a long time since I've written.  That means there haven't been many things going on medically!!  YAY!!!!  I've kept thinking I would write a quick update, but have not taken time to do that.  Sorry!!

Here is a quick recap of our summer:  Early in June, I was diagnosed with MRSA and took 2 weeks of antibiotics.  As far as I know, it is GONE!!  At the end of June I was able to go to New Orleans with the youth!!  First of July was the LAST chemo!!  The next week I was able to go to Centrifuge (youth camp) followed by a family vacation to the beach!  Whew!!!  makes me tired just thinking about it!!!  BUT I wouldn't change one thing about it!!

Over the course of the summer, Chris has talked about changes some.  At some points he has even used the phrase "Summer of Change"~ and, as I've thought about this, I've decided this has been a YEAR of change for our family!!

We began this whole 'ordeal' or 'journey' or whatever you want to call it in December with surgery in January~and it has definitely brought about changes!!  Not only have there been physical changes for all of us (obviously my surgery, but for everyone else~they are having to DO things they usually don't have to do), but also emotional and spiritual changes, as well.  Some of these are good changes, and some not so good~ but they are changes nonetheless!

Change is a scary word for many people.  Many of us are up for a change if that means we know all the details and know it will bring about positive things for us!!  But, when we don't know details and we don't know what the outcome will be, or we don't feel prepared for change... it isn't such a welcome friend!!

I am usually a 'roll with the punches' kind of person... as long as I'm the one calling the punches!!  Haa haa... I think most of us are this way!  As long as we have some kind of 'handle' and control over what is happening, we aren't so worried about the changes that are happening before us.

Many of us know that this doesn't always work!!  Of course, with all my medical stuff, I've not had much say-so in the events since December.... no one asked me if I wanted to have surgery or chemo, or MRSA.  (well, they DID say I didn't have to do any of these things.... but the outcome would not have been desireable!!)  I've had to put my trust completely in others to educate me and help guide my decisions.  This is a difficult task for many of us!! HOWEVER, I wouldn't trade it for anything!!  God has a way of pushing us into situations to grow us, much like we do with our own children!  Without being forced to trust others completely, I would not have learned to trust my Heavenly Father on such a deeper level than I had already!!

Why this topic?  Why am I so caught up in this subject at this time?  Several reasons:
~Life IS change!!  Very seldom are we without some kind of change in our lives.  How much easier would it be if we just rolled with the punches because we are completely convinced God is going to take care of us?

~Change is adventure!  Sometimes these things that turn out differently or must be directed in other paths turns out to be such an adventure!!  That can be both positive and negative.  However, in these times is when we get to see Romans 8:28 come to life~literally!!  (For we KNOW that ALL things come together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to HIS purpose.)

~In our family, we are about to embark on yet another change! We've prepared for this for 18 years; yet I feel so unprepared!!!  Our oldest will report to school today.  We will load up his clothes and whatever else we fine and take him to college.  How exciting!!  We are so proud of him!!  He is ready and excited, as well.  However, I am NOT looking forward to the drive home!!!  I am not looking forward to the change this brings to our family.  I know it is the right thing, and the best thing for him, yet.... DREAD is the word that comes to mind!!  We are going to survive... afterall, we aren't the first family to undergo this situation, nor will we be the last!!  Very bittersweet times around here!!!

I should also find out today a surgery date for my next surgery (to replace the implant that had to be removed).  Hopefully that will be just before Labor day!

Look around you~ are there changes that are happening in your life that you aren't real sure you want?  Are there changes that NEED to be made?  Are there changes being forced on you?  Well, on the surface, they may seem horrible... but in the long run, they might just be the best thing that ever happened.... It all comes down to this:  Do you trust your Heavenly Father enough to take care of those details you cannot take care of?

Until next time.......