"The things you think you can't survive you somehow divinely make it through."

Over the last year I have saved quotes that encouraged me while going thru treatment.

"I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay.

Small acts of kindness and love."

Gandalf

My brother in law sent this to me.  We are not generally in touch.

But he thought of me one day and sent it.

I found comfort in this.

My other brother in law, whom I generally don't text...

texted Patrick almost daily asking about me.

Knowing someone cares and is checking in is a sweet comfort.

I had two pesky wounds that took from Nov. 15 until May 15ish to heal.

The healing was indeed miraculous. I was told over and over by the oncologist that

'these will not heal when you are on Chemo.'

After some dramatic wound events, Patrick learned how to take care of my wounds and packed and dressed them twice a day.

He prayed that they would heal. Diligently.

He was sure they would heal.

And they did.

Patrick and I have been married for 44 years.  I'm not aware of much praying going on in those first 40 years....

He has, however,  become the family prayer warrior in the last few years.

This is a miracle too.

He has been encouraged to have witnessed many answered prayers.

I couldn't really pray much for myself so I am thankful for a husband who lifts me and the children up in prayer with great faith in the outcome.

I'm sure you all have had some sort of trauma in your life.  A restful night's sleep is a challenge.  

It took great effort to stop the reel of traumatic events from playing over and over.

Seeing the events from start to finish.

Telling your story over and over in your head.

This is trauma. 

I learned to catch those thoughts. 

I had to recognize what I was doing.

"Okay, I'm spiraling again. Yes.  It was awful. It is over now.

You are safe.  Give it to God."

It was the unexpected things that got me.

This is the best way I can think of as to how I felt.

Not badass at all.

I surrender all

Cindy. Every morning.

Day after surgery.

crosses and hearts from the holy land.

Sisters always praying and loving.

and cleaning. haha

Children remembering to pray.

My constant.

Like the prayers being spoken for George Bailey at the beginning of "It's a Wonderful Life",

the prayers for me lifted and surrounded me as I slowly healed.

The good parts. 

The encouraging parts.

If I want to become a stand up comedian I have a few wild

stories that would, I promise, have you laughing so hard.

How can something so traumatic be so hilarious?

I do know a few things;

I'd rather make someone laugh than cry.

Positive statements are calming.

"It is going to heal." 

(my favorite)

No matter how this ends up,

I get to go be with Jesus.

And so it goes.

Next time.

What do I do with this life,

when I can't do much?

Love you. Mean it.

Encourage one another,

Donna Elsie