Faith, Fear and Friends

For those of you who don't know, the past month or so has been very difficult for my family. As I mentioned earlier, my father was diagnosed with cancer of the esophogus and is in the midst of treatment. My mom was diagnosed a little over a week ago with colon cancer. She will have surgery on Thursday and we are praying that she will not need chemo or radiation afterward since it was found early. Both of them are in good spirits and we are very hopeful that by October, both of them will have had their surgeries and will be on the mend.

Along with the fears that these diagnosis bring, I have tried to find the blessings that have also been present this past month...

*Lillie seeing the beauty of God's creation... she loved the beach and ocean!
*prayers from friends around the world...Swaziland to Canada to Sweden...
*A wonderful friend who is now watching Lillie until we get through these first difficult months. ( Janet will never know what a true gift from God she has been)
*A beautiful day and a drive... and a billboard I have passed before but never noticed until recently that celebrates the work of Central Baptist's Cancer Center
*Doctors who are working as a team to make sure both of my parents are receiving the best care possible
*A group of Co-workers who are quick to comfort, encourage, pray... and give a hug when needed
*Lillie's wonderful SLP and my friend, Ms. Emmi, who received Jessamine County's Elementary Excellence in Education Award! (Yeah)
*Encouraging notes from families whom I have never met, but who share a son or daughter from the same first home as my daughter
*A devotional sent from a dear friend that was just what I needed... a reminder to lean on my faith...
Psalm 73:23, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” (NIV)

There are so many...

And of course, I thank God every day for the blessings that are my Mom and Dad!

Dear God,
I know that you are with us throughout the ups and downs of our lives. Help our family to feel your presence during this time. May we expereince the peace that knowing you are with all of us brings. I ask you to be a constant source of strength for mom and dad- hold them close, dear Lord. Forgive me for those times when I drift so far...sometimes there are so many questions... only you hold the answers.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.