meds

Forgot to take my meds last night. Is that a good sign? I'm not sure. I was having a good time with Penny and a neighborg, laughing and telling stories and totally forgot. As I lay in bed thinking why aren't I asleep I kept asking God. What's going on Lord I close my eyes and see nothing. Are you there? Do you ever feel that way? Like God is hiding from you. Of course he is not but we make a big deal out of it. I actually thought about a dream I used to have about a garden, a rose garden. Well kept, and manicured. The roses were giants and I got to touch them! I asked God why I didn't dream about the roses any more and no answer came. Yet as I think about right now I realize I was dreaming about the garden and the beautiful roses! We are so silly sometimes. I thank Good for reminding me that the dream still alive and that someday I will walk through that garden in heaven with HIM by my side. Now that's exciting! I did fall asleep after that and was grateful for His faithfulness. We often forget He is there all the time, even when we feel alone. I have to read His word on a daily basis just to remind me of His presence in my life. When I read about David and his struggles and how somehow he always cried out to God for stremgth I find it very encouraging.

Well, I took Penny around the little town of Madison this morning. We walked together, she took pictures (lots of pictures) and we chatted. It felt good to continue to get ready for sunday. It feels good to have strength to walk and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. I wonder how many people will be there at the race. Will I finish, yes! With God's help I can do it. I can't believe its only 10:48am! Sorry, I'm rambling. It feels good though.

Thank you so much for prayers. I feel stronger every day. Pray for Sunday!

walked 3 miles today!

Good morning everyone! I'm so excited to say I walked 3 miles around the neighborhood today. It was awesome. Not too humid and even though the sun was out I did not feel overheated. Praise God. My sister in law joined me which made it so much easier. I know it will hit me this afternoon, say around 2pm, but it is good to set a goal and reach it. Isn't it?
Been thinking about trials in our lives and how we handle them. My heart goes out to the disciples after Jesus was taken from them. What were they thinking? Do they join forces and go get this precious man they've walked with for the past three years. Or do they pray and wait (Jesus did say to pray, actually he was a brilliant example to the disciples during those three years) to see what happens. They were scared, and I think they prayed but maybe more out of fear than anything else. They were such a tiny group agains the forces that surrounded them. But you know what, I think they prayed because they knew nothing else. I'm sure, they had memories of Jesus going off early in the morning to be with the Father, alone. Did they ever hear him cry out or simply laugh as he spoke with the Father. I know that when I take time to simply sit in his precense I think about those times when the disciples simply didn't know what to make of the situation.

We need to take our eyes off our human strength and trust the One who by example simply prayed for strength from the Father. Holy Spirit lives in those of us who trust Jesus and He takes cares of our prayer needs. Romans 8:26, 27 says " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do knot know what we ought to pray for, but the Sspirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

I don't know what's ahead but I know He is with me every step of the way, even when I in desperation don't see Him. I wasn't sure if walking this morning would be a good idea but in accordance with Jesus promises "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". I shall try it again tomorrow, and then again the next day.

Love you guys,
Doris

one chemo in the head a week!

well, its exciting to hear from the dr. that for now we will only do one chemo in my head until further notice. He's pleased the headaches, vomiting and light sensitivity is gone and honestly, so am I. So I don't have to see him until next tuesday morning. yay!! I have a more energy but I'm trying to control myself, my dear sister in law penny is coming today and we will have a fantastic time together. She is so much fun! And she is an exercisy guru so maybe I can get her to walkk around the neighborhood with me (it has to be early in the morning, though). I got to be ready for the peachtree so we'll see.

Guys thank you for the prayers! I feel stronger every day. Please pray for the race, its going to be hot that morning and I have to be prepared for the heat. My appetite is better and I actually had my strong coffee this morning and it felt good going down. I could actually taste it. So my tastebuds are kicking back in.

Love you all,
Doris

Feeling tired but good!

Feeling good today! Slept great and had quiet time with the Lord this morning. I will walk this morning (at least on my treadmill) for a little while to prepare for the p'tree next week. We had a lot of rain last night so no need to water today. It is pretty outside today. We celebrated with Tom last night but man was I beat when we got home. He is so happy! It is good to see your children happy.
I want to thank everyone for prayers. God is answering in His amazing way. Headaches are virtually gone, no nauseau (spelling), no dizziness. Praise God! Now we'll wait and see what the test for the head chemo will say. Tomorrow they'll do those tests. I'm excited. Pray no more chemo on the head! :)
Guys, please continue to pray for my younger sister. That she will do well on her decissions. I love her so much and want the best for her.

Okay, this is it for today. I want to get to the treadmill and be done before my dr's appt this morning. Blessings, to you all,
Doris

graduation

Tommy graduates from his music technology school today! I'm so proud of him. He's finally doing what he likes and that makes me happy. Terry and I will go to his graduation and then early dinner. Can't wait to see what The Father has ahead for Tom. But I'm excited none the less. When Lauren graduated I had no clue Holy Spirit was going to take her on such adventures! Never in wildest dreams (maybe in my prayers) did I see her singing in Spanish and praising our Lord in my native language. Never give up on those prayers for your children. God has amazing ways of answering prayers according to HIS will. And they turn out for the best! I am excited to see what's ahead for Tom.
So keep praying for His will and ask Him to show you how he's working around you (I think its okay because sometimes I see hints of His majesty that I otherwise wouldn't) and through you. It really gives me joy to see His hand at work around me. And sometimes I have the priviledge of sharing with someone how I see God working in their lives. It is precious! People need hope in their lives.
Father, I pray this precious Sunday morning that you reveal yourself to everyone reading this post. Show them your grace, joy, peace, faith, strength, perseverance, you know, exactly what they need. Open our eyes to YOU and help us share your kindness with someone who just may need Your Word today. One kind word can change a life. A stranger having a bad day may just need a kind work from you today.

Keep praying for my sisters; one has to have treatment after breast surgery and the other wants to be available to take care of two sick sisters.

In Christ,
Doris

walking is good for your soul

I just got back from a short walk (longer than around my house)and it feels so good to be outdoors! Enjoying the clean crisp morning air, the birds buzzing you cause you are getting way too close to "their" nests, which is really a neighbor's house. One came so close I thought she was going to knock off my hat! She's a momma defending her nest. I would do the same. Ran (actually walked into) into a sweet neighbor and she, was so encouraging. She calls me butterfly because apparently to her I run from place to place touching lives unknowingly. Isn't that cute. I have no clue what she means but its sweet. I watch butterfly's and they are preciouus to me because of everything they go through before they come out of the cocoon (spelling left to your imagination). Some have long journeys after all the hazzle but most prevail and are beautiful to watch. God gives us gifts and talents to put to work for His glory and sometimes we miss out on those opportunities because we put ourselves first. You know, things like how much do I want to make, who do I want to impress, I only have one life I must make a lasting impression.
As I get older I realize I am exactly where God wants me to be. At one time I wanted to be a pilot (yep, you got me. I wanted to show my family I was amazing and would travel all over the world just to show them that a poor little girl from puerto rico can make it big) but he had other plans. Instead God put a soft spot in my heart for young misunderstood people. I ended up working with Special Needs students, which scared me at the beginning but as time went by, I knew exactly where they were coming from. The anger, fear, hesitation even the lies (once I figure out they were liying) I understood because it was the way I had felt until Jesus came into my life.

I miss those young people, but they taught me a lot. Patience in particular. A lot of them had autism. They tell it like it is, when they do speak. And when they make a joke you really have to think about it (especially if you are like me, I just don't get jokes) but I love them the same.

Anyways, guys I feel very much at peace this morning and I'm ready for whatever is ahead for me. Thank you for your prayers. I love you all.

Remember that there are a lot of misunderstood young people out there. Pray before you speak. Love them (not easy, when they can be such a pain :)) But weren't you young once? Take care. Let me hear from you soon. I've enjoyed your comments...

Namaste (the only thing I can say in Nepali)

It's been a while since I've posted, and mom asked me specifically to do it this morning, so here goes nothing.

I'm currently in Kathmandu, Nepal listening to a wedding party (the actual party) going on down the street. There are colored lights hanging down in strings from the roof down to the ground of the house. That would be an incredible wedding to crash, but I would immediately be busted. There are only about 3 white people in this neighborhood.

I've been here for 3 days now and today is the first day I haven't felt like going back to bed by 11am. The sun comes up around 4:30am, it goes down at 7:30pm, and the boys wake up at 6:30am. There's a 10 hour time difference (ish). I am not used to any of this.

But so far so good. Here are some pictures of the events of the last few days.


Megan and Robert are my friends showing me around, and thank goodness because I would have no idea how to even cross the street here with their help.


I brought my running shoes thinking I would be able to run a few times here. I like to run in every country I visit just to say, "Oh yeah, I went for a run there." Nepal will not be on that list unfortunately. I will only be able to say I visited and drank every glass of tea I was offered. Needless to say, training for the Peachtree Road Race will not be happening here. Sorry mom.




These two pictures above are from a Tibetan community here. I don't know all the details but I do know that this second picture is of a woman handmaking (weaving?) a Tibetan rug. They said it takes a month to make one. I may have to buy one.


And here is a picture of a family we went to have dinner with. They live in a huge house with a few other families and they run a ministry amongst these families and a million other things. Truly, I was impressed. I may have to write more about this group later. But, there was a Sherpa living there.

Yes, I met a Sherpa. I watched her talk on her cell phone while behind her a Onesie that said "Nashville" hung on a clothes line. I think that means I'm supposed to move to Nashville. Or become a Sherpa.

I do believe that's all for now. I have way more pictures, but that's all the patience I have and it's all blogspot would allow me to do (kinda).

I guess we all need to start getting t-shirts ready to wear along the sidelines of the Peachtree Road Race to cheer mom along....

Good night from this side of the planet!

P'tree Road Race

Just took a walk around the outside of my house today!!! by myself!!!! even better!! My goal has been to wonder a few feet away from the house by myself everymorning. It feels really good, especially for someone who likes to run a few miles a day just for the fun on it. I had wanted tickets to the peachtree road race but could not find a set for Lauren and me. However, some dear friends of Lauren have supplied the coveted tickets. So now I have to make a super effort to at least show up and make my presence known. I'm so excited! I do have a back up plan, though. Tom, my precious, kind, loving child will take my place if I can't get started. Pray I do, for this means a lot to me. I talked with God about it and asked him to let me finish only because its one of those goals in life that although it may be simple for some it is monumental to me at this stage in my life. If we can make it to the start line it will be a significant step, since i've been limited to walking around my house for the past few weeks. Today, I'll walk on my threadmill for a little bit, maybe twenty minutes, and see how it goes. Don't worry, Terry will be nearby to supervise :).

Anyway, The rain last night allowed for more free time around the garden so I was asking God about how he's going to get me through the race. All I can think of is how when I first started reading the bible back when I started walking with Christ in 1991. A dear friend, Sheila, recommended just a little bit of info at a time. Open the Word and ask God to help you understand what he is saying. Sometimes, I read and nothing made sense, except a word here or there. I had so many questions? But as child it was important to listen to Him carefuly. And in this world of communication (at least we think we are) I expected an aswer right away. Nope, God doesn't work our way, he works His way. He sent me psalm 121 to read. and I read it over and over again, until one day the first sentence made sense: "1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

God basically said, Seek me and you shall find me, I'
m all around you my child, I am the Maker of heaven and earth"

When things look upside down, I will turn them rightside up, but trust me, read my word and praise me. I am the Maker, NOTHING is impossible.

So this morning as I begin my "training" for the Peachtree Race. Pray the results of tests next week will take away the head chemo completely and this radiology will not make me tired.

I truly enjoy hearing from you and am very encouraged that others are also touched by The Lords grace. His grace is sufficient for me, it feels me with hope, joy, and peace.

So as Jesus told the boys in john: Come let us rise and go from here...
(I will need all your prayers to go and finish the race.) Love you guys

weeding :)

Weeding this morning! loved it! My fingers went into the ground and felt the moist dirt with the satisfaction of knowing those weeds are out of there! At least until the next time they try to pop out of my hard work. I actually took pictures of my impatient garden. They are still a little short but no shortness in color. They are so beautiful to look at. They remind me of the youth I used to work with at Snellville Christian. So much life in them, so much color, so different yet so alike in Christ. I miss all those kids. They have grown and began new lives some together some in places I never would have tought. I'm so proud of you guys. God gave me the privilege to work with you and perhaps put a little seed, water or even trim some of you. God is so faithful. we don't always see the results, but He sees the big picture and oh how beautiful it is. Even when you feel surrounded by weeds, there is someone right there watching over you and if you trust Him, He'll help you through your trials. He may not remove the weed, because you may be strong enough to do it but fearful enough not to try it. Do so my darling! It is time for you to step up and trust The Creator in just this trial. If I had given up when the dr said its in your head and your chest I would be in a heck of situation right now. Actually, Terry, Lauren and Tom would be. They are watching how my faith grows, how God is working in people's lives. Isaiah 43:19 "19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

Now what is this supposed to mean to you and me? To me it means that He can use this old (not too old now :))body to be glorified and to show others no matter what age that He can do all things even when it seems impossible. Let's face it we are self centered no matter how hard we try. We think about what He can do for us instead how we can help those around us who are so desperately in need of Christ. Let's focus on the need around us, personal or not and reach out to someome who might least expected.

I am grateful right now because there are people reaaching out to Terry and I that I don't really know, but who care and are making sacrifices to help us out with this unplanned situation. My sweet neighbor can't get around without a walker and I don't know why, but our neighbors are reaching out to him. Some may not know Christ but they will hear about Him somehow. I thank God that my youngest sister is bouncing back from her surgery and hopefully start treatments soon.

My hope is to drive myself to her place withing the next few weeks and spend time with her.
Please pray for my middle sister, Nilda. I know she's overwhelmed by all of this but she trusts in the Lord through it all.

Isaiah 43:19 says " See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. "

I see God working miracles in people's lives (may be unnoticed to us at the moment). Some one may be looking for a special someone and realizes that Holy Spirit is the someone special who will guide his every step. Listen careful to Holy Spirit, be still, and keep reading His word. Some of you are right there in front of the spring (you know the old saying you can bring a horse to water but can't make it drink) Stop looking around to so see who is drinking, DRINK! Holy Spirit has been patient with you, "do you know perceive it?" God is making a way for you in the wilderness ( he never said it would be easy) and streams in the wasteland (water=holy spirit) You have every tool you need my love. Father, Son and Holy Ghost!!

I would love to hear from some of you and how He is making ways in your wildernes and streams in the wasteland around you. Shine His light! Love you,Doris

longest day of the year litterally.

I woke up with the sunrise yesterday clueless as to the extent of the day. The longest day of the year. Had plenty of energy and thought well, I'll get so things done. The rain had already watered my precious plants, so that was done for. So I thought I would read since my head wasn't hurting, but for some reason i couldn't find where I was reading the last time. I forgot to mark the page (this happens when you are getting chemo poured into your head twice a week) I had two appointments and was a little nervous about the reaction my body would have toward radiation and then chemo in my head. For the first time since all of this began I teared up a little. But my precious husband held me tight and Holy Spirit gave strength and only a few tears rolled. Then God's joy came over me and moved me forward. Tommy took me to the dr. and we got to hang out and chat about how God is working in our lives and how amazing it is to me that our two children are involved with music. I can't wait to see what He is working on with those two children. They are like day and night and so special (well, you know, they are mine, I have to show them off a bit). Tommy lights up every time we talk a about a sound board all the gadgets that go with his part of engineering sound. And Lauren, well, she just simply sings in sucha special way, I believe angels stop and listen. Just a little pride and honor about our children.

Back to yesterday, my visit to the radiologist was smoother than I expected. It lasted about thirty minutes and they marked me up in certain places. The visits will be between 15 and 30 minutes long and side effects may include cough, and fatigue, and maybe discolored skin areas. three times a week until further notice. Dr. Freedman, my oncologist is doing some test next week to see if I shall continue chemo on my head, once or twice a week. I'm praying for NO more chemo on my head. YOU guys do so too, for me.

After the radiologist Tom and I had lunch and it was kind of funny because he bought a childrens meal so that i could have ice cream afterwards. Is in it funny? We reversed our roles and I truly enjoyed having him order for me. I did feel like a little girl. I love that boy so much. I thank God that both our children are here for us. We are so proud of them.

Sorry I'm rambling but remember yesterday was a loooong day, so we ended up waiting a long time at the oncologist office, but they gave me a bed to rest so I wouldn't be uncomfortable. After waiting for what it seems like hours we drove home, yet another hour and I was ready for night. However, silly me divided my pills before bed time and proceeded to go to bed without my meds. Talk about a long day :) I could not understand why i couldn't sleep and was so achey. Well, Duh, I left my pills on the kitchen counter allllll night long. So today when I got up, there they were, waiting on me. So ofcourse i took them right away so I can catch up on headache and discomfort. Pray for joy, peace, faith, strength for my self and loved ones. As some of you know my youngest sister also had breast surgery last week and she needs to decide what type of therapy she will have to do. I beleieve she needs to do radiation as well so please pray she will follow through and do well. She's younger and stronger so I know she can bounce back right away.

Well, sorry about rambling, but yesterday was a long day. God bless all of you. Enjoy the rain from last night. Blessings, to all of you, Doris

cool morning, light headache

Was able to play in the garden this morning. Low humidity helped get out and water the flowers. When I read about Peter walking to Jesus in the storm I believe his faith is complete at that moment but when I read about his hesitation I identify with him because right now I feel like I may be looking around at the storm instead of focusing on Christ. But, oh, how faithfull he is that even in moments like this he reaches out to me, in His precious love, and takes my hand. Even when I feel I'm going under one more time I feel his precious strong hands pulling me up and it makes me smile. To know that he is there for me and my loved ones it's pure joy. I know its hard for my loved ones to see me struggle but don't worry. Psalm 91 promises He is watching over me. I have more strength today than yesterday and that is His strength I stand on. My impatients are looking very pretty today so that rain we had the last few days really helped. Keep praying friends, the Lord is listening. Love ya.

good morning-tired afternoon

I had a great morning yesterday because i had strength to garden some and Terry got to help me. But by noon my body was achey and sleepy. Forced my self to walk around the garden and in the house a few times and it felt good but to no avail. My neck was screeming bloody murder. Took meds in between which helped with the heachache but still had to stay in bed. I read through facebook to see how everyone is doing and it makes me smile. Today I will try taking a pain med without a sleeping med that goes with it so I can stay alert a bit more. see if that helps my neck a bit.God makes me smiles in the littlest of things. Like a buttlerfly coming out of nowhere or a humming bird having a heated discussion with a squirrell. They are cute to watch. My sister in law is coming to visit in a few days. I'm looking forward to that. She's so funny!

Hope everyone has blessed day.
Doris

Relaxing morning

Up way to early but headed out to the garden after coffee. wanted to get my hands down and dirty. Repotted some pretty summer plants and hope they bounce back considering I want to give them to my little sister, who's also recuperating from surgery. Please pray for her to want to accept the therapy being offered to her. She's my baby sister so its hard to think she wouldn't. I love her soo much and I feel useless cause I can't be there for her now. Yet, I know My
Deliverer will watch over her. When I water my plants I think of my sibblings and the difficulties we've had as children and how much God has helped us overcome.Watering the plants brings joy to my heart because it reminds me of God's grace, which is free for the taking but we must reach out. Jesus serves it on silver gobblets but we must reach out and take it, forever. Not finished gardening yet but got to take tylenol for the headache. It is only 9am here in madison and I feel like I've been up all night. Maybe a brake will be best. stay in touch. Pray for my little sister chemo program and strength for me to move forward trusting in the Lord.

Good Morning!

Sorry about yesterday but apparently we had a bad storm, which i slept through. So needless to say I have some catching up to do but sitting up for too long bugs me a little. Was watching the birds and squirrells (amazing passtime!) this morning and its funny how much they are like us. Some birds got spunk and are not afraid to face the bully squirrell. And some squirrells are whimps. lol. I would love to find a hummingbird nest but they are way to fast for me. Anyway, having a better day today. will get chemo on my head and stitches removed. I pray for a painless day so I can enjoy my surroundings. You guys know what to pray for. Thank God for all of you praying. I never thought prayer was as important as it is now. You know how when someone asks you to pray and we dismissivily say sure and move on. No my friend when someone asks for prayer stop right then and the and pray. It not only show your friend you really care but it will be a witness to God of your faithfulness not to mention build up your prayer self esteem. I'm learning to do this now and I love the look on people's faces when you tell them "Let's do it right now". It makes Jesus Smile. Heard Lauren do her concert from Spain on Skype last night. I never get tired of listening to her sing. And my little "monster" Tom graduates from music school next sunday. I'm so proud of him! Talk to you tomorrow. Gotta walk around the garden and get my excersice. Love you all,
Doris

A+

Chemo went really well today! Probably the best so far, no nausea or sickness after the treatment and mom was up until a crazy hour, almost 9PM!!! It was a wonderful day of seeing lots of friends, and so even though it was jam packed it was really great to see everyone.

All of this makes me feel much better about heading back to Spain tomorrow (Wednesday). I'll be out of town until July 1, then I'm back for good in the U.S. I just need to go back to Salamanca to say my goodbyes, pack up some things, and then maybe head over to Nepal for a while. That's right, Nepal, KATHMANDU. It's real!! Pray that I can finally make some decisions as to whether I should go or not!

But with mom doing so well today, I feel good about going. Now it's just up to all of you here in this country to take good care of her for the next 2 weeks. However, it's been proven that I'll be leaving her in good hands. Dad takes great care of her, and so do all of you.

I've showed her how to keep the blog up to date, so we can both continue updating from different continents! Yoohoo!

I'm off to stare at my suitcase until I figure out what I'm missing. Toodles.
-Lauren

hummingbirds buzzing about

It is so nice to watch hummingbirds in the cool of the morning sunrise. They buzz each other and bounce off each other all to claim a spot on the feeder. Even though there are three or four other open spots they feel they need to claim the feeder as theirs. I'm thinking about how we as christians sometimes want to claim we are best at this talent or that just for the sake of it. And then those of us who let others do the "buzzing" because there are plenty of spots and someone will step up. lol. right now i wish i was a hummingbird fighting for a spot on the feeder. No strength, but a desire to be energetic and alive with spark. God is quicck to remind me that He's going to get me through this and maybe next year I'll be encouraging someone else to move forward and that they are in God's angels hands. Father is so faithful and humble. He wants a relationship with us, you know a little chat here and there a little (maybe a lot of listening)silence on our part. Lets listen to Him today and see what He wantsto tell us. In the meantime, i'm going to water my plants and listen...Chemo today. pray no nausea. Love you guys. Doris

son(sun)rise

From Doris--
Well, it took me a few minutes to find Word but here I am. My morning has been pleasant so far. Woke up early around 6ish and and had my coffee before watering my plants. The son(sun)rise was beautiful and got to chat with Holy Spirit for a little while. Took my meds and had a nice quiet time. Its always good to spend quiet time in the morning with the Father. We don’t have to say anything, just listen to the beauty that surrounds us. I was just thinking of all your messages and how encouraging they are to me. God has always been faithful in surrounding me with kind people. Please keep my youngest sister in your prayers. She has to take good care of herself and I pray God will surround her with just the right people, like Nilda (my middle sister). I want to go see her next week but first I need a little more strength.. She lives in Lawrenceville and it’s a long drive for me. She’s stronger than me so I know she’ll bounce back quickly. Praise God for that! I’m working on a puzzle today just to keep my mind busy. Its really pretty with lots of flowers.

Well, I have my next chemo, Tuesday afternoon and radiation on my chest on Wednesday. So keep praying I will get stronger and can handle the chemo. Its good talking with you guys. Please forgive me if I forgot anyone on the list. But if you feel I did, pass it on. Prayers are like insence before the Lord, the more the better. Love you all,
Doris
Psalm 91

Next day

Hey it's Lauren. So here we have a picture of mom and two of her lovely friends who came over to visit this morning. Needless to say, the chemo treatments went well yesterday and other than the normal side effects, she's doing great! Thanks for the picture Sheila, I stole it off Facebook as soon as you put it up...

In other news, my aunt (mom's younger sister) who had surgery on Wednesday is doing really well, at home and recovering. Thanks for your prayers for her also!

Now it's just time to rest rest rest. And do mind-blowing 1000 piece Thomas Kinkade puzzles and eat pizza. If you have any other ideas of fun things we can do around the house that don't require you to strain your eyes (mom has lots of headaches and is a little light sensitive right now), do tell. Any good online sermons you like, or books on tape or origami?



Save the origami for tomorrow we shall. Good night and keep praying always.

Good Morning Sonshine!

Father, I am grateful for another day of your precious sunshine. I slept great! I was up with the birds and watering my garden which was a little dry. Terry, has done a wonderful job taking care of things around here while Lauren runs all over town with me. Tommy is working hard at school making sure things go smoothly for graduation. Praise God for the cool, dry weather which helps me get out and literally water my plants personally. This is my best time with the Lord. My head doesn't hurt too much today but I do not look forward to chemo this afternoon. I'm smilling a lot and reading up on facebook reading your notes.
Friends, God is with me every step of the way. I can feel His strong hand in mine, guiding my steps. It is good to walk with the Lord. Keep praying for headaches to dissapear and fever not to return. Love you all and thanks for all the cards, notes, meals and particularly prayers. Blessins, Doris

True wealth

Hey it's Lauren here. Mom is down for the count tonight... as I thought I would be at about 8pm tonight, but I fought it.

We made it back home today. We were told we could go at about 7:30am, and we finally got out of there around 2pm today. Needless to say, we were ready to get the heck out.

The doctors were never able to figure out what the fevers were caused by, but since mom was able to go 48 hours without a fever, she was allowed to leave. They think it may have been a reaction to the chemo.

However, tomorrow we go back to get some more chemo to her head, so pray that she gets tons of rest tonight and that she's ready for it. Our appointment is at 3:45 so if you think about it, pray that it goes well. The worst part is usually right afterwards.. well now that I think about it, I have no idea what the worst part will be, but we'll just pray the chemo does its job and mom stays strong. She really does take it all so gracefully.

Being in a hospital that long makes you grateful for the health you have. It also made me realize how fragile life can be. I ran into some old friends in the parking lot last night, and frankly, that's the last place you want to see someone you haven't seen in years. It's usually not good news you have to share. But it's real. It helped me stop thinking about just me and what mom's going through and see that my old friend's mom was also going through something.

My mom called that old family friend while we were pacing the room, anxious to get out of there, because she said that she felt like the Holy Spirit had put her on her heart. It was beautiful. Mom prayed with her and encouraged her and I have no idea what happened on the other end of the line after they hung up, but I was so glad she did it.

Lessons of the day:
1) Be grateful for your health today.
2) When the Holy Spirit puts someone on your heart, you better get in touch with that person, cause there's a reason for it.
3) It's impossible to sleep in hospitals.

This girl's going to sleep. Thank you all for your prayers and cards and flowers and rental cars and messages. Everyone's been so wonderful.

*Oh yes. I was supposed to go back to Spain today, but I changed it to next Wednesday. I'll be there for 15 days, in case you were wondering. Maybe you weren't, but now you know.

Good night.

One of the nurses came early today (at 5:30am) to greet us with a cheerful "Good morning" but I don't even know if anyone should be allowed to say that any earlier than 8am.

They say that tomorrow we will hopefully be able to go home if the fevers hold off. So far so good. But today was good with several walks, some blogging, and some hanging out with people who came by to visit, but now since the day began so early, it's time for bed again cause you know they're just going to do the same thing to us tomorrow.

But here is Psalm 91, a psalm we've been reading almost every day since we got here...

Mom's side of the story

From Mom:

Well, three weeks ago I was glad to run my first 5k in over 7 years and was preparing to run , drumrull please"drurururururummmmmm, The Peachtree Road race!!!!! But today i am at eastside medical here in Snellville recuperating from cancer in my big head! Needless to say doctor came in and says that after an all out effort with chemo directly poured in to my head I am doing amazingly well (you know MY God creator, ancient of Days working) in putting my head back together again.

Details as follows: not guaranteed in what type of order since my brain has been playing games with my head. I'd had random headaches before the race but thought it was migraines returning from my youth and oncoming hot weather, so i dismissed them with tylenol. But the morning of the race I had one that blinded my left side. So prayed to God to get me through the 5k race and I did! But by my medical visit with my oncologist the following thursday a dear friend Mary Ann insisted I mentioned the headaches to the dr.s nurse since i didn't have a direct appointment with him, so my dear friend insisted the message be delivered and 24 hours later I was diagnosed with with cancer in my brain's outer shell, which is still safe and treatable with chemo. So now I have a sort of port on my head where they can directly apply the chemo and it seems to be working because the numbers went from 70 to 7 up there! PRAISE GOD FOR HE'S GOOD AND FAITHFUL. AND AS I THANK HIM for his mercies I ask you to pray for my youngest sister who is at this moment coming out of breast surgery. fighting for her life, for she too has breast cancer for the first time, but My faithful God. the Ancient of Days, My Redeemer will protect her and cover her in prayers and compassion. Pray with love and compassion because if this prayer gets back to her I want her to know its a brother/sister praying for a brother/sister in need. and Jesus clearly said whatever we ask in His name...

oh yeah

So all this means, I'm in Snellville/Madison/Atlanta right now. Details... I forget them. And I probably will be until next week. Pray I can figure all of this out. Quick.

We'll try this...

A lot can happen in three weeks. Three weeks ago my mom ran in a a 5k race and won it. Granted, she was the only one in the "Ladies 50-55" category who ran, but she ran it and she won it. Got the medal and stood beside the Chick-fil-A cow while her pictures were taken. I was in Salamanca, Spain practicing for my last concert there and getting ready to head home after living there for 3 years. My dad was sending me pictures of my mom's race, my brother was probably was probably shooting a new music video with Lupe Fiasco at a local carwash in Hotlanta.



But that was three weeks ago.

A lot can happen in three weeks, life can change in three weeks. Mom was fighting cancer three weeks ago, but she's fighting more of it now.

I figured maybe the best way to keep you up to date on what's going on it to blog it. I'd been trying to write in my journal everyday, but since I changed my plans and came home from Spain a little early, that plan went out the window. Onto an online journal. ZANGA! Ok probably not.

I was on the front porch reading on Saturday, because we had already watched part one and two of "The Neverending Story" and mom's imagination was probably tired, and I thought I could try and combat the Emptiness by reading and thus saving Fantasia.

My dad came outside to tell me that mom had a temperature of 103 and that her oncologist had told him to bring her into the ER. So off we went to Snellville, Georgia around 6pm that night. We've been here ever since.

The doctor's were worried that it might be an infection, maybe meningitis, because of the Ommaya Reservior she now has in her head and the chemo she's been receiving the past two weeks. But it's not that. And after more tests, they didn't find any more cancer cells in her brain fluid or spinal fluid. They can't really find anything. She's still sick though. Just last night she got another fever, so as I type this, I'm waiting for nurse Beverly to come and take her to have a full body CAT scan.

Mom's sleeping now (I think), or she's just trying to get out of playing Speed Scrabble with me any longer.

Flash forward to 7 hours later--- The doctor came in and has told us that they can't figure out what is causing her on and off again fevers, and that she has to stay here until she hasn't had a fever for 24 hours. Here's to hoping tonight will be a good night. But today was a good day and she's doing a lot better, so we'll see.

And the true test will see to how many days in a row I will write on this blog.

As for these pictures. The nurses yesterday were named Joan, Jessy and Carmen. Then tonight the nurse walks in and says her name is Sophie. If Nurse Hernan and Glaucia show up tomorrow, I'll flip out.






Also, hospitals should have pianos in them. I think people might be happier hearing some music around here.

Also, also, who knew Mumford and Sons is the perfect soundtrack for the backcountry roads of Georgia?

K. Hasta tomorrow.