#52 AN EXPLANATION

When I was challenged to start this blog.  I was a bit nervous about it.  I am not generally a very open and public person.  I do not post things on social media or tell everyone I know what I’m thinking at a particular moment.  People have often commented that they view me as a “private person”.  That would be correct.  So, this blog took me to a whole other level personally.  I said at the very beginning of this blog that I didn’t want this to become a “feel sorry for Debbie” activity. 

I have felt the need to be open and honest about what’s going on, which requires me to share some things I might otherwise keep private.  Yet if I’m going to express to you anything about this journey, it MUST include references to the grace of God through these difficult times and experiences.  I said from the beginning of this journey, I could not handle any of this without His grace.  Yes, this means I must share certain personal details in order to express how grace comes in.  Don’t feel sorry for me or pity me in any way.  Instead celebrate God’s grace and in whatever change in your life you weren’t expecting comes along lean on that grace.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. - 1 Corinthians 15:1-10

I commented last time on some of the rudeness of people you meet shopping.  Well, I hate to mention all the bad and not give credit when it’s due.  Yesterday, I was “walking”, yes, not riding in a wheelchair out of a store and as always it was taking a long time.  A lady held the door for me.  I said, “I hope you’re not in a hurry.  This could take a while.”  She said, “Don’t worry.  I’m in no hurry.  People are in too much of a hurry these days and miss so much in life.”  I agreed with her and thanked her for her patience.  My mom has constantly reminded me in life that people need to stop and smell the roses.  Well, I now have plenty of time when walking somewhere to smell the roses or other things I might prefer to ignore.

Now with this Optune device on my head, I have an electric blanket attached to my head.  During Florida summers with hot temperatures and high humidity, it’s not so nice.  But this time of year, when it’s cooler, as it is right now for Florida, the electric blanket is kind of nice.  This morning, I noticed it was extra warm.  My head actually felt hot, like a fever.  It wasn’t that, but my dad mentioned (I like his thinking).  “You know, when that electrical current hits such resistance as a brain the size of yours (because you are so smart), it’s going to produce more heat. Good thinking, Dad.  I like your thought processes.

praises:

More small steps forward with my left leg and arm.  Slow but sure.

God’s continued provision and faithfulness, including, working out issues that have been hanging on for 3 months, unrelated to health matters.

Right now, I am on a short break from the chemo.  That’s a nice break.  The only negative part is that it starts back up again Christmas Day.  Not the Christmas celebration I would have chosen, but Christmas isn’t about me anyway.

PRAYER REQUESTS: (Some of these remain the same, but are still relevant/needed.)

Continued strength to manage the physical strain of some of the treatment and exercises to improve mobility.

The electronic stimulation device for my leg mentioned in a previous blog – still waiting for some details to sort out, but we’re getting closer.

Courage to face the unknown and opportunities to show the grace of God through difficult times.