Bumps and Bruises

Years and years ago I read a "Dear Abby" article written by a mom who had a child with down syndrome.  The mom explained her experience by comparing purchasing a plane ticket to France and ending up in Belgium (if I remember correctly).  She described how Belgium was different from France, but just as beautiful and rewarding a trip.  Being diagnosed with cancer was kind-of like that for me.  "Hey, what happened to France!"  I never could have imagined when I turned 39 last August that I would be where I am today.  I think it is natural to imagine the path we want our lives to go.  Ya, we may go through life with a few bumps and bruises, but we'll have at least 86 birthdays and end up at our final destination no worse for the wear.

I was able to go with Maddie to the General Young Women meeting broadcast.  My favorite speaker, and I'm a bit biased, was Elder Uchtdorf.  He was my stake president when I was a missionary in Germany.  He spoke to the girls about how they can expect trials in their lives, but God has the road map and can help us get through anything we face in life.  He says:

"It (the map) gives explicit directions of what to do and where to go to everyone who is striving to come unto Christ and "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9).  All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father.  Trust Him enough to follow His plan . . .

. . . You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges come growth and strength.  It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life's story will develop . . . Though it may seem that you are alone, angels attend you.  Though you may feel that noone can understand the depths of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands.  He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you.  You are not alone."

I have really come to know that these words are true.  I thought my life would take me to France and I ended up in Belgium!  I have found beauty and love and miracles and lessons that I would have missed out on if I had gone to France.  I have seen people sacrifice so much of themselves to come to our aid.  I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from so many people.  It truly has been miraculous for our family and made "Belgium" a really pleasant place to be.  I don't know how to THANK YOU all enough for all you have done for us.  Thank you for your prayers and love.  We are changed as a family.

Mel, Esther and I walked (fast) 10 miles yesterday in preparation for the 1/2 marathon on the 15th.  I have 30 people lined up to wear our awesome shirts!  I am so excited!  What at sight that will be!  I did those 10 miles in about the time I want to do the whole 13.1, a little less than 3 hours.  I'm not going to push it to hard in the next few weeks, just contine to work on endurance and focus on doing my very best the day of the race.  I am so grateful for everyone that is coming to support us that day!  There will be about 14 runners, and 16 on the finish line screaming their guts out.  How fun is that!  I can't wait!

My 7th treatment is tomorrow, stay tuned for details on that tomorrow night.  I am bringing Isaac with me this time, he wants to come and see the process and read his book for several hours.  : )

(Thanks to Melissa who found the link to the "Welcome to Holland". I'm not going to change my post, but you can go there if you want. : ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_Holland)