a woman very dear to my heart is losing her battle with cancer. a second round battle - the first won 11 years ago. but this one is beating her. and it is killing me, and so many others, to watch her give her all to something that in the end will simply consumer her, her energy, and her body.
this woman is one of those spirits that touches so many in her walk through life. her life has been hard from day one. but no matter what happens, what twists she's been through, she comes out of it. and honestly, we all figured that she would do the same with this. it's been a long couple of years, but death was really never an option to most of us. she's tough. she wins. she beats cancer.
a few months ago, i was doing something for her, and she answered with "thanks toad". i had no idea why she called me toad - yet she insisted it was a compliment. i've been toad ever since. and now, with this final diagnosis, i want to be toad forever, because through that, she will always be with me.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
an approaching birthday...
So many things run through my head at this time of year. What did I DO this last year - what did I accomplish?
A year ago, I was still taking care of my dad, his house, etc. So I am in a very different place right now. He's very successfully transitioned to the VA home, evidenced in a great visit we had yesterday. We sold my childhood home, which was extremely difficult, as well as dividing everything up among the children. I have to say I've got a few great pieces, not worth anything, but full of memories, now in my home. I love that. VERY much.
I've started my MBA. Got A's in both classes my first term, and am now signing up for another. I'm really enjoying the process! Taking two classes the first term was a bit much. I want to enjoy this, not stress myself about it. I've learned that lesson.
My promotion at work has brought additional responsibilities, which I thrive on. I've found I come in a little earlier, work a little harder. Being recognized for hard work is an amazing payoff.
I am graduating on Wed from Leadership Marshfield. As part of that, I am the VP of Buy Local Marshfield, an amazing movement to improve Marshfield's existence. Our website launched successfully on Friday, a good good thing!
I'm still very busy with fundraising and volunteering, thanks to an amazing company I work for that backs the work. I really am BLessed that way.
I am attending a Bible study, to strengthen my Faith, and spend time on it. Probably the most important change of my year. It's been ages since I committed to it, and it's the highlight of my week.
I guess the one place I'm NOT succeeding is taking care of myself. That really needs to be in the forefront of my thoughts this next year. I'm surrounded by amazing friends and family, Blessings overflowing. Maybe my highlight this year should just be to acknowledge all Blessings and be thankful!
A year ago, I was still taking care of my dad, his house, etc. So I am in a very different place right now. He's very successfully transitioned to the VA home, evidenced in a great visit we had yesterday. We sold my childhood home, which was extremely difficult, as well as dividing everything up among the children. I have to say I've got a few great pieces, not worth anything, but full of memories, now in my home. I love that. VERY much.
I've started my MBA. Got A's in both classes my first term, and am now signing up for another. I'm really enjoying the process! Taking two classes the first term was a bit much. I want to enjoy this, not stress myself about it. I've learned that lesson.
My promotion at work has brought additional responsibilities, which I thrive on. I've found I come in a little earlier, work a little harder. Being recognized for hard work is an amazing payoff.
I am graduating on Wed from Leadership Marshfield. As part of that, I am the VP of Buy Local Marshfield, an amazing movement to improve Marshfield's existence. Our website launched successfully on Friday, a good good thing!
I'm still very busy with fundraising and volunteering, thanks to an amazing company I work for that backs the work. I really am BLessed that way.
I am attending a Bible study, to strengthen my Faith, and spend time on it. Probably the most important change of my year. It's been ages since I committed to it, and it's the highlight of my week.
I guess the one place I'm NOT succeeding is taking care of myself. That really needs to be in the forefront of my thoughts this next year. I'm surrounded by amazing friends and family, Blessings overflowing. Maybe my highlight this year should just be to acknowledge all Blessings and be thankful!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
almost three weeks????
I cannot believe it's been almost three weeks.... I had finals for school (got A's in both classes!), as well as final papers, etc., RIGHT before going to DC with Allie over spring break. So it was a pretty hectic time!
I want to reflect on Lent. I am not Catholic (although I admire some of their traditions). But I've tried in the past to use Lent to try to refocus my Faith, concentrate on it a bit more. Never very successful. Oh, I'm great for the first couple of weeks, and then it fades. And I am angry with myself every year.
This year I mulled over what I could do to focus on Jesus' suffering and sacrifice for 6 weeks... The only thing I could think of was to give up coffee. Anyone who knows me knows that coffee is my thing. I love the smell, the taste, have my kitchen covered in it. It's always been my thing, since about 6th grade. So I decided that I would give up coffee.
For six weeks, many times each day, I would see coffee, or worse yet SMELL coffee, and think to myself - - "Jesus suffered for me. Jesus DIED for me. For ME, a poor sinner." It was the first time that I truly took time every day to meditate on the Lenten season. I hope that my last six weeks can hang around a little longer. I need Him in my life. He is who makes me who I am.
I want to reflect on Lent. I am not Catholic (although I admire some of their traditions). But I've tried in the past to use Lent to try to refocus my Faith, concentrate on it a bit more. Never very successful. Oh, I'm great for the first couple of weeks, and then it fades. And I am angry with myself every year.
This year I mulled over what I could do to focus on Jesus' suffering and sacrifice for 6 weeks... The only thing I could think of was to give up coffee. Anyone who knows me knows that coffee is my thing. I love the smell, the taste, have my kitchen covered in it. It's always been my thing, since about 6th grade. So I decided that I would give up coffee.
For six weeks, many times each day, I would see coffee, or worse yet SMELL coffee, and think to myself - - "Jesus suffered for me. Jesus DIED for me. For ME, a poor sinner." It was the first time that I truly took time every day to meditate on the Lenten season. I hope that my last six weeks can hang around a little longer. I need Him in my life. He is who makes me who I am.
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