One of the hardest things about discovering I had Stage 1 breast cancer in 2012 was telling our children and their families. You see, they all lived out of state and both families were expecting babies. We had all been together at Disney World just two weeks earlier and had no idea that anything was wrong. My heart soared at a lovely comment our photographer made as she was taking a casual family picture. She asked Kelly and Christa to come up front to be sure we didn’t hide our “Coming Attractions.”
We waited a few days before calling our family because we wanted a better understanding of the situation first. After the initial diagnosis, all of the news we received was promising.
I wanted to share part of Kelly’s blog post entitled BAM from the night we called:
“OK- it took a minute to sink in, until I started feeling like someone had punched me in the stomach. Not my MOM- my best girlfriend – one of my constant strengths; my coffee almost every morning – even when you know exactly what it’s going to taste like, no surprises and no crazy flavors, you depend on it to keep you going.
My parents were concerned because they didn’t want this news to put undue stress on our babies. But they have had a few days to process this and I have not and right now I am still terrified – still need to cry. And that’s where I am – not able to sleep and just sobbing. Breathe. It’s not good for Milly (my unborn baby) to feel this stress. Breathe. Trust. Stop worrying. Start praying.
It was amazing when looking back on my day, how God was already preparing me for the news I was going to hear tonight. Just this morning Luke read his devotional before school. It was about being “wired” into technology. It told us that we needed to follow God’s lead. He rested on the 7th day, he set the example that rest is important. Obviously, GOD does not have to rest, but he did. Yet, somehow, we think we do not?!?! It said, “Lie down, close your eyes and whisper, Jesus help me rest.” I’ll cover you with a blanket of peace and watch over you as you rest in me.” I liked that and thought, ” I think I can go to bed now. Please God cover my Mom, and our family, in your blanket of peace and watch over us as we rest. Amen.”
Kelly sent me a beautiful picture that sits on my desk as a constant reminder of God’s blanket of peace. It reads:
“She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25
We all learned to trust more during this journey and our “coming attractions” are now seven years old! As we face uncertainty in these days, may we look to the future with joy and hope, grateful for God’s abiding love!
– Marsha Long, Director of Hospitality Ministry
