I was able to be home for Christmas, and it's this smile and my little girl making love to her M&M candy cane that makes it all worth it. That's my little Chelsea who's three. I don't usually post pictures of my kids on here, just to keep some privacy, but I couldn't resist this one. Isn't she cute? tee hee! Definitely worth coming home too!
Okay, now my oldest (SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD), is hurt that I didn't include the rest of the "varmints." So . . . here's a "cute" picture of the others. ALSO worth coming home to! (Happy now, Whitney?)
Say "hello" to Kirsten on the left and Whitney on the right. Aren't they CUTE?
And this is my Aaron. Yes, the ONLY BOY. Poor thing. But, as you can see, he had a GREAT Christmas this year.
Thought it might be nice for all of you to see "who" you've been praying for. xxx
Moving on . . . .
Another blessing came in the form of a quilt. I got to take it with me during my last stay in the hospital. But this isn't just "any" quilt. It's a quilt with my book on it! And it's signed by my writing friends who are praying for me. Several of them wrote scriptures on it, prayers, and encouraging words.
I was literally wrapped up in prayer, scriptures and love!
Allow me to share what happened with this quilt while I was in the hospital undergoing my last round of chemo. I emailed the following letter from the hospital to the ladies who made it:
Last night was rough. I’m in the hospital, and they just hooked me up to a two-hour infusion of chemo, and after that would follow the 22 hour infusion of chemo (which I’m still on now). After my husband left (he so wanted to stay the night but couldn’t), I just bawled. I didn’t tell my hubby because then he would have stayed and that wouldn’t have been good. He’s missed too much work as it is. So, I talked to God and asked Him to please sit with me because I felt so alone. I asked Him to listen and FEEL the infusion with me as it was poisoning my body, to hold me close in His arms throughout the night. During all this, I wrapped myself up in the quilt you all gave me and started reading the verses you put on there.
What a blessing!
I came across Cecily’s verse taken from Isaiah 43:1-3 and the last in 5a “Do not fear, for I am with you.”
I’m crying as I write this. I can’t tell you how much I needed that last night! I just can’t tell you . . . and now I can’t type from crying.
Just know, I love you all so much. Thank you for loving me too.
So . . . it was a wonderful Christmas being surrounded by loved ones and all the blessings that come with family and friends.
I'm doing well after this chemo run. For some reason, this one didn't hit me as hard as the last round. I expect to crash, perhaps next week, but we'll see. Right now, I'm strong, so I'm enjoying it while I can.
Love and hugs to everyone, and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
What a beautiful gift of love to wrap you up in God's Word! I will continue to pray for you, Sandi.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of your children. I love the quilt! Still praying for you!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Sandi. Isn't God good. He comforts us when we are feeling alone. He never leaves us or forsakes us. I don't know how many scriptures are on your quilt, but think of them as your five smooth stones, like David had when he slew Goliath. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is an amazing way to bless someone. What great friends you have, Sandi.
ReplyDeletethanks for the update and I enjoyed the photos of your kids. Have a wonderful new year of renewal, recovery and rest from this detour!
sending hugs, Debra
Wow , what a awesome idea your friends had for a quilt. Your picture of your book and the comforting words on a comforting quilt for a awesome lady like you.Cry all you need to do....we sometimes have to do it. It helps to release the fears and stress.At the same time picture yourself in God's arms around you holding you in his lap comforting you.Praying for you,lady!
ReplyDeleteYou are a very brave woman, Sandi, and I appreciate your sharing your story with all of us. I pray that 2011 will be a wonderful year of healing and more grace to you. Beautiful pictures of your children. Hang in there. So many people are praying for you. Just hang in there. God is still on His throne...:)
ReplyDeleteThe children have grown so much since I saw them. I can't forget Chelsea crying when I got out of the car. You and Karsten are blessed with a wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteI pray this new year will be better for you, although I know you have a lot more to go through. We have to go to St. Louis in September and have a lot of fun.
I think of you lots Sandi, wondering how you are. May 2011 be a good year for you and your lovely family. Hugs
ReplyDeleteHow lovely are the feet of them who bring good news . . . in the form of a comforting quilt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family. Lord, they need their mama.
Spirits of infirmity and illness, get your hands off Sandi. In the Name, Authority, and Blood of Jesus. Amen.
What a beautiful way for your friends to express their love, concern and support! It's one thing to know people are praying; it's another to experience those prayers by physically wrapping yourself in them. I'm glad you were able to be home for Christmas. My DH and I travelled 500 miles to spend two weeks at Christmas with one of our married daughters and her children, ages 4 and 6. These are wonderful times with precious memories to store in our mental scrapbooks, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blessed 2011, with a full recovery to be able to enjoy many more special times with your family and friends.