I've fallen behind on my blogging, not because there hasn't been anything to write about, just because I didn't really feel inspired. Well, this morning I am semi-inspired so I'll just work with that.
Quick health update: I have made it through 10 rounds of chemotherapy. I was initially hoping to be finished after 12 rounds, but that will not be the case. I have just 5 more rounds to go so I am in the home-stretch. My body has been experiencing a more difficult time processing the toxic effects of the treatments and I am really ready to rediscover what it feels like to feel like 36 again when this is all said and done. I am looking forward to having energy, to being the full-time mom that I don't feel like most of the time right now. I am also looking forward to a list of foods that I have determined I will eat in the month of December when my normal appetite returns. This list includes such delicacies as: tea, scones & savories at one of my favorite tea houses; a crab pretzel from Bill Bateman's in Baltimore, my mom's crab & corn chowder, Outback cheesy fries & salad with tangy tomato dressing, Houlihan's chicken parm shared with my honey, and of course Christmas cookies made with my boys. My mom said that my list may have to take me into January - we'll see.
So, what does any of this random prattle have to do with the title of this blog post? Be patient people, it is a virtue after all. (Chemo may have slowed me down but it has not robbed me of my sarcastic sense of humor).
An amazing gift that I have been given in the midst of all of the struggles with cancer treatment is the opportunity to be thankful. Let me explain. I am blessed by God to be surrounded by neighbors, family, a church family, and friends that have poured out love, support, encouragement, and prayers on me and my family. There have been monetary donations, grocery store gift cards, gas cards, help with my children, rides to my appointments, cards, encouraging texts & phone calls, flowers, care packages, home-made meals, and more expressions of compassion than I can begin to say thank-you for. Each time someone blesses my family with the gift of compassion I am humbled to be the recipient of such love. I am constantly reminded that God, my Heavenly Father, has taken the time to prompt each of these people who have blessed us to reach out and do so. Because if we are honest with ourselves, it just isn't in our nature to take the time out of our incredibly busy lives to help someone else when we can always use help ourselves. Who of you isn't going through something difficult right now? It may not be cancer, but it may still be keeping you up at nights or eating away at you. I challenge you, as my very good friend Melissa once did for me, in the midst of her pain she reached out to me in mine upon the suggestion of her husband that they should find a way to bless someone else. She was mourning the loss of her mother, I was mourning the loss of another miscarried child. She taught me a valuable lesson - don't wait to offer compassion until you are on the other side of your own hurt. Offer it from right where you are. I hope to do the same through this blog and through individual interactions I have been having during this journey and I look forward to exercising a new level of compassion in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for any part you have played in walking with me through this journey.
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