April 6, 2009
Overwhelmed, Honored and Humbled
Since my diagnosis of Primary Peritoneal Cancer two weeks ago Portland Firefly has received hundreds of calls, emails, letters, and cards. I am so totally overwhelmed by all the loving support, prayers, thoughts, good wishes and encouragement that so many have sent my way. My fireplace mantel (the favorite place to display cards) is overflowing with cards. I intend to print (as soon as I replace my printer ink cartridge) all the beautiful and heartfelt emails that you have sent my way. I want to put all my cards and emails into a little book, so I can turn to them for encouragement when I am feeling low.
You have all made me feel so loved and cared for. I am totally amazed. I have only lived here in Portland for about 17 months now and I cannot get over how many people have come to stand beside me and help me and lift me up.
My PEO sisters (more about PEO in another post) will be taking me to and from Chemo and whenver I need to go to the hospital. My neighbors are mowing my lawn and bringing in my trash barrels for me, unasked. My church is providing meals for me whenver I need them (usually the week of chemo). Some of my girlfriends took me to lunch Friday, when I still had my purple hair; and they gave me an adorable hat and beautiful soft scarf in shades of magenta (one of my best colors, as they all commented!) for when I don’t have any hair. People who don’t know what to say, come up to me and give me a sweet silent hug. Their wordless gesture so very powerful. And there are countless others who are on my “will call list” if anything unexpected comes up . Oh, I forgot the beautiful flowers I have received… brightening up my housebound days.
I can’t believe that I forgot to mention the numerous prayer lists that people have put me on. I firmly believe in the power of prayer and I know that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and that God alone has the plan for my life; I am submitted to His will. I so appreciate everyone that has asked if they could put me on their prayer list at their church — whichever church it might be. I don’t even ask which church, I just tell them , “Yes, please. Thank you so much.” So to all of the prayer warriors out there… Portland Firefly thanks you from the bottom of her very grateful heart.
One thing I have learned is that people want to help me if they can. I am honored that they have offered to do so. I will humble myself and allow them to help me where they can. I can use their help and I think it empowers them to be able to contribute to enhancing my quality of life and it allows me to be able to save my energy for the important things that I need to do so I can leave something of value to my family.
And so….to all who have encouraged me one way or another…. A BIG HUG AND A BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. From your loving Portland Firefly….
