LETTER OF THE DAY
The letter "C"--caring, comforting, creating, cleansing, critters, crippled, crying,cousins, CROSS---lots of words begin with the letter "c". None of these words are the ones I'm going to tell you about today. Today I'm talking about the "BIG C", the one no one wants to hear about, the one every one dreads.
For the second time in nearly 14 years I have heard that word. My cancer has returned. The story is a long one and I will not bore you with details--just know that four months ago it was not here and because I have been diligent in knowing my body and having the BEST doctors we have found this very EARLY. Tuesday starts a process of trying to decide the best way to treat this beast. You [the ones that know me best] know that I fought tooth and nail to beat this before. I will do it again. I know who has my back and I have many angels surrounding me. Ed is here for me and so are my children. I only know where it is; not where it started. Those are things we'll be finding out later. I'll keep you posted on how things are going, but I'll tell you now--this is not taking over our lives. This is a bump in our road. I ask for your prayers for me and for my family.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Nana, you are such an inspiration to me. I pray that God will watch over you, your family and the medical staff involved in this process. God never deals us more than He thinks we can handle. I love you so much and am here for you every step of the way. I love you, Kelly
Posted by: kelly | February 19, 2008 at 05:57 AM
Just know as I sit this morning doing my prayer time that you have been added once again. YOU CAN BET THIS! You know who is in control -- C (control). Hang in there and know we are praying for you and your family! God Bless you --
Posted by: Jill McCormick | February 19, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Words from a true fighter! You, Papa and the family are in my thoughts and prayers! You survived this once and can do it again. I'm here if you need ANYTHING!! Love you!!
Posted by: Chonda-Belle | February 19, 2008 at 08:02 AM
You and your family are in our prayers. I have added you to our prayer chain which goes around the United States. Love ya, Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | February 19, 2008 at 09:06 AM
"Miss Barbara", you are a steel magnolia. NOTHING will be impossible for you! Of course you have my prayers, but let me know when you need a cake! (and anything else...) I love you!
Posted by: Steph | February 19, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Yes Barbara, you are a figter and you can do this. God will shower you with blessings. You will see Him so clearly and feel Him so real. I will meet you at Jesus' feet each morning lifting up the request for healing.
Psalms 5:3 Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each moring I bring my request to you and wait expectantly. Love you!
Posted by: Arie | February 19, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Oh Barbara, I so hate to hear that. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and don't hesitate to let me know if I can do anything. Let me know when you are ready for me to send out a prayer request for you or is it ok now?
I love you,
Janet
Posted by: Janet | February 19, 2008 at 09:38 AM
You are right you are a fighter and you have so many of us who love you lifting you up in prayer. I am here for you so please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or your family. I am praying for you and I love you.
Posted by: Tammy | February 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
You will beat this. We are praying for you and your family. Know that we are here for you if you need us.
Posted by: Susan & Bubba | February 19, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Will be praying for you! I am so sad to hear that you have to face this battle yet again. Amen to Jeremiah 29:11.
Posted by: Doni | February 19, 2008 at 12:18 PM
thinking of you and knowing you must be a wonderful woman to have a daughter that is so special :) I will be praying for you in the coming days and I just loved reading this entry not because of the news it contained but because of the truth and courage that is evident in your life... Thankful for our Everlasting Almighty Healer who is already in the details.
Posted by: missy | February 19, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Dear Barbara,
Matt and I are praying for you and Ed as you begin to navigate this bumpy season that has begun in your life. May God carry you quickly and safely through to the other side and set your feet upon a rock. How good it is to know that God is not surprised or caught off guard and, as sovereign Lord of the universe, is utterly capable of taking the most excellent care of you and your family. You are in good hands! =) Our love to you!
Posted by: Mary Kay | February 19, 2008 at 03:34 PM
I Love You!!
Posted by: Tiffany | February 19, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Barbara,
Kay and I will surely be praying for you and your caregivers as you again tackle this foe. We know that God is in control. With your strength and will, it is amazing what God and you can accomplish.
Posted by: Jerry | February 19, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Cancer is not bigger than Christ. The best and only great physican is one that you live for daily. I am here if you need me. Remember, you are a fighter, not a quiter. My prayers are with you and your family as you again battle this dreaded C. Love in Christ, Maxine
Posted by: Maxine Buie | February 19, 2008 at 07:59 PM
I have no doubt you will beat this! "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." (Job 13:15) Life's storms require that kind of faith...and you've got it! Love you..
Posted by: Heather C. | February 19, 2008 at 08:00 PM
I truly don't know what to say other than I know you and I know who holds tomorrow. He has held my hand in the darkest valley and has always lifted me to my feet stronger and better. You know I have loved you from a long time ago - my mother loved you. You are not alone - never will be. You have a community, church, family and many friends - and for what it is worth, you have me - whenever and wherever you need.
Posted by: Jan | February 19, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I truly don't know what to say other than I know you and I know who holds tomorrow. He has held my hand in the darkest valley and has always lifted me to my feet stronger and better. You know I have loved you from a long time ago - my mother loved you. You are not alone - never will be. You have a community, church, family and many friends - and for what it is worth, you have me - whenever and wherever you need. Jan (your backdoor neighbor)
Posted by: Jan | February 19, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I will be praying for you diligently & without ceasing.
Posted by: melissa :) | February 19, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Cousin Barbara, your are correct that you are not in this alone, here on earth or in heaven. I am so sorry to hear you are having to go through this, and for a second time. I know personally that you don't fight this "c" word alone, your family fights with you. I am grateful that you are surrounded by many people and angels who love you and support you and who are helping you fight! You and your family are in our prayers. Mom sends *lots* of love with me.
-diana
Posted by: Diana Lindsey | February 19, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Aunt Barbara,
My heart goes out to you and your famliy. Please know that Andrew and I have you in our prayers. You are a strong woman, and I know you can beat this. I love you very much, and I wish I was closer to home to give you a big hug and a kiss.
Posted by: Amy Jansen | February 19, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Many prayers coming your way!
Posted by: Heather | February 20, 2008 at 06:16 AM
Barbara,
You don't know me. I am a friend of Kelly. I just wanted you to know that you will definitely be in my prayers. From everything that Kelly has told me you are a precious lady. I know God will be with you during this battle. Keep Him close!
In His grip,
Chuck
Posted by: Chuck | February 20, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Barbara, look how many friends are praying not only for you, but for your family and those who will care for your medical needs. Most of all, we know that the Lord is overseeing your care, and that is what matters most. Stay strong, and know that you're close in thought and prayers.
Posted by: Photo Buffet | February 20, 2008 at 09:26 AM
As I sit here and read this, I look at a verse that is taped to my monitor. Hebrews 4:16 - "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it." The Bible study this term in my Sunday school class is on praying in faith. You are on our prayer list - know that we are lifting you up daily. God is with you and your family.
Posted by: Dawn | February 20, 2008 at 10:26 AM