Matthew 11:15 (NIV)

He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 11:15 (NIV)

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Update #4 - My Friend Has Cancer

Thank you for all your prayers and support.  My DIL (daughter-in-law) saw the specialist a couple of weeks ago and today spent the day in pre-op.  Surgery is scheduled for October 14th but we won't know the time until the day before (hospital procedure).  It's suppose to be in the morning... I'll let you know when I find out.

I am VERY pleased to say that Tasha  is keeping a positive attitude and it has not gone unnoticed.  Many people are amazed at her zeal and love for everything around her.  She told me that since she found out about the cancer she has a whole new look on life. The material things that seemed important at one time are no longer important.  She said, "The Lord is teaching me to be content in all things."

 Sometimes, though, the battle can get to be quite a challenge.  It's a fight to get out of bed, get dressed, and breathe. Yes, breathe.  Because of the location of the cancer she, at times, has difficulty catching her breath. And, the battle gets a little more challenging when random comments are made by random people who mean well.  Comments like, "Thyroid cancer?  It's no big deal,  people get it all the time."  Or, "You look & sound fine. It mustn't be that big of a deal." And the winning comment that left us speechless, "I once knew a person who had cancer, they died." I could go on & on but I would rather tell you that, even though the battle has difficult moments, my friend continually turns to The Lord so that He may renew her strength.
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. " (Isaiah 40:30, 31 NIV)

I have wondered throughout my life how people can stay positive in a "bad" situation.  I had surgery a few months ago. I could see the fear and concern in my families eyes which caused me to be strong for them.  A few weeks after my surgery we found out about Tasha's cancer and I knew I needed to be strong for her and our family.  Then one day I broke down crying uncontrollably in front of my DIL.  I kept apologizing for not being strong but I just could not get my tears under control.  My friend scoldingly said, "It's  knowing how you feel that helps me be strong.  That's what helps me know I have to keep fighting." Her words resonated in my heart remembering my own battle.  I still don't know how other people stay positive but I know what works for us.  Thank you Lord for the strength to be weak.
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)

Please keep my DIL in your prayers.
I'll keep you posted!

P.S.
Reminder:
The fundraiser for Tasha is still ongoing and we have raised zero dollars.  The link where you can donate $5, $10, or a bazillion is:
https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/bxy2/tasha-delacruz-cancer-fund

I totally understand that not everybody can give but either way I ask that you please share the  link with everyone so that they may have the opportunity to give-forward.
(I wonder if shaving my head would help the fundraiser? Let me know.)