tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72387652024-03-07T08:05:00.578-06:00Small Things....~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-4897679071133624982021-11-11T18:07:00.004-06:002021-11-11T18:07:55.046-06:00Have people forgotten how to drive...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8_4QFAXUMoBinpvu35lzISm88Z_AGDWE-m0TejHy8BcygbXPJ6R0-rK1hXW4-l1s4cFxOQV3At4fwp3o4jWVci90aUv9Sa3E3NSRAySCpXrDvz8YxQrzO8uHbZ1kqP9U_7n2EA/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1806" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8_4QFAXUMoBinpvu35lzISm88Z_AGDWE-m0TejHy8BcygbXPJ6R0-rK1hXW4-l1s4cFxOQV3At4fwp3o4jWVci90aUv9Sa3E3NSRAySCpXrDvz8YxQrzO8uHbZ1kqP9U_7n2EA/w219-h242/image.png" width="219" /></a></div>...<span style="font-family: Architects Daughter;">since Covid? I mean, I can't figure out if they have forgotten how to be civil, just don't care, or have developed poor decision making skills. This morning, I was trying to leave the McDonald's parking lot. There was a long line of folks trying to get through the drive-thru. Mind you, in Olympia, most fast food restaurants are closed to indoor eating. So everything is drive-thru. So...I can't exit the parking lot because a woman driving an Audi is in the middle of the lane. She could move forward three feet or move backward three feet and I'd have room to go through. I motion with my hands to ask her if I can go in front or behind. No, she shakes her head to indicate that she is in line for McD's. Seriously? She does it multiple times. Seriously? You think I can't see you are dying for your order? Happy to go around, just give me a little space. There were several cars behind her as well. I still can't get over the fact that she saw no way possible to help a girl out. SMH...</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Architects Daughter;"><br /></span></p>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-1453647364288657532021-11-11T17:09:00.001-06:002021-11-11T17:38:21.233-06:00Time flies...<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Bitter;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Bitter;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIPG9GXmNH7HP94mnVEwVtP-Adoz25ZEWLnUIk9vq6Zu00V8dEbv6sb_vD5aDl0igTX0bNpp-QTSsSI_xJv62cNTnWPgfc3kjDhet6BcbGnClO8iVOWX1klDNDP7SN9Uk5GlXcw/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIPG9GXmNH7HP94mnVEwVtP-Adoz25ZEWLnUIk9vq6Zu00V8dEbv6sb_vD5aDl0igTX0bNpp-QTSsSI_xJv62cNTnWPgfc3kjDhet6BcbGnClO8iVOWX1klDNDP7SN9Uk5GlXcw/w133-h133/image.png" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Bitter;"><br /> Wow! Where has the time gone? I can't believe I haven't posted since Sam joined our family. that was over five years and two states ago! The Riley's are now a family of four, with no foster children or exchange students. We no longer have sweet Biscuit, but we do have Chloe, our border collie/blue heeler mix. She is a sweet girl, or as Jack likes to say, "the best untrained dog ever." š </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Bitter;">Since the last post, we've moved twice--from Tupelo to Denver, CO, to Olympia, WA. Since I am not currently working, I have a bit more time to dedicate to this blog. In the past it has informed family, friends, and complete strangers about our wedding plans, adopting our boys, cancer, and other small things in life. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Bitter;">Stay tuned. There is more to come. Also, if you would like to request that I write or comment on certain topics, feel free. You are welcome to also share the link with your friends or on social media. You are always welcome to comment, and even disagree (respectfully). Let's keep it classy, no cancel culture here. Dialogue is healthy. Hatred and closedmindedness is not. š</span></p>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-77018107513162725762015-12-16T15:21:00.003-06:002015-12-16T15:24:33.684-06:00Sam's Room...So Far...Sam plans to bring his own Cars comforter. The rest will stay in his new room. <br />
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~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-42800103459581854912015-12-16T14:56:00.000-06:002015-12-16T14:56:00.817-06:00Party of 4...almost!!!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wow! God is so good! Things seem to be moving along. We have been so excited about several opportunities since November. In the end, we had two families select us and another agency match us with a foster child after we were matched with the child we had already chosen. Before the end of 2015 we pray/hope/plan to be parents to four-year-old Samuel from China. Sam has a few special needs, but none that we cannot deal with or make him too special to be Jack Riley's little brother. Our family of four will have three native ethnicities and only one God, how cool! Recently, I showed Sam's picture to someone at Jack's school and they thought it was Jack, even cooler! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Like Jack, Sam has a lazy eye. Like Jack, Sam is too cute for words. Like Jack, Sam is very smart in his preschool classroom. Like Jack, Sam wears glasses. Like Jack, Sam prefers pants with elastic. Like Jack, Sam isn't very tall, but don't tell Jack I said that. Like Jack, Sam has black hair. Like Jack, Sam is adored by one Cindy Riley and one Kevin Riley. Unlike Jack, Sam has an older brother in the Riley household who cannot wait for him. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sam is 4. He is small for his age. He has hydrocephalus, glasses, and other special needs. He has a large family in Virginia and a "hugging granny" in China who love him more than you can imagine. He loves to read and loves arts and crafts. We cannot wait to add him to our busy family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The papers have been signed. VA has approved the ICPC. Now it is in the state of MS. If MS signs off before Friday he will be a Riley in 2015...if not it will be 2016. None-the-less he will be a Riley. God's time. We are praying for sooner rather than later. Still, God's time is best. </span>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-9198341838554427592015-10-22T20:03:00.000-05:002015-10-22T20:25:40.774-05:00Providence! <span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First of all, I am thrilled to congratulate several families we know growing through adoption. Natalie & Matt Hamlin added their sweet son Korbin to their family in China this week. He is a precious doll! We also have neighbors in our community who brought two children home from Poland just last week, the Weems. So, now they are a family of five. Just ten days ago, I ran into someone I used to see in our community all the time who adopted a beautiful little girl from China who is Jack's age, Jennifer Babb. We haven't crossed paths in years. Wouldn't you know, she showed me a picture of a precious little boy her family has been matched with. They will soon travel to bring him home to join their family. God is so good!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As we continue to move along in the adoption process, your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. When we began the adoption process this time around, we thought we wanted to take the international path. That is how we started, even attended a couple meetings that way. All of a sudden, out of the clear, blue sky, without any understanding of why, we felt the need to change to the domestic path. This seems a bit crazy, because we are a bit older than traditional couples selected this route. Still, we held fast. Our home study approves us for any baby born in the United States, so long as the expectant mother picks us. We have been open-minded all along in accepting a child younger than Jack as well. We are open to any race, ethnicity, and special needs that our social worker is already aware of. I comb the Internet daily for opportunities. We pray for peace, patience, preparation, and for the child and family of the child we hope will join our family. We now have two possibilities for adoption, one more likely than the other. Here is where providence has revealed itself to me. Both of these children were born internationally, but now live in the United States making them domestically placed for adoption. Our hearts were turned the direction they were meant to go, and we listened. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The most likely one we have known about for almost two weeks and continues to progress. The placing agency likes our profile and home study. Tomorrow we have a phone interview. So far ,we feel confident in all that we have heard about this little boy. He is younger than Jack, born in Ethiopia, and cute as a button. He may or may not be the one God intends to be our second child, but tomorrow we will be one step closer to knowing. </span>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-32996459321679546372015-10-10T16:20:00.000-05:002015-10-10T16:20:22.313-05:00Adoption Progress!<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We pray daily for the child God plans to add to our family and that He will prepare us to be the best family we can be for this child. We also pray that God will comfort this child and his/her family to know that we will love this new addition without bias. Often we are asked by those who care about us how the process is going. We explain that our home study is ready and that we are waiting, hoping, and praying for a child. There are times when we hear about children needing a home or having just missed an opportunity to parent a child being placed with another family. Even recently, I heard about a young girl in the Alabama community where I used to live who aborted a baby. I was crushed and heartbroken. Still, I know that God already knows the plans he has in store for us and our child. We continue to wait and pray. </span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">While we are approved to adopt an infant should an expectant mother select us, I have been seeking out opportunities for older children, but younger than Jack, as well. I search daily. Can you imagine? Every single day I search. There have been a couple of opportunities that we did not feel were in the best interest of our family. There were some that we were denied, because the children could not be placed out of their home state. Others we could not adopt, because their age was too close to Jack's age. There was always a reason. Still, I know God has a plan. </span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There has been this one little boy whose face stood out to me each time I looked at his agency. I never asked about him, because his age was too close to Jack's according to the agency's policy. Still, he was beautiful to me, just beautiful. Every single day since July 1st I have seen his face looking at mine, even while I was looking for little girls because Jack wanted a sister. Recently, I began to think maybe we should be more open. So, I started considering boys and girls. I figured, what is one more "no"? I'll just inquire about the little boy whose face smiles at me everyday when I search for Jack's sibling. This time, we were not told "no." We are currently at a "<span style="color: #6aa84f;">maybe</span>." Our bio has been accepted and we have been invited to submit our home study ASAP. I did that today. We are just so excited and praying that we will know and accept God's will. </span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Either way it won't be easy. If this little boy joins our family, there will be an adjustment period for us all. If he doesn't, he still needs a family; and we keep looking for a child. Please keep us in your prayers. </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-72989932186795467462015-07-05T14:17:00.000-05:002015-07-05T14:19:58.843-05:00Hurry up and wait...<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have been wanting to post an update for so long. The sad reality is that as wonderful as it is to work from home online, it's still online. After a hard day in the virtual office, I find it difficult to be articulate in this blog. Plus, I keep waiting for big news to post. So, after a nice long holiday weekend, I am ready to share an update. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let me start by saying that when I was little I remember hearing older people I went to church with say, "The Lord spoke to me." When I say older, I mean older than a teenager. I would think, "How do you know when the Lord speaks to you?" Do you hear his voice? I'm pretty sure I meant that sarcastically way back then, and I do mean WAY. The week before I met my wonderful husband, I finally did hear the voice of the Lord, and I mean really "hear." That is a whole other post you are welcome to ask about. Since then, I've actually "heard" the voice of the Lord a few times. Trust me when I say you will know when it happens to you. Nonetheless, it was the voice of the Lord that redirected Kevin, Jack and me to change directions with adoption to grow our family- for a few reasons. First, Kevin didn't want to leave Jack for 2-3 weeks and travel to China. Second, Jack was adamant about not wanting to travel to China. Third, China only opened the window to adoption for couples with a history of cancer in January. I was really nervous about the money we would need to invest before being turned away by China. Finally, we feel a strong pull to adopt through domestic adoption. God spoke. We listened. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, we shared our changing path with our Bethany social worker. Thus, the delay in an update. We are finally excited to share that our home study is complete for domestic adoption. Yay! We are open to adopting from any age through eight, younger than Jack, and any ethnicity. Please pray for us with your family and church. I believe God hears all prayers. We have built our own family portfolio through Shutterfly that we are happy to share if you know of someone willing to consider adoption for their birth child. We are happy to have an open adoption. We truly want to give Jack sibling to grow up with and bond with. We have fostered six special needs children and hosted four exchange students from around the world. God had blessed us immensely, and we want to share his love with another child and his/her birth family. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I would like to thank the following special friends for their puzzle contributions since the last post: Analisa Warriner, Jenna Flood, Emily Child, Tammy Davis, Cindy Bailey, and Kevin's mom Joyce Riley (again). We continue to work on building our puzzle, which is far from being complete. If you feel God's calling, you can contribute to puzzle pieces by clicking on the donate/contribute button in the upper right corner of our blog. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Also, I would like to thank the many friends and family who purchased t-shirts, Amanda, Mom, Kevin's mom, Cindy Bailey, Bridget Harvey, Paula Foltanova and others. </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please do continue to pray and spread the word. We are approved to adopt from any state. Please keep us in mind. If you know how much we love our Jack, you know we will love his sibling just as much. </span></span></span>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-43968949708142255682015-05-16T10:33:00.003-05:002015-05-16T10:56:50.351-05:00Adoption Update<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What we've been doing...</span></span></h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have been especially busy completing paperwork for our adoption. We finally completed all of the paperwork necessary for our home study last week and mailed it off. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We went to Education
Day at the Jackson office a few weeks ago. It was fun to be in a room
with several other couples going down the same path as we are, though
the others were all seeking domestic adoption. We have attended two different online training webinars, one focusing on taking the fear out of adoption and another focusing on adopting special needs children. Kevin and I are on the approved list for special needs children. We decide what kinds of special needs are most compatible with our family and have the ultimate decision on what we are willing to accept. In all, we are required to have at least 30 hours of training. We are up to 10 1/2 each so far. We fell in love with one particular little boy in recent weeks, but sadly discovered on Wednesday that he has been matched to another family who already has a completed home study. We learned with Jack and the adoption that fell through before he was born, that God already knows which child will complete our family. While we accept that, it was still difficult to stop the tears and mourning for this child we had already fallen in love with. From this point forward, I will not be looking a child profiles until our home study is complete to prevent the sadness again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What we are doing now...</span></span></h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are now preparing for our first home study visit next week. So, prayers are much appreciated. </span>We will have several visits with our social worker, some at our home and some at their office. We have much fundraising to do. Please help us in any way you can. Adoption is very expensive and we do not have this money saved up already. We are trusting in God that our friends, family, church, friends of friends, and all those interested in the sanctity of life will help us bring Jack's sibling home. Puzzle piece sales have stalled, most likely because I have been too busy to update this blog. I plan to do better. We have sold 139 pieces at $10 each, and have 861 left to sell. If each of my FB "friends" were to buy one piece, the puzzle would be filled. Here is what we have so far:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Those interested in purchasing pieces can do so via my paypal account: cindy4th@att.net. Or you can use the "Make a contribution" button on the top right side of this page to take you directly there. I would like to especially thank Heather Palmer, Shari Leib (Critter Sitterz), Stacie Stowe, Dana Dobryanska, Stacy Rajab, Dean and Joyce Rockhold, and Sam and Ann Burkett for recently purchasing pieces. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">We have also designed, with the help of sweet Jack, a t-shirt to be sold in support of our adoption. Our goal is to sell 200 shirts. The sell ends May 30th. So far, we have sold 17. These shirts will be delivered to your door. Please buy one or a few for your family, ask friends and family to buy one. We earn over $9 from the purchase of each shirt. Shirts can be purchased at the</span> <a href="https://www.bonfirefunds.com/riley-adoption-fund">Riley Adoption Fund.<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU2Kn3zZlxAoyhDZeHAym5bfldduyJevIVvQ6rqKQJodNxCTJtqTE2OFdG60cHLStuvdoGasCn16YlSP9DpKG4dEYLn10F1x4X86LxadoyGSt_088X7U4Gs9F1l_TXJRmtvzIHQ/s1600/back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU2Kn3zZlxAoyhDZeHAym5bfldduyJevIVvQ6rqKQJodNxCTJtqTE2OFdG60cHLStuvdoGasCn16YlSP9DpKG4dEYLn10F1x4X86LxadoyGSt_088X7U4Gs9F1l_TXJRmtvzIHQ/s320/back.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> The Chinese characters on back say "Hope." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I would like to thank Susan Johnson, Emily Burns, Sandy Bradshaw, Allison Johnson, Joyce Riley, Kristen Riley, Catrina Leamon, Hannah Kendall, Cindy Bailey and Donna Mitchell for already purchasing t-shirts. </span></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What we are going to do...</span></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have much fundraising left to do. Please continue to pray for us and let us know how you might be able to help complete our family. We are open to ideas for bake sales, tournaments, fundraisers, etc... We have home study visits scheduled for May 20, May 27th, and June 10. </span></span></div>
~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-53351906584507862502015-03-03T18:07:00.000-06:002015-03-03T18:07:00.813-06:00Pieces of the Adoption Puzzle<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We continue to hurry-up and wait down this long, winding road to adoption. We have submitted our first payment to Bethany and are waiting to receive the next round of paperwork, which I think will be even more detailed. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, we went to our first informational meeting in Columbus. It was nice to see how organized and attentive Bethany is to the needs of adoptive parents as well as the children and birth parents with which they work. There was another couple across the table from us planning to adopt a baby domestically. Kevin and I just kept nodding our heads with each step of the domestic adoption process that was mentioned. At one point, I thought I would burst with an "Amen!" Honestly, it was like taking a field trip down memory lane when Jack was born. I hope this couple will be as blessed as we have been. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We received a big packet of resource material, timelines, fee schedules, etc...for our own path to international adoption. Right now, we have filled in all the blanks we possibly can and eagerly await the next package of blanks to complete that will get us one step closer to bringing our son/daughter home. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One amazing event that reassured us we were with the agency we should be was when we left the agency and the social worker who will complete our home study asked where we were from because Kevin looked familiar. As it turns out, her father was his doctor when the Riley family first moved to Tupelo. Not only that, but her brother or brother-in-law is the current preacher at Mt. Hebron West Baptist Church, where I grew up. Finally, the local director once dated the son of my former youth minister at that same church. What are the odds that all our paths would cross in Columbus, MS? </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We continue to pray for financial blessings to help us afford the great cost of adoption. We know that God will fill all our needs, but we can't be complacent and sit back and wait. We must continue to seek in order to find. A special thank you goes out to all of you who have contributed to our puzzle to help bring the missing piece of our family home, Rachel Lautenschlager, Jen Smolka and family, Linda Grill, Aunt Linda and the Sport/Eveld/Shirley families, Heather Dodds, and Grandma Joyce Riley. Thank you also to those who have lifted our intentions up in prayer. We are truly grateful. So far, 121 pieces have been purchased. We just need 4 more to complete the frame and 879 to complete the puzzle. Here is what it looks like: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-55381117211260709722015-02-23T15:41:00.001-06:002015-02-23T15:41:59.721-06:00Formal Application Approved! <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We finally received the letter from my oncologist we needed to establish that I have been cancer-free since 2010. Kevin will tell you that I had a small meltdown when I realized it said January 2011 instead of Fall 2010. I know, six months sounds like small fries...unless you've ever had cancer or wanted to adopt a child...both in this case. :) Nonetheless, my better half reminded me to stop, smell the roses, and smile for all our many blessings. Turns out he was right...I know, not the first time, and surely not the last. We submitted the final piece to our formal adoption application with Bethany and received notice this morning that we were approved! YAY! What a load off my mind...now the next round of worries begin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I always remember Fr. Henry's admonishment that worry is your way of telling God that you think he can't handle it, that he hasn't worked out the details. I know he has. I learned that with Jack's adoption. God's WILL will prevail, and it will be best for our family. Still, I am anxious to know the outcome. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next, we complete more paperwork, submit it along with our first financial installment among many along the road of adoption. Thanks to those of you who have already contributed financially and through prayer to facilitate the growth of the Tupelo Rileys. :) </span>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-65001540622125410472015-02-11T18:48:00.001-06:002015-02-11T18:48:06.425-06:00Bring Jack's Sibling Home...<div class="MsoNormal">
We would like to invite you to be a part of the Riley family
journey to bring Jackās sibling home. There are several different ways you can
be a part of this journeyā¦prayer, supporting our fundraising efforts via
financial contribution or ideas, and sharing our story. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We learned with Jackās adoption that it is not only an
emotional journey, but also an expensive one. One of my favorite memories from
the night Kevin asked me to marry him atop the Empire State Building in NYC is
his very mature declaration that we need to start saving ābaby shoe money.ā I
very naively explained, āAhā¦donāt worry, Iām a teacher, and we have very good
health insurance. It will only cost about $100 copay to have a baby.ā Ha! Yes,
Iāve learned many times over since then that Godās plans are very different
from our own. Jackās adoption was worth
every cent, and I know that the cost of our international adoption will be as
well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The fees for international adoption go toward paying those
who manage the paperwork, navigate the system, making sure that the children
being adopted are legally available for adoption, home study, and that the
families and children are safe while traveling. The fees also include travel
expenses for a 2-2 Ā½ week stay in China with an in-country guide/interpreter to
ensure safety and well-being. The total cost is estimated to be between $35,000
and $42,000. Needless to say, we will need much prayer and support. We have
made adjustments to our household budget and plan on saving every extra dime to
invest in this adoption. We hope to apply for grants, but the reality is that
most of the money will have to come through fundraising. We need your help, and
we need your prayer! I remember during Jackās adoption that I told our sweet
social worker from Gladney, Chontel, during the final month that āyou need to
communicate with Kevin directly for the remainder of the time. I am too
emotional.ā <o:p></o:p></div>
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We have witnessed Godās miracles first hand in our family
many times already, and we know we can depend on our friends, loved ones, and
even strangers to support this answer to Godās calling. If you would like to
help and be a part of this journey and our family story there are several
things you can help:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Prayerā¦lots of prayer!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Fundraisersā¦Our first fundraiser is a puzzle
piece fundraiser. This child is the last
piece to our family puzzle. We have purchased a 1000 piece puzzle representative
of this childās heritage. You can purchase as many pieces as you would like for
$10 each. We will write your name on the back of each puzzle piece you purchase
and share with our child the story of how each person on the back of that
puzzle helped to bring him/her home. Read about it below. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->We will be selling various handmade items as
ongoing fundraisers. Consider purchasing one or helping spread the word. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Consider hosting a fundraising event of your own
to help. If you have a talent, such as baking, crafting, or photography, we may
be able to use your talent to give our child a home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Share our story with everyone you know! You
never know who may be compelled to help Jackās sibling join our family. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Puzzle Piece
Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The first and largest fundraiser we
want to offer you the opportunity to support is our Puzzle Piece Fundraiser.
Every person who donates to our adoption becomes part of our story; a piece of
our puzzle. Hereās how it works: <o:p></o:p></div>
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We have purchased a 1000 piece
puzzle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Each piece costs $10. You can
purchase one piece or multiple pieces. Maybe your small group, book club, co-workers,
etcā¦want to chip in a dollar or two and purchase a puzzle piece together. Perhaps
each of you would consider buying a piece of your own. For every piece
purchased, we will write your name, or group name, on the back. The Goal is to
get all 1000 pieces purchased so the puzzle will be complete, and we will be
$10,000 closer to raising the money we need to complete our adoption. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This will not be easy! 1000 pieces
is a lot of pieces. We wonāt get all 1000 pieces purchased unless the word gets
out! So, please help us by sharing this with friends and family. Share via
email or Facebook/Twitter or any other social media outlet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
When the puzzle is all put
together, we will frame it in a double-sided glass frame and hang it in our new
childās bedroom. One day, we will take it down to share all the names on the
back and tell him/her how Godās love was shown through all who so generously
gave to help bring this child home to live with his/her forever family. We will
post regular pics of our puzzle progress throughout our journey to grow our
family. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
To purchase a puzzle piece and
become a piece of our puzzle, you may click on the donate button at the top of
our blog page. If you prefer to mail a check directly, just email me at <a href="mailto:cindy4th@att.net">cindy4th@att.net</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-23587554228660622332015-02-11T16:25:00.002-06:002015-02-11T16:25:46.108-06:00A sibling for Jack...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevin and I have started the adoption process
again. Since Jack was very little we have wanted him to have a sister or
brother to share his life with; but life always seemed to have other plans for
us, mostly returning foster children to their original parents after we nursed them back to health. Each year we ask ourselves who God wants us to be in the coming year. This new year we looked around and felt like we may have one last opportunity to add to our family. The process will take 12- 18 months we thing with Bethany Christian Services. We are
pursuing international option and are looking specifically at China or Hong
Kong. Ideally, we would look for a child younger than
Jack and personally would love to have a little sister for him. We would love for him to be the "big brother." Having said
that we certainly will let God make that call and any child we would be
fortunate enough to bring into our family will be deeply loved and a true
blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are only in the beginning stages of a very long and emotional process. While I have been in remission with no evidence of cancer since 2010, we still worry that it may stand in the way. Your prayer and support is greatly appreciated. Also, this is a very expensive process...so stay tuned of opportunities for financial support as well. </span></div>
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~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-36839741912025526152015-02-11T16:11:00.000-06:002015-02-11T16:11:27.142-06:00WOW! It's been a while!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you likely know, Kevin and I have used this blog mostly to update the ones we love about important happenings in our lives...planning our wedding, adopting Jack, cancer, etc...Today was the day I decided to venture back in and use this great tool for keeping people we love in the loop without them feeling nosy. I could not believe that the last time I posted was 2011. Just amazing. So much has happened in that time, the main thing being the loss of my Dad three years ago yesterday in 2012. We will begin using this blog again to keep you in the loop on our new family journey. Feel free to subscribe to automatic updates or stop by whenever you like. </span>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-44954703343128363662011-12-28T08:56:00.000-06:002011-12-28T08:56:57.357-06:00Hair!Ok, this may not fall under the "small things" category, but...<br />
<br />
I've decided that losing your hair is so much less stressful than when it grows back in. I'm really struggling to embrace my new locks right now. My original hair was very dark, almost black, and fine and shiny. The hair that first began to grow back was dry, gray, and curly. Now it is not quite as gray or curly, but in between. It is still dry. After a year of growing it back it is still very thin and sparse. You can see my scalp underneath and there are a couple of <i>really</i> thin patches. It's very difficult to style and even when it does, it looks like I don't know how to fix my hair. Very frustrating.<br />
<br />
Recently, well over the past year of taking Megestrol, my cortisol levels (a hormone that works very much like the thyroid) fell very low. It sapped all my energy, patience, and brain power. Life was challenging. What would normally feel like a stressful situation I could handle became so overwhelming I would shutdown. Just like when your thyroid level is low your hair falls out, low cortisol did the same for me. It was tough. I'm normally pretty strong, but this was more difficult than chemo was for me. After working with my oncologist and endocrinologist, I was placed on a low dose steroid. My hair isn't better, but I do have better clarity, more energy, and much more happiness as a result.<br />
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So, I feel better, but I still have hair problems. I have used a number of excellent products. I have always taken care of my hair for fear of it becoming thin and damaged, ironic huh? My hair is better with them, but still not up to my own standard. For this reason, be prepared to see me in wigs, hats, or ugly hair until I decide that I like my hair enough again to wear it bare, unless it becomes too hot first. If you see me out and about and you think my hair looks great, chances are its a wig. So there!~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-15574891552070085642011-10-17T14:25:00.000-05:002011-10-17T14:25:23.787-05:00Resilience!I am back to being me again. I finally allowed myself that pity party I never had, I guess. I enjoyed a wonderful weekend with family and loved ones, and now I am ready to move on. There is much to do! I've refocused on better eating habits and working as hard as I can to be healthy. I am enjoying playing with Jack and the beautiful weather we've had. We had a great weekend celebrating with the Riley family who were all in town for the Jack Riley Memorial Golf Tournament for the Sanctuary Hospice House. We celebrated Kevin's mom's birthday, Matt's commitment to the US Army, and Erin and Geoff's engagement. So, there was definitely a lot going on. <br />
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Jack played in his first soccer game of the season with the Yellowjackets, and they won! Yaaayyy! Jack scored his first goal and had a great time. It was all so much fun.<br />
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I just wanted to let you all who follow know that I have bounced back. :)~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-42649807653504055782011-10-10T12:22:00.000-05:002011-10-10T12:22:26.625-05:00All Mixed UpI feel like cake batter...all mixed up. It's been a really emotional couple of weeks, or more, for me. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed, tired, pitiful. Other times, I feel angry or just scared. Then, there are the times when I look at my beautiful life and precious family and remember how lucky and blessed I am. Kevin's brother, Tim, once told me that it's ok to be mad with God. He's big enough to take it. I remember that often. I try to equate it with when Jack is angry with me for making him do something he doesn't want to do, because I know that in the long run, it's in his best interest. At the time, Jack doesn't see the big picture. So, it is fine for him to feel frustrated with me. I know he still loves me, and I still love him.<br />
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Bennie D'Amico<br />
Lisa Palladino<br />
Fran Stafford<br />
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These are the names of three very special people who fought cancer at the very same time I did. They had chemo, radiation, and/or treatments at the same time I did. Each one of these fighters entered the gates of Heaven through their own personal battle with cancer. They didn't fight alone, however. They each left their legacy behind in the hearts of their family, friends, and loved ones who fought right along beside them. Each one of them left behind children in school (elementary, high school, and college). Their deaths resulted in eternal life, pain-free,in heaven with our Holy Father. They also resulted in a void in the lives of all who love them. Over time the void may be masked with fond memories, but it still exists. <br />
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Lost loved ones cannot be replaced. I know this because my own husband lost his father to cancer almost 11 years ago. My son and I know him only through his legacy, the countless stories we've been told about him. We feel as though we know him and lived side by side with him, though. There often times when something happens and I tell Kevin, "You know what your Dad would say..." Over time, the Riley family has chosen to focus on the positive things about Jack Riley's life rather than his struggle with cancer, and there are many. Still, his fight was heroic. <br />
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Bennie D'Amico, Lisa Palladino, and Fran Stafford were also heroes. I don't know how anyone lands on the "cancer list." It doesn't seem fair. What seems even more unfair is how some of us survive and others do not. Those of us who have had cancer, whether we are currently in remission or not (and I could name many) know it isn't fair. It's especially difficult to explain the relief, guilt, and fear that one feels all at the same time from having "No Evidence of Disease." Relief that you and your loved ones can enjoy a normal life again, go outside, and play. Guilt that those you love and personally know, like Bennie, Lisa, and Fran, didn't survive, yet, their loved ones see you thriving. Fear that no matter how far you distance yourself from the illness of cancer, it can always return, and you might not survive next time. Kevin's dad experienced it. Bennie experienced it. Fran experienced it, and I don't want my family to experience it. I am ok with death, but I don't want Jack to grow up without me. I don't want Kevin to go to soccer games or Christmas shopping alone. <br />
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Fran's terminal illness and death yesterday has been a reminder of all these things. I realize I could die of many other things before Jack grows up, but this has been on my mind of late. I am trying to get back to my positive place. It's just been more difficult than usual lately.~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-5181785364180679512011-06-01T09:37:00.000-05:002011-06-01T09:37:38.424-05:00Hot and Heavy!Hot and Heavy...That's basically the weather forecast here in Mississippi for the foreseeable future...probably until the end of October if you want to know the truth. The temperature is about 100, give or take a degree, and I am absolutely psyched about it! I'm sure you must think I have been in the heat a little too long or lost my mind. Let me assure you I haven't.<br />
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Last April I found out I was sick again. One of the requirements of my chemo regimen was that I stay out of the sun. I couldn't really handle it anyway. This summer is different. I can do whatever I like. I have enjoyed being outside...getting my flower beds back into shape, planting flowers, watering flowers, watching Jack play and Kevin grill. I'm not so pasty anymore. My color is coming back. I love my life. I feel my energy and strength returning. We've enjoyed swimming, visiting with friends, going to baseball games. I love the smell of sunscreen on my little brown boy. Every single day is a precious gift.<br />
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When I think of all the changes we've been through this past year, it makes me almost cry...Cancer, Luz went home, 8 inches of snow, We lost Birdie and gained Bogey, Aurora and Natalee moved on, Kevin lost his job, Kevin was blessed with an even better job, Jack graduated preschool...I was here for each and every one of them, good and bad. Now, we anxiously look forward to a summer visit from our beloved Mexican daughter, Luz. I cannot wait to see her!<br />
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I am grateful for every experience I have and that cancer helped to refocus my priorities.<br />
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Happy Summer!~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-31857411237310349242011-05-04T09:15:00.000-05:002011-05-04T09:15:30.860-05:00A year ago today...It was just a year ago that I was experiencing my first round of chemo. What I remember about that first experience was how nice all the oncologist nurses were. I love Jerri and Jill, and still drop by to visit when I have check-ups. Another thing I remember was watching clear toxins enter my body through the IV, one drop at a time. I wondered if they would be the magic we needed...no, I prayed they would do exactly what we needed them to do. Dr. Reed explained to me up front that metastasis of endometrial cancer is NOT good. He explained that we would follow the most aggressive regimen of chemotherapy available for my cancer. When I asked him what my chances were, he explained that if this chemo didn't work I would have less than a year to live. Oh yeah...and we wouldn't know for at least three months what it was doing. I remember feeling my stubborn chin stiffen. I was ready for the fight. Kevin was my biggest cheerleader and still is.<br />
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That was a year ago. I began chemo on April 26th, 2010. Today, I am cancer-free. I received my most recent clean bill of health on April 8th. Everything looks good. With my cancer medication (and I take it 4 times daily indefinitely) it is difficult to keep my weight under control. I gain and lose and again and lose, but I am back at it again. I want to be healthy. I am grateful for the new perspective on life that cancer has given me. I enjoy each and every minute I have. It truly is the small things that are important.~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-27172689521127411562011-01-27T09:04:00.000-06:002011-01-27T09:04:13.664-06:00Good News!My CT results were great. No problems. We were beyond relieved to hear the good news. I'm never afraid or nervous to have a CT scan. It's no big deal, and the ladies at the clinic are so nice. We always hold our breaths until we receive the official results, though. I return to the doctor in three months, but I don't think I have another CT scan for six months. So, for now I continue to try to be as healthy as possible.<br />
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I'm back on Weight Watchers. I lost my five Christmas pounds last week. Yeeeehhhhh! I need to get more active since the weather is nicer now. Plus, I have a gym membership that I haven't really been using. It's so hard to get there! Once I start going, I'll feel good and be motivated, it's the first step...I'll work on that this week. It's not about being skinny, it's about being healthy.<br />
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Another high note is that I had to get my first haircut since April yesterday...ok, it's more like a trim. I needed a little shape over my ears and along my neckline. Right now, it's kind of straight, kind of curly. It think it will be curly, it's just not long enough to complete a curl right now. So, it looks like I don't wash or brush my hair. Trust me, I do! It just have a mind of it's own. Of course, if I was suppressed for nine months I'd want to express myself, too. :) At least it's not a weird color. It's my normal dark brown color; only it has a lot of silvery-gray mixed in now.~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-6912712659818211232011-01-14T17:55:00.001-06:002011-01-27T08:49:23.031-06:00A Whole New Year!Ok, I'm blushing...I have been feeling guilty about not updating my blog for quite some time now. I knew in the back of my mind that I had not posted since my last chemo. I've been meaning to post, but life got busy. Since I was feeling like me again, I got busy with it. I felt better by the end of October. Halloween turned into Thanksgiving, which turned into Christmas, and here we are in 2011. The most embarrassing part of not updating my blog is that until today, the background was still a fall scene. Yikes!<br />
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I'll do my very best to catch you up on things. I enjoyed every single turning leaf in October. Each one was majestic. I was honored to witness each one turn then drift to the ground when it couldn't hang on any longer. Kevin, Jack, and I enjoyed being a healthy, happy family.<br />
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In November, my good WGU buddies Jen Smolka and Scarlette Studdard met me in Memphis for a girls weekend to celebrate being cancer free. Debra was going to meet us there, too, but she got sick the week before. We had a great time...good BBQ, good drinks, good fun. When you work online, you rarely get to see your best buds that you work with. We added a new member to our family in November, 11 year old Aurora. Yes, I said ELEVEN. Never a dull moment around here. Also in November, my Dad had open heart surgery. The surgery was successful, but he'll feel much better when he is completely healed. I wasn't able to be there with him and the rest of my family, but I'm very grateful to my sister and brother for keeping me informed and supporting my mom through this very scary time. The most exciting thing for me in November was the reappearance of hair on my head. Yippee! It was a pretty big deal for me...a sign of health. I now have eyebrows and eyelashes, too. :)<br />
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In October and November I lost 20 pounds with weight watchers, but have gained about 5-6 back since Christmas and New Years. I have really got to get back on that train! Losing weight is important to keeping the estrogen that causes my cancer as low as possible. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gy6tvIxoUei5tLNT41dGDjZDPvNnCmbWuY0WtlNEJVLZ8mJVs4ZEdfOXiksfzhXsascCvWUP33xwMgQigEbrelc1bok_NDIwTYrMdpeaCMK4yzhYST_0JqJlFCnucLuc8f72oQ/s1600/December2010+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gy6tvIxoUei5tLNT41dGDjZDPvNnCmbWuY0WtlNEJVLZ8mJVs4ZEdfOXiksfzhXsascCvWUP33xwMgQigEbrelc1bok_NDIwTYrMdpeaCMK4yzhYST_0JqJlFCnucLuc8f72oQ/s200/December2010+154.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelwe0d-vIYG3E8_IWlw2vseJPQsH5s_MDsj1PKCF1ehNaNaY-gSEocNPgHt1739vhPd7NqcY8A67_g6Bc-HPR6M1_K2Vty0wNIpqal79-0gB4kI-zAAONba__AQFdGHNxk0DDwA/s1600/December2010+193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelwe0d-vIYG3E8_IWlw2vseJPQsH5s_MDsj1PKCF1ehNaNaY-gSEocNPgHt1739vhPd7NqcY8A67_g6Bc-HPR6M1_K2Vty0wNIpqal79-0gB4kI-zAAONba__AQFdGHNxk0DDwA/s200/December2010+193.JPG" width="200" /></a>December was filled with joy and happiness in the Riley household. God gave us all another Christmas together. I plan to celebrate each and every one of them to the max. Please don't feel unloved that you did not receive a Christmas card from us. It's all my fault. I was busy being healthy and happy. Kevin and I thought of each and every person who have made a difference in our life over the past year. We are so grateful to count you as friends and loved ones. Christmas was wonderful. The best part was the surprise snow that fell during the night on Christmas Eve. The kids woke up to a winter wonderland after Santa left. It was magical! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd8RmYe6d3JLh8Et5UQ3iJdH_lxe4NnTTxFmwEKX1O4kXLq6BvPWwGnrNJX5Q_gjJXVOOe-iVZMbhykmpVjugasMLsLjzM4nq_R6XUBNQcXQw1Cm7XQHQESIZl1Ploo6HnlxNgA/s1600/Jan2011+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd8RmYe6d3JLh8Et5UQ3iJdH_lxe4NnTTxFmwEKX1O4kXLq6BvPWwGnrNJX5Q_gjJXVOOe-iVZMbhykmpVjugasMLsLjzM4nq_R6XUBNQcXQw1Cm7XQHQESIZl1Ploo6HnlxNgA/s200/Jan2011+040.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>So, that brings us to January. Like most of the rest of the country we've been snowed in this week. We were excited to receive over 7 inches of snow. It was beautiful, and it's been so cold that it is just now beginning to melt. <br />
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The real reason I decided to finally post another blog today is that I had my first 3 month check-up since going into remission and finishing chemo. Dr. Reed said everything looked great. What a relief. I told him about a little cough I've had at night for the past few weeks. I also had one when I was going through chemo before, since my metastasis was in my lungs. So, just to be safe, we decided to move my CT scan up three months to next week, rather than wait until April. I don't expect there to be a problem, but it's natural to be nervous. So, my CT scan is Tuesday; and the follow-up with Dr. Reed is next Friday. I promise to let you know what we find out. I'm sure many of you will be praying right along beside us.~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-41920094363922865172010-09-24T09:56:00.000-05:002010-09-24T09:56:32.253-05:00Mission Completion!I finished my eighth and final round of chemo this week. Boy am I glad to have THAT behind me. I still have the yuckies, but it's nice to know that I won't be going through that again in a couple more weeks. My sister's family, Amanda, came to visit last weekend and took Jack home with them to Alabama to stay with my mom for a few days. It was nice for her that she didn't have to drive all the way to my house to take care of him. It was nice for me that Jack didn't have to worry about me, because he does. Kevin was able to take me to chemo Monday and Tuesday and work better with peace and quiet around the house. Kevin's mom, Joyce, drove me to chemo on Wednesday. So she was there for my "graduation." All the ladies at the West Clinic were excited to present me with a graduation diploma. Then, I went out back to "ring the bell." It was all pretty exciting. I guess it had been a while since anyone had rung the bell, because a bee came out and stung me. YIKES! They doctored me up; I was fine by nightfall.<br />
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Right now, I still feel pretty shaky. As long as I rest, I do ok. Last night, I missed Jack's second soccer practice. I was pretty sad about that. I'll be good for the rest of them, though. My brain misfires and says words that have nothing to do with what I am trying to say. It takes much longer for me to type right now, as my fingers don't quite cooperate. The Taxol really does a number on your nerves. It's temporary, though. None of that matters, though, because right now I am cancer-free. <br />
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I had a conversation with my oncologist last Friday. (I didn't realize how much he was discussed around the house until Jack mentioned "Dr. Reed" this morning.) He is a straight talker. I like that about him. We get along well. He wanted to be sure I understood that this cancer could come back. I am well aware of that. This isn't the first round for us. My response to him was, "Dr. Reed, I do not intend to live the rest of my life waiting for cancer to return. I did not give up and live like a cancer patient when I was one, and I do not intend to live like one now. " He was good with that. Of course, I came home and started thinking about it all. Then, I was angry and sad, not at Dr. Reed, at cancer, and all those terrible emotions just came pouring out of me. With the help of Kevin and Amanda, I was able to pick myself up and remember that everything is going to be ok. My cancer is gone. I am so grateful for the many doctors, nurses, pharmacists, friends, family and strangers who have made a difference in my recovery. We could not have done it without each and everyone of you.<br />
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So, this is the end of the road for chemo, but you may wonder what happens next. Well, we watch and wait. My cancer is caused by estrogen production, which also causes other related cancers like breast cancer and colon cancer. I will begin taking hormone therapy, not to be confused with hormone replacement therapy. Hopefully, the hormones (Megace and something else I can't remember) will counteract the estrogen production and interfere with future cancer outbreaks. The bad news is that these medications also cause weight-gain, which doesn't make me happy. Weight-gain also stimulates estrogen production. So, I've got to work extra hard to lose all this weight I've gained in chemo, and hopefully more, to be healthy. This isn't about pants size anymore. This is about my life, Jack's life, Kevin's life. I have to be healthy for them.<br />
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So, this is the weekend I begin Weight Watchers. Special thanks goes out to Donna Egan for sharing her Weight Watchers cookbook with me. You rock! I also plan to get moving. Since Jack is riding his bike with training wheels now, I want a new one too. The weather is cooling off so, it should be a nice time of year to begin my outdoor "get moving" regimen." Jack wants my bike to be a surprise. So, he's been asking me what color of bike I "would" like to have if I had one. :)<br />
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Mrs. Susan and Pri came by Tuesday afternoon with deviled eggs, that I had especially requested, and chicken from Abners for dinner. Jack was excited to see brownies when he got back from Granny and Papa's house. We had a nice visit. I was glad to finally meet Pri. What a sweet girl! How scary it must be to travel so far from everything that is familiar to you! Thanks, Mrs. Susan.<br />
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Kevin's mom made sure to check in on me while Kevin was out of town. She invited me out to lunch and dinner. It was nice to get out of the house. She also helped me pick up some thank you gifts for Jerri and Jill at the cancer clinic. Thanks, Grandma!<br />
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I received a most beautiful floral arrangement from my cancer card buddy, former student, and cheerleader~Laura Huish. Thanks Laura. They are huge! You really shouldn't have done so much. None-the-less, I could feel your hug all the way from New Mexico. I'm so glad God introduced us to one another. You are one tough cookie.<br />
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I'm sure I'll have more thoughts to add in a new blog later, but that is all for now...~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-67859597813400068922010-09-10T16:17:00.001-05:002010-09-10T21:49:12.195-05:00Autumn<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqPcXxhEXLgdlUvqOeLODu29ci8LXUElFsZkLswqGdr_Jr0k-kMwDkYs0Yf7C1o3z9QJfXVdwAwr2AfWtG-bPoNnzq67fwlDdlHnlur6-CzFbjzidT9_z7Za0p40FNWXSlU2WSA/s1600/12568_503062238983_190200174_30033522_262915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqPcXxhEXLgdlUvqOeLODu29ci8LXUElFsZkLswqGdr_Jr0k-kMwDkYs0Yf7C1o3z9QJfXVdwAwr2AfWtG-bPoNnzq67fwlDdlHnlur6-CzFbjzidT9_z7Za0p40FNWXSlU2WSA/s200/12568_503062238983_190200174_30033522_262915_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Glorious Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Is it September already? I can't believe it! I am beyond excited about the arrival of football season (Roll Tide!) and the anticipation of fall weather. This is my favorite time of year. I love when the grass is cooler than the air, the two bright orange October Glory Maple Trees standing beside Hwy. 145 between Saltillo and Tupelo, the smell of bonfires, pumpkins, pine-straw and mums, the seasonal aisles at Hobby Lobby, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and SEC football. Fall makes me miss being a 4th grade teacher. There is a specail excitement nine-year-olds returning to their back-to-school routines. This time of year reminds me of when my mom used to take me shopping for back to school clothes, and we'd beg her to wear them before school started. It drove my dad crazy! I'm still not sure why. The cooler weather reminds me of cheerleader practice after school and waiting for my brother to finish his football practice. Then, we'd stop by the Boys Store, Wilson's Grocery, or Doziers on the the way home for something to drink. I liked blue Nehi cream sodas. Bro. L.O kept 25 cent snack cakes in the back in front of the meat counter. <br />
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I'm especially grateful to know that I'll be able to ENJOY the cool weather this year. It was this time two years ago that I was first diagnosed with cancer. I worried about what would happen to me and how it would affect my family throughout the month of September. I finally had surgery to remove it in October. I know it sounds really morbid, but I remember planting fall flowers around our mailbox before my surgery, for Kevin and Jack. I wanted them to remember me when they saw them. Well, thankfully, the flowers died before I did. Surgery went well. I healed, and life moved on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqEUvVQd0ADoDH_nZy9t_lzhBTD7ZClo-RXow5tPYF2Gn42I2pE105qs5i0B5gM2fdcr-txpKv3I7hUrirOJfbo-TJS02ag-sE0uhFfYAFNetRAwf5176XgldkShPSHwbCiTHxw/s1600/55002992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqEUvVQd0ADoDH_nZy9t_lzhBTD7ZClo-RXow5tPYF2Gn42I2pE105qs5i0B5gM2fdcr-txpKv3I7hUrirOJfbo-TJS02ag-sE0uhFfYAFNetRAwf5176XgldkShPSHwbCiTHxw/s320/55002992.JPG" /></a></div>It was my first round with cancer where I learned that I am not in control of every aspect of my life. As much as I'd like to think that everything is up to me, it's not. So, I don't worry about it anymore, or at least I try not to. I'd rather spend that energy savoring every single moment I have on this Earth. I delight in every laugh that forces its way out of Jack Riley's beautiful smile. I love to sit in my swing on the back porch and listen to the crickets and birds and wind. I stand in my front yard with my hands on my hips to watch the sun set behind our neighborhood lake. I love that Jack calls for me to "come see the beautiful sky, mommy." I don't always feel up to it, but I am grateful to be a part of God's plan for all these things. It reminds me of a book by Byrd Baylor,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charge-Celebrations-Aladdin-Picture-Books/dp/0689806205#reader_0689806205"> I'm in Charge of Celebrations</a>, like I am privileged to be the one person who gets to see special events in God's creation. It's my responsibility to celebrate each and every one of them.<br />
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We are still very excited about the news from Dr. Reed that my cancer is gone. We waited so long to hear this, yet, it seems hard to believe. I'm looking forward the day when chemo will be behind me. Last week was difficult for me. The days I'm going to feel yucky aren't as predictable as they were at first. I suppose it's because I never have enough time to completely reset before the next round. I feel old and tired and yucky and ugly and thirsty. I don't even look in the mirror anymore. I don't recognize that person. It's ok. Don't feel sad for me. I'll get back to being myself again. I have chemo for the last time September 20-22. It will take me the rest of that week and the following week to really feel alive again. After that, I plan to return to being as healthy as I can possibly be. I want to lose weight, exercise, play, do some volunteering, and kick-start my Willow House (formerly Southern Living at Home) business. I'm looking forward to watching Jack play soccer for the first time, too. I'm really looking forward to getting a pedicure since I haven't been able to do that while undergoing chemo. <br />
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So many people have continued to support our family as we endure the effects of chemo and cancer. My mom comes as often as she can to help with Jack and me so Kevin can work. Kevin's mom is always ready and willing to do whatever she can to help, picking Jack up from school, bringing "happies" by to cheer me up, and keeping the prayer warriors informed. Dr. Nikki has sent flowers and a beautiful angel of joy and checked in on us. Mrs. Barbara Roy sent a celebration card to me and a special one to Jack so he could take mommy out to lunch to celebrate our good news. Sonya and Rhonda brought a sandwich tray by from the Saltillo Women's League. Thanks, ladies! I continue to receive endless cards, letters, emails, and texts of encouragement from family and friends. Neighbors watch Jack play so that I don't have to spend time outside when I'm too tired. I'm sure there are others I'm leaving out, but I don't mean to. Complete strangers have prayed for us from one side of the continent, world even, to the other. I'm thankful for each and every one of you. God knows who you are. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgrnWqtf06kUGlW2b4WGLdm3v6Om8IuM-LmojSAhSOYSppjCnYkZn4PEBzHwIOiRN5LmjGm8AQdmLkIyoi2Vd0sK2KeBFCpx8JkrEpeDEflN2x3Bxr6e_hCieZMlkw0L6YoORSw/s1600/map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgrnWqtf06kUGlW2b4WGLdm3v6Om8IuM-LmojSAhSOYSppjCnYkZn4PEBzHwIOiRN5LmjGm8AQdmLkIyoi2Vd0sK2KeBFCpx8JkrEpeDEflN2x3Bxr6e_hCieZMlkw0L6YoORSw/s400/map.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actual locations where my blog has been read</td></tr>
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Falling leaves of autumn usually remind us of death. I'm excited to celebrate the death of my cancer this fall.~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-4370797178512563422010-08-29T12:11:00.000-05:002010-08-29T12:11:58.644-05:00Good News!I had my routine "before chemo office visit" with my oncologist on Friday. It's always nice to be the first patient of the day. Today was my turn. :) Dr. Reed explained that the echo-cardiogram of my heart looked good. Good news, because the Adriamycin is really hard on my body. At times my heart beats rapidly, and I get worn out so easily from it. My blood pressure is usually low, but the Adriamycin has raised it some. The other good news we received was actually the best. You know what they say, save the best for last. So, here it is...The CT scan showed NO TRACES of CANCER. Praise God!!! What wonderful news! I still have two rounds of chemo left to be doubly sure we have missed nothing. So, I will finish my chemo at the end of September. YAAAYYYY!<br />
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When I left the West Clinic and went back to my car, I sent text messages to everyone in my phone that has supported our family, if I had a cell number for them. I was about to explode with happiness and gratitude. Then, I called Kevin. Just hearing his voice made me cry. It felt so good to share this moment with him. We both cried, as did our families. When I told Jack, the first thing he did was look at Mrs. Jane, his pre-school teacher and say, "I'm getting a little sister!" Funny. Jack wants a little sister pretty badly right now. He notices babies everywhere. After having two foster sisters and one exchange student sister, Luz Andrea, this past year; Jack pretty much thinks you can go to the store and pick up a sister. So, when he asked for one again recently, I told him that we can't get a baby sister until mommy's cancer is gone. I guess I should have provided more details. I worry that it may be more difficult to pass a home study as a former cancer patient. I told Jack we have to pray to God to help us find the right little girl for our family, just like we prayed for the perfect little boy while waiting for him. The one thing we can't give Jack, that he would have had in his birth families are siblings. Please pray that God will provide one for him to grow up with and for our family to love.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSoOnE1K1K3x2pl-gsAHFnPaFZNAApMYjkLsTkkx4XEnpKNydKGfKfalsPHCxnFzUc-OYdan1LPeUYIxgvZ5BQnA62y7OT4tHRAYG_9x3nYpqJ6uO8NFI-xchFmQaq_poS92DQ/s1600/2010+718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSoOnE1K1K3x2pl-gsAHFnPaFZNAApMYjkLsTkkx4XEnpKNydKGfKfalsPHCxnFzUc-OYdan1LPeUYIxgvZ5BQnA62y7OT4tHRAYG_9x3nYpqJ6uO8NFI-xchFmQaq_poS92DQ/s320/2010+718.JPG" /></a></div><br />
On my way to my parent's house Friday, I saw a rainbow in the sky. It was beautiful. It reminded me of God's promise to never flood the Earth again. This rainbow, however, carried an additional meaning for me as I thought about all the news I had received from Dr. Reed that morning. Please allow me to explain my train of thought...<br />
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Thinking of God's promise and the rainbow reminded me of God's instruction to Noah to build the Ark. Noah had faith in God, and he did. He didn't wait for the floods. He had blind faith. Noah told others about what he was doing, which means to me that he would have welcomed them on his life raft. They chose not to believe him. This led me to think about the rainbow even more. What this rainbow inspired me to consider was that the rainbow is also a reminder that God Provides. God provides what we need. He provided the forewarning, the materials, and the know-how for Noah to build the Ark. God provided the strength and support my family needed to get through our cancer tribulations. He has provided every single thing we've needed on this journey. So, the next time you see a rainbow, remember that God Provides. ~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-89983905028123063792010-08-22T18:16:00.000-05:002010-08-22T18:16:24.460-05:00Card of the WeekOk, laughter isn't the best medicine, but it is the 2nd best medicine! I got the following card from one of my WGU buddies Thursday. I didn't see it until bedtime, and I was SO tired. I laughed out loud! Don't worry, Heather. I cropped out your message. :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Front</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO0UWqo3yayYbe-2vk2KiAG3U_dz8e-yo6VBaCwlDiGrFXdNq9g2-3Xox65nGIaqORAJvz8e92LThoUgjFOo0c4sI8rN1YEtCoXNt3uRJyvlp_ZJrANn0-uppEbeDDd28YcbmBQ/s1600/pirate+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO0UWqo3yayYbe-2vk2KiAG3U_dz8e-yo6VBaCwlDiGrFXdNq9g2-3Xox65nGIaqORAJvz8e92LThoUgjFOo0c4sI8rN1YEtCoXNt3uRJyvlp_ZJrANn0-uppEbeDDd28YcbmBQ/s400/pirate+card.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Inside</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKBX1sZ4ExNExKKp0aSDMbK6sG-Nkw2z8byQBafXK4Vr9Rwcdc3lWD52LAVItnY0eUP7LXS5WZU-XeK2D7YWjDZ3yBxq1WsVSLWkfGQI8OSavXEs-ILWD1i-VWwyL53zQNlwaFQ/s1600/pirate+card+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKBX1sZ4ExNExKKp0aSDMbK6sG-Nkw2z8byQBafXK4Vr9Rwcdc3lWD52LAVItnY0eUP7LXS5WZU-XeK2D7YWjDZ3yBxq1WsVSLWkfGQI8OSavXEs-ILWD1i-VWwyL53zQNlwaFQ/s320/pirate+card+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238765.post-22453063479037741132010-08-22T15:22:00.000-05:002010-08-22T15:22:14.802-05:00Laughter is NOT the best medicine...<b>PRAYER </b>is.<br />
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After every third treatment cycle, my oncologist sends me for a CT scan and echo-cardiogram to get an idea of how my body is responding to the chemotherapy. I've completed six treatment cycles so it's time for another CT and echo-cardiogram. I go again Monday this week. My previous one in June revealed that ten of the eleven initial spots on my lungs were gone. We are optimistic that we will see improvement in this one as well. <br />
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Kevin's mom wanted to gather a group of her friends and fellow prayer warriors to pray for me this past week in preparation of Monday's CT scan. She asked permission and if I felt comfortable with it. I told her that would be fine. I must admit that while I was okay with it, I was secretly very anxious and wasn't looking forward to it. While I am very friendly and outgoing, what I don't do very well with is being the center of attention or being "fussed over." Kevin and I talked about it. I prayed about it...that I would be open and accepting to the love, concern, and blessings that would be sent heavenward on my behalf. I already believed in the power of prayer. It just would have been more comfortable for me if everyone had prayed for me in their own homes. Then, I wouldn't have to deal with the attention. Note to self: Never let pride stand between you and the many blessings God wants to bestow on you. <br />
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As I've said before, cancer is humbling. If you don't believe me, just shave your head, pluck your eye lashes and brows, and take a good, long look at yourself in the mirror. Better yet, be too tired or lazy to clean your house and have a visitor drop by. Wait, have a visitor drop by to bring you a meal so that you won't have to cook while you are bald, lashless, browless, tanless, wearing your pajamas, and cooking cupcakes with your 4 year old after his bedtime because you finally found the energy to spend time with him. I know that no one who has taken time out of their busy schedule to do something nice for me or my family would judge me that way, but when you are fully aware of just how little control you have over your own life, events like this ensure that you stay humble. I digress...<br />
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Wednesday morning, Joyce's friends, a room full (Mary Jo White, Barbara Roy, Anne Campbell, Judy Bates, Susan Johnson, Addie Pasley, Julie Battaile, Jane Sullivan, Fr. Henry) and many others who were elsewhere, came together to pray for me and my family. God answered my prayer, lifted all my concerns, and opened my heart to acceptance of the many blessings being sent to him on my behalf. I felt His presence. What a beautiful thing... to see a room full of those who have truly suffered great losses on earth and who are of different religions, but believing in the same God, come together, their faith unshaken, to submit their pleas to God on your behalf. <br />
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It was all beautifully organized by Kevin's mother. Each person brought a verse of special meaning to them, one that has comforted them during troubling times, to our prayer meeting. They were each so relevant to what we've been going through. I wasn't able to write them down. So if any of you are reading this and wouldn't mind, please send them to me via email or postal mail. I would like to keep them. We prayed the "Our Father" and sang a short prayer. Each lady laid hands on us and said her own personal prayer. Fr. Henry anointed me and led us all in prayer together. We shared breakfast pastries and coffee/tea afterward. Thank you, Joyce and everyone. I'm truly grateful. The feeling I had when I left was very similar to the way I felt when I held the Bible during our mission and witnessed Fr. Gus show his adoration for God's holy word by kissing it. The prayers were said for me, but they weren't just about me. I was specially picked to be a part of this part of God's plan.<br />
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I'm reminded of what Keith Merritt wrote just after his wife, Gayle, died from pancreatic cancer. "The love and mercy of God is so unparalleled, it's hard to fathom. I can't tell you in an email how powerful, how totally consuming suffering is in finding Christ at the crossroad of self and selflessness. Suffering is joy." <br />
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</style>Merritt, K. B. (2007). <i><a href="http://www.glasswingphotography.com/emailsfromheaven/">E-Mails from Heaven: A Journey to the Cross</a>. p. 35. </i><br />
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<o:p></o:p>~Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15189993261503030994noreply@blogger.com1