20 Years

Today marks the 20-year anniversary since I accepted my dear husband's marriage proposal! How can it be this many years already? I vividly remember the day and all the words he said just as if it was yesterday.

With a well-executed plan, he took me to dinner at Tokyo Lobby, our favorite Japanese restaurant, following a friend's wedding. As we pulled off the freeway, he even bought me red roses from one of those guys that sells them at the offramps. He's pretty tight with money, so this was a splurge, especially for being a starving student at the time! In we went and were seated at a nice secluded booth . . . I had no idea what was coming! We finished our delicious meal and then he suggested dessert. "No thanks" was my reply, however he wasn't satisfied with that. He said, "just say yes!" Not really wanting green tea ice-cream, I politely declined again. He pressed still about the dessert, yet with a different question! His words went like this, "What I'd like you to say 'yes' to is to marrying me!" Shock and utter amazement overcame me to the depths of my soul! My tearful reply was a very happy "yes, I will!" He'd had the ring in his pocket the whole evening, in fact the whole day! Quickly, the ring was slid onto my ring finger for it to sparkle about! Shortly, we left the restaurant gliding on air. I'm quite certain I didn't sleep a wink that night or for several following June 30, 1990.

Our wedding would follow in 13 months, once he graduated from college with a degree in architecture. It was a looonnnggg 13 months, something I'd not suggest to anyone! Many days and evenings were spent sitting by his drafting table at his parents' home while he drew and drew and drew. Our wonderful day did come, but that story will be for another post come late July!!

Happy 20 years of being committed to one another, my dear Main Man!! I love you!

News, Glorious News!

Even though it's been an incredibly long day filled with much emotion, I am compelled to write something about this here day.

Shall I start with the announcement that I remain "cancer-free"? Praise the Lord . . . I am cancer-free!! How spectacular to be able to put that in black and white. We left City of Hope with the news of a "clear" report! Late this afternoon, my oncologist entered the room with papers in hand . . . slowly dispersing the coveted information. "The bloodwork is perfect. The chest x-ray is clean. And, the scan . . . " (I thought I might fall off of my chair awaiting her next words.) She paused, which, of course, seemed like forever, but really wasn't. Then, she went on to say, "And, the scan looks very fine. There doesn't seem to be any evidence of cancer at this time." That's all it took, tears were rolling down my cheeks and my lungs were expelling huge amounts of air! Really don't know that there are words adequate to describe such a moment as this. So much anxiety has been wrapped up in this highly anticipated day. What will they tell me? Will I "get" more time or will there be more cancer? The "land of what ifs" is a dangerous place to visit in your mind. I don't recommend going there, however, I don't know how not to go there. Each of the scans I have done in the last five years have held so much drama for me. If only my walk could rise to the level of complete trust in Him and His perfect plan. While I am thrilled with the news we were given today, I do feel rather guilty for my lack of faith and worry that I allowed to creep in. Worry?? Who am I foolin'? It didn't creep in, it blasted it's way through my life for the past too many days.

So, here I am with yet another opportunity to sing the praises of this mighty King I serve! It's quite easy to do so with a good report. Would it have been this easy, however, with a report of different outcome? Hmmmm . . . He knows my heart, my desires . . . AND my weaknesses. Such incredible joy it brings to know that He still loves me in spite of my oh so real human-ness.

As I head off to sleep, my mind is overwhelmed with the course of events of the past couple of weeks. I am so honored that my dear Lord would choose to grant me more days on this earth. May I use them to glorify Him, seeking Him in all that I do!

Owner of Pennies!

Well, as it should happen, this note of one of my dear children surfaced this evening as I was putting things away! It got me to giggling as I thought "what must people think I am teaching here in this home"! Thankfully, the second grader is responsible for this and not the seventh, ninth or eleventh grader. Perhaps the unit on Abraham Lincoln deserves a repeat visit to "clarify" some issues of misunderstanding! But for now, I'll just remember what good old Abe really stood for . . . according to a seven-year-old!


On another note, it has been asked of me when my upcoming CT scan is as referenced in the last post I made. It is scheduled for next Wednesday, June 23rd (the 41st birthday of my little sister). When I leave City of Hope from that long day, I should have results stating where I am concerning "cancer surveillance". At times, my mind can barely cope with the thoughts of what I've already heard three times before. What will I hear next Wednesday? Will I be "clean" . . . or will there be more cancer? The Lord knows and cares even more than I do about my cares. He is providing peace and calm in this rough sea. I just keep making trouble for myself as I focus upon my "issues" instad of focusing upon Him.

Should the Lord place it upon your heart, I would be most grateful for prayer for my family and me as we go through this necessary testing. My six-year-old cried to sleep last night wishing for mommy to not have anymore CT scans and doctor visits. Crushing words to my heart -- I didn't even know what a CT scan was until I was an adult. My five young blessings sure have had an unusual amount of stretching done to their faith. While I wouldn't have chosen this path, it is God's choosing . . . therefore it is perfect and okay!

Distracted . . . For A Moment

QUESTION: How does one dear husband attempt to distract his wife from the thoughts of an uncoming CT Scan?

ANSWER: Take her and her precious blessings to Balboa Island for the afternoon, of course!! Eat a late lunch at Ruby's on the Pier and have a Bal-Bar for a treat to top off a rather "distracted" day!

Yes, that is how we spent the better part of this day . . . trying to be distracted! Spending the day being with those I love most on this planet, at a place I thoroughly enjoy being at, under the protection of our gracious Lord . . . all this equals a recipe for pure joy! There's no denying that my mind has a weakness for wandering, wandering toward thoughts of this "cancer check-up". However, when my focus is upward on Him, all things become just that . . . "things". Cancer is a "thing". It does not define me even though it is an element of my life. It must not be allowed to control my life and steal what the Lord has blessed me with . . . TODAY!

Here are some snaps of those I love most and the "distracted" fun we enjoyed today!

Hello There . . .

Yes, I am still here! And, yes, this is one sorely neglected "place" in my life!

Thankfully, the neglect is not because of bad things. Just over a week ago, we returned home from a 24-day road trip to the east coast and back. The better part of April was spent preparing for this "journey" across the country. And, just about all of May was spent on this "journey"! While we were gone, I wrote about each day's events and, of course, took many many pictures. My goal is to post about each day as it happened . . . once I transfer it from the laptop! Don't give up on me, I'd love to share this amazing "journey" with you and record it for my family!

Stay tuned . . . it's coming!!