There is so much devastation going on in the world right now and the news has made me realize that our life is a true blessing. We should remember that we never know the pain of others until we walk in their shoes. Listen as I stand among the souls that are hurting.
My shoes do not fit today, they are not mine
They are filled with mud and water
They will wade through the floods for a long time
The shoes will have to take me where I will go today
Where are my shoes that I knew so well
The shoes that I wore when life was perfect
The shoes that I wore when life was happy
When will I see them again
I see how people judge me when my shoes do not fit
The pain of others suffering is placed upon my feet
The truth is I got to choose the shoes I wore today
I wanted to feel the pain of people's shoes that were not mine
My shoes do not fit today they are not mine
They are the shoes to keep me humble
They are shoes to teach me the blessings of life
The shoes will take me places to feel the pain of others
My shoes will fit tomorrow, they will be my own
I hope you can understand that my life belongs to me
I hope you will not judge me for wearing my own shoes
My life is not perfect, but they are my shoes
by
Elizabeth :)
Good Night World ! God Bless Us All !
Life is beautiful !
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Lymphoma Awareness Month
September is Lymphoma Awareness Month and tomorrow September !5th is Lymphoma Awareness Day. We will be celebrating 20 years of survival for my husband this weekend. He is a true survivor in more ways than one. He has been treated three times for his non hodgkin's lymphoma over the last 20 years and an active participant in the Light The Night fund raisers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We are once again raising funds to support our annual Light The Night on October 5th this year. We are hoping friends and family will walk with us this year.
My husband's journey with the non hodgkin's lymphoma actually began in September of 1997 when he went to the dermatologist for some tumors on the skin. This is when we first heard the words lymphoma. At the time there was not much information available about the disease. Because of the LLS there has been new medications and lots of information available for blood cancer patients.
We had to wait until December 2nd of 1997 before the final diagnosis was confirmed and after more biopsies were performed. It was a very scary time for my husband and the family. The uncertainty of the diagnosis brought much anxiety from the waiting for the final diagnosis.
We were told back then that they were not sure about the treatment but they would try the standard CHOP. At the time the doctor and we prayed that it worked. And we are blessed that it did and treatment there after has worked to give him 20 years to celebrate life. It is a disease that can be treated, but the wait and watch game is very stressful for the patient and family. I will not say it has been an easy ride, but it has been a learning experience about living life to the fullest everyday and realizing that life is not to be taken for granted.
No mater what tragedy, life struggles, or disappointments that happen, life goes on. We have to individually decide how to get through the tough times. We are not alone, but we are responsible for our own actions. We chose to be happy and embrace life. We chose to support the LLS.
My husband unselfishly gave platelets back in 1995 to help another co-worker. He did not know at the time that someday he would be a blood cancer patient. We never know what each day may bring us. We do not know how we may react and therefore we should never judge someone's shoes we have not walked in. We must remember we are here to help others and not judge them. We hope that they too will be able to overcome their difficult situations and enjoy the gift of life also.
The moments of silence when listening to someone in pain whether it is physical or emotional can help to validate their feelings. Sometimes we do not know what to do other than to hold their hand and ask how can we help you to get through this difficult time. This allows the the person to let their needs be heard and lets others know how they can help them achieve their goals.
God Bless all cancer patients and victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma !
Please donate to the LLS. Your donation is a gift of life and love!
Life is beautiful !
Elizabeth:)
My husband's journey with the non hodgkin's lymphoma actually began in September of 1997 when he went to the dermatologist for some tumors on the skin. This is when we first heard the words lymphoma. At the time there was not much information available about the disease. Because of the LLS there has been new medications and lots of information available for blood cancer patients.
We had to wait until December 2nd of 1997 before the final diagnosis was confirmed and after more biopsies were performed. It was a very scary time for my husband and the family. The uncertainty of the diagnosis brought much anxiety from the waiting for the final diagnosis.
We were told back then that they were not sure about the treatment but they would try the standard CHOP. At the time the doctor and we prayed that it worked. And we are blessed that it did and treatment there after has worked to give him 20 years to celebrate life. It is a disease that can be treated, but the wait and watch game is very stressful for the patient and family. I will not say it has been an easy ride, but it has been a learning experience about living life to the fullest everyday and realizing that life is not to be taken for granted.
No mater what tragedy, life struggles, or disappointments that happen, life goes on. We have to individually decide how to get through the tough times. We are not alone, but we are responsible for our own actions. We chose to be happy and embrace life. We chose to support the LLS.
My husband unselfishly gave platelets back in 1995 to help another co-worker. He did not know at the time that someday he would be a blood cancer patient. We never know what each day may bring us. We do not know how we may react and therefore we should never judge someone's shoes we have not walked in. We must remember we are here to help others and not judge them. We hope that they too will be able to overcome their difficult situations and enjoy the gift of life also.
The moments of silence when listening to someone in pain whether it is physical or emotional can help to validate their feelings. Sometimes we do not know what to do other than to hold their hand and ask how can we help you to get through this difficult time. This allows the the person to let their needs be heard and lets others know how they can help them achieve their goals.
God Bless all cancer patients and victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma !
Please donate to the LLS. Your donation is a gift of life and love!
Life is beautiful !
Elizabeth:)
Monday, September 11, 2017
Remembering 9/11 and Hurricane Irma
This morning I took a few moments of silence to honor those we lost on 9/11 2001. I can still remember that I was volunteering at my son's middle school on the day of this horrific tragedy. I was asked to step in the conference room as they explained to the school staff what was happening. We were all scared and we were told that the school was already being bombarded with calls from parents wanting to pick up their children. I was told that I could get my son and leave, but I chose to stay as we all tried not to induce any panic amongst the students. It was a scary day and we must always honor those families who lost their loved ones.
How ironic that today we are seeing the devastating affects of Hurricane Irma. Once again the US has been watching as one of the biggest hurricanes ever has swept over Florida and is headed for Georgia and South Carolina and on upwards to Tennessee. Many other close states will most likely feel the effects of it as it diminishes to storms. We are looking to get some rain and wind Tuesday. I believe after seeing some devastating pictures of the damage that the mandatory evacuation was a good call. I do have a great friend who has been like family to me who stayed and I have gotten word that she is alright, but without electricity. I know quite a few people who have retired to Florida and I am praying that they have a home to return to. God Bless them all!
It has been a lot to think about lately with Hurricane Harvey and Irma. It is sad to think of all the people without homes. That survivor's quilt will be with us all as we try to help those who are in need.
I am almost ashamed to say that we had a beautiful fall weekend here in the north. We had temperatures in the low 70's and lots of sunshine. We took advantage of the beauty of the days and got some things ready for winter. We spent the rest of the time riding bikes and walking. The flowers are really pretty this time of year.
Life is beautiful !
Elizabeth:)😃
How ironic that today we are seeing the devastating affects of Hurricane Irma. Once again the US has been watching as one of the biggest hurricanes ever has swept over Florida and is headed for Georgia and South Carolina and on upwards to Tennessee. Many other close states will most likely feel the effects of it as it diminishes to storms. We are looking to get some rain and wind Tuesday. I believe after seeing some devastating pictures of the damage that the mandatory evacuation was a good call. I do have a great friend who has been like family to me who stayed and I have gotten word that she is alright, but without electricity. I know quite a few people who have retired to Florida and I am praying that they have a home to return to. God Bless them all!
It has been a lot to think about lately with Hurricane Harvey and Irma. It is sad to think of all the people without homes. That survivor's quilt will be with us all as we try to help those who are in need.
I am almost ashamed to say that we had a beautiful fall weekend here in the north. We had temperatures in the low 70's and lots of sunshine. We took advantage of the beauty of the days and got some things ready for winter. We spent the rest of the time riding bikes and walking. The flowers are really pretty this time of year.
Life is beautiful !
Elizabeth:)😃
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Hurricane Harvey and Emotional Turmoil
The wrath of Hurricane Harvey has brought us all a little closer. We are all emotionally more aware of how everyday is a gift. Even though I am 1040 miles from Houston Texas my eyes watched as did the rest of the US as Harvey dropped 51.88 inches of rain. The images we have seen on television and on social media have brought forth a lot of compassion. We are not physically there to help with the clean up and rebuilding but every store, restaurant, and the red cross are accepting donations. I am very blessed that our family and a few close friends that were in Harveys' path are alive and safe. We never know what life is going to deal us. Seeing how people have unselfishly helped others during difficult times renews my faith that we are still a nation of wonderful people.
I was surprised at the calls that I received from close friends saying that they were glad that my husband and I were not in Texas when this hurricane happened. All I can say is that we are extremely blessed that while we lived in Houston we did not experience any bad weather. We were extremely lucky and saw nothing but sunshine and of course beautiful flowers. I actually loved living in Texas despite the traffic which at times was very overwhelming. I will say a prayer everyday for those affected by the floods. I hope the Texas people get the support they need to rebuild. God Bless you all !
We maybe praying for the people of Florida as Hurricane Irma is heading towards the state. It seems that this year has been filled with a lot of weather catastrophes.
There will be a lot of people that will need not only monetary help but emotional help also. Any time we face a tragedy that disrupts our normal routine we run the risk of developing PTSD and depression. I hope people will be able to get the care they need. We must bring awareness to those affected that there is medical help for dealing with the emotional aspects. No one should be left to suffer emotionally.
Individually facing a tragedy we are scared and when we join others we form a team. We become strong and together we can get through great hurdles.
Life is beautiful !
Elizabeth:)
I was surprised at the calls that I received from close friends saying that they were glad that my husband and I were not in Texas when this hurricane happened. All I can say is that we are extremely blessed that while we lived in Houston we did not experience any bad weather. We were extremely lucky and saw nothing but sunshine and of course beautiful flowers. I actually loved living in Texas despite the traffic which at times was very overwhelming. I will say a prayer everyday for those affected by the floods. I hope the Texas people get the support they need to rebuild. God Bless you all !
We maybe praying for the people of Florida as Hurricane Irma is heading towards the state. It seems that this year has been filled with a lot of weather catastrophes.
There will be a lot of people that will need not only monetary help but emotional help also. Any time we face a tragedy that disrupts our normal routine we run the risk of developing PTSD and depression. I hope people will be able to get the care they need. We must bring awareness to those affected that there is medical help for dealing with the emotional aspects. No one should be left to suffer emotionally.
Individually facing a tragedy we are scared and when we join others we form a team. We become strong and together we can get through great hurdles.
Life is beautiful !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)