When I first started teaching Andrew to drive, he was constantly looking in the rear view mirror, and reporting to me that "that guy is too close, I wish he would back off!" I had to encourage him that looking forward at where he was going was more important than focusing on the stuff behind him. I am proud to say that Andrew is a very good driver now, he has learned this lesson for driving. How true this is for other aspects of our life!
I was able to work both Thursday and Friday and they were good days. Technology was useful and helpful in the education process and I saw progress with staff and students. Looking forward at work is exciting and encouraging. I was tired both days when I came home and slept a lot on Saturday. I did get a "work out" in on Saturday, time on the treadmill and some stretching exercises. Later Saturday my right arm and armpit had some pokey, minor pain and since I hold my stress in my upper back and shoulders this area was also sore and painful. I find myself looking in that rear view mirror, just 3 weeks ago my arms and back were fine, no pain, no nerve issues. But I have to tell myself to look forward and focus on the future. I have to be looking for the new normal, the new me. Now I am in the Land Between, which is a really good book by Jeff Manion, by the way. I am traveling from who and where I was to the new normal, the new me that God is producing.
A big part of that journey was the surgery and that really has gone well. The second big part of the journey is chemotherapy. Tuesday is my first session, we will get to test out my new port and see how that works. I keep hearing that the first session of chemo is not bad, that the later sessions will be harder and take more of a toll on my strength. We'll just have to see, I think prayer can pull me through a lot. It has already! I will be sure to let you all know how it goes after Tuesday. ;-)
Thanks again for your prayers, they mean so much to me and I can tell they are working.
PS. I hate the idea of losing my hair. Just saying.
Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." So interesting that you titled your blog today "looking back and forward" just last week we studied these verses is BSF. God told Israel these words. So neat how He speaks to us in all these ways.
ReplyDeleteLosing hair (?)- you are just following in the footsteps of your Mom - like Mother like daughter?? Love You,
Mom
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you as you start the chemo tomorrow. As you see that medicine going in tomorrow, imagine little army men going in each drop to search out and destroy any enemy cancer cells they find.( That word picture might even almost make you grin a little.) We'll pray the battle will be fought with as little collateral damage as possible.
I'm sure it is hard to think of losing your beautiful hair. Is there any chance that you could have it cut early on and made into a wig of your own hair? The great thing about hair is that it does grow back when the treatment is done.
I'll be praying for you and will be in touch toward the end of the week to see what you feel like having me bring for supper on Monday February 28.
We love you and your family!
Ruth Ann
Hi Aunt Mary,
ReplyDeleteI think of you often and visit here to see where you are on your journey. I have a dear friend here in Lake Orion who is just a few weeks ahead of you in her journey. I went with her to get her hair cut short, helped her pick out her wig and just last Friday laughed and cried with her while she had her head shaved. Every time I am with her I think of you and wish for you both that it wasn't happening. I love you and am thinking of you even when you don't hear from me! Traci