Christmas lights,
Christmas cookies and delicious treats.
Christmas cards,
Christmas parties,
Christmas stories and visiting family.
Falling snow and building snowmen,
Decorating the Christmas tree,
Shopping for Christmas gifts.
How can one NOT be in the mood for the Christmas Season?
Simple.
This time of year seems to bring on the hard times for our family.
Something about this time of year that delivers bad news.
December 2005: Paul's Aunt Joni passed away from a long battle with breast cancer
December 2006: Paul's father Mike, suffered a heart attack
December 2007: Paul's mother Kathy, was diagnosed with stage 3a breast cancer
And this December...
just one week ago...
My mother, Dawn has been diagnosed with breast cancer
We know that she has a nodal that is malignant. We know that she has had her second of three biopsies today - to determine if the present calcification spots are also malignant. We know that Mom is opting for a double mastectomy to eliminate greater chance of a recurrence in her breasts. We know that this Wednesday, Mom has an appointment with a surgeon at a larger hospital for a second opinion. We know that she had to give up her passion... running a daycare out of her home, for 6 months while treatment and recovery are necessary. She had to sit her young children down and explain to them that Dawnie is going to be sick for awhile and will not be able to take care of them.
We don't know the stage of cancer yet. We don't know if the two enlarged lymph nodes have been infected or not. We don't know exactly what type of treatment will be necessary to beat this cancer.
We know that cancer has spread through our family like... well, like cancer.
We know that while this time of year should be greater than all other times, a time to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus and rejoice for the gift that was paid for us so many years ago... while this should be the only thing that matters .... we are faced with yet very trying Christmas season. We are heavy hearted and weary hearted.
I know that The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?
I know that The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom then shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:1
Father, please give me strength for the road ahead. Please allow me to be the steady hand when my family needs one to hold. Please ease my weary heart and fill me up with your gracious hope and courage. I pray for you to fill my lips with the words you will have me say, when I have failed to find them on my own.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/dawnpuerling
Posts
17 comments:
Oh April, I'm so sorry. Hugs and prayers coming your way!
I am so sorry that Christmas is hard for you. I lost my mom 3 years ago and no one seems to understand why Christmas is tough. You will be in our prayers.
I will keep you in my prayers. Please let us know how your mom is doing. I can't imagine how hard that would be. Hugs.
April, Sorry to hear that kind of news. My Mom had both breasts removed 7 yrs ago and Praise God is staying strong and 2 wks ago went for recheck and got a clean bill of health. Stay strong and God will carry you through.Need anyone to talk to just send me a message.
Praying for you and your family and sending {{HUGS}}
Caroline
I was just thinking about you this moring April. I was asking the Lord to be with you in whatever situation you are facing. I know what you're going through is not easy. I remember it like it was yesterday when my mom called me to tell me she had breast cancer. That was four years ago.
Please know that your mom and your family will be in my prayers.
Oh April, I'm so sorry to hear about your momma. I will pray for her as soon as I'm done typing this note and I'll visit her caring bridge.
Love,
Lynnette
I'm so sorry. My husbands Aunt just got diagnosed with stage 3 at Thanksgiving. I understand how you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am praying for you and your family!
Praying for you and your family during this time.
Praying for you all!
You are in my prayers. My mom is a 5 year breast cancer surviver so I remember all too well what you are going through. Please reach out to me anytime if you need to talk or have any questions. HUGS
I know we don't have a clue who each other are ... but just know that I am praying for you ... and lifting your family up in prayer. Remember, He is the lifter of our head.
April, my dear friend, I am so sorry that this Christmas you and your family are faced with this. My heart goes out to you and I am praying for your mom. I am praying that she will overcome this cancer. I'll be keeping up with her page.
Thinking about you, praying for you and your mom and your family...Love you to bits!
Oh April. I'm so so sorry! I will be praying for you, your Mom and all your family.
{{hugs}}
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You all will be in prayers! Please keep us up to date on everyone, including how you are doing.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My mother was diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer two years ago. She endured 6 months of chemotherapy. It was a tough road but we got through it as a family. I am happy to say that she is healthy and so far cancer free.
We will be praying for you and your family!
Jennie
Post a Comment