Hello, old friends!

So much has happened since I last blogged. I was diagnosed with tongue cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. I've had 3 excision surgeries in 3 years, undergone chemo (bio therapy), and as of my last biopsy & cat scans 6 weeks ago, I'm cancer free. Thanks be to God! But it's a long road to healing. My tongue has been slow to heal, making it difficult to eat. But last month, I discovered juicing & I'm optimistic. I do feel I have more energy, so that's a good sign!

It's late, so I better get some sleep. I just wanted to check back in. Yesterday was a beautiful day. God is good. Be blessed!

New Year's Thoughts

At the start of this new year, I'm in a thoughtful state of mind. 2008 was a difficult year. The economy took a dive, I had many friends who lost their jobs, and a few who lost their homes. There was illness in my family, and some premature goodbyes that I just wasn't prepared for. In spite of all that, I'm counting my blessings. I have been blessed with a great family, and wonderful friends. I'm thankful for my faith, because without it, nothing else makes much sense to me.

No matter how many "bad news" stories I hear, my optimism remains undaunted. I've witnessed too many ordinary people doing extraordinary things to be any other way. Just last month, a friend who's in my bible study group lost his 20 year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had stopped on the freeway to help some folks who had just had an accident. While assisting a young female passenger in one of the vehicles involved, a drunk driver crashed into them; he didn't react in time to even brake. My friend's daughter was killed instantly. In the flash of a moment, their family was shattered. I couldn't imagine what he must have felt. In the days following the accident, local papers printed their story. Instead of bitterness, which anyone would understand, the family requested prayers for the driver who struck their loved one. Their response humbled me. You can read about it here: Girl who died on freeway was born to help.

Last fall, I found out that another friend of mine had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and needed surgery. His name is Davey Farrell. He's had his surgery, but he still has a long road ahead of him. Some friends of his have gotten together and organized a benefit in his honor, because he will need help with medical bills for his treatments. No one asked them to do it, it's just something friends do for each other. If you're in traveling distance to Ohio, and you're a music lover, there's going to be great music for a great price and it all goes to a worthy cause. Since I'm unable to be there to show my support, I'm posting the information here:

From Blogger Pictures

In the coming days, I'll post more information on the benefit as I receive it. If you're the praying kind of person, I'm sure Davey would appreciate your prayers for him.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
That's about it for now.
Happy New Year!
Peace be with you!

In Remembrance: On the eve of the celebration of a life well lived

Thomas Michael McCarthy
June 27, 1957—September 4, 2008

I will remember Tom for his smile, for his love of his family and friends, for his gentle spirit, and the way he made me feel welcome every time I saw him. His warmth and optimism were contagious. Look up the word 'authentic' in the dictionary, and you'll see Tom's picture! He's the real deal. No pretenses. What you see is what you get.

I have Tom to thank for my love of genealogy. Last night I came across some research Tom had shared with me--I still have so many questions about our family tree! I'll bet he has ALL the answers now!

I feel torn--part of me rejoices because I know beyond a doubt that Tom is with the Lord. Yet I grieve his loss with his family and friends because we will miss him so much! My prayer is that we will find comfort in each other and the memories we share of our times together, as we look forward to the reunion to come.

'And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.' (Rev 21:4)

Peace be with you, Tom!

Find out more about Tom.

Getting started...

Okay. This is my first venture into the world of blogging, so this one is going to be brief. This past week has been a tough one for me. On Tuesday, I learned that one of my longtime online buddies passed away in her sleep. We met through an online chat room about 10 years ago. All of us were fans of the now defunct "Another World" daytime drama. We'd get together weekly to catch up on whatever was going on in our lives. Over the years, we shared our joys and our tough times. We got to know each other's hobbies, dreams, and families. A group of us who loved Scrabble would play online tournaments with each other. Even though we never met, we formed a bond of friendship that was just as real. My friend's screen name was "Heart of Gold," and she surely lived up to it.

A few weeks ago, I learned that a cousin was ill. He had been in intensive care since July 19. His family set up a Web site so all of the extended family and friends could keep updated on his condition. Due to the seriousness of his condition, only immediate family could visit. So, the rest of us kept a vigil online, and sent words of encouragement to be read to him. Thursday, my cousin Tom died. He was only 51. I will write of him at another time. It's too soon, and I'm still heartbroken at his family's loss. This part of the journey is still sinking in.

Well, this is it. My first post. Before signing off, I guess I would encourage you to hold close to those you love. Don't put off that phone call, or writing an email or letter. We never know how much time we have with the ones we love. Life really is short.
Peace be with you.