Her words

I wanted to share this with you all, this is a letter my wife sent via an e-mail to some of her friends she went to school with. Her last round with cancer is not on here.
My sister in-law will be reading this tomorrow at her service. I know if you all could you would be here for it, but distance and time will not allow this to happen.
I spoke to Ben, Dave and Charli about this, it is sad that WE all come together in fellowship when someone is hurting, but yet at times we pass a person on the street and we don't give a second look. I would love so much to put a persons face to the words that have been written here on T.W.
I personally have decided that in any of my travels I am going to post here first. I want to meet you all.
I have been blessed to have seen a handful of you in person, you have all touched my life and even the lives of my family. All of you have made an impact in my healing, your prayers, calls, text messages and lifting my family an I to the Lord is truely felt.
When I am hurting I seek the Lords face more than ever now, and I recall all the wonderful things that you all have done for us.
Next Saturday Aug 8th (early am) I am traveling to Bristol Tenn, Michele's service will be on Sunday the 9th at her old church she grew up at . I must leave after the service to get my girls back in time for the start of school. If any of you are in the area, I and my family would love to see you and say thanks for everything. You can get my cell number off Ben, and if time permits I will let him know all the information needed, if the Lord is putting it on your heart to come.
I am going to try hard to get on here in the next few weeks, the days and evenings are line up tighter than cord wood. And if I do it will be in the early hours of the morning.
I do ask that you all continue to pray for my girls, ask the Lord to wrap his arms around them, and give them a peace when they start hurting. As adults we hurt, and we show it in different ways, but for children they hide so much. I would love the Lord to touch them in a way, that when they hurt, he fills them with nothing but joy.
I have gone on long enough, below is the letter Michele wrote, these are her words. I hope that everyone of you can use them to heal some part of your life, or part of someone elses life.

............................................................................................................................

Hello,

First, I need to apologize for not responding sooner to many of you. You have been so wonderful to me and my family the last several months. I have truly appreciated the e-mails, prayers, and thoughts as I’ve been experiencing my journey through breast cancer. It’s been a crazy ride, and I’ve not done a great job of staying in touch with many of you. So, I’m going to try to catch everyone up at once in this e-mail.

As you know, it’s been a year and a half since my original diagnosis in November 2007. Then, I had the reoccurrence diagnosed in December 2008 during my 6 month check-up. Now, I’m pleased to report that I’m currently done with treatments, and I am now counting the days of being “cancer-free” once again.

The journey has been interesting to say the least. I recently flipped through a book that another breast cancer survivor had written to document her journey. In it, she recounted the surgeries, chemo, needle sticks, and radiation treatments she had. It was rather interesting, and got me to thinking about my own journey. It looks something like this: 9 surgeries in 12 months, 10 chemo treatments in 4 months, 36 radiation treatments in 7 weeks, and 1 year with NO HAIR! I can’t even begin to count the number of needle sticks or blood draws! Of course, it’s now easier to look back and appreciate it, although at the time I wondered how I’d ever get through. And, yes, I now have hair once again – it’s even curly!!

Although it’s been challenging, I can honestly say it has also been one of the most amazing, and humbling, blessings I have experienced in my life. God has entrusted me with such a special experience and opportunity. The grace and mercy my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has shown me throughout is absolutely awesome. He has revealed Himself to me in ways I never imagined. From the unexplainable peace Bill and I have both had throughout the last year and a half, to the most incredible images, thoughts, and realizations that have occurred at just the right moment, it is clear that Jesus has had me and my family tightly by the hand from the very beginning. He has been our faithful companion, the ultimate comforter, and the best possible coordinator I could ever want. The will of God in my life has never been so clear. I have also fully realized that my life is not my own – God truly is in charge of each day, and in every situation. It’s all about Him – His glory and His majesty. All we have to do is put our full trust and faith in Him – He is definitely there!!

Again, I do truly appreciate all of your prayers, thoughts, and support. As my oncologist has told me, I will always be a “cancer patient”. For now, though, the journey continues on the “cancer free” trail. I am just grateful for each and every day that my Lord sees fit to have me experience. May God bless each of you and your families.

Please keep in touch!

Love in Christ,

Michele


A couple of my favorite verses:

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

 

Great to hear Bill. I only wish I lived closer too..... I wish you the best, and will continue to keep you in my prayers.

 

thanks for posting that bill. i will continue to keep your family in my prayers

 

were still here for yall, i wish i was closer, i would be there at the service to provide support for your family.

 

x10

 

I will keep you and your family our prayers.God bless

 

Thank you, words can not express how much appreciation there is for everything you are sharing.
My Dad lives in Indiana and I have never been there, but if I ever visit him there I would like to meet you and the girls.

 

Bill, thank you so much for the nice comments in your note above. All of us here at TW will definetly keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers...God Bless! I'll be visiting family in Indiana all next week. My wife and I are making a road trip out of it, depending on where your located maybe we could get together for a coffee...just PM me if interested We will be staying just outside of the South Bend and Mishawaka area

 

Bill thank you i know in my heart you the girls and family are going
to fine God bless you and girls
As always prayers always in my heart

 

Did you ever notice, how GOD always takes the best ones first? Although I have never Michelle, I feel blessed for having witnessed been a small part of your journey. Your faith and kind hearts make me proud. Good luck and GOD bless you all.

 

Bill, thanks for sharing the letter your wife wrote. Prayers go out to you and the girls. The loss of a loved one brings much pain but with the help of family and friends that pain can be eased. Spend time with the girls as they need it now. Still in my prayers. God Bless your family.
Ken

 

God Bless you and your family Bill.

 

Thank you Bill and God bless you

i really like jeremiah 29 may it bring peace and comfort to you and your daughters

 

May God Bless you and your girls! Loss is not easy, I know, but you seem very strong and dedicated to your family, so I know that you and your girls will make it through. We are all here for you whenever needed! Stay strong my friend!
God Bless You!

 

thank you for posting that Bill. still lots of prayers for you and the girls. one of these days.......i will shake your hand!

 

Michele has left a lasting impression and influence on my life. It will not fade. Thank you Michele.

 

God bless your family.

 

Bill, thanks for sharing something so personal with us all in such a trying time. You and your family are in my prayers.

 

Thanks for showing us that heartfelt letter. You and your family will be in my prayers