Relief or How Thanksgiving Makes All Things Better

Thanksgiving was a balm.  It soothed the tiredness of my soul, lifted my aching spirits, and taught me that I worry more about how Ben's feeling than I need to.

We have only seen my side of the family so far.  Soon, we will spend time with Ben's side.  Family, in my case, is like a warm blanket wrapped around my shoulders on a cool night, placed gently by loving hands.  As I wrap in the warmth of this blanket (the love of my family), I feel the gentle squeeze on my shoulder of the one who placed it there.  It's all simply relief.

It felt good being at my brother and sister-in-law's home.  They have the sweetest pets, which have already been shown to reduce stress. Then they have super cooking skills -- a smoked turkey plus a honey baked ham turned into massive yum yum overload.  Those, combined with my mother's additions made the day very warm, comfortable, and sweet.

Listening to the happy laughter of the family, talking about silly little things, petting sweet cats, and watching happy dogs -- it's all simply balm for a tired and worn spirit.  It's a reminder that cancer doesn't rule our lives, and that there's a normalcy following this cancer diagnosis that's just as good as what was before.  It's just a little different. 

Ben's visit on Friday was a lift and a drag.  The lift came in the further reduction of his cancer marker.  The drag came in the declaration and finally appointment for the next P.E.T. scan.  The last P.E.T. scan results were not good.  We have one data point.  I'm stuck on fear.  

But I have the best prayer warrior family and friends in the world.  Well, maybe that's debatable by people who aren't me, but I sure feel like I do.  Notes, private messages, cards, sweet words -- they all serve to rest my soul.  When all I can do is cry out "Jesus!" and words fail me, my family and friends are making entreaties to the King of kings and the LORD of lords.  When I can't speak, they can.

No Flashback tonight as I'm quite tired from moving furniture, cleaning the pool, and cleaning the floor in front of the fireplace on my hands and knees.  Next time, though!  It's a tough Flashback.

2 Timothy 1:17 (NASB)
⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

*Graphics at beginning of page is from the creator of the website The Graphics Fairy.  All credit for the lovely bird on the branch belongs to her.