A Friend in Need

Olivia the therapy dog visited 

to keep me company during chemotherapy.

When I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer I wondered what would happen with our Bed & Breakfast. Innkeeping had been my dream since our honeymoon in 1982. I knew that Glenn and Valerie would be stretched thin as they cared for me. What if I couldn't keep it going? The alternative was heart-wrenching and challenging to even consider.

I pondered and prayed and prayed and pondered. I put a note on Facebook that I was in a quandry. Offers of support came in immediately. "You're in my prayers." "I can't cook, but I sure can clean!" "I can greet guests." I'll clean your inn." "I cook a mean breakfast!" There were too many offers to track. I was on many prayer lists and certainly felt the power of prayer as I was going through treatment. I was a friend in need.

Strength in Trying Times

"I have Cancer. I'm a Survivor."

Many of us can say those words, but there are many who cannot. Hearing a Cancer diagnosis is a very scary thing. Nothing I've done makes me a survivor. I fully believe that it's faith, the prayers and support of many, and the Grace of God that have gotten me through the past year. There are many that have contributed to my treatment and recovery. So many things gave me strength, beginning with my faith in Christ. 

Psalm 27 1The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? 

I "went public" with friends and family very soon after my Breast Cancer diagnosis, because I believe in the power of prayer. What I didn't anticipate was the outpouring of support, often in material ways. I enjoyed Facebook messages, phone calls, visits, cards, and letters of support. We certainly appreciated the dinners, even when I could only eat a few bites. My stack of books to be read seemed to grow on a weekly basis. One friend crocheted a lovely pink butterfly doily to show her concern. I admit that it was hard to accept so many gifts, but one sweet friend reminded me that each gift was a tangible expression of love and support. It was something my friends could do at a time when they felt as helpless as I did. Each call, each card and each gift gave me strength.