SOME ARE SILVER AND SOME ARE GOLD!

I have so many friends.  Some I’ve had for most of my life and some that I’ve just met in the last year or two.  I can't believe at 51 I still continue to make new friends on a regular basis and be surrounded by lifelong ones who remain steadfast and faithful.  Doesn't it seem a bit unfair for one person to have so many friends?  Aren’t you just a tiny bit envious?  I think God knew I needed a lot of support!!!

I constantly count my blessings as I think about all the people who are still texting, calling, sending cards, sending flowers, making meals, visiting, helping with Lilli, cleaning my house, driving me to doctors appointments, praying for me and more!  Recently, I have met a few people who barely have a support network and I'm inspired by their bravery and a bit saddened for them. Again I am truly overwhelmed by those who continue to love and care for me on a daily basis - and especially those who pray faithfully for me!

As I've mentioned before, I am unable to play tennis this season because of the metastasized cancer in my bones. No running right now!  About 10 days ago, I went to watch our team practice and when I arrived Korey called a halt to practice as the team came running to hug me. This group of ladies has been so supportive of me.  Most of these ladies I've only known a year or two and they are faithful as the day is long. It was great to be hugged and welcomed and loved on. It was great fun to watch the practice. They are looking so good, I’m not sure I’ll be able to come back next season!!! While there the girls showed me the new team shirts.  Imagine my surprise to find out they had my and Sonya’s initials embroidered onto the team shirts!!  Sonya is another team member fighting cancer!

Two weeks ago I met my good friend Cara Coleman for lunch in Leesburg.  It was the first time I’d driven to Leesburg since January.  It felt good and strange all at the same time.  What felt fabulous though was sitting outside in the sun eating a sandwich and hanging out with Big Bad Cara!!!  If you remember, Cara is the one who sent out the ALERT email letting everyone know of my initial diagnosis of the head tumor, my horrific pain and enlisting helpers, but forbidding people to bug me as I was literally incapacitated by the pain.  I think she scared a lot of people off - at least for a bit.  Cara and I met when her son Gibraltor and Lilli were in Mother’s Day Out preschool.  I knew I liked her, but guess what I too was afraid of her!!! Ha!  I had forgotten that.  I knew she was an attorney and I thought just too smart to want to be my friend!  Well, God had other plans.  We would continue to see each other and have small talks, but not really getting too close, but God was relentless in bringing her to my mind.  I would pray for her, but wasn’t really sure what to pray.  But God knew!  During this time Cara became pregnant with baby number FOUR.  I mentioned to her doing meals to help out as she already had three young children at home and her daughter Justice required special nursing care.  Needless to say, Cara has a lot to manage and she welcomed the help.  Well, God cracked the door for me to enter Cara’s life and I barged my way right in.  We became instant friends!  We have shared many laughs and tears through the last six years.  I consider my self so blessed to be her friend!  I hope you get to meet her someday - you will love her - and not be afraid!! ;)

The Babysitter’s Club…  TURNED FRIENDS

I started babysitting when I was 12 and a half. My first family was the Washburn Family.  I quickly grew to love Lang and Judy Washburn and their daughters Serena and Natalie.  Mr. Washburn had the best sense of humor and made me feel loved by giving me the nickname UGM (ugliest girl in Middleburg) which he fondly called me well into my forties until he passed away. I loved him and I know the feeling was mutual.  I remain friends with Mrs. Washburn to this date. But only if I call her Judy.  She is a beautiful friend who stays in close touch and brings me lovely meals and flowers.  Unfortunately, I don't get to see either Serena or Natalie very often but Judy keeps me updated on their wonderful lives and their children!

On my first babysitting job for Tim and Marty Sutherland, their daughter Cristin cried the entire time her parents were gone.  Tim and Marty (aka POPCORN) also have a son David (who just got married this past weekend). My mom stayed at home with our family but earned extra money by doing daycare in our house.   She babysat for David and Cristin Sutherland firmly sewing both of them into our family's heart. Cristin and I are friends to date and she is such a bright and loving person.  Joy exudes from her.  I was so touched when I received a bracelet that represents ’strength’ from Cristin.  I think of her every time I wear it.  I’m not sure how I finally won her over all those years ago, but I’m so thankful I did.  I love her and her family.

Mom also babysat for Cissy and Robin Rose - they were the same age as my brother Tommy and me.  Boy did we have some fun!  As I remember Tommy and Cissy used to get in more trouble than Robin and I did.  We had such fun in our little neighborhood and I will always treasure our memories and our friendship which has lasted the test of time!

Another family my mom babysat for were the Jacksons. Dr. Ronald and his wife Mary Jo and their two beautiful children Julia and Adam.  The years and miles have separated me from Adam, but Julia and I have remained in touch.  Mary Jo remains a close friend whom I love dearly.  She has been battling cancer for nearly 15 years. She is my champion whom I desire to emulate in this cancer dance.  Mary Jo is one of the most kind and generous people you will every meet!  Don't be fooled by her firecracker spunk and straight shooting - she is truly one of the most loving, gentle and giving people you will ever know.  I had the privilege of having lunch with her last week.  It was so good to visit with her and to laugh.  Did I mention how funny she is???

The last family my mom babysat for probably had one the biggest impacts on my life - Sandi and Drew Perkins.  Jennifer came into our family when she was just a baby.  She arrived shortly after my dad had back surgery and was off from work.  My dad bonded with Jennifer like she was his own.  And I WAS JEALOUS… I know very mature, but I was.  She brought such joy to my parents (and to me).  We had so much fun with her.  Next came her younger sister Stephanie who we also welcomed as our own.  To this day I am extremely close to Jennifer, Stephanie and Sandi.  When they got word of me being sick Jennifer came from Charlottesville along with Sandi for a visit.  Next came the word that Stephanie was flying in from Seattle, WA to visit me.  I was so touched that she would do this.  Stef and Sandi showed up to take me to the doctor, have lunch and run errands.  I was so excited to see them that I think I tired them out.  It was a full FUN day!  These girls remain treasures in my life and my mom and dad’s life.  There are no words to express the love our family has for them.  They are the two sisters I never had!

Sandi & Stef after a long day of doc appts, errands and fun!

Me as the Easter Bunny - maybe 1979?

Next came Brooke and Liza Costin.  This was one of my most regular babysitting jobs - these two girls.  I spent my early teen years through high school with this family.  I grew so close to the girls and their mom and dad, Betsy and Kelvy Costin.  We shared more laughs through the years and again Betsy became one of my good friends as I got older and the girls too!  Recently, I received a package that had these wonderful cozy pajamas in them.  Imagine my surprise when I found out that Brooke sent them to me.  How sweet and the part that brought me to tears was her card.  She had written ‘what me did?’  One time when Brooke was very young - probably just under two I went in to get her out of her bed and she threw up on herself while laying down - she looked up at me with those big beautiful blue eyes and said…. WHAT ME DID?  It has stuck for 35 years….well close to that - not exactly sure how old Brooke is now, but my heart loves her as much as back then - even more.  Now Liza my funny story is, I called Sandi (Liza’s step mom) to tell her I was pregnant and she started laughing as she just found out that Liza was pregnant as well.  OK, so I was a bit older when I had Lilli….  Liza and I gave birth just a couple days apart.  Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor.

Another funny fact.... Years later both Sandi & Drew and Kelvy & Betsy divorced.  That's not funny, but what is is the fact that Sandi and Kelvy remarried to each other - so the four girls I was closest to became step sisters and remain sisters to this day.  It's so fun to get together with all of them!

These girls I’ve mentioned and their moms are truly treasures in my life.  I could go on and on about my love for them and tell so many funny and touching stories.  We sure have shared a lot of laughs and heartaches through the years.  I am so grateful for their friendships - each one unique to the individual but alike in the love I have for them!

Jennifer, Stef, Julia, Me, Brooke, Liza & Sandi

Health Update.....

As of today I'm managing pretty well with the new Chemo meds.  I am rarely nauseous but have major issues with diarrhea (oh yes, a post is coming about that... too funny not to laugh at and share!).   I now have this regiment of Imodium...there's a whole protocol for Chemo Diarrhea and Imodium... oh the things you learn.  Anyway, I hope to have a scan sometime in June or July to see if things have shrunk.  I'm on no pain medicine and am back to driving myself!  All of this is good news- don't you think?