Chatterbox: Down to Earth

Happy Reunion Day!!

So I know there are practically a million threads being posted today, but I just wanted to say hey what's up?? Those of you who are back, it's great to see you! I can't really count this as a "revisiting" because I think I've only been gone for what, two months? I mostly figured today was a good time to see everyone and say some things that I've been meaning to tell you. 

December, I got some really shocking news. I tried to many times to tell y'all, but I couldn't find the words. I didn't want to just disappear without letting you all know, so I'll do my best to tell you now. I don't want to make this happy time sad, so I'll keep it brief and let you know that God has really worked through this whole situation for His glory, and provided abundant comfort in so many ways. 

On December 11, my beautiful, strong, amazing mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. It came out of nowhere. I remember asking her how her doctor's appointment went when she picked me up from classes. I'll never forget what happened next. She looked over at my Dad and said, "Oh Dale, she wants to know how it went." She reached back to take my hand, and I felt someone kick the bottom out of my heart and fold it in like a cardboard box. I didn't want to hear what she said next, because cancer is such a scary word, and now it has a different meaning. Every time I hear it, my heart starts pounding because now, I know what it means. 

Y'all, waiting last Christmas Eve was nothing compared to waiting for the staging.  But guess what??? Our God is amazing!! Not only did he bless us with so much from friends (love ya Autumn sweet fren!!), family, and loving people we don't even know, but he also blessed us with the staging 1C! We were praying for 2 rather than 3 or 4, but He gave us immeasurably more than all we could ask and imagine. 

We're in the midst of chemotherapy now, which is really hard, but we're taking it one step at a time. I can't wait for April when she's all finished! I miss her vivacious curly hair so much.

So yes, that's what's been going on. I was a bit in shock after the diagnosis, and stopped writing for about a month, so that's when I guess I "officially" left. But I wanted y'all to know what's going on! And I want to hear about what's going on in your lives as well? How's school or college or work or life or whatever? Have you guys won any writing contests or publications or recognitions or anything? Go ahead and brag my wonderfully talented friends :)

I want to know if any of you have been through cancer in your immediate family, or know someone who has? 

I love y'all. It's great to see so many familiar faces. Let the celebration continue!  

It is so hard when a family member gets sick. We're all here to support you--we're thankful that you've gotten so much love from your community. --Admin