Flamingos!

Hey everyone,

Divine timing! Yes, that is what Laurie believes happened this past week. God used someone out there to boost her spirits exactly when she needed it the most by “flamingo”ing our yard. Yes, it brought a smile to her face and tears of joy and excitement.

Laurie had been feeling down on Wednesday and Thursday for a variety of reasons. Forrest and I had been at football practice every night last week. Laurie's work has been very busy lately which has led to some frustrating moments since she's not being able to get everything done while working the part-time schedule, Although Forrest and I were not around every evening this past week and her work has become a bit more of a challenge, the biggest reasons for her low spirits were medical.

First of all, although she had finished radiation earlier in the week, the effects didn’t peak until 2-4 days after the last treatment. So she was rather uncomfortable due to the “really bad sunburn” in the treated area. Secondly, she had to have two sonograms as a follow-up to her PET scan results from last December, but it could only be done after chemo and radiation. She went for them on Tuesday and the initial results indicated a need for her to go see two more specialists. Nothing yet to panic over, but it just seemed a little more than she wanted to handle.

Then, as she was going to bed on Thursday night, she noticed a note taped on the window beside our front door, and opened the door to get the note. That is when she noticed the 17 flamingos all over the front yard. While we still don’t know who to thank for lifting her spirits, we wanted to share this with all of you so that whoever was responsible will know it was perfectly timed and greatly appreciated!

One of Laurie’s favorite poems is "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson. It reflects how we trust the Lord for everything and rely on him to carry us though the good and the bad.

Thanks God!

Footprints in the Sand

by

Mary Stevenson

Last night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

The Lord replied, “My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of suffering, when you could see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
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Finally! An August Update!

Hey everyone,

It’s been three weeks since our last update. Sorry for the delay but things became crazy after we got back from the beach. We all drove down to Myrtle on Saturday, July 18th, and after the normal delays on 95, we got there around 4:30. We checked into our condo, went to dinner with some of our baseball friends, and then went grocery shopping. The next day was beach day, and then we were able to go to a marvelous seafood dinner with our cousins, Keith and Katie, and their sons Matthew and Brian (13 & 10) and daughter Savannah (6). Since Forrest did not get to see them over the July 4th weekend, he spent the night with them so he could have some extra time, and then joined us and most of the other baseball team members and their families on the beach Monday midday. Laurie had to fly back that night to continue her radiation therapy, and the baseball tournament started on Tuesday. The team did well on Tuesday, winning both games, but then began losing steam on Wednesday (although they did pull out a last inning win) and then lost on Thursday. While the baseball results were disappointing, everyone enjoyed the sun and fun even though we missed Laurie. Also, at the end of the week, the riptides became dangerous … 3 people drowned, so the lifeguards were not letting anyone in the water above their waists, and we were happy to comply!

We came back home on Saturday, and were treated to a cookout by our next door neighbors, the Rohertys, and enjoyed our refreshing pool. Forrest also had to pack and leave the next morning (Sunday) at 7 am for Boy Scout Camp (Brown Sea Island, which is below Roanoke, Virginia). He had a great time even though all of us really missed him!! Ridge went to Chantilly HS boy’s basketball day camp, and Brooke had a great week at Chantilly Academy gymnastics day camp with her new friend Julianne.

Laurie has now completed 2/3 of her radiation … hurray! She only has 8 more appointments, the rest of this week and 4 days next week. Her doctor says her skin is holding up rather well, but she is also using “Calendula cream” every day and night to help, and she prefers driving these days so that the shoulder strap is on her left side, not the right side which is receiving these treatments. She is slowly gaining her energy back but still goes to bed early to ensure her body gets plenty of rest, and some days are better than others. She had a busy weekend as her sister, Carlene and her friend, Barb, invited her to the Women of Faith Conference in DC on Saturday and it was very enjoyable … both the speakers and musicians as well as the fellowship in the NBC box of women from Kirkwood Presbyterian Church. Then on Sunday, we all had lunch with my dad, Forrest and Frances Frakes, and Kurt Hallex and Dad’s roommate Dan at Famous Dave’s and then celebrated the 4 family birthdays that evening at Carlene’s house. Today, she also went for her every 3 week biological treatment (Herceptin). The big decision that we need prayers on over the next week is whether she should participate in a clinical trial that would be over the next 3 years. Background information: when breast cancer returns or metastasizes, it is in the 2 Bs (breast or brain) or 2 Ls (liver or lung). Other countries have studies that show taking biophosphates, which is what is taken to treat osteoporosis; helps prevent the recurrence in the bones. This trial would not have placebos, but would compare 3 different types of biophosphates and its side effects. The decision has to be made by next weekend as she would have to start within 60 days of completing her chemotherapy. No side effects have subsided yet, but still hoping for that!

During the WOF Conference, the following scripture was featured, and it reminded Laurie that God gives us hope in the midst of these challenges!

John 16:33 – I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!

Works for me!

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