What do you anticipate for April? My March was a whirlwind of hallways, ‘non-existent’ airport gates, and a ‘March Madness’ that had nothing to do with basketball. April’s Anticipation isn’t just about waiting for the next scan, season, or stage of life—it’s about expecting God to show up in the middle of it all!

D.C., Bethesda, & the NCI/NIH

Our hats were off to the professional NONPAID/OVERWORKED TSA workers. Everything went smoothly in Springfield. Kindness and respect were sprinkled all around too! The weather, and even hailing a taxi at Reagan, proved to be without issues! The history hovering the Potomac hit me differently this time. The blooms of the cherry blossoms, sweet driver, and little construction made for a pleasant drive to Bethesda, MD.

Our stay at the hotel is a story on its own. With its loose and aging wallpaper, a broken elevator that added an adventure (we were on the 5th floor), and quirky lamps that had their own character, the experience was quite memorable! We joked that Gremlins had come to play tricks on us before our arrival. The front desk attendant later brought us a TV remote, proudly announcing, “It doesn’t have a back on it, but it has new batteries!” Even though we didn’t plan to watch it, it brought a smile to our faces! Later, I found it amusing when the shower handle was loose and spun around as I searched for the perfect setting to enjoy hot water. I thought of the young man who sweetly said, “On behalf of BLANK, I’d like to apologize for everything.”

After a day of scans and blood draws at the Institute, we learned that storms in the Midwest would delay our connecting flight. A missed flight was anticipated! After a LONG call with United, our flight was rerouted. One more sleep and we would head home!

March Madness

Our departure day was filled with big-hearted goodbyes and blessings to the AMAZING people at the hotel and NIH. Even the shuttle ride to the airport was light-hearted. My body was tired, but my spirits were high when I saw the security line moving quickly. We didn’t even have to show our boarding pass (this is an essential part of the story). With TIME TO SPARE we decided to find our gate first and then enjoy a lunch. FINDING the gate was a problem. MANY steps (with another worker helping us) proved wasted when we realized that there was NO GATE C-19! Did you know two airports serve D.C.?

There was NO TIME to spare as I anticipated missing our next flight. The 40-minute taxi ride to Dulles airport proved to be a MIRACLE! More lessons learned, as I have come to expect!

Although we anticipated long lines, we were pleasantly surprised by short and swift-moving lines at the correct airport. We made it to our gate on time for loading!

The plane landed in Dallas several hours later. With anticipated time on our hands, it was suggested by a kind worker to take the monorail to terminal D. There would more choices for food! By the time we finished our meal, notifications from United Airlines were “dinging”. Our NEXT flight was delayed and we would miss our connecting flight by 20 minutes. What would YOU anticipate at this time?

After a ride back to the terminal, and miles of steps, we met an angel by the name of Shennel. Our flights were changed again–but in a miraculous and amazing way (tears and hugs for Shennel included!)!

It wasn’t anticipated, but our DIRECT flight home was with a different airline. We landed an hour earlier than our original flight. Totally unexpected!

A City’s Anticipation

The anticipation of an overthrown government provided the energy the people needed! “Hosanna!” (“Save Us!” in Hebrew) The crowd in Jerusalem might have expected a king on a warhorse. Jesus entered on a donkey–a King of peace. He didn’t revolt. From the tears in the Garden, betrayel, to the brutal beating and the cross, he offered Himself as a sacrifice.

It’s a reminder that my own expectations of how a season ‘should’ go often pale in comparison to how God chooses to work miracles in the middle of a mess! As I anticipate the celebration of the cross and Jesus’ ascension, I’m reminded that even when the plan seems to fall apart, the Resurrection proves that God is the Master of the unexpecting ending. Simply, He is Risen, He is reigning, and He is right in the middle of it ALL.

The Latest Reroute

Althought the trip had many unanticipated situations (including a change from the ORIGINAL trip dates), things happened that I did anticipate–meeting amazing people and experiencing miraculous moments! Thank you, dear friend/sister Barbara, for accompanying me on the adventerous trip! I’m anticipating a wonderful April!

The recovery from the trip and skin cancer excision surgery has taken longer than expected. Several follow-up appointments have resulted in a change of ~~flight schedules~~ treatment plans. On Monday, I’ll visit the surgical oncologist to begin scheduling internal radiation. That late afternoon I’ll begin monthly injections.

I’m SO thankful the liver is stable. However, the bone and lymph node progression must be treated. The bone mets impact my quality of life in tremendous ways. I anticipate future new treatments and options. The doctors on my team are fabulous and caring!

My journey with this chronic cancer often feels like that long walk to find a non-existent gate C-19–tiring, confusing, and filled with wasted steps. EVERY DETOUR led me EXACTLY where I needed to be. When asked how I stay positive or joyful, you can anticipate this consistent answer–“I’ll never base my outlook on circumstances–it will be based on the power of Christ IN ME.” I’m not JUST anticipating that things will be better LATER… in Heaven. I’m living with the joy and power of TODAY. It doesn’t mean that I won’t feel sad or experience heartbreak, confusion, or other emotions. It’s the anticipation of going to the Garden and meeting a Savior who understands it ALL.

We are ALL battling chronic… LIFE. Do you anticipate a feeling of hope and faith? Do you live with a sense of renewal and the promise of a God who is by your side through it all? May you anticipate and experience an April filled with good health, peace, and hope!