Spring is gaining ground on being my favorite season (the weather is fickle enough that I can still wear flannel š). Last Wednesday gifted me a breezy beautiful two hours of “being” outdoors. Memories were whipping faster than the wind. Years at the ballpark hold countless fond memories-watching my dad play, us kids playing cup ball, moms staking spots in the stands, my games, and then, packing my kids to watch their dad. Later, for multiple years, attending my own sonsā games and our local Baby Birdās farm team (Go, Cards!). Suddenly, the wind dashed and delivered dirt in my eyes faster than a blink -just like on the field. Happy tears washed them. My focus was suddenly clear. I had rounded 2nd.
Iām on 3rd base now. Iāll hang out here a bit as I’m monitored. The eight weeks between the second and third treatments were extended to twenty weeks due to low platelets/cell counts. Oddly, the 8th week was my worst. Your cheers in the stadium are music to my ears. Your signs of support, although I canāt always read them, are clear in my mind. My amazing Creator Coach has assembled a World Series team. The Coach patiently pulls me out of the game for hugs and new plays. Numerous bunts and stolen bases have gotten me this far in this game. Some days Iād rather āsit the bench.ā
My sons, daughter-in-loves, and grandkids help keep my head in the game, Dad keeps me āshaking it off,ā Momma puts ice on injuries, and sisters carry the burden like a bat. MANY family members and friends would like to pinch hit or run. Almost a year ago I stepped up to the plate in this new game. Iām working hard to create a resemblance to the life I had before. Wisdom has taught me that things canāt always be as they were. Using peaceful perimeters (Iāve come to despise the buzzword, āboundary,ā so Iām personally replacing it with a more friendly-to-me term, lol) Iāll gain new strategies to make it to home base. Before cancer, each week held a day for writing, editing, reading, chores/bills, and nature. Then my popcorn bag spilled. Things arenāt the same. They CANāT be the same. Iāll find new strategies to still do what I love and enjoy. Although I had grown accustomed to keeping my game semi-private, itās become more seen.
The Coach and I discussed this at great length before my single hit. āDo you want to bring awareness so that others might not suffer?ā HE asked. My neck hurts from the nods. Iāve followed every sign HEāS given at 3rd. Itās hard. Easy would be crossing home base early, changing out of uniform, and comfortably taking a seat in the stands. But what if another player is hurting? Or someone in the crowd has unexplainable symptoms?
Letās huddle.
No matter the remaining innings, Iāve won. Iāll keep the dirt out of my eyes, stay focused on the game, and, with good form, I might even slide into home plate.
How is your game? How can I support you? How can I relay information to the Coach for you? Feel free to email me @ finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. Please know I might have some rainouts and delayed replies. Iām on YOUR TEAM just as youāre on mine. GO, TEAM!
“Shake it off!”
DadāNever allow the circumstances of your life to become an excuse. People will allow you to do it. But we have a personal obligation to make the most of the abilities we have.ā
Jim Abbott
āBaseball is like church. Many attend, few understand.ā -Leo Durocher
Leo Durocher
āIām not concerned with your liking or disliking meā¦all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.ā
Jackie Robinson
āYou may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat.ā -Roger Kahn
Roger Kahn
āNever let the fear of striking out get in your way.ā
Babe Ruth
āLove is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.ā
Yogi Berra
āYou play ball like a GIRL!ā
Ham Porter (Sandlot)
āThereās no crying in baseball!ā-Jimmy Dugan (yes, Jimmy, sometimes there is š)
Jimmy Dugan
āYou give me a uniform, you give me a number on my back, Iāll give you the guts.ā
Jackie Robinson
Have faith š
Have you heard of N.E.T., yet? š¦
In layman’s terms, three out of four of these special radiation treatments (P.R.R.T.) are complete. Number four will be my last. This is not an easy cancer to explain; nor is the treatment. A special PET scan identifies receptors on tumors that must be present to receive this treatment. Tumors have different “grades”. The tumor biopsied in May ’22 was grade one. However, due to the sizes and numbers of tumors, it was explained that I have many different grades. Some tumors did not show receptors for this treatment. My oncologist specifically told us, “This isn’t a Grand Slam!” That’s fine! I can round the bases again as long as the tumors keep responding and the tumor burdens stay low.
Last week held fear. Although things turned out fine, there was pain. There are unknowns. The process of my treatment last Thursday went smoothly thanks to a dream team-a kind friend, a loving nurse, an amazing doctor and tech, and NO blown veins (first time!). My mom and twin stayed for two days. Yesterday I felt well enough to sit at my computer; but due to little sleep and struggles, I stopped. I’m listening. Sleep seems to be non-existent due to treatments. I’ll seek ways to improve this. Last night for two hours in the evening I had waves of pain. They’re familiar to me; pancreatic waves are what I call them. The pain moves around my abdomen and my bones. Some pain, I must feel. I tripped on my front step and my fingers bled and bruised (yep, I’m a clutz). I’m pretty sure I have a staph infection in my left nostril. Here I go again. It’s all in the blood! Amazingly, I keep moving. I’m wise. I know when to call my doctor! My body has adjusted to life with lower counts and energy. I’m finding true strength and joy in the Lord. Last weekend I met a couple of local hosts of a morning show that lifts my spirits each day. They’ve asked me to join them, along with the illustrator of my children’s book, to speak of my journey. I’m scared. My sister and a dear friend shared that I need to think of this as teaching. I’m still teaching; just to a bigger audience. If this helps ONE, then I feel I’m following the most recent play given to me by my Coach.
This morning I read the following from Rick Warren: “You and I have a variety of great abilities. For some of us, it’s the ability to do the math, fix computers, or sew. We all have abilities, even if, at times, we need others to point them out to us. But do you know what your greatest ability is? Responsibility. Responsibility is your ability to respond to life. It’s what makes you human and it’s a gift from God. Much of your life hasn’t been in your control. You didn’t choose where you were born. You didn’t choose who your parents would be. You didn’t choose how your parents would raise you. You didn’t choose the unique gifts or talents you brought into the world. Responsibility is how you handle everything else. God has given you the freedom to respond to what comes your way. How you respond to what life throws at you impacts life more than any other factor. In many ways, life is a test of how we handle responsibility. We spend only a fraction of our lives on this side of eternity. God doesn’t care about our achievements while we’re here on this earth. He cares about our character. Our lives are mere warm-up acts for what’s to come. God is testing your responsibility for what’s going to happen later on. God put you on this earth for primarily two reasons: to know him personally and to develop character. Many in our world live by the motto: “I’m not responsible for anything. It’s not my fault.” (boy, I admit I’ve screwed up at times). Responsible people make the most of the life they’ve been given.”
“Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do.”
Ephesians 5:15
Each day I can base my truth on three things-what I say, what the world says, and what God says. I’ll base it on the third. HE GETS US. HE KNOWS. Now that’s a GRAND SLAM!
You are loved. No matter what! š
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I love your analogy. Sending healing prayers and youāre always in my thoughts.
Lisa, thank you, dear friend. We must catch up. I want to know how you and Todd are doing. I appreciate you and your prayers so much. Much love.
I was wondering about you today. Itās been a while and like most moms, when I donāt hear – I worry. Itās o vinous that youāre still in the game and ready to score a home run. Keep the faith. God has this.
I emailed you, Mama K. Iāll keep the faith just as you and Paul! Sending love! I must admit, I had some hours of worry but they left quicker than I thought. Yay for faith!ā¤ļø
Cheering you on, Karla! ā¤ļøš
Thank you so much, Kelley! I hear and see you! Iām cheering for you too, my friend! ššš»
Thank you! š
Itās my blessing! ā¤ļøš¤
Put me in, coach… ā¤ļøš¾
Youāre in already! And oh how Finn and I love being on the team with you 3!š ā¾ļø š¾
I play centerfield and bat clean up.
Perfect! I loved left field when not pitching šš„°
Swing for the upper deck! Knock the Clock out, Karla! Stop time in its tracks if only for a moment! I love your baseball metaphor. It is so fitting for where you are in your journey. I smile when I see your post come up, knowing your are still hanging in there, whether at the plate or on the bench!
Keep up the good work. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Dwight
Dwight, thank you so much! I was just thinking of Roy Hobbs in The Natural (well, Robert Redford, lol). I appreciate you and your wife praying for me and cheering me on through this! You should see me smile when Iām able to write and know I can let all of you know Iām here! Iāll keep it up and the faith!
You are welcome, That was a great movie! I am glad you caught that! Keep your story coming!
I sure will, Dwight! It really is a great movie! I may watch that this evening!
Very inspiring for sure! Enjoy.
This prayer from someone else’s website seemed like it was a good one for you today, dear Karla: “Lord, help me to hear you saying, “I am your hope” over all the other voices. Lord, your word says, you are the hope for hopeless so I’m running to you with both hands stretched out and grabbing on to you. Fill me up with hope and give me a tangible reminder today that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline (Hebrews 6:19-20). God, you know those things in my heart that I barely dare to hope for, today I give them to you, I trust them to you, and ask that you hear my prayer, because I know that you can do more than I could ever guess, imagine or request in wildest dreams (Eph 3:20). God, you are my hope and I trust you. Amen.” Shalom, friend. Jane
What a beautiful and timely prayer, Jane. Thatās so precious of you to share. Today, when searching pictures, I found a print of a gal running into Jesusās arms. Iām very visual. I open my door each day to him. When I was running every day, I ran to him (and still do). He hikes and walks with me. Sometimes I just sit in his lap and cry on his shoulder. What a Father I serve! He really is my hope! How are you, friend? Much peace, dear Jane. š
Thank you Karla. This piat hit a home run in my ballpark.. And I love the quotes, especially, “baseball is pretty good too!” I can’t offer any great advice, you know the coach better than me right now. God bless.
Thank you, Pete! How kind! God bless you, too!
Sorry for the typo. That was supposed to say I loved the POST. My fat fingers on the keyboard easily stray off course!
I knew!! Lol
Karla, you sound so āup for anythingā I actually think you could run around those bases yourself! And yes, we’d all be cheering.
Your family and friends have given you tremendous support, and those of us in the bleachers are trying to do the same.
Youāve come through so much, and not all of it pretty, but you stuck with it and survived. And somehow, always with a smile and concern for others. Amazing.
My prayers are with you dear friend that you come through this latest round of chemo having the last laugh and giving us all the š¤. Third base and almost there kiddo. What a glorious day that will be. You so deserve it.
Give sweet Miss Finley warm hugs and kisses from me, and perhaps an extra treat. Sheās the best medicine you have!
This may be quite a ride so hang on tight. The gold ring is waiting for you at the endā¦.or maybe thatās a baseball bat. I should get my eyes examined!
All my good wishes and friendship Karla. Ginger
Sent from my iPad
>
Ginger, you always lift me! Finn IS the best medicine (2nd to kids/grandkids, lol). She told me to give you hugs and kisses! Theyāre sloppy, stinky, but full of love! Iām so happy to know youāre in the stands and I hear your cheers. Always! Itās quite a ride and Iām running slower, but Iām still running. Iām happy youāre here. Iām happy weāre on the same team my friend. Love and hugs šā¾ļøā£ļø
I’m here to hit for ya!! Keep up the faith and strength! Sending hugs, prayers, and LOTS of home runs <3
M.B.! Youāre always here my friend! I know youāll step up to the plate if you could. Itās so precious to me. Thank you thank you. I appreciate your love, support, and prayers! ā¤ļøš
Oh, Karla dear, I join the very many in being tenderly humbled by your tenacity and sense of responsibility. You are a true inspiration and I hear your voice at the times I need a friendly nudge to get me on with it and to do the best I can. your giftedness is such a gift to all of us. Continued daily prayers for your healing and welfare. He has you in the hollow of His Hand and there is nothing that can take you out of the game being played above. Love you, dear heart.
Mary, what a precious response. Itās humbling to me to know Iām an inspiration. Itās truly the prayers and a higher power! I believe! Your prayers and love are cherished. Love, Karla
Karla, I love the baseball analogy! You have stayed in the game even though it isnāt easy. I was so happy see your post and update, my friend. You are an encouragement and radiate the love of Jesus. I love you and you are always in our prayers ā„ļøšš»š„°š¶ā„ļøšš»
I love you, Pam! I see you and Butch in the stands and itās such an encouragement (I see some cute girls, too). It warms my heart ā¤ļø thank you for your kind words and never waiving support. Youāre a blessing! š¶ā£ļøā¤ļøšš„°šš»āļø
Yes, we are cheering you on ā„ļøšš»š¤š„°šā„ļø
This made me smile! “Swing away” comes to mind – I’m hoping you knock it out of the park or at least get a couple good base hits! As always I’m praying and the prayer warriors are on it – full time even!!
Aww, Valā¦swing away! I āseeā you and your gathering of prayer warrior friends and thatās the best āhuddleā I can imagine! Much love and hugs! ā¾ļøā¤ļøšāļøāļøāļø
Karla! You are just such an incredible writer, and I love to read your HONEST, heart-wrenching, wise and faith-filled blog posts. I really liked this: “Then my popcorn bag spilled. Things arenāt the same. They CANāT be the same. Iāll find new strategies to still do what I love and enjoy. Although I had grown accustomed to keeping my game semi-private, itās become more seen.”
Did I ever tell you that one of your beautiful comments sits on my desk? It inspires me on a daily basis! (One day I’ll send you a snapshot of it!)
You just amaze me in every way! š¤š¤
Stacy, your words hit straight to the soul. Do you know how you inspire me? Your loss, the way you live and love,ā¦the wisdom. For you to say this to me is overwhelming and heartwarming! Thank you for the specific feedback and sharing the words in which you relate! To know you have a comment on your desk is affirmation that God does uses words and actions to help one another. When I read this last night before my ātechā downtime, it gave me happy tears. May our faith continue to keep us strong and when we canāt feel strong , at least bring us hope. It truly binds us. Much love, Stacy. ā¤ļøāļøāļøšš»
I am saving you a seat in the stands right next to me!
Yay! Can we order nachos when this is over?
I’ll never forget that moment in my heart when I saw what God had given me. I had tested all your bases on the field, working, being a partner, sharing love with those around me, and so much more…but I suddenly could see something I never expected to. God had shown me by all those responsibilities that He loved me so much…by allowing me to finally appreciate who I am, and find His love within myself…by going through all those things. How can we not appreciate something so beautiful after enduring so much…so that we can appreciate a home run that wins us the game. And that home plate of understanding has a message on it from God as we finally go past it…and it says…’I love you…and cheered you on always’. I’m cheering here too dear lady, along with all those many other loving souls around you as well. You go girl, I can hear the cheers from here šā¤ļøš
Mark, Iāve ācountedā on you for quite some time now~even from a long distance. Youāve certainly had your share of innings too. It gives us great perspective of the game doesnāt it? And canāt we hear the Coach even better? Youāve found the secret to the home run~true love! I always feel your love and prayers! All of us hear this voice cheering very far from the Down Under (so many different kinds of waves lol). Sending tons of hugs and prayers wise friend! ššš»
You have coached so many kind lady, and as love does, it is returned in kind in all those home runs you have made. And yes, you only ever give out what you are, and that is why so many are cheering with that power of love in return. You have coached so many with that love to help build all those hearts, unconditionally. So big hugs returned Karla, to you and Fin, lots of healing love being waved down here, as over there. And most certainly up there too kind lady šā¤ļøš
Thank you, Mark. So so much. Iāve been blessed to have so many in my life!ššš»šŖš»š¶ā¾ļø
I can envision you standing on third base, savoring your triple, Karla. Gathering your wits and wisdom from the game so far, then stepping off the bag for a safe and secure lead. Hearing the coachās voice in your ear with wise words. And then comes the right time to score that run!
You gotta believe.
ā Tug McGraw
Mark, your response captured the essence of my game! Yes! Great quote, dear friend. Your support means so much.
Or if you are ready to play ball any time. Let’s get this game going! hugs dear heart, Eddie
Thank you, Eddie! Youāre always cheering me on! Big hugs to you!
Great post, as usual. It is great to have you back in the line-up of weekly reads. I very much appreciate your ability to make use of metaphors to illustrate and clarify. Certainly your daily budget and this ball-playing are long-ball hits in the game of metaphors!
āLive life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do.ā – Ephesians 5:15
This passage is a great choice for the closer. Responsibility makes sense only in light of our calling into the meaning and purpose of life, which is Christ Himself living His life in us and through us. Our responsibilities revolve around our union with Him and the Father by way of the Spirit, our love for Him above all other loves, and living in continual, conscious, conversational communion with Him as those surrendered to Him as living sacrifices. If these are our primary concerns, the rest seems to fall into the places He has for us and all things.
Your strength amazes many. It is the strength of the Lord in you. May our God bless you richly on this day of your journey, Karla.
From Portland, OR.
Tim, your words, āour love for Him above all other loves, and living in continual, conscious, conversational communion with Him as those surrendered to Him as living sacrificesā hit straight to the heart. Communion. Thatās exactly my spiritual goal. Your choice of the word, closer, made me smile. Iām finding strength in the Lord. I can say, without any doubt, thatās the ONLY source! Some might say cancer is horrible. Yes, it is. I see worse suffering, Tim. Itās everywhere. To me, cancer was a gift. What?!? A gift? For the first time in SO many years I finally knew why I felt the way I did. Jesus revealed it JUST at the time I was ready to truly make my āgameā the strongest. Some might see that my innings were tough. But there was so much learning, loving, and growing! I may be on 3rd base in regards to treatments. Iām actually leaning towards home base ~one leg forward ready to go. I want to finish strong so others can see to whom makes it so! Please be safe in all your traveling, presenting, teaching, leading,ā¦Finn and I are giving high paw fives to Jackson and you! Blessings my friend!
I am in the stands cheering for you little sister š
Praying for you.
I feel prayers, big brother, and hear the cheers! Thank you so much! ššš»
I think you are at the top of your game! I am cheering from the bleachers!
Thank you, Pam! I see and hear you! It means so much to me!
There are treasurable words (and attitudes) here from you and Rick, dear friend. Oh, and, as always, “Go, Team Karla!”
Mitch, your encouragement and feedback means so much! Thank you for being such a support and encouragement to me! Yay!
As a cricket-loving Englishman I love the baseball analogy. Whatever the sport life is a team game – and there are always spectators. Appreciating those who are there supporting alongside you, looking out for those team members who need my support, and valuing those cheering me on from the stands are always what keep me going… And working with the greatest life-coach of all – who knows my personal strengths and weaknesses, and who is my mentor, inspiration and friend gives me all I need.
How beautiful, Malcolm. Lately, Iāve been so inspired by the English way of life. Youāre the 2nd friend to mention cricket. Iām inspired to learn more of the game. Clearly you and Coach have an amazing bond too! Yay for us! He truly is all Iāve ever needed. He gets us. From England to Missouri we share the same Coach! Thank you for being part of my team as Iām on yours, Malcolm! Letās keep going!
I love moving from Coach, to Shepherd, to teacher, to navigator, to hero…. I usually finish with good, good heavenly Father
Thatās perfect! Yes!
Karla, I just spent the last hour catching up with you and I must say I feel more inspired today to grasp life with tenacity and purpose and most of all joy in the moment – than I have in quite some time. Though my challenges are much different than what you are facing, you have given me much courage – and a gentle but firm kick in the behind – to appreciate what I have, who I am, and who I can be. You are blessed to have such a supportive family and circle of friends. I think that may be my biggest “struggle” as I so often feel very much on my own – not alone – but definitely a team of one.
May God continue to be your guiding light and constant provider of all that you need. You are in my prayers dear friend. Though we have yet to meet, I feel like we’ve known each other for a long time.
Erika, Iāve read your comment several times. You humble me. I understand and Iām here. I feel like weāve known each other a long time, too. I need to get to your place. I always remember the challenges others are facing. Cancer is just what it is. Suffering is suffering no matter the name we give it. Honestly, there have been things in my life, and pain in recent years, that were WORSE than this. Thatās where my strength was born. Ericka, it was born from loneliness, even in partnerships, confusion in pain, misunderstandings in miscommunication, fighting to keep a career that was challenging, separation from my ākidsā in their honorable choices and paths that took them far, ā¦.itās so much. And now, a diagnosis is the simplest. It might sound crazy. But it made me ānot crazyā as I KNEW something was wrong. I wasnāt ready to know before. God had to prepare me. HE was the reason I had a foundation. NOT man. And now, I rest and can heal in HIS peace and comfort. I shouldnāt even be here! But I am! I know Iām just one person, but my team is so kind, anyone reading this, can add you to THEIR teams. Here, in this space, is a family and group that can embrace you and encourage you. If you ever need to vent please email me at finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. Iām here. Iām praying for you. Much love and hugs, Karla šāļøš
Karla, I’m never been a sports person but your use of baseball as the metaphor struck a home runāāit’s perfect! The LORD bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you when the Coach signals it’s time to run to home base.
Manette, thank you! Iām so glad you enjoyed it despite not being a sports person! I was hoping that would be the case with some! May the Lord bless and keep you and yours on your journey too, my friend.
I know cancer has robbed you of many things, but your compassion, intelligence and creativity aren’t among them. This is a fantastic analogy! I love how you used baseball to illustrate how your life has changed, how you are living the best life you can, how much your support system means and mostly, how much your rely on your ultimate “coach.” Seriously, well done! You are amazing!
Ann, your affirmations and feedback mean so much to me. How kind to write these beautiful compliments. My heart just melts. Itās truly Christ keeping me āwise and level-headedā! Isnāt our Coach amazing? There have been times I needed a bat over the head, lol. But Iām now in a stage of the game I hear his āwhispersā even while the stadium is loud! Sending you love, Ann. Thank you so much! š
love the resilience and the bounce in this post; the baseball metaphor fits well; we’re cheering you from the stadium; go, Karla !
Hi, John! Itās a great feeling knowing youāre on my team! Iām on yours, John. I talk to the Coach daily on your behalf! You were placed in a similar āgameā and Iām cheering for you as you do for me!
š thank you so much,Karla š
Itās my blessing! āŗļø
I would happily be on your baseball team. You might have to explain the rules. Cricket is a bit different. But itās basically hitting a ball with a stick and runningā¦.
Sending you so many hugs my friend. Whisper it, you would be my favourite player in the team ā¤ļø
Aww, Gary, thatās so kind! Do you know how you inspire me?? You should know! I need to know more of Cricket. I dream of the area in which you live. I love that we have this ābond across the pond ā (I just made that up). I feel the hugs and Iām group hugging you and Hawklad! Many hugs sweet friend. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
Always so encouraging to read your posts. I come here to encourage you but always feel like I am the one leaving with the blessing!
I will keep cheering you on from the stands! I hurt to know how you are hurting. Its so tough running the bases, you have been put in a game that you didn’t even want to play. But girl, you are doing it and I know your coach is so proud! Love and hugs precious friend! ā¤ššš
Joy, that touches my heart š you are an encouragement and prayer warrior! It blesses me more that you are blessed! Your response hit deep (put in a game I didnāt want to play). I see and hear you in the stands. Thank you for being on my team! Love and hugs sweet friend. šš
Soo glad you were touched! The feeling is mutual. Your post touched me deeply for I know about being in a game I never wanted to play. That analogy came to me years ago when my dear child was diagnosed with anorexia.
Life is hard when we get curveballs thrown at us, but God is always by our side. Love you dear friend! ššā¤ā¤
Oh, Joy,ā¦can you feel my hugs and love? I hope so. I have love and respect for you. God bless you! ššš
Thank you!! I feel them like a warm blanket. š„°ā¤
Oh, wonderful! I was hoping! ā¤ļøš„°
šššš
You knocked this one out of the park Karla! Love you my friend. Hugs, C
Aww, C! I love you! Thank you for being in the dugout with me! You keep me laughing and going! šš„
I love all the baseball quotes! What a powerful post, and I’m on your home team!!
Jennie, thank you so much! Iām so happy youāre on my team! ā¤ļø
You bet I am! š
I’m okay, Karla; I hope your count goes up; I’ll put you in my prayers tonight; I have a good feeling you’ll be okay š
Me too, John! šš»š
Good morning, Karla, I love this message and your amazing spirit. I am so thankful God allowed our paths to virtually cross. It feels like we are connected to one another living next day. Thank you, sister for giving us, fellow bloggers, so much with your authentic display of love and affection for God and for us as an encourager on difficult journeys. We salute you with love and support. Enjoy your day in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Happy May, dear Tangie. I appreciate your kind words so much. Thank you. Youāve been such an essential team player to me, Tangie. Our pain, the promise, and our Father, all brought us together. And the bond will remain. Undoubtedly we will pray each other through as we keep on! Iām so glad to know you feel the love I have for God and my goal is to continue sharing that and loving others as he did. I only have hope and feel healing because of him. Your words and sisterhood lift me up! Blessings dear friend! Know I support you the same way! š
This analogy of life and baseball is filled with honest, relatable thoughts. Karla, I see you as the “designated hitter.” You keep stepping into the batter’s box and fearlessly swing away. Blessings to you, and always know God loves you so much.
Richard, I appreciate your thoughtful and ārichā response! How kind and encouraging! I do know and feel Godās love and it means so much you remind me! I donāt know where Iād be otherwise. Itās the only real love (other than family) I know to be true! Blessings to you and yours! Stay safe and blessed!
Play ball !!! You’ve got this. And you’re definitely on the right team. š
Thank you, Linda! šš
Dear Sweet Karla! I do not know why your posts have not been showing up in my Reader, but I am soooooo sad I have missed reading several of your recent posts. When you were not āshowing upā in my feed I assumed you were working on matters of greater importance with little time to write. My goodness that is true, yet you still manage to share with all of us when you are able. I adore the smiles shown on the adoring fans in the stadium, along with those at bat. I can just imagine how broad yours is as you gaze upon theirs. Hang in there dear friend, weāre all prepared to head into as many extra-innings as you need to win this game!!! š
Oh, Dawnā¦how kind and sweet! This whole WP Reader thing gets me sometimes. The āgremlinsā have their days!
I always SEE you in the stands and coming out to help me bat! No doubt youāll be there in extra innings. Thank you for taking time out of your precious and busy life to read my posts. It means so much to me! Stay safe and blessed, dear friend. ā¤ļø
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