I had written about the heaviness before I left, but I did not know how literally I would feel it in my body, my schedule, and my spirit. Maybe that is why the lift felt so noticeable when it finally came. Even after a two-and-a-half-hour ground stop at the airport, and the reality that I was going to miss my connecting flight, I felt mercy in rising above the clouds.
It was a late call to the family that evening. Many of us were waiting for hotel shuttles, and Asher and Ainsley were sweet about Grammy K traveling through another time zone before reuniting. When I landed in Fairbanks, the crisp air and the joy of seeing them made me completely weightless. My soul lifted even more while berry picking, panning for gold, singing, playing, and reading books! Each moment was a treasure! Asher began 1st grade, while their dad continued his responsibilities on the base. Meanwhile, my youngest son and his family landed in Seattle to visit her family. They are enjoying a coastal town, and my middle granddaughter will begin 1st grade when she returns home. This terrific trio of Grammy K’s and their parents will “gain” weight as they age, but their love for life and their wonder will keep them light!
Now I am home carrying new mercies: Dad’s new aortic heart valve and my last PRRT IV Radiation treatment this week. I came back with breath in me and the ache of leaving Alaska sooner than I wanted. BUT…I’ll hug them all again and find my way to K.C. to love on the others, too. How can I not have joy, even in fatigue and facing what we all do…everyday life? I’ll NEVER take ONE day for granted. From heavy to heavenly. It’s all…beautiful.
The weight is real, but so is the lifting. God will meet you in both! Do you know how loved you are?
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You left just in time, if you don’t like cold weather. But what a nice place to visit family (in the summer). You truly lucked out, in my opinion. So how much gold did you find while panning? Is it enough to buy a fancy sports car?
I love the photos. Fairbanks looks kind of flat, but very green.
Hi Tippy! It’s good to “see” you my friend. Last year when I was there it was beginning the perfect time to see the aurora borealis. Honestly, I prefer the cold weather over the hot! My daughter-in-law is amazing. She was there this past winter alone while my son was in Japan. It was their coldest winter on record, I believe.
I have 9 TINY flecks of gold in a tiny container. Learning to pan was fun. I was nervous about the dunking pan part thinking I was losing any gold. But it stays at the top of the pan due to it’s heaviness. We were guaranteed gold in our bag for a certain price. But this place allowed us to dig and pan all we want–neat history, too. My son and his family have been there for going on 6 years total (4 when the kids were born, 2, almost 3? after my diagnosis, then back to Fairbanks). They’ve saved their gold they’ve “dug” and have enough to put in a cute necklace. We all giggled about how much gold we have. When I called the place I told them I was in town to “strike it rich!” Truly, I’m rich…just not in anything material! C will get this–I immediately thought of the LIttle House episode when Charles and Edwards take their families on a quest for gold!
I’m happy you enjoyed the photos. They’re not my best–but what great memories. Yes, Fairbanks is in the Tanana Valley. It sits in a flat low-lying plain. You can imagine how cold it gets in that valley. You don’t have to travel far, though, to see beautiful landscapes. From the base you can see the mountains. We drove a bit North out of Faribanks (route 2) which leads to the start of the Dalton Highway. Elevation starts climbing (by the pipeline too). It takes about 5 hours on the Dalton to get to the Artic Circle (to get your certificate and stand at the sign :-)…but I’ve never done it in the 4-5 times I’ve been there. Lots of cruise visitors in Fairbanks. They have a great Visitor’s Center.
If my health holds, my goal is to get to Southern Alaska and meet the kids there one year. THey have an entire route planned as they’ve taken their RV to many places.
I love the feel of Alaska and the west, in general. Alaska truly feels like its own “country” in ways I can’t explain. I think they’ll be there another two years at least!
I hope you and yours are doing well, my friend! I was sad to see all the smoke out west…the devastation. Denver was shocking. Just sad!
I think you should take your nine tiny flecks of gold to the car dealer and see what kind of wheels they’ll give you, for it.
If you prefer cold to hot, Alaska would be the perfect place for you to move.
I’ve never been to the Arctic Circle either, and I once lived in Iceland. I was stationed there, and I could have taken a flight they offered servicemen, that takes you up to the circle and back, but I was never interested. I guess I’m kind of a square when it comes to circles.
That sounds like that would be a fun RV trip. It’s a worthy goal for keeping yourself healthy.
We are doing okay for a couple of old fogies. No smoke out here, either. I put up a “No Smoking” sign in the front yard, and I think it’s working.
Tippy! What a great idea on the car dealer! I’m sure all that gold would’ve covered the catalytic converter replacement and issues I had a month or so ago tee hee.
Iceland! 🇮🇸 I’ve always wanted to go. Thank you for your service, Tippy. You being a square not liking circles~ you’re a silly goose 🪿!
So glad you old fogies put out the No Smoking sign! 🥰
Be aware of moose at all times! Wise words….
YES! Especially Meese in a pack! When I walked Asher after Ainsley was born, I stopped in our tracks when I saw a moose…straight ahead of us. Scary! This was the first trip I didn’t see one. So I took a pic of my tiny moose at the airport and sent it to them to say, “I saw my first moose.” I’m such a silly goose …or moose.
I saw one last year out at the Refuge. I couldn’t believe it. My eyes kept trying to turn it into an elk, but as it wasn’t an elk? That wasn’t happening.
Beautiful photos and reflections! ♥️
Thank you so much, Amy!💕🙏🏻
Welcome home, Karla. Am glad you didn’t strike it rich. Gold fever is a fatal disease! What a gift to have been with your family there and do all of what you did with them. Hallelujah! Perhaps the central/southeast Alaska adventure is coming together over the winter. Now that would be a grand adventure!
Our God lifts us up when we are focused upon Him. Most people want to stay focused on self and their situations and miss the opportunity for the Lord to intervene and elevate us into Himself. He would help if we would let go and trust Him. But you have figured that out. How great He is to those who trust Him!
Will remember you in your adventure tomorrow. Will continue praising and thanking our God for you, for all He is doing in you and your family, and for how He is revealing Himself every day in our lives.
Blessings from NW MN and from the Dog Who Rules, Rascal, and me!
Tim
Tim and Rascal! Hello, dear friends! I did come back with hay fever–definitely not gold fever. Whew! I’m glad for that! Tee hee.
I’m planning on the Alaskan adventure, Tim–and I just wrangled Kim by phone and she said she and Steve are definitely interested, too!
Speaking of plans…
God’s plans are always the greatest aren’t they? I’ve learned that Christ and change are the only two consistents in my life. I love it!
Your 2nd paragraph had my heart, head, and soul nodding. When I take my gaze off of him and start to lose focus, I blindly fall into fear and other traps this world wants us to stay in. Pastor Larry called me before I could get here to pray with me. We spoke of just this very thing, Tim. I see all Christ has done in my life, my Dad’s, the family…how can I focus on me when HE is doing it all? But I still fail and I’ll keep remembering to BEHOLD HIM!
Thank you for praying for tomorrow! It will be interesting to see if I’m “boosted” enough to even have it–but I will show up bright and early ready to “glow” again.
I praise and thank God for you, your journey, and our heavenly hike home together in this adventurous world! My family feels the same way! Our God is so good!
Finn and I send our Christ’s love and blessings always (she’s sleeping beside me but she’d be upset if I didn’t do it and I know how she feels about you and Rascal!)!!
New mercies ❤️ Sending love and peace.
Amen. I feel the love and send it to you too, sweet friend. 💕🙏🏻🫶🏻
Such a beautiful reflection. I love how you showed that shift from heaviness to the kind of joy that lifts you right off the ground.
Aww, Kymber…thank you so much! Blessings and hugs!! 💕💕🙏🏻🥰
“NEVER take ONE day for granted. From heavy to heavenly. It’s all…beautiful.” If I remember this every day, it won’t be too often, Karla❣
I understand, dear friend. I appreicate you, Mitch! God bless you! 💕🙏🏻
YES! I agree!
Joy instead of fatigue! Love it. Thanks for the wise words and beautiful shots. So much to be grateful for! 😎😎😎
Thank you, Brian! YES! This pairs perfectly with your post of HOPE!!! 🥰🙏🏻
To show you how far I’m out of it …. I thought it paired nicely with my hope piece too but I wasn’t even sure if I had posted it yet. Oh brother! 🤭🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️😎😎
So wonderful to hear you flying weightless and joyful no matter how heavy things can be Karla! I. Elated you had a great time! Blessings and love and hugs to you and your beautiful family and special healing and prayers to you and your dad! ❤️🙏❤️
Sweet Cindy, it’s so good to see you. I enjoyed the pics of your precious family. I have to share I loved the Sheep Detectives too! Your grands are precious!
Thank you for your loving and thoughtful support, big sis! My family and I appreciate the prayers so much! Sending love and prayers for you, too! ♥️🙏♥️
yes, I have my families over for a few weeks; so joyful seeing them, spending time together , just being in their presence: the weight lifts; glad you’re feeling it too, Karla 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that, John! Yay! 😀
we’re so lucky having families; my para mate doesn’t: he’s often moody and snappy —
Even if you didn’t find one speck of gold, you struck gold when you landed safely in Alaska and held your family in your arms!
I’m so happy you had a good time….not enough time I know! Your photos are wonderful. They hold so many precious memories for you.
Keep looking forward Karla. Only look back to reassure yourself of how much you’ve accomplished.
I bet that little fur ball was ecstatic to see mommy back home! Glad you got home safe and sound.
Love, Ginger🦋 🦓🙏🏻❤️💜💙
Finn and I love you, Ginger! Thank you precious friend. I feel like I’ve struck gold already!
With God, family, friends like you…the miracles I’ve experienced. Yes, I’ll look back with smiles and gratitude ~ and keep moving forward ~
Finn was very excited! And a bit naughty in testing the “waters” to make sure I knew SHE knew I left her lol 😂. She’s so darn cute and silly.
Please take care sweet Ginger! God bless you!💕🙏🐾🥰♥️🦓
Stay strong and thank God for every blessing!
Amen, sweet friend! Thank you!💕🙏
I am so glad you had a rewarding trip to see your family. Alaska must be wonderful in the summertime. Your photos were great to see! You are amazing, Karla!
Thank you, Dwight! You’re so kind and supportive! I thought of your amazing trip and photos. It’s such a blessing and reward to share memories with our loved ones and friends!
I’m grateful for you!🙏
You are very welcome, my friend! Soak it up while you can!! :>)
Such wonderful photos my Dear Sister…. And a beautiful message and reminder. God meets us in both the heavy and Heavenly moments. Amen 🙏 Unfrotunately, we tend to focus and dwell more on the heavy ones than the Heavenly ones.
Praying His Strength and Peace continue to carry you through this week and the next…
You Are Dearly Loved my Dear Friend. 🙏
Thank you, brother! I appreciate your words and wisdom. You’re such a light in this world, Willie.
Each day is such a gift and I’ll take it all~ the heavy and the heavenly. I’ll focus on faith and how all of these situations grow me closer to God. I feel blessed, my friend. Truly.
You’re a blessing to me and SO many, brother. You and yours are loved! 💕🙏♥️
Love all your photos of your trip! You have a beautiful family! 🥰
Thank you, precious friend. While I was there we spoke of the fires witnessed by air~ my DIL’s grew up in the West. I told them your story and all about you and your family. So precious and inspiring! ♥️💕🙏♥️
“From heavy to heavenly. It’s all beautiful!”
Girl, you nailed it with those words, and the reminder to never take one day for granted!
You are so loved!!
I am reminded of my dream again. I’m hugging you with my prayers! 💛🙏🙏
Love the photos. Ainsley’s face in that one photo is so fun. The one where she is looking shocked 😃
I am so thankful you could make memories with your loved ones ❤️
The RV trip I know you would LOVE! 🥰
Never give up, Hope! With God, anything is possible! Love and lots of hugs 🤗 🤗🤗🤗
Amen, sweet C! You would get such a kick out of their personalities! So fun, quirky, cute, inquisitive, silly, serious, and their hearts are just as precious. Ainsley has grown up the fastest to me. Asher is such a young man. I felt like I was still living in my RV and going to meet them when they were both first born (in Alaska)!
I’ll not stop dreaming or having hope. I think of that dream daily. I was awake all night (I thought of you and my friend, Tim, thinking there’s a good chance you two might be awake). That dream…
I’m so happy that you had that time with your son~ learning and by video. I understand it all and dream of the day you’ll hug again in real time!
Sending lots of love and prayers in case I feel icky for a couple of days! Keep Tippy in line, too! It’s a hard job, but you and Brad are good at it! 😂♥️💕💕🐾❤️🙏🙏
Aww! I am sure I would! 😊
Yes, I probably was awake! 😃
🥰 Thanks, dear! I dream of it too. 🙂
Love and prayers back at ya, dear friend! 🙏 🩷🩷🩷🩷🙏🐂🐮🦄
Haha! Its a full time job! 🤪
Karla I’m tickled that you got to visit your family in Alaska!! I had to look up PRRT and it sounds like a great intervention! I’m hoping it works and shrinks all the tumors! As always the prayer warriors are on it. Mochi sends her love along with mine!!
Oh, Val! Thank you! Isn’t it just wonderful?
Today I’ll have my 6th one. It does so great on keeping me stable! My blood takes the hit~ which impacts …everything. I’m so thankful to at least have these. I’m praying for stability for a long time. I’ll keep getting monthly injections to slow hormones, the bone infusions (due to counts as moved that to October). I’m anemic anyway, so it all has to be done in steps. I’m hopeful each year something new will be developed to kick the cancer out!
You and the prayer warriors are powerful! What a great God we serve! Finn and I send our love and prayers to you and Mochi! 💕♥️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Looks like a great trip. So glad you got to go. Such a precious family. It seems they look like you when their faces do show up. You are blessed in the midst of the trials. Love you much sweet Karla. 🌹🤗😍💕
Thank you, Mama Wenda! I tear up thinking about it. It’s so precious as you know well!
The blessings seek brighter in the trials don’t they?
It’s not strange, but I’ve struggled these last 12 hours. I didn’t sleep at all. I’ve been up waiting to go to the treatment. I went to bed thinking I’d sleep so sound. My arms ached from typing (I’m being careful to type this on my phone before I leave in an hour). I had to take medicine I don’t typically take. I was praising God through music, watching interesting YouTube presenters, listening to my Resilience study….and even watched Young Washington. I share all this, Mama, because through it all I never felt alone or scared. This journey has taught me that no matter what, tired, hurt, energetic, or downright exhausted or non moving, I can whisper, “Thank you, Lord, for each breath.” Or “Lead me, Father.” It’s in the mundane that I find his strength. Not just getting on an airplane in hopes to hug my “kids”. It’s on sleepless nights, taking out trash, trying to walk my neighborhood. Oh, what a Savior we serve!
I pray you are doing the best possible. I hold you in my heart and prayers and love you! ♥️🙏♥️
He does not change and knows every tomorrow. He is always what we need. You are stronger than you think because He is there always with you. You have more than you think. I am learning to focus on Him more and more. The days do get harder, but that is when He is stronger and clearer. I have nothing – I have everything! That is my answer and yours. You are so precious to me and I ache for you! 🎶🕊️🦋🤗👍😘🌹Forever Yours!
💕💕🥰😭💕🫶🏻🙏🏻❤️🤗🤗
Oh Karla, the joys of it all…if a bit short a time there. But the grammy part was in full swing, pictures of everything you did, if a teeny bit tiring 🤣
And great to hear your dad has a new valve to adventure with. Just keep yoiur eye out for him sneaking out to mow the lawn. They can’t help themselves 😂 And your treatment time too young lady, I hope it is speaking to your heart as He does. And no, you can’t mow the lawn either 🤣🦓🍃🌿🌼
And no pic of a pan full of gold. Well, I suppose you get all that shiny gold in the grandkids and the love given all around you. But a sparkling or two in the pan would have been a bit of fun ‘out there’ 😀🌟🦓🦋
The warmth has just begun down here, even though it is still the last month of winter. From here on the top temps don’t go below 20C. Of course I did think about washing my car on the weekend so of course it poured rain here yestyerday in warning 🤣☔️
And I can hear the beach calling me too as I have been inside a little more this year 🏖 🏄♀️ . Even the dolphins came feeding out the front. I raced in and grabbed my camera but only got a couple of little glimpses. No crazy splashes chasing schoolls of fish. I’m determined to grab a good shot this year. Maybe I should ask my crew to bring them closer for a shot or two 😂🐬
Glad you had a good time. Big hugs coming over to you and Finn, and many prayers your treatment is singing many blessings Karla. Hang in there, take care, and lots of love from downunder 🤗🥰🤣🫶🏻🏖🌟🐾🐶🦓🎶🕊️🌊🏄♀️ 🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
Amen, Mark! The joy of it all!
Dad is doing well despite it all. I admire him so much. He has macular degeneration that can’t be treated (it’s a dry version vs wet so unfortunately, the injections don’t work on that). He’s an overcomer! Two cancers, a huge procedure, craniotomy from aneurysms, congestive heart failure…he’s my hero! Ultimately, God’s work! My mom is amazing, too! Side by side 62 years and counting…
It’s during these times our family looks back to see what all we’ve come through ~ how precious the memories!
And wayyyy across the blue is you! And your “crew”! I bet you’re ready for summer! And anytime you need rain you must absolutely wash your car! lol 😂
Seasons go so fast there’s no “wishing” for the next as I wake up and 3 months have passed? That’s how it seems?!
Finn and I feel your hugs and love and we send them back to you! I’ve had several friends vacationing at beaches. In between watching for jellyfish, gathering shells, and on the lookout for shark fins, I’ll have them send waterproof treats via courier dolphins 🐬!! Get the camera ready! It’s time for you to enjoy the beach, my friend!
💕😂🥰👏🏻🦓❤️🩹🐾 🐬 🏖️
Karla, your dad has been through so much. That is incredible. You’ve had a very great teacher kind lady, and definitely someone to look up to. A powerful journey to see, touch and feel that inner love my friend…and passed onto you. Both of you take a bow, much love and light to hearts who have touched this journey deeply ❤️🙏
62 years together as well. And I give those words to your mom too. That takes great courage to be on that path as well, even if given from her direction. She had her own path on it which makes it no less powerful or loving to share something so profound Karla. Very precious moments indeed ❤️🙏
And yes, these times are going so fast. But I am looking forward to a little warmth, wet sandy feet, and a good old fashioned ice cream. It’s been so long 🤣 Love and treats gratefully received from you both, tell Finn I’ll have a run on the beach and dig a few holes for her. Big, big hugs and take care 🤗🏖🌟🐾🐶🦓🌊🏄♀️ 🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
Karla, I rejoice with you that your visit to see your precious family was joy-filled! The weight of your burden is spiritually lifted by our Father. I am praying for you, your dad, and all of your family.
The photo captures are amazing and I love each one. I love you and you are always in my prayers sweet friend 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Karla, I am so glad you had such a wonderful time with your family! Your photos are great, as usual! My favorite is your granddaughter and the bear! So cute! Aren’t grandchildren precious!? I’m always thankful when you are bright and cheery, as you seem in this post! All glory to God for keeping you strong and built up so that you can encourage others! Henry and I send our love and prayers. (I pray for you every night.) You are a sweet and very dear friend! 🙏🐾💕
Cindy, it’s so wonderful to read your beautiful and uplifting response and encouragement! I’ve missed you!
Grandchildren are just precious indeed! And so fun! They are all growing (two started school again this week!) and Ainsley, with the bear, is at home with mom one more year! They each have their own amazing personalities. With such huge hearts and curious minds and souls. I love how kids think and feel. They say what they mean (and show it! LOL).
Since this post, I had my last PRRT treatment and a few days of feeling very icky. My sweet Dad has had some follow-up appts. Our family is walking new territory–new seasons. Each season will look different. It will carry different emotions. But the truth never changes. The tears turn to joy when you KNOW the Lord. The tough moments are still there, but HIS burden is light. He doesn’t deny suffering, but he loads grace! When He dwells IN US it’s his presence carrying us.
Cindy, it means that I let go of everything else and that’s not always easy. But if I don’t, I can’t handle the “earthly” load. It means no social media (which is easy for me), no news,…family only, what’s in “front” of me, …and that happens to be lots of appointments, calls, …although this cancer continues to change my calendar, I still don’t walk alone in it. I do give ALL glory to Him, Cindy. Just as you do, sweet sister!
Little Finley–she just goes along with it all. She’s happy when I’m by her side. I thank God for that precious little creature all the time, too. Please give Henry little belly rubs and kisses. I do pray that you are doing the best possible. I understand the busy moments in life–and I know what keeps us both “grounded”! Sending so much love and prayers to you two my sweet dear friend! Thank you for your patience and love during my absences! ❤️🙏🏻🐾
Karla, God has blessed you with a loving family. That means so much! And grandchildren are so special, aren’t they?
I miss my little grandson and daughter so much. He lives 800 miles away! He was 6 months yesterday. Times goes by too fast.
God gives us grace to meet the challenges we face. It’s so true. You have been a great inspiration to me and to others. Your grateful heart is a blessing to many. Thank you for being you! I pray the next weeks go well for you. Stay strong, woman of God! God bless you and Finley! Henry and I send our love and prayers! 💕🙏🐾
Hi Karla, I love this. Never take a single day or moment for granted. Every one is magical if we choose to see it that way. I love viewing this world from your perspective, full of grace and love. Hope you are doing well, moving through your procedures, and grateful for every day. Miss you my friend, much love and hugs, C
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, C! I’ve missed you, too, and hope you and your amazing and growing tribe are doing well!
I’m hanging in there and walking in faith. We’ve had several appointments, follow-ups, and I’m headed out this afternoon for another one prior to a routine outpatient procedure on Friday. I was told when diagnosed, this was a marathon. Isn’t life just that?
You’re in it for the “long haul”…or are we? One never knows what will be handed each day. It can take one diagnosis, or even celebration, to change the pace. But my destination does not.
I think about you and Larry riding tandem—and never knowing what adventure (or obstacle?) you’ll face! But through it all, you’re enjoying the scenery and loving others along the way!
Each time I type, “I hope to see you soon!”, I truly know that I don’t know when it will be….tomorrow I’ll visit your page? Or something will come up that God places in front of me that I must do? Or I wake up very ill? Or my parents need me? Or…you are not well,..one of your “kids” needs you. Something breaks. Someone is sick. A celebration is planned. Life is mystery just as our Creator. HIS ways are so much higher than mine and I truly smile at the mystery of it all. Worry does me no good, C.
Until then, know I love you and am so grateful we connected here! Sending tons of hugs and love! Stay blessed and safe big sis!
Love these pictures and your uplifting writing dear friend.
Thank you, precious Sadje. I appreciate you, my friend!
You’re most welcome Karla. Hugs and best wishes
Karla, you had a wonderful time with your family. Yahoo! Your pictures are terrific, love the little girl and the bear. Stay well and keep your attitude and faith going. It’s powerful!
Thank you, Jennie! I will do just that, my friend. It’s not always easy–but it’s required! Thank you for cheering me on and praying, sweet friend. Praying for your new year, Jennie!
Love the pictural Karla. I am so glad you can get “out there” with all that’s going on. Fall is coming. I see some red maple leaves trying to rush the season already. Still praying here.
Thank you, Gary. I’m so thankful it worked out to get me there. I feel the prayers and I can’t imagine trying to live without the promise, faith, and prayers!
I’ll be curious to see how our Fall colors appear this year!
Give your girls my love and prayers as well, please. Thank you for being such a support!