September was slippery and swift. Schools, students, and sickness. Reunions, rest, and reflection. My optimism hasn’t surrendered.
Welcome, October!
“Yet, I can face the winter with calm. I suppose I had forgotten what it was really like. I had been thinking of the winter as a horrid wet, dreary time fit only for professional football. Now I can see other things—crisp and sparkling days, long pleasant evenings, cheery fires. Good work shall be done this winter. Life shall be lived well. The end of the summer is not the end of the world. Here’s to October.”
A.A. Milne, “A Word for Autumn”
Sweet Surprise
She knew I was coming to stay. Picking her up from school with her Dad was a surprise! “Grammy K!” Her precious tiny voice boomed as she was escorted out of the building. Grasped in her tiny fingers was a picture she had started for me. Her sweet 5-year-old voice excitedly shared her day. Cloud Nine isn’t high enough to describe how I felt. Elated? Elevated? It was pure heavenly. Talk about optimism!
Hours later she was tumbling, balancing, stretching, and swinging at gymnastics! It was pure joy to soak in the end of September with this doll. The trips to and from school were a delight! You know how I love schools so imagine my love for HER combined with the school! How will October top that? Like always, I’m optimistic.
Seasonal Social
Liberty, Missouri put on quite a show. The heat showed up with thousands of others. It was the quintessential heart of America hometown parade. Whitley and I found a spot to sit “criss cross applesauce” on the street. Floats with singers, preachers, police officers, and pets. Marching bands, football teams, and more dance squads than one could count. Sweat was rolling like the candy being thrown. The swing ride was a perfect way to cool off!
SKILLED SPECIALIST
There were years of pain and unknowns B.C. (before cancer). It’s been 3 years A.D. (after diagnosis) and they’ve been filled with…SO MUCH (including love & laughter). Could they tell what I was thinking in the back seat? Did they know what this meant to me? This wasn’t just a 30-minute trip into the heart of K.C. to see my new cancer specialist. It was a life-long trip within the heart of me.
The man driving me to St. Luke’s was my 2nd newborn whom I held with pride decades ago. My heart thought of his older brother working in Japan. Memories of yesteryear hurried through my head like the 70 mph speed limit. From his birth to meeting my precious daughter-in-love riding shotgun. Their lives, moves, and the birth of their baby. My precious granddaughter. Suddenly, I was in Alaska again with my other amazing “baby boy”, daughter-in-love, and two little grands. Before we ever got near the railroad tracks where he works, tears flowed like the Missouri River.
You see, this wasn’t JUST a drive to an appointment. It represented everything good about life and the passage of time. That 30-minute drive reminded me of how 30 minutes in the past was the difference between life and death, a diagnosis and good health, a good decision and a poor choice, unemployment and a new career, walking to barely crawling, fully awake to sound asleep. Life can turn on a dime in 30 minutes (or LESS!).
The team at St. Luke’s met us with kindness, professionalism, empathy, and humor. The doctor’s gentle manner and expertise was realized right away. We shared tears when the word “hope” was highlighted as he showed the “kids” the new liver lesions that had returned. HOPE. You know how much hope I already have (and how I throw it all around like falling leaves and glitter!).
What’s ahead? Another treatment here (and blood draw) next week to help strengthen bones. I’ll head back to Kansas City the end of October for scans. It’s not strange to me that I DON’T have “scanxiety”. When a statement like “this is a marathon, not a sprint” is repeated consistently it sticks! You know what else is sticking? My faith, resilience, and utter relief in the Holy Spirit and my Savior.
So, September ended up pretty sticky. Sticky hot, stick-with-it attitude, and a bit of a sticky sickly feeling from traveling. Guess what else is sticky? My faith, resilience, and utter relief in the Holy Spirit and my Savior. If YOU find it, know it, live it, and relish in it, there’s nothing that can undo it! It’s best to stick with it for it’s a power that’s unexplainable, undeniable, and also, my lifelong love story. There’s nothing else for me to BE in October but…optimistic!
Friends, thank you for your patience as I navigate my journey. Between appointments, daily tasks, and inconsistency in health, I sometimes struggle to keep up in communication. Do you know how much you mean to me? Even more, do you know how LOVED YOU ARE? If you or a loved one suffers from a chronic illness, cancer, or any disease that impacts your livelihood, please reach out for help. YOU do NOT need to suffer! We have a Savior that redeemed us! The great exchange! The sinless Savior died for us that continue to be messy humans. His righteousness died for our unrighteousness! I’m not talking religion–I’m speaking about a relationship. Ah, the great surrender.
THAT is the reason I plan on having an OPTIMISTIC OCTOBER.
Have hope. Find faith. YOU ARE LOVED. 💚
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Love the optimism Karla. And love the wise words. “Life can turn on a dime in 30 minutes (or LESS!).” It really can turn on a dime. Here’s hoping for some great news on your health journey! Here’s hoping that October is even better than September! 😎😎😎
Hi Brian! Thank you, my friend! I’m so happy you’re here! You’re an optimist too~ it’s great we can all share encouragement!
Here’s to continued miracles! And fall cooler weather and everything good!
Many blessings!🙌🏻😊🥰
Oh I have my moments. I can be a whiner too. Ha, ha, but for the most part, I try to see the positives. Ha, ha. And yes, so looking forward to crisper fall weather.
I do too! Ha ha! 🥰 we’re only human!
what a jubilant post, Karla. Am I first cab off the rank? So many good things are coming together, Hope is rosy-cheeked. In the bosom of the family: things don’t get much better than that. May Hope stay its course,
Leaning on the everlasting arms. Cheers. John 🙂
John! I think you were the first cab off the rank?! That’s awesome my friend
🙂
Hope is rosy-cheeked! Yay! I’ll put in my rose-colored glasses and skip along ( very easily and carefully lol).
We’re leaning on the arms of our Savior together. Across the big ocean~ it’s a small world and our Creator loves it that we can praise and serve him across the pond, streets, cities, and states. We’re in this together! May healing continue for you dear friend! John~ I want to live and write to your age!🙏🙏🙏❤️
that’s lovely, Karla; thank you; we will stay in touch; and yay ! I’m first cab 🙂
💚🙏
Girl, you never fail to make me without words. Your light, faith, and HOPE shines through always, no matter what!! You are such a strong warrior, and I am blessed to have you as such a dear friend 🧡 Love you tons!
You are the poster child behind this quote! “Don’t tell God how big your mountain is Tell your mountain how BIG your God is!!
😭💚🙌🏻 thank you, C! Amen!! 🏔️
C, my eyes needed a break for a while and then I just read a chapter in my “Grace” devotion~ it’s so special like you. Thank you thank you for helping me through this journey.
I give all glory to God! He is working it all out for my good and his glory!
Early evening I FaceTimed with a 32 year old man from LA who was diagnosed 4 months ago. Please pray for Noble. His attitude is so amazing! And his faith has increased incredibly since his diagnosis! His wisdom is beyond his years!
We talked of suffering without grumbling~ that it is a “gift” although it’s normal to grieve because we’re HUMAN! There are lessons for all of us that come in many forms!
Many things besides cancer will be those “lessons”! Thank you for affirming the light and hope you see! That’s what I pray DAILY! “Jesus, I give you everything and everyone! Use me as I surrender to you!”
Your light has shown in dark times of mine….thank you, C. I love you tons!!
💚💕🙏♥️🙌🏻🙌🏻
Glad to help in any little way that I can! 💛
YES! I see it! You shine Bright, my friend!!
I will keep Noble in my prayers, too.
Love and hugs and rainbows 🌈 🤗 💖
Thank you sweet C!!! 💚❤️🙏🙏♥️🦓🦓
I’m blessed to call you friend! ♥️
🤗🤗🤗
I can understand why you feel anxious about scans. You want to be around for that little granddaughter, for many years to come. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, applesauce, for you.
I love reading your posts, by the way, as they seem to come from nothing but the heart.
What Great photos. How wonderful you got to share with your precious granddaughter and be supported by your son and his wife as you started with your new doctor.
May October bring healing miracles and much grace ❤️
Love, katelon
Thank you, sweet Katelon. In their military service these past years, my sons have lived miles away. It was surreal to have them with me!
Even better, he “summed” up my last 3 year journey, medically speaking, in a way they can understand better. Even showed them my most recent scan and explained. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulder!
I pray for you and hope nothing but healing and miracles for you too. Love, Karla🙏💕
Thank you, Tippy! I’m hanging on hope and living by faith. That little girl and her two cousins up in Alaska bring me tremendous joy! As do their parents :)!
Fingers crossed, applesauce!
Thank you for your support and encouragement, Tippy. It means a lot to me! Lo digo en serio!
always rooting for you! may blessings and more health find you! Mike
Hi Mike! Thank you, my friend! I wish the same for you! I appreciate you!
Ok Karla, you said you think I might be able to comment to your post through the traditional channels finally. Let’s see!
I don’t know how you fit all your enthusiasm, optimism, hope, love, sticktoittiveness, cheerfulness and the will to keep up the good fight, all in such a tiny body! It must be because your heart is so full of faith.
There’s a lot of hope coming from the Kansas Team. Hang on to it as only you can. What a thrill for you to be able to meet this surgeon and his team for the first time with part of your beautiful family in tow.
Love your photos, especially those of sweet Miss Finley! And remember, with all the sticky stuff you mentioned, YOU will never be a stick-in-the-mud! Lol!
As always, sending you and Fin my love and prayers.
Ginger🦋❤️🙏🏻💜🙏🏻
Ginger! You’re in!! I’m so happy! Not that I didn’t enjoy our emails! Everyone should read your positive messages! You’re such a joy 🥰
Your message is precious!
It was such a wonderful trip and visit! A Godsend!
You and your hubby also have the sticktoittiveness and “sticks in the mud”‘you’ll never be either lol! I’m giggling 🤭
Finley and I love you! I’m praying for you both daily. 💚💕♥️🙏 again, it’s such a thrill to see you back in comments! I bet Mark will comment soon! Tee hee 🤗🥰🐾💚
So much joy! Glad you had time with your sweet family. 🩷 Love, hugs, and prayers.
Thank you, Kelley 💕 i appreciate you! Love and hugs sweet friend 🥰🙏
Being optimistic is very important, Karla. I believe it is the first step in healing!! I enjoyed reading of all your adventures with family and doctors.
When we were in college many years ago, we had a singing group called The Optimists!
I love how you are making the most of each day with your family!
Dwight, thank you, dear friend! I love the name of your group!
Let’s form our “band” and I’ll sing back up! Tee hee
Being with family is the best!
Your wisdom and support are so appreciated! God bless you! 💚🙏💚
You would do well as lead! :>) Your are most welcome. Take care my friend!
Aww thank you!!! You too!❤️❤️❤️
Great post, Karla. Great pics. Great truths and lessons, most of all. Thank you. I agree with AA Milne about Autumn in general and October in particular. Although I think November is equally good as October, but for different reasons.
“Guess what else is sticky? My faith, resilience, and utter relief in the Holy Spirit and my Savior. If YOU find it, know it, live it, and relish in it, there’s nothing that can undo it! It’s best to stick with it for it’s a power that’s unexplainable, undeniable, and also, my lifelong love story.” How true this all is. The Holy Spirit within us is the key, the source, the life of Christ in us. What more could we want?
Good to see you writing, KL. As is often said, “Hallelujah!”
All of our God’s best to you and the Finley. All of our best as well, from that Rascal and me.
Tim and Rascal!
Thank you, my friend. Do you know what a pivotal part you’ve played in my spiritual growth?
Your one pursuit is mine too! We are so blessed by it! There is no other way ~ only THE WAY!
It’s so good to write, Tim. A bit tricky this week with recouping. Yet again, the power of the Holy Spirit!
My favorite season is fall. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving! May our falls be filled with the colors and aromas of Christ and his beautiful world! And…great adventures! For they are the same!
Finn and I send our Christ love to you both! Thank you for your unwavering support and prayers!
Yes, I’m here Karla. I’ve been sidetracked with a balcony umbrella that won’t be an umbrella 🤣 I couldn’t find one to fit so I engineered one…and forgot one tiny little detail, and it won’t work. Back to the drawing board I’m afraid 🤔🤗
And Ginger is back…yayyyy! And with a gravatar! Things are happening everywhere🥰😀
And you too Karla, new paths, doctors, medical stuff and pictures from your journey for the same. And I love Finn’s casual look over her shoulder at you. What’s happening mum 😂
I hope all has been well for that too kind lady. ‘Scanxiety’ after so many things to try, but I’m putting in a request, prayer to God for some hopeful light my friend. I’m sure between us we can get you a nice walk in a forest trail somewhere or at a minimum a skooter, skeeter one track out there somewhere 🤗🥰
And also glad of a nice wander with your ‘baby’ and family. It seems that a granddaughter was having a ball. Even teaching Finn to hop, skip and jump 🤣❤️
Big, big hugs from down under, and lots of love and healing too Karla. I pray this nice doctor has God’s gift in his heart and hands and some pure joy from this journey with him 🥰❤️
Hang in there kind lady, even a sticky hug and a kiss from your granddaughter can heal lots 😂 Much love from me and all the aquaculture from down under, we have whales and their calves going past everywhere, I’ll try and get a picture for you 🤗🥰🤣😎🛵🥾🐾🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🐬🐳❤️🙏
Ahoy Mark! I’m so happy Ginger is back with us!
Let’s talk about your engineering …Tee hee. Oh boy. I’ve tried similar things and umbrellas can really make humans look silly! 🤪
Good luck!
At least you’re seeing whales and their calves! Aww. I hope to see it!
Finn was so cute when Whitley was doing hopscotch…*being “led” as she hopped and Finn would prefer scotch?*
Her sticky hugs and kisses make everything worth it!
God is so good, my friend. HE’S always on the move and I want to be right under HIM! He’s guiding, leading, healing, and teaching me daily. I have a lot to learn, Mark!
Finn and I send our love and appreciation across the big pond! 🥰💚🙏🙌🏻🐾🍁🥾🍂 🐳 🛵 🕊️ 🎶 ❤️🩹🫶🏻☀️🤗💚🐾🙏🙏
I can’t believe this umbrella, it has a mind of its own. I’m going to have to get a new pole made up to fit 🤣
Finn and scotch haha 🤗 I’m still allergic to alcohol, I miss my wine with a nice meal 😂
I’m going to take my mom up to the lookout and see if I can grab a picture of these whales and their babies. These babies may be a bit difficult to hug but I bet their mom’s know how to 🤗🤣
God is looking after us all Karla. I know we keep bumping into things but when we look back there is much to see in our hearts. And I am so thankful for when I ask for a tiny break for a rest He hears me. To let me know He ‘is’ there, and a coffee by the sea for a little while 😂🐬
Hang in there my friend, there is always much love around us. Even if they have sticky fingers, so much energy to burn or just want a smile and a hug. Take care, and pictures soon…I hope 🤗😊🥰🤣😂🛵🥾🐾🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🐬🐳❤️🙏
🥰🙏🍂🍁🤗🤗♥️❤️🦓🙌🏻🥾 🐳 🦋 Will do, dear friend!
Karla, I love the photos! Especially the ones of your granddaughter and Finn! I’m so happy to know that you remain optimistic in this battle. You are one of a kind, my friend. Henry and I send our love and prayers! 💕🙏🐾
That’s so sweet to say, Cindy. 🥰🥹Thank you, dear friend! I’m so happy you enjoyed the photos. Finley and I love you and Henry! I just prayed for my WP family and all of our precious pets and families too!
God bless you! I’m looking forward to hugging you in real time! ❤️🙏💚🥰🙌🏻🤗🐾
💕
Karla, I could not love this post more. It is filled with faith and family! Your optimism based on knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior fills my heart with joy. I enlarged each photo and enjoyed especially your precious granddaughter! I am so happy you have a doctor that is not so far away. You are always in my prayers! Love, prayers, and hugs sweet friend🙏🏻🧡🙏🏻🍁🙏🏻💛🙏🏻
Thank you, precious Pam! I love Jesus so much!! 🥹😭😭💚 I can’t imagine not knowing him or having the Holy Spirit in me to guide, comfort, and shake me out of my comfort zones! And always there to love!
I love you!! I’m so excited about the dr too! Sending love, hugs, and prayers to all
Of you! Happy Autumn! 🍁🍂💚💚🤗🙏🙏
Sending you love and prayers dear friend
Thank you, dear Sadje! Sending you love and prayers too, sweet friend.❤️🙏
Thank you Karla. 😍😍😍
You’re welcome, Sadje ❤️
💖💖💖
Karla, I’m filled with HOPE too! The prayer warriors send their prayers and their greeting for a good October!! I love that you are running the marathon and not trying to sprint – slow and steady wins the race! 🙏🏻💕🙏🏻🐾🍁🍂🏫🍁
Slow and steady, Val! I’m so happy you’re filled with hope! Thank you and the prayer warriors for all the love and prayers! Look at us all winning! Give them my love too!
Happy October to you and Mochi (and Sparky too!). We have my granddog, Millie, with us. Finn is so tiny next to her. So far I’ve called them Minley and Fillie. Oh my. Praise God for family, friends, and dogs! 🍁🍁🍂❤️♥️💚🙏🥰🥰
I will convey your love to all – warriors, Mochi and Sparky!! Sounds like Millie and Finn are partners in crime if you’re doing name mashups! 🙏🏻🐾🙏🏻💗🙏🏻🍁
Thank you, Val!! Millie and Finn are totally partners in crime, tee hee! Your comment ended up in my Spam folder. I’m sorry!! Much love!!
Ha! Not to worry – it was likely because I was posting from Canada instead of from my usual location! At least your spam filter is working!!
Our daughter soaks in your “hope” Karla. We do as well. Who you have become is incredible in so many ways in your warrior journey.
Gary, … I’m humbled dear friend. Tania inspires me. I give all glory to God! We will all continue hanging on to hope and living with the Spirit~ knowing that one day all of us will be running to our Father (I doubt I’ll outrun Tania, Gary). I love you all. God bless you all.
Beautiful — I love the photos especially of the Brave and Good and the little girl.
Thank you, MAK! That’s my favorite too. We love you 3 so much! The brave and good and me 🐾♥️ precious Whitley and parents just dropped off Millie, their rescue chocolate lab. Finn has a big playmate!
Please give Whitley big love from me. ❤️
Oh I will!! You two would be buddies no doubt!❤️♥️❤️
Dear Karla, You live faith, hope, and love with joy and thanksgiving! How good it is to read this post and catch up with you! May God continue to watch over you, bless you, keep you in His arms of love. We will keep our eyes on Him, our Savior God and Redeemer, who never leaves nor forsakes us. We’ll keep pressing on, hand in hand with Him. Hallelujah!
Oh, Dora, I’m so thrilled to “see” you. How are you, my sister?
I pray for you as you know so well how faith and hope lift us in our physical health!
We will gaze together at the goodness of God knowing one day we’ll stand before him together without any worry (and knowledge!) of these problems here in this ol’ world! He lives and so do we!
I love you, sweet friend. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. 🤍🙏🤍
How you cheer my heart! Thank you, Karla. 🙏🏽🤗💛
You’re welcome, Dora! Ditto dear friend! ❤️💚🙏🥰
You keep shining, sister! 💜💜💜
Thank you, brother! 🤍🤍🤍
I can’t think of a perfect enough response, Karla. So let me just add my amen to those above, and say that I’m grateful for and praying for you every day, dear friend.
Mitch, I hope you know how much I appreciate you! I’m so grateful for you and the years of prayers and encouragement God bless you, dear friend. ❤️🙏
Can I add my thanks, Karla for your optimism, positivity, faith and hope. I remember the quote from the old preacher, ‘Never doubt in the darkness what you knew and believed in the light.’ I pray that will be true for you.
I did not know this quote. Thank you!
It’s so beautiful! ❤️
Yes! It came to mind when I woke up in the middle of the night.
❤️🥰♥️🌕
😍
Malcolm, it’s my blessing. Thank you, my friend, for your encouragement! Your “musings” provide such wisdom. I love the quote share by the preacher! I believe it and know it to be true! God bless you!
Ever inspiring and warm, dear Karla. Your words and photos ushered in the sweet sensations of the season and the warmth of loved ones. Thank you for sharing. 💖🍂🍵
Thank you, beautiful Michele. “Sweet sensations of the season” warmth of loved ones! What life is all about.You’re a treasure! ❤️🍂🍁💚💕🙏🥰
Oh yes. 🥰 Smiling knowing I’ll get to visit my daughter later this month. 💕🙏🏻
How wonderful!! ❤️🥰♥️♥️
Yes! ❤️🙏🏻
My head and heart are full, Karla. How you described 30 minutes was incredible. Your faith, heart, and optimism are inspiring. Here’s to October! XOXOXO. ❤️
Thank you, Jennie!! I’m so happy you feel inspired. You’ve cheerleader and supported me in so many ways! I’m in your corner and God has us all! Hip hop hooray! XOXOXO ♥️
We are both there for each other, and I’m so glad! Of course God is holding us. ❤️
🤗🥹♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰
😍❤️ 💕 🙏
Everything you do so is so beautiful. I love you so much. Even your doggy’s ears match her cover and collar. You are such a blessing. I just keep saying it because it is true! Sweetest doll baby ever! 🥰😘💕
Oh, Mama Wenda. You’re so precious and sweet! I love you so much too! I give all glory to God! Thank you for blessing me too!! ❤️♥️🥰💕🥹💚💚💚
You are so special, Karla Don’t ever doubt it!💕
♥️🥹♥️❤️🥹💚💚🤗 thank you!
😘🤗🥰😘💕🙏🏻🏆👑
God’s love is every real good and every real joy! Your spirit knows and excites in Him. Blessings to you sky high.
Thank you so much! Amen! I feel yours and send lots of hugs and blessings!🙏💚🍁🍂
Pingback: Optimistic October – QuietMomentsWithGod
Thank you, precious friend.
Your faith is so inspiring! I love how you find the joys in the every day life (one of the few benefits of cancer is that you recognize what a gift those moments are), and how you keep optimistic as you continue your quest toward healing and health. I’m so glad you have a caring family, a strong faith, and most of all, an interest in all that life has to offer. All of that will be your saving grace! Meanwhile, you are always in my prayers…….
Ann, what a wonderful message, my friend. Thank you for your precious prayers and support!
Your encouragement inspires me!
I’m so happy God has blessed me so much! I hope you are doing well, my friend 🙏💚🍂🍁
Here’s to optimistic October my friend. Sending you so many hugs ❤️❤️❤️
WoW… what a powerful and beautiful testimony, Sister. Your strength, faith, and optimism through every season truly shine the light of Christ.
You’ve shown all of us what it means to trust God completely even in uncertainty. I can feel His peace and joy radiating through every word you share and continue to write. You’re a true Warrior of Faith and such an inspiration to many.
Thank you for reminding us that no matter what comes, our hope in Jesus never fades.
All Glory and Praise to God for the way He’s working through you.
You Are Dearly Loved … 🙌🤗🙏
Beautiful photos, Karla! Keep being optimistic! My younger two do gymnastics!🥰
Aww! Thank you, Melissa! I will! You too, sweet friend! That’s wonderful they’re in gymnastics! How fun! Big hugs! 🤗 ❤️🙏
To even better months ahead. Stay positive and to your health especially
Best wishes from NZ