November holds such a sacred space for me~recollecting the moments, the faces, and the miracles. It’s easy to reminisce this time of year. Whether our pathways are paved with cherished old memories or the profound encounters in the present, each one tells a story of humanity.
Even when my physical strength feels small, my heart can overflow with gratitude and grace that meets me along the present pathways.
She walked through the doors of the infusion center at an exhausted pace. The look on her face, despite her beautiful bald head and glossed pink lips, spoke perfectly. No words were needed. I SAW HER.
Counting her, 9 of us were gathered on this November 4th.
As she sat, I got called back to labs.
After my blood draw I noticed a spot by her on the cushioned gray bench. The Spirit nudged me to her.
“Are you here alone?” I asked.
She replied, “Yes”.
“I see you,” I said. “The first thing I saw was your beautiful bald head and pink smile- I can tell you’re in pain-I’m sorry.”
At that point, tears poured out of her eyes.
“I’m so sick! I could barely get here. My husband usually comes with me and he’s working today,” she shared.
My eyes never left hers. It was as if I could see her soul. My heart ached for her.
“Will you share your story and challenges?” I asked. “My name is Karla.”
“Yes,” she said. “My name is Michelle.”
As she shared all about her cancer journey, from the diagnosis and other health issues to the treatments and current day-to-day, I hung on every word. At the point she spoke of an upcoming surgery, I placed my arm around her. When she finished, I shared resources and medications that helped me. Some of which were unfamiliar to her. A transport driver was walking by JUST as I was letting her know of transportation availability when she is too sick to drive (I just found out a few months ago). She was called back and I asked her if she thought she’d be ok. I gave her my number, and we embraced in a goodbye.
Another couple nearby nodded to us. I went to a new seat to get a better view of the room. Soon they were called back and I smiled and waved to them.
That left 6 of us.
“Gracious Savior, I’m weak today. Please use me to be a light in your world. There are so many hurting. ALL AROUND. Help me notice and to remember them when I speak to you. YOU see them. I want to see EVERYONE through YOUR eyes, Jesus.”
Along another wall, below a picture of one of my favorite hiking places in the Ozarks, were two ladies playfully arguing about their schedules. Remembering my prayer, I told them, “You two are making me feel lazy!” Of course I was giggling. They did too as they shared their names (and the fact they were sisters!). Their playful banter continued when sister, Carolyn, was called back to the lab. “We have a tea scheduled on that day-it’s your birthday, remember?” she shouted to Mary walking away.
When the two of them prepared to leave the infusion center they shared their stories with me. Carolyn and I see the same oncologist. Both had lost their husbands. Mary, just recently. “He’s in heaven with my forever 30-year-old grandson.” Despite their losses, they happily shared their faith and feelings about celebrating a wedding the same week as a funeral. Their grins were huge despite discussion of death and disease. They were making plans and LIVING. My grin grew! They left and the lightheartedness of the room seemed to disappear too!
The man in the wheelchair, alone, told me he lost the cord to his fishing hat when I remarked on how much I liked it! As he was being taken back to the infusion center I told him not to lose that hat! “Can’t lose my lucky hat!” he shouted.
Now there were 3 of us.
No more had I counted when the mother and daughter duo, who had laughed along with the sisters, were called back. I wished them both a blessed afternoon.
“Well, it’s just you now,” the older lady said with a grin.
Last night I reflected on the day and those nine individuals. Their lives and drives. Love and losses. Occupations and complications. Their grief and beliefs (& reliefs). Their families and friends. Hobbies and habits. I’m always intrigued! To think our world population is over 8 billion doesn’t blow my mind as much as I think about how many of us may not even know our own neighbors. Who has walked your present path that you will remember?
As we gain ground in November, I’ll cherish every blessing, memory, and miracle. Thank you for walking this present (and past) pathway with me. May God’s word and presence continue lighting the way. Remember, you are loved.
Have hope. Keep the faith.💚
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Whether we’re wandering trails, sipping coffee, reflecting on everyday miracles, or sharing words of encouragement, I’ll keep life grounded and anchored in the enduring love of Christ. My prayer is that you find my place to be a cozy corner of peace–where your heart feels seen, your spirit is refreshed, and you are reminded that you are deeply loved.
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You are such a sweetheart. I am blessed to know you. You showed all nine the sweetness of Jesus and they won’t forget it. Love your new picture. Your smile is sweetly distinct like no other. Love you, my special friend! 🤗🙏🎶😁😘🌹😂
Aww Mama Wenda. You are so sweet. And precious! You’re a blessing and I can hear the music 🎶 you share now. May God continue to shine through us even on our dull days! I love you! Thank you for being you!♥️🙏🫶🏻🎶🎶🥰🥰😭
Seems to me like you, and others in that waiting room, have figured out how to make the best of a bad situation. I’m guessing that isn’t always easy to do, but it’s nice that you have your faith to help you along. It’s also nice to have someone to talk to when you’re all alone, so your presence must have been very helpful to that bald-headed lady with the pink lips.
Thank you so much. She was absolutely beautiful and precious. I think when ONE person attempts to make a connection, it can spread. Easily, those who wish not to are seen, too. I don’t want to leave such a room, filled with so many different “layers”, and regret not sharing love and hope. Kindness is so needed in this world! Just like the kindness you shared by reading and sharing your wisdom. Thank you!! 🥰
I tried to post a comment earlier, but WP somehow blocked me. I can’t post on your original blog site. Anyway, I like how you were there for that bald-headed lady with the pink lips. She was alone, and with a lot of worries on her mind. I’ll bet she was very happy to have someone present to listen and understand.
I thought that was you, Tippy, and I commented back! Thank you! I don’t know why WP did that? Phooey!! Boo!
Amen 🙏🤗🫶 Sometimes the greatest way we can show God’s love is simply by seeing someone, listening, and letting them know they aren’t alone. I love how you noticed each person, even while you weren’t feeling your best. It reminds me that God can use us in ways we may not even realize.
May He continue to Strengthen you, Bless you, and Help you keep being that light to others.
You Are🙏 Loved 💚
Willie, that’s a Precious takeaway! Thank you, brother! “It reminds me that God can use us in ways we may not even realize.” Yes!
Isn’t it amazing how just a smile or a kind gesture can make such a huge impact? Often I think of the situations where I’m cut off in traffic, or someone seems angry or annoyed, and I pause and think, “I wonder what’s happened in their day (or life?) that’s led to that?” We never know!
You’re being a light and love for Him too, Willie! Thank you for your prayers and support. You and yours are so loved too! 💕🙏🥹💕
Love this sweet recap…I felt like I was right in this room of encouragement alongside all of you.
I have successfully been treated for breast cancer twice now. The first in 2021 with a lumpectomy and radiation and the second time this past year which finally resulted in a double mastectomy. I can’t imagine navigating this road without my faith.
So, literally, as I read your post I felt as if I was right there with you all. I can just imagine your interactions with these patients as a sweet God wink to each one. Thank you for helping them feel valued, noticed, and loved. Very precious read!!
Oh sweet friend. I’m sorry for all you’ve endured! I praise God you’re here and sharing your love and faith with us! Thank you for being such a precious soul this side of eternity! Truly, humility in these situations have taught me so much. I praise God for the brokenness in brittle situations that led to humility~which is more powerful than the physical healing! May we continue our paths, hiking in hope, and sharing love and compassion along the way! Like you, I can’t imagine life without faith! I appreciate your kindness, support, and wisdom! God bless you! 🩷🙏🩷🫶🏻
Such sweet heartfelt love in your words. I’ve not been great about reading other’s posts over the past year due to my health, but I’m wanting to get into the blessed habit of doing so again. As I was checking out your blog, I noticed that you live in Missouri. How close are you to Branson? I will be there in December about four or five days for vacation and also attending Sight and Sound for one of their productions. Just wondering the chances of you meeting up with us as we go on that sweet little adventure to watch the play?!
I understand so much, sweet friend. I’ve been the same way about reading others’ posts too.
One thing I love about our community is the gracious nature and kindness. We-they-all understand. I always feel such love and support here! As should YOU!
I did a little squeal when I heard you’d be in Branson which is like my second home and old stomping grounds! It would be so wonderful to connect! My email is finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. ♥️♥️🙏🥰
FROM: Murphy’s Law
You were the perfect person to be in that waiting area reaching out to the others. The lovely lady who lost all her hair and felt so sick and scared, YOU single-handedly gave her the strength to carry on. Cancer certainly hasn’t ruined your big heart Karla.
Praying you have more and more ‘good’ days waiting for you. Keep the faith (like anybody could take it from you!) and don’t lose sight of your goal.
Love to you and sweet Miss Finley.
ginger🦋🙏🏻🦓💖
Sweet Ginger, thank you. Always. Just as I was beginning to become a bit frustrated by a few things, I had to pivot and pause! Humility is a better lesson for me than healing, Ginger!
I’ll not lose faith ~ I’ll keep my eyes on the eternal prize!
You’ve made our path much brighter, my friend! Finley and I love you! 💕🫶🏻🦓🙏🐾
What a moving account of time spent with your fellow travelers, Karla. It wasn’t your main point, but this sentence particularly touched me: “They were making plans and LIVING”❣ 🧡
Thank you, dear friend. When I was writing this and recalling the entire hour, that is what stuck out to me about my “attitude” of life. Some won’t bluntly say, “We’re all dying!” But to say, “I’m living!” brings truth to each moment~ even the mundane, mandatory, or medical! Especially to those of us who live in Christ! You understand, Mitch… you get it. I appreciate you so much!💚🙏
Same here!
I had some similar thoughts today. A lady out at the Refuge made an extra trip around to talk to me and meet Teddy. She was more-or-less my age, on oxygen, wore a baseball cap that said, “Crazy Dog Lady.” To my knowledge neither she nor I is dealing with anything more than generic mortality, but not being young? Well, you know, the handwriting. We chatted. I’m friendly, but not social so I didn’t want to plan to meet for lunch or anything like that. Still, as we chatted, I thought about the importance of even a random 10 minutes of talk with a sympathetic human or, as just happened, I accidentally sent a bunch of good cookies to the local dog shelter. I meant to send them to me but… They were so happy to be thought of!!! I intentionally sent the four husky puppies puppy food.
I thought of this, “We’re all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it doesn’t. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing.”
― Charles Bukowski
Oh, MAK. I love this! Often I think of your days at the Refuge. Even the same landscapes, experiences, and events make each time unique. That VERY present experience was supposed to happen! Divinely designed!
While I go through this “slowing down” phase and reframing what hikes, adventures, and travel “look like”, I still find treasured moments while still cherishing the memories of the “more”. Only to realize the “more” wasn’t any better, it was just what that moment afforded through health, wealth, and time (or lack thereof).
I’m rambling… thinking of your Sunday zoom and thoughts on the big pictures and tiny details that some may not notice?
The huskies and workers feel the kindness and the lady in the hat was impacted in a positive way~ connections we have to have as humans. It validates why we were created!
The quote says everything.
We love you, Teddy, and Bear so much! *as Finn snores beside me*( she doesn’t know I’m going to take her to visit my parents today and she’ll feel some Colorado cold hitting MO this early time)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2
You lived this verse in that infusion waiting room, sister!
How special it is to lift others up and help them hope; and you’re on the same journey.
Pastor Karla, the wounded healer!
Thank you, brother! Such an encouraging verse and message!
When Jodi, the amazing lab tech/friend, was walking away I said, “I feel a ministry is needed right here.”
She said, “Do it!”
That’s all I needed to hear. SHE was speaking with the Spirit through her.
Ministry of love, kindness, and compassion. I pray that those things would be more common traits than not.
You’re doing that where you go, my dear friend. God bless you! Let’s keep on keepin’ on even when it’s hard. ♥️🙏
Amen, sister. We can’t let the hard days win. Your’s are harder than mine.
You are an angel, Karla. You bring joy and hope wherever you go, even in your pain. You are here for a purpose and not just lucky happenstance! Keep sharing the love! You are the Word made flesh!
Dwight, that is the most precious message. Thank you, dear friend. Ann Lamonte shared once that a child said, “I want a Jesus with skin on!” Or something to that effect. I’ll never forget it. Even in my failed humanness, I can show love. Thank you, dear friend, for your prayers and encouragement! ♥️🙏
You are very welcome, Karla! Have a great Sunday!
The infusion center can be such a sacred place, can’t it? The unspoken (or spoken) community that forms around people going through one of the most difficult times of their lives is rich with opportunities to connect and care and commiserate. Thank you, Karla, for touching those folks with the love of Jesus. You blessed them in ways you may not ever know.
It’s such a blessing to me, Russell. I really got “Godsmacked” in a way I needed. You and Joan understand that place!
As much as it wears me down after 4 years I think, “wow, 4 years.” AND counting…Christ’s miracles and the ways we can all be a light in dark places. I love watching it spread, too. It will always break my heart to see the suffering. Thank you for displaying the love of Jesus, too! I appreciate you!
Karla, you were channeling that guardian angel energy!! The prayer warriors send their greetings! I bet that Michelle felt that same connection – and your help and support may have just made her life exponentially easier!!
Aww, thank you, Val! ♥️🥰🙏🙏
You’re welcome! The Holy Spirit moves us in mysterious ways and uses us for the glory of God….
Love your Nov. notes, quotes & wonderful words! I feel you & your message! For the past month the feeling of so many people needing help has been strong …spiritually, physically, etc needs! Multiple times
Thank you for sharing this story. You never know what people might unexpectedly cross your path, and the opportunity it holds to be a giver and a helper. You did it so well, Karla. That group will remember you.
What a blessing you were to that one lady and everyone as the room. Your writing was beautiful, and my heart was so warmed by your post. I literally just got back from being with my sister, and then I read about those two sisters, and the one shares my name! “They are living life!” Almost made tears spring to my eyes. I can imagine me and my sister and I being the same way!
Hugs and so much love dear Karla! You have the sweetest heart ❤️ prayers always!!