This story, and so many just like this, details how Neuroendocrine Cancer DOES NOT discriminate! This precious Mom, who has a spirit that I can relate to, did the unimaginable in honor of her daughter!
Many NET patients are active people! We look healthy. Something we may eat could trigger symptoms. This beautiful young lady was an athlete and fought to her last breath.
As an advocate, and a continued researcher for this cancer, I refuse to give in to the negativity of being “sick”. I want to talk about my kids and grandkids, National Parks, sunsets, sunrises, the beauty in travel and staying active, the wonderful blessings of giving to others and making a difference. Yes, I’ll be wise. But I’m not going to join conversations of doomsday or let this become a dread everyday. The weekly visits and chemo regimen cannot be ALL life has to offer!
Listen to your bodies, ignore negative talk, and hang with the do-er’s. There’s energy when we allow it. There’s hope when you can’t imagine it. Find your people. Find your tribe. Find the ones that live by faith, not just speak it. For their energy will inspire you. How many valleys must one climb from before you realize that you’re an overcomer? Some might stand on mountaintops and still think they’ll be struck by lightning! Friends, don’t!
Have faith 💛
This is just a public service announcement 📣 please please don’t give up!
Spring stormed in and dumped buckets of watered wishes.
Summer is sneaking in ablaze. Sweat and tears can’t douse the flames.
The seasons change and so must I.
Hot, cold, dry, or wet
the forecast you will soon forget.
Move on and let go of all regret
for coming soon is the best yet.
The cold, rain, and heat rotate
My mind, soul, and heart acclimate.
People and feelings may mutate.
I won't let my spirit deflate.
A sudden shift might cause debate
instantly you can't articulate.
You feel as though you'll suffocate,
but don't let your faith fluctuate.
Leverage it all with love.
Don't get stunted or stale.
Change with the seasons.
Let wisdom prevail.
Let go of expectations; hang on to expectancy. Let go of bitter; grab what’s better. Let go of regret; cling to real. Let go of the hurt; hang on to hope. Let go of mistakes; stay motivated.
Communication has definitely changed. For those of you older and wiser I know you understand this well. I still remember students passing notes in class. I remember eye contact and well wishes. “How are you?” “Thank you!” “Good morning!” I remember conversations. Although I love talking memories, I want to talk about the meaningful of the now. If you wonder how someone is doing, ask he or she. If you’ve ever felt alone in a group (particularly if you’re the only female) you may feel you’re never understood. And men, likewise. And because we change (or we should) conversations will too. Seek those who grow your soul. Maybe all you’re doing is surviving. Maybe there’s something you’d like to do, yet you feel stunted with little support? I have friends here on WordPress (and not) who have lost children, their vision, their spouse, their jobs, and the list goes on. It seems they have found the secret to life-…service. They care. They ask. They seek. No judgement. No debate. Just simple kindness. If you really want to know…ask. I encourage you to pick up the phone and call a friend. Look for ways in your every day life that you can make a difference in someone else’s. If someone needs to talk, try listening without giving advice. Just a smile at someone at the store can make a difference. If we could pay more attention I believe we’d see less brokenness. I’m paying attention. If you love deep, you’ll hurt deep. If you care deep, you’ll grieve deep. And if you believe…you’ll believe in the better. Let the emotions rain down, don’t keep them inside. But if you are having trouble controlling them, seek help. And if you’re unable to rejoice, call me. Text me. Chances are I’ve experienced it. And even if I haven’t I will listen with love. Friends, don’t lose hope. This worlds seems to be chasing a lot to find happiness. If you’re living simple and satisfying hurray for you! I’m so happy for you! I have found it too. But not without heartache. And now my heart just simply wants to love and encourage others while my grit tries to grow. I know a Savior who is there 24/7. When all seems lost, there’s so much to gain. If you would like more information or just to talk, you can e-mail me. May your tears turn to joy. May your soul find happiness. May a smile light your heart. May you find faith.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Have faith 💚
On another note-the last 5 weeks with family has been wonderful. Everyone is home safe. My book is coming along and I’m learning so much (marketing is the hardest part). I’m volunteering with a local chapter dedicated to assisting adult disabled community members (3/4 of them are former students). I feel a lot of wanderlust to want to pack up and travel. Do you feel it too? The time will come. I’ve grown through the changes. They’re not easy. But with faith, I’m moving forward. Keep the faith, friends. Thank you for your support!
Curves and I go way back. Hordes of twists and turns merge in my mind. From those thrown while at bat, to the backroads, and to the more aggressive forms like extreme soul switchbacks One time I couldn’t hang on during a fast curve to avoid another hit. But most times I’ve learned to lean into them. Yes, leaning into them seems to keep me more balanced.
Did I tell you I’m writing a children’s book series?❤ I had time “in the hole” getting to know my team. Walked “on deck”, watched, and tried to learn. I’m in the “batter’s box” now.
Sometimes my swing is way off. So, I just step out of the box, take a deep breath, and practice a few. I’ve felt tempted to run back in the hole. Stay in the box, Karla.
I’m starting to grasp some groundbreakers, digest details, and clutch some confidence.
Here’s what I’m leaning into right now:
Writing courses (since January)- offered by Write for Kids (I’ve taken several and LOVE them). I proudly display the Children’s Book Insider banner as a member. Currently my curves are self-publishing, marketing, and writing for magazines.
One-on-one weekly ZOOM sessions with a literacy coach (thank you, Lisa). It takes time to prepare and propel this learning.
Social Media-tricky and tight curve (almost nauseating😉, but necessary). I’m not on Facebook. My only platforms are Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. It’s going to take courage for me to self-market. It’s my least favorite thing to do. I’ve completed a course on self-marketing for non-marketers. It was excellent!
Writing, writing, editing, and editing-you wouldn’t imagine a 32-page children’s book would be that difficult. My niche is creative non-fiction and I’m dreaming BIG. As a self-editor I’m constantly reviewing, nit-picking, deleting, and adding. There are so many angles to revise and review. I’m hoping to meet local peer editing groups (anyone wish to join? 😉).
Time management-this is a big one! Several writers I follow have offered schedules, tips, and advice. My best formula is: one day on marketing/classes, one day using those tips to reach out for sponsorship, create IG posts and stories (it’s very curvy to me-almost nauseating lol), one day for WordPress, one to write and publish, and the rest of my time taking care of all other needs and nature time! I love my new work week. But it’s difficult to stay on schedule when I’m tightening the belt on the curves. But it’s well worth it!
WRITE EVERY DAY!
Awesome announcement📣 I have an illustrator! To say this has been a challenge is an understatement. The illustrators have such a HUGE task of bringing the book to life. Considering the time invested in creating Flannel with Faith, coupled with my amazing WP friends, I’m very leery of beginning a whole new author’s website. Instead, I’ll create a new page on this site dedicated solely to Finley River Publishing and the series, “Faith and Finley—Finding the Nifty in our 50!” (Off the Grid Series). Plus, you’ll get to meet my tremendous illustrator!
This journey of life is not always a straight road as we all know. I’m not traveling in the fast lane either. Although I love staying active, I’m staying on a steady course in my lane. To avoid being added to any more injured lists, I’ll don a helmet and strengthen my grip.
Friends, are you ready? Keep your eyes on the ball at bat. Lean into the curves as your travel. Stay in your lane. Life levels our playing field. I’m elated to be on your team.
Afterword: I spent many days at a ballfield. That’s probably why I love dirt. Mom would watch with all the other wives. Us players’ kids formed family-like relationships. My Dad was the fastest man I’ve ever known. He could pull off a triple off with a left-handed bunt. Dad handled the curves. Mom has too.
“An outstanding leadoff hitter, Hale had great speed, a knack to get on base, and was a threat to steal a base at any time. He played first base and the outfield and his states include twenty state, twelve regional, and fifteen national championships. He also was selected to the US Sports Festival in 1979. He was a first team All-American in 1974 & 1975 and his teams won seven state and eight regional titles.”
(The Missouri A.S.A. Hall of Fame induction description, March 9th, 2002, Clarion Inn, Springfield, Missouri).
As a Mom I enjoyed EVERY trip to the fields of any kind to watch my own sons. Now, I walk dirt paths and enjoy the the scenery of nature’s curves. I’ll enjoy the future of watching my grandkids kick up some dirt whether on a field or when they’re outdoors. What a journey. 🤍
