Congratulations to TSgt Jarrod Snook, my oldest son, for receiving a Leadership Award at Eielson AFB in Alaska. His return to Alaska was a precious, perfect gift! To my youngest son, his wife, Jarrod’s wife, and my grandsโknow that our daily communication, although we are all apart, brings me great joy and pride. As we carry on, friends, to celebrate the end of another month and begin summer, may we all “stick” to what matters most! Friends, thank you for supporting Flannel with Faith, my journey, health, and family. As we complete this month, please know I’m holding you in my heart and prayers. Although I’m not able to answer texts or calls in a timely manner, your care and concern are appreciated more than you know! Faith, family, and friendsโdon’t lose hope. Sing a song, call a friend, and place all other things on silent. In this sweet silence, miracles can happen!
In March I began a series titled Praiseworthy People. Today I’d like to introduce you to my friends, Tom & Lisa Bajoras. Although I’ve only known them for several years, they have made an inspirational impact in my cancer and creativity journey. Through Tomโs compositions and their shared faith, they still find beauty in the midst of life’s hardest milestones-his NET cancer journey.
Meet Tom Bajoras
It is an honor and privilege to introduce Tom Bajoras, composer/musician and fellow NET cancer thriver. Tom’s gift of music has touched the lives of others for over three decades. What does music mean to Tom?
“My oldest memory is of music. I was about three years old, and I remember music in a church. Later that day, I went to the piano in our living room. I was so small that my mother had to lift me up onto the piano bench. I then pounded on the keys, trying to re-create what Iโd felt that morning in church. Ever since then, whenever I write music, Iโve been trying to communicate that feeling of being in the presence of beauty. Throughout my life, music has been a constant companion, in good times and in difficult times. Music has been with me at every significant milestone, whether it be my wedding day or the night that my father died. Music elevates joy, and it eases sorrow. And that brings us back to January 2015, the start of the most difficult time Iโd ever gone through.“-Tom Bajoras
His Diagnosis
โOn January 2, 2015, I had a life-changing experience: I almost died. I was suddenly hospitalized with internal bleeding caused by a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) on my pancreas, which had metastasized my liver. The tumors were crushing my spleen and pressing against a major vein, causing a life-threatening medical emergency. Thanks to some quick and creative thinking by a team of doctors, the bleeding was stopped, but I would need surgery as soon as possible to remove the tumors. And after thatโฆ well, no one really knew what would happen after that. One step at a time. The first step was to go home and get as strong and healthy as possible to prepare for surgery. ”
Tom’s marathon began after a major surgery to remove several organs and tumors.
“Iโd be lying if I said my faith in God hasnโt been challenged, but that faith has emerged from the ordeal stronger, more mature, and more complex. Similarly, my relationships have deepened with my friends, family, and especially Lisa, my amazing wife, who has walked (and continues to walk) with me on this journey.”
Tom Bajoras
This idea of being โsurprised by beautyโ became essential to getting through this period. For someone used to a very high level of productivity, it required a complete shift of perspective to accept that on some days a short walk around the neighborhood with my wife would be all I accomplished that day. I remember one day as we were walking, I saw a flower, and I said to Lisa, โLook at that flower! Itโs amazing!โ It was a common kind of flower Iโd probably seen a thousand times before, but this time it really did look amazing. In this moment I realized that even on the worst of days I could find at least one beautiful thing to be thankful for.
Meet Tom’s wife, Lisa
Lisa isn’t JUST an advocate, wife, daughter, TWIN, and wonderful aunt! She has over twelve years of experience as a nurse practitioner hospitalist prior to her husband’s diagnosis with advanced metastatic neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor (NET) in January 2015. With expertise as a healthcare professional, caregiver, and health coach for NET patients, she offers a multifaceted perspective to the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation (formerly LACNETS).
As the Director of Programs & Outreach, Ms. Yen works closely with her team to whip up content for the monthly educational meetings and the big yearly patient education conference. She also gets creative with initiatives like NETCONNECT, the NCF Health Coaching Program, and runs a fun weekly virtual support group for NET, plus a monthly one for caregivers. For all her hard work, she snagged the Monica Warner Award in 2020. Her main goal? To make life better for everyone dealing with NET.
Tom’s Heart-felt Composition
On April 16th, Tom & Lisa celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. In honor of Lisa and their marriage Tom composed a composition, “Our Book, Open Halfway Through” (which will be available on Spotify, Apple, etc. on May 21st; performed by Tom’s friend, Chris Weldon).
The piece is a narrative work based on our marriage. It features six themes representing different emotional states. Three of these are from pieces I previously wrote for herโ”Butterfly & Tiger,” “Wedding Processional,” and “Bells”โwhile the other three are new. Throughout the piece, two themes often occur simultaneously to communicate various combinations of emotions. Additionally, I used a floating barline and frequent meter changes to represent the uncertainty of life and marriage.
The title refers to a poem by Wisลawa Szymborska: “Every beginning is only a sequel, after all, and the book of events is always open halfway through.” To me, this suggests that all moments of our lives are connected; in a mindfully lived life, we never close the book, but welcome the next page while being grateful for the last. This felt like the perfect description of our marriage.-Tom Bajoras
Tom’s Current Journey
Please join me in sending prayers, well-wishes, and blessings to Tom and Lisa as they travel this week for his 2nd round of liver tumor treatments. Although Tom and Lisa are thrilled to be celebrating his 11th year since diagnosis, he continues to receive multiple treatments that have had huge impacts on both of them. Specifically, pray for Tom’s nausea, weight, blood, bone marrow, and staying infection free! Also, for Lisa’s health and stamina. Through multiple surgeries, procedures, and drainage of lung fluid, he and Lisa continue to find the beauty in everyday lives. They support their family members and continue traveling to seek out further treatments. Faith guides them and they seek to enjoy the beauty and find joy so that cancer and the appointments don’t become their life. Their two furry kids keep them seeking fun and the great outdoors!
Below are links to Tom’s amazing music! You’ll soon become a fan, too!
Tom was kind enough to allow me to record a few prayers with his beautiful music. These guide my meditations and propel my praise to our Heavenly Father!
Join K.L. as she shares her blog post via her podcast. As we inch closer to celebrating America's 250th birthday, K.L. shares about the song, "America the Beautiful", and her thoughts about our country and the freedom we have.
What makes America beautiful to you? Do you feel we are really ONE NATION…AND under God? Will divisions keep us divided? How do we KNOW the truth?ย
Whatever MIGHT divide us doesn't have to override our faith and belief in ONE NATION—despite opinions or differences.
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Find faith, keep it. Have hope, friends. You are loved.ย
The song, “Sorrow”, in the prayer is in a minor key. His song, “Joy”, is in a major key. When joined together they share a single chord–yet, missing the middle note. Would it be a major or a minor? Tom shared, “Where Sorrow and Joy meet, there’s a moment where it’s both, and that’s the moment I’ve been learning to live in.”
Friends, may we pause long enough to look and find the praiseworthy people and remarkable grace all around us. To slow down and see the quiet heroes and steady lights that help us on our walks.
Seeing her smile, wearing her birthday crown and sash, made my heart so full. She was radiant in her pink sweater and joy! My mom, Darlene, is a beautiful lady. As a young girl, her dark hair, brown eyes, and skin gave her such unique beauty. Itโs no wonder my dad, Larry, fell hard for this homecoming queen. Oh, the stories that she and her siblings can share about life on the farm and being PKs (Pastorโs Kids). Those stories still float in the air by the Finley Riverโwith laughter, faith, and fun! There are so many praiseworthy people in my world!
Do you remember when I introduced you to another Darlene? When time allows, I think you’ll find it encouraging. It took many hours today to condense the book and other things I learned! MY Darlene will always be my FAVORITE though ;-). Click on this link to the page about Darlene Deibler Rose if you want to read an amazing FAITH BLAZER! *Page is listed on the home page menu as well*
Last week, after a skin cancer diagnosis, I wanted to run to THE Garden. So it’s just skin cancer? Big deal! I already have cancer!? “Get to the Garden, Karla.” Jesus HAD to have that time with His Father. He cried in desperationโand acknowledged the truth. How can we have faith and a relationship with Him if we DON’T communicate? But JESUS.
And Darlene.My Mom. AndDarlene. The Missionary who lost her husband and she STILL kept the faith. I want FAITH LIKE THAT. What about you? Who do you praise when things are good? Can you PRAISE in the midst of storms? Storms can drown us–or SHAPE us. Instead of Google, I sought HIS face. I counted blessings. Stayed in my patterns (or tried!). I’m not looking for ways to avoid scars anymore. I embrace them. Can we let go of the performances we’ve learned through life? We picked these up after getting stickers as a child. A promotion for good work or a “you look good.” We are raised to be PUT TOGETHER.
Who sits with you when life gets complicated? If life is easy…hold on…it won’t always be. Others will become “uncomfortable” when your life gets messy. We’re supposed to be able-bodied adults and citizens right? Even though GRACE (NOT works–but FAITH IN CHRIST) will put you on a good path, the path is difficult. There’s an enemy out there (and it shouldn’t be us!). When you find that friend that just says, “Hey, something doesn’t seem right, want to share?” KEEP THEM. And be THAT friend.
A dear friend reminded me of this truth, “We are like the 5 people we hang around!” Who are you hanging around? What are your conversations about? It’s OK to LOVE without lingering–you NEED the light! I’m not who I was 30 years ago, 3 years ago, or yesterday (PRAISE GOD!). Let’s stop putting people in boxes from childhood or …yesterday? Do you know who will sit, walk, hike, or cry with you when life gets messy? I do. HE didn’t DIE so that your life would be a perfect performance. It gives him JOY to heal your hurt, sit with you through suffering, and yes, giggle when you giggle! What a spectacular Savior I serve!
Friends and family, thank you for your continued readership and support. There are so many praiseworthy people in our midst. Many have gone on before us. I dedicate this to the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the last few weeks. To the neighbors fighting daily battles. To the stay-at-home moms wondering if they make a difference. To those who feel their mundane is not making a difference. To the cancer patients receiving treatments as I type this. To someone who just found out a loved one has died. Also, I dedicate this to those who are experiencing joy. Whether it’s a vacation, a new birth in the family, laundry caught up, or a “win” in any area! God, thank you for your blessings; including these special friends.
I count it ALL JOY~๐
Thank you, Jesus. You’re MORE than praiseworthy!
UPDATES & “NEW ON THE WEBSITE”
On Sunday I’ll fly to D.C. and go to the National Cancer Institute for bloodwork & scans (a dear friend is accompanying me). I’m prayerfully positive to return with “stable” news! Once I’m back, I’ll have the pesky skin cancer cut out. Have I mentioned how crucial it is to advocate for yourself? Always seek care if you have a concern or question.
I’ll be very excited to share some new pages on my website. To raise awareness of my cancer, and help support my daily journey, I’m beginning a new ‘venture’. As much as I love being in schools, working with cute dogs and writing is less exposure to germs!
For MANY months I’ve been attempting to create cards.The plan of selling them “morphed” into something larger (that’s God!). The Finley River Shop has items with themes of Finley River and faith. These include coffee cups, stickers, cards, hats, and t-shirts. I want to thank my dear friend, Tim, at Withoutlimit.org, for the many hours of Spirit-led conversations, prayers, and planning for the Finley River Shop. A special thanks to Pam at Everyday Living for her “keen” eye on design. Her input helps with future items. I am also thankful to Martha (MAK) at Anachronism of the Far West for her “do it” encouragement!
Finley River Publishing Collection
Keep in mind that I’m using a 3rd party to fulfill orders. I’m a “small” shop, so I do not have a plan that allows samples. Items have been ordered by several family members and friends. I should receive a hat, mug, & sticker soon–I’ll check quality!
Learning new software, coupled with cancer and keeping up with responsibilities, is challenging. I’m listening, learning, and leaning…all FROM God and ON God. For ON CHRIST the rock is where I MUST stand.
Again, thank YOU for your love, prayers, and support. I hope you know how LOVED YOU ARE. Finley and I are blessed to have you all floating, hiking, and walking alongside us on this journey. God bless you.
Don’t lose faith, my friends. Do you know how loved you are? ๐
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
In like a lion, out like a lamb? March, you arrived packing a punch with your paws! Are you feeling overlooked between winterโs chill and springโs promise, acting out like a middle child just to be noticed? Youโre smack dab in the middle of conflicts. March, we know you typically include madness (not just basketball). Will you please leave like a lamb with the promise of renewal? Mercy Me, March!
Life constantly presents me with its juxtapositions: the hybrid of hardness and happiness, sweetness tempered by sourness, the revealed modern life shadowed by melancholy, and stretches of calm that are suddenly interrupted by chaos. These contrasts shape my days and challenge my perspective, reminding me that life isnโt meant to be experienced in only one dimension.
Feeling minuscule, I praised my Maker as another full moon rose. One friend’s life was taken intentionally, while visiting another one struggling to survive. There was a time when I felt harnessed by hopelessness. Miracles, miniscule to massive, kept me orbiting. From hugs and kindness to the miracle of …surviving.โฃ๏ธ
In my own small world, I embrace hope and the promise of our Maker–no matter what!
โNow I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. Joshua 23:14
I can see the light!STILL see the light! The light WILL break throughThank you, God, for another full moon!
As the moon continues rotating around the Earth I wonder what will โrevolveโ until I see it again? Mercy me!God, have mercy on us all!
You are loved, my friends. Please don’t lose hope. Keep the faith! ๐
The world is still spinning, and many lives around me are facing unspeakable situations. While lives are lost in the war across the globe,there are those fighting wars right here (and in their minds & hearts). A young life is about to end with terminal cancerโand leaving two sons behind. Another family is mourning the loss of a friend who took her life. Meanwhile, I know someone in his late 80s who is ready to leave this world. We are all revolving and spinningโmay love and hope ground us. Please be kindโyou never know what someone is battling. I’ll request, please, that you not mention “I’m sorry for your loss”. I’m sorry for their families and closest friends! I don’t hurt for me, although I’m saddened by these situations. I’m okay with where I am in life. I’m blessed to STILL be here; even if life is challenging, I have a life. As I revolve, I’ll have future scans and a trip to D.C. More birthday celebrationsโone of my sweet D.I.L.s and my precious mom. Another ladies’ fire where we share our lives and walks in Christ. THANK YOU for being HERE, praying for me, and being wonderful friends. I thank God for the gift of this wonderful community. I treasure you all and love you (so does Finn). Karla & Finley โฃ๏ธ๐พ
While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
