The Great Escape-Part III

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay

The Tree and Me

Pic by K.L. Hale-The Trees and Me

“What do you see? What do you know?” I asked the big tree at site 35.

Tree replied, “I’ve been here many, many, many years. Years before all these people. The birds know what I know. The squirrels know what I know. See the geese family parading by? They know what I know. The possum, the woodchuck, the insects, and the grass know what I know.

I see people and their cars, RVs, and trappings. Hanging on to a lost art. Forming (or clinging to) a tradition. Attempting face-to-face, fires & fireflies, kids riding bikes, and the great escapes. Yet, more heads are down, and lines are blurred. Do you see that mother desperately needing attention? The Dad is stoic and stationary. The elderly couple made it by the skin of their faith- just now learning what it takes. The cancer survivor needs peace and hope. See that couple? They’re hanging on to their marriage by a very thin rope. That family of four has the least of stuff. They already know too much is just fluff. The dogs bark and play and provide fellowship. What do people today really worship?”

“Only one God created me. Do not worship me, said the tree. Just enjoy me. Nature is my home, my roots run deep, and my love never changes-it’s a promise I keep. No matter the things, the place, or the frills, what truly matters is what God fulfills.”

K.L. Hale

“We’re all sons and daughters, just ripples on the water. Trying to make it matter, until our time to leave. One day they’ll carve your name in stone, then send your soul on home. ‘Till then it’s praying for rain and pulling up the weeds, planting trees we’ll never see.”-Trees We’ll Never See (Amy Grant)

Thank you to my dear friend, Kim, for sharing this song. Enjoy this, friends.

Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

Did you have a good Memorial weekend? I pray you are all well. The timing for this holiday (and time out of treatment) was perfect. The echoes of small and precious voices ring throughout my quiet home. The voices of the adults I so love echo too. Hugs, love, playtime, food, …family. The perfect crowd. Handprints I don’t think I’ll clean. Memories made. It didn’t matter that the cancer is still here because so am I. Love and adrenaline boosted my energy. God provided strength. I’m resting now.

I’m 7 weeks out of my 3rd treatment. Typically, it’s weeks 7-12 that are my worst. For years I’ve known my symptoms and now, after 8 months, I’m familiar with when the P.R.R.T. side effects occur. My blood counts are dropping and my hope keeps rising. Thrombocytopenia is caused by low platelets and red, and white cells. Often I worry about my blood. As great as treatments can be, they also have many side effects. My feet might tingle and my bones hurt. It’s a hard balance-sitting versus staying active. There are a few new symptoms. If next week’s blood draw gives evidence of TOO low counts, I can be boosted. If you’ve followed my journey you know that this cancer can be masked by hypoglycemia (a type of diabetes), I.B.S., diarrhea, menopause, diabetes, arthritis (which in addition, doesn’t help the bones), and many other abdominal type issues that might go missed. Do you have unexplainable symptoms? If so, I encourage you to speak to your primary doctor. Be an advocate for yourself. Share what is going on. Don’t give up!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. As my doctor stated, “This is a marathon, not a sprint!” Since it seems I’ve been in this for a while, I do find myself wanting to hand off the baton at times. God has his reasons. I accept it and will gladly continue my marathon with all of you helping to wipe off the sweat, put ice on the injury, yell in the stands (Batter Up!), and pray to our Great Physician. We all have our own marathons. Mine is no worse or better. It just is. Rather than compare our races, let’s all support the fact we’re in it together. “We’re all sons and daughters, just ripples on the water. Trying to make it matter, until our time to leave.”

Have faith💚

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87 thoughts on “The Great Escape-Part III”

    1. Kelley, I have scrolling to Simply Sunday. I thought of you when I wrote it~how you find nature words and poems so naturally in your heart. Your words and support mean so much! 💛🙏🏻💚 are you still on baby watch? 🙏🏻

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      2. Kelley! Congratulations! I have tears of happiness! Thank you for this link. I’ve been praying. I know how you all feel. My heart is so happy for all of you! Yay! Much love! 💕 💕💕

  2. “It didn’t matter that the cancer is still here because so am I.” Yep. I think we can all say that (even without cancer) all the time. Beautiful post. I love the photo of Big Enough. 🐾🐾🩷🌳

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      2. Teddy!! We lovveee you! Don’t be upset, because now we know! Happy 4th “Gotcha Day” Teddy! Do you know how special you are? Finn says, “Happy birthday being a boy of MAK’s!” No, Finn. You can’t go live with Martha, Bear, and Teddy. Don’t give me that look 👀. They’ll love you from a distance. 🤪🐾❤️🐾🐾🐾

  4. Great post, Karla. Trees have much to tell us, but we rarely stop to listen. Thank you for reminding us. too many good words to write on at this time, but I wanted to respond because this was good for me as I head out the door to plant some trees I’ll never see.

    That song made my eyes leak.

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    1. Tim! How are you, my friend? Guess what I’m doing? I’m not planting a tree, but I’m making coffee and sipping on the taste of goodness, family, friends, and nature. I was wondering how your week is going. The first time I heard this song, I cried. I have it memorized now and I cry almost every time I hear it. I want to learn it on my uke. Trees have been such a special part of my life. Tim, think of the last impact you’ve had from all your presentations, trips, adventures with young people (all ages). Trees you’ll never see, but they’re planted. Blessings my friend! 🙏🏻 🌲 thank you for your words and friendship.

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  6. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    The great escape is turning out to be your great experience. And sweet Miss Finley looks like she’s having a fine time!

    I love the tree Karla. It’s very wise. It has flourished for many years and will continue for many more. And that beautiful tree will remember you and Finley and tell your story to others for years to come….at least to those who listen to the rustle of its leaves.

    You chose a wonderful place to rest and rejuvenate. Praying your blood counts are in range and your vim and vigor stay high, as well as your spirits.

    Always a good day to see a post from you Karla. You make us all want to do better.

    In love and friendship, Ginger.

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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  9. Trying to make it matter indeed! Karla, I must say to you with the deepest sincerity that your writing in this cyber-space has been a gift to SO MANY of us. And not just now, but prior to your diagnosis. Your words have always offered a healing balm to hearts and still does today. The words may hold a connection to your health; however, it always your heart that is heard the loudest. Thank you for sharing that (your heart) with us. My own cyber-space experience has greatly been changed by having “followed” you! Hugs and I can’t wait to hear more of your adventures….

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    1. Dawn, thank you so much. I have tears. It was my goal, when I began writing, to share love through my little life. To allow others to know that there IS real love even through the messiest of circumstances (and humor!). You touched my heart with your words. I remember meeting you and thinking how I wanted to be the Oma and sweet spirit you offered to your family and others as well. It’s been a mutual love my friend! I’m glad you find my words healing. May God continue to heal us all in our hearts and keep our minds forever on what matters most! Hugs and love, Dawn. I wrap myself in a beautiful knitted blue. 💙🙏🏻

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  10. Trees do know. So do the little children – and if we take a moment we can know too! I’m thrilled you were able to make another “great escape”. I’m sending this to my sister. Her husband has been having intestinal issues for years and still no resolution. The doctors have pretty much given up. Over the last 3 years he’s lost over 20 pounds and is still losing weight…. If he goes in they just say , “I guess we need to do another colonoscopy!” He has had 3 so far this year! He is finally saying enough!

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    1. Oh, yes, Val…please tell your sister and brother-in-law. The stories I have learned about other NET patients. Last night I spent several hours on YouTube (a channel called LACNETS~Los Angeles Carcinoid and NET association ~it’s HUGE). I found a mentor, Val! And I signed up for weekly online support groups. I’ve been praying for this for a year. The stories I have heard have shocked me. I’ve yet met anyone who is inoperable though. Hmm 🤔. I do pray a CT or MRI of the gut is in order. A colonoscopy, from December for me, showed nothing. HOWEVER, look at what I have. Also, a LEADING specialist from Denver told my family and I that there are many blockages that may not be seen~it would take opening someone up to find it. They say they’ll operate on me only to save my life. It will just be a long marathon of scans and treatments until my body says enough! I understand why he is saying “Enough!” I could write a book just on my experiences with ALL my doctors in the last 7 years. 7 years! If one puzzle maker could’ve put it all together~it’s just not how it works. I even have a “multi-disciplinary team” of 7 or 8 doctors, 4 very “important “ ones that all get my records, yet I repeat everything to each of them and no one is on the same page at any given time. I’ve had to let go of so much frustration and even, bitterness. It’s not an easy road, God gave it to me to handle and show his love and grace through it. He has to “scan” my heart daily! May HE give us (including your sister and brother-in-law) results that can be treated and understood. Love you and Mochi!! Please take care! ❤️🐾🙏🏻🙏🏻 I’ll pray for him and all of you.

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    1. Dear Mitch, I think of your life and adventures as I try and keep my heart and soul dreaming! Thank you for supporting and praying for me, dear friend! 💚

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  12. Your courage, resolve, and perseverance are an inspiration, Karla. I pray the side-effects lessen, the blood-counts rise, and the doctors (as well as everyone else) marvel at your God-boosted progress!

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    1. Nancy, your comment is so thoughtful and encouraging! Your last sentence made me smile so huge. I told several that I have this “message” in my soul~”I’m healed, it’s just not revealed.” I can’t wait for that day! I appreciate your prayers. 💚

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  14. Your heart is indeed guiding your journey Karla, even to speak and share its wisdom with a tree. Silently inside you are those roots of love, displayed like the tree’s leaves in what you do as the tree does. You’ll let go many as your times change too. Some days green other times a beautiful gold, sharing that beauty inside you wherever you are. You will always be that giving as others look upon you and share their hearts too. Give that tree a loving hug, as it will with you. God has minders all around. especially ones called Finley, sharing something we so connect to. Big hugs for you, Finley and all those tree’s in your midst. Nature is that energetic minder for us all, the more we open to it the more it grows, glows and ‘just is’. Happy grounding…and love, light and blessings that it’s just what the doctor ordered to heal a wonderful heart. Enjoy the stay…wherever you are kind lady 😀❤️🙏

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    1. Aw, Mark,…grounding. The minders, roots of love…displayed in tree’s leaves. Letting go and the greens and golds. You have a pure heart with effortless words of love and nature, my friend. We feel the hugs and I’ll continue, even on tough days, to do what the “Doctor” orders! We love you! 🐾💚🌲🎶

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  15. I love the photo of Finley. Pets are so gifted with unconditional love, just as our Heavenly Father. May Finley continue to give you her love especially during those difficult times after chemo. Love you both and you and your family remain in my prayers. Love you. MAMA K

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    1. Thank you, Mama K. Dogs are like kids, aren’t they? Most don’t love them as I do, and for sure, she gives love when I definitely need it or feel alone. She’s really quite snuggly when it’s her and me. We love you too! And please give Paul my love and prayers as well. ❤️🙏🏻

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  17. Words of Wisdom. I am encouraged by your love and devotion to God through your storms. You are a light in WordPress and I am sure to everyone who knows you.

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  18. Good morning, my sweet friend. God’s creation is a great teacher of His truths. I was reading Spurgeon’s morning devotion today…”there is beauty in both sunrise and sunset; sing of it and glorify the Lord. Like the nightingale, sound your notes at all hours. Believe that the night is as useful as the day. The dews of grace fall heavily in the night of sorrow. The stars of promise shine forth gloriously against the darkness of grief. Continue your service under all circumstances.” You have continued well with your beautifully written words and trust in your journey that it is in the Hands of an all-knowing and loving Heavenly Father.

    I love you and you are always in our prayers 💛🙏🏻☕️🎶🌺🥰💕

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    1. What a beautiful devotional
      piece ringing with words of truth! I’ll never understand how credit could not be given to God for the beauty in this world. Many might want to blame him for that which is NOT good. Like the wisdom of Spurgeon, I’ll continue on. I NEEDED to hear about the night being useful as day, Pam. I’m awake many hours. I listen to my Abide app and have used those wee hours to try and stay focused on the promise in the shininess of stars. I really feel this is a “mission” I’ve been preparing for my whole life. Suffering~it’s a whole new holiness and level of grace. I love you too, Pam. Each morning, and many times at night, I say your names to our Father and lift your needs. I have a list of family, and friends, that I mention daily. It keeps me focused on others and opens up my heart to healing even more. 🎶🩷❤️💛🙏🏻💚🦓🌲 ⭐️ ☕️

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  20. Absolutely beautiful. It brings me peace just to read what you have written here, Karla. It is also a breath of nostalgia as it caused me to remember camping trips with my family long, long ago. Probably in campsites just like #35.

    Blessings to you, friend.

    Russell

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    1. Russell, I’m so happy it brought memories to your mind. Isn’t calling just the best? It takes me to simpler times. I love nostalgia, too. Many blessings to you and your precious wife and family!

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    1. That’s so kind to say, Ann. I really try to stay “aware”! And some just like to share with me, too. I’m open to listen with compassion and kindness; although there are things I’d just soon NOT know at times (I know you understand this ). I feel the prayers, Ann. I’m living because of them! How can I pray for you? 💚

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  22. Trees hold many stories. They are guardians of nature and the circle of life. I find great comfort in trees. You are an inspiration, Karla. Bless you! 💕

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  23. love the inspirational nature of this, the reverence for all things; may God strengthen you on yr journey Karla; there are many of us on that road now ; may our personal sons keep shining 🙂

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    1. John, you’re on my mind each morning. My prayer list is very long. There are names I say out loud each morning in speaking to God about those that have specifically asked for prayer. I don’t take it lightly. I don’t say, “I’m praying”, if I’m not. I’m praying for you, John. We were both tossed in this boat, unexpectedly, with rare disease. I know that’s why you’re on my heart as I think of your many decades teaching, writing, growing, learning,…look at all you’ve done! You STILL continue to do that which gives you joy. When I’m in my 8th decade I hope to be the same way! Your kind words and encouragement lift my spirits, just as your spirit! 💛🙏🏻

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  28. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION KARLA TO ALL OF US!

    “:It didn’t matter that the cancer is still here because so am I. Love and adrenaline boosted my energy. God provided strength. I’m resting now.”

    Of course you want to pass the baton sometimes … who wouldn’t !!!
    Love You Karla! ❤️

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    1. Love you, Cindy! I hear you and FEEL your encouragement and shouting me on with strength, smiles, and perfectly poised tips for peace! I’m listening! I’m on a roller coaster~I’d like to say I love the ride ALL the time, but it has its moments. God has it! With help this week, I’ve been “boosted”. My counts needed it. And you’re here boosting my spirits! Yay! Thank you so much sweet Cindy! 💪🏻🙏🏻🩷🥰

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      1. Honey, you would be lying if you said it was perfect all the time. As we both know roller coasters have the ups and downs. YES! That’s amaaaaaazing news just like you are.. I’m delighted my darling Karla! xooxoxxoxoxo 👏💗

  29. Karla, this narrative is an absolute blessing to read. Thank you for sharing your gift of life and writing. No matter what we face in life, God reminds us daily to appreciate our marathon. Prayers and blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Richard! I appreciate your kind words and support. You have to know that I’m reminded EACH TIME I go to the doctor’s that I’m in a marathon (not a sprint). It’s my theme. I’m trying very hard to pace myself! I’m so thankful God has me…and you…and all of us if we choose! Prayers and blessings to you and yours!

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