A graceful gift arrived Before summer’s end. For the Snook family, it was a perfect blend. Three became four As the family grew. A precious girl joined Her brother age two. The wonder and delight, The hustle and joy, Long nights and routines, A girl and a boy. The laughter and giggles, The attention and love. Exhaustion with grit, There’s help from above. Four hands are needed, To play and to hug. To feed and change her, And at times to unplug. A brother counted her ten little toes. And ten little fingers, The love still grows. She’s happy and sweet, And loves to grin. She’s curious and cute, With her dimpled chin. She sees and observes, to learn and grow. As an Alaskan baby she definitely knew snow! Where does time go? For now, you're two. You’re curious and independent Look at all you can do! Your brother's now four, you follow his lead, Yet you dance your own dance, Space is all that you need! A Momma’s angel, Daddy’s little girl, Your brother’s playmate And a family pearl. You light up our screens, and shine so bright You’re our youngest girl, And a family's delight! K.L. Hale (a.k.a. “Grammy K” of Missouri)
Happy birthday, Ainsley Grace.
My 3 delights went from 1, 2, and 3, to 2, 3, and 4! Time. Where does it go? We can all share this sentiment, I know.
Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓
Friends, my records were sent to the National Cancer Institute several weeks ago. Last week I found out my case had been escalated. Once deemed inoperable, I found out last night that a leading oncology surgeon believes me to be a surgical candidate. Within the next two weeks, we will Telehealth. There are many unknowns. My blood will need to improve. He will need a new MRI. My bone mets can be treated with radiation (I had some external beam radiation on my back, hip, and pelvis last year, but with the aggressive chemo and other radiation, it was too much at one time). Currently, I’m battling digestive issues. Quite possibly a combination of everything has slowed down my system. Do I even move forward with treatment if surgery is an option? As you all know, my blood has a hard time recovering from treatments. When I first learned of this rare cancer, I knew from research (and others that have this) that surgery was the #1 treatment. Due to my metastasis, it was not an option. Until now. I know the unexpected could occur again. We might meet and do more scans; the decision could change. My hope never fades. For when an opportunity arises, in which God aligns, they work for HIS GOOD.
This is a game-changer. A life changer. Do I have fear? It will be a big surgery—but I have a BIG GOD and HUGE FAITH! As a friend shared, I’m at the batter’s box waiting to approach the plate. This could be a home run! Tears stream down my face thinking of this miracle. I’ve taken a 7th-inning stretch and a break at base camp. For years faith has seen me through. With it, I can continue the journey so that my 3 little grands, my two amazing sons and bonus daughters, my parents, my sisters, my niece and nephew, all of my family,…all of you my friends, can see that… faith without works is the only thing that dies without hope.
Have faith💚
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Great poems make great posts, Karla! Your thoughts seem to capture the thinking of the wee ones. Evidence of years of working with wee ones, I am certain. What a great thing to have those wee ones in your orbit.
Know you are prayed for and cared for by many today. I’m in on that assignment as well. The best of today from our God to you!
If Jackson weren’t snoring under the desk, he would send his greetings. Rascal the Newbie sends you licks and butt wiggles.
Yeah, kinda disgusting, but then he’s kinda strange that way. Will write again soon.
Tim, it’s always so good to read your thoughts and see you! I have a journal(s) that I kept and when I flew to Alaska, after her birth, I was beginning it and her brother, Asher, took a pen and drew marks on the page. I kept it. I wrote one for Asher, too (he turned 4 in July and it should still be his birthday!). Little Whitley, of Washington (now Missouri) turned 3 in June. I wrote her one, too. They are all so precious and I’m definitely blessed! They have tons of friends and loved ones that love them—so to be in their orbit is a very special thing!
Jackson, buddy, I’ve added you to my prayers. And Rascal, you remind me of Finley, Ha! It’s a cute dog disgusting, let’s admit it. They get away with it, lol! My sister and I call Finley, “Ms. Lick a lots!” Tee hee. Last night Finley hopped and bounced to me like a baby goat. It was so cute and funny. Tim, God keeps opening doors for me and I’m delayed writing these responses. I had to go and walk at the community center so I can keep staying healthy for the possible surgery! I also called two of my nurses as the dr has already ordered an MRI so my team here will need to step in—he doesn’t want to Telehealth with me until I have this MRI. So, I’ve kept the ball rolling this afternoon. I can’t stop giving God praise. I’m not naive to the tough stuff—but he’s there through it all. Sending you prayers, hugs, and wiggles from the Finn as you are busily presented your amazing wisdom to so many! Take care, my dear friend!
What a beautiful set of poems for your sweet little granddaughter!
It is good to hear that you have a possible surgery option. That could make a big difference for you. Praying that you will find the best choice for your return to health!
Thank you so much, “Uncle” Dwight! It warms my heart to see you and being the awesome poet you are, your compliment means so much! They are simple and true! I hope you know your prayers have joined so many to help me with these opportunities! I see good things in my future! I pray for you all too!
You are most welcome, Karla. Take care!
You too!! 🤗
Happy 2nd birthday, Ainsley Grace🎂🩷🎂 Your Grammy K wrote the most adorable poem about you. Thank you, sweet friend for sharing. You are in my prayers always 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Sending love and hugs ❤️🤗
Thank you, Pam. I think of your little ones and smile, too. Aren’t they just precious! I hope one day they all enjoy them when they read them! It’s so heartwarming that you enjoyed it. I love you, Pam! Praying with you and for you and Butch! 💕🙏
Karla, Not detracting from celebrating your grand’s birthday…your medical news is OUTSTANDING! The chess game of treatment “moves” now accelerates as you have some interesting options and decisions opening up. Yay! Praying, Brent
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Yay! Thank you, Brent! Can you believe it? Options! It’s so crazy to think about how the game has changed. There have been times I started to feel my options were so limited. Isn’t that the way our minds work at times? We limit ourselves based on square footage of our homes, our minds, and our communities? I couldn’t stop dreaming big. I have a specific prayer—that all the necessary “tools” come together, the “Players” work together, and the same goal is set for all of us (which I THINK is that we ALL want my life to be extended! 🙂 I love hope! Thank you for being here and for encouraging me and praying!
Crying with you my friend at how amazing our God is, He is ever present in our circumstances. Game Changer most definitely. Covering you in my prayers ♥️🙏🏻♥️
Thank you, sweet Pam. I knew you’d be excited. I can feel your precious spirit from here. I had so much to digest in my spirit, I went to take a SMALL walk a bit ago at the community center. There were several Pickle ball players. I couldn’t do many laps, but it felt good to do a few because I know I need to keep my heart in good shape for what is coming. I took pics as I had talked to a lady, I’d say in her late 60’s (I’m not good at guessing ages), that checked in with me to head to the court. She had her own equipment and told me about “open gym” and the times they play. I couldn’t help but grin watching them. Because of course I was already thinking of WHEN I might get to start a new sport, lol! What a perfect accompaniment to writing and it’s right up the road. It’s my brain, Pam. I just love learning new things and now, because of God, I feel like my dreams just got BIGGER. I’m realistic that I’ll probably be missing some parts (😜) and that my bones are not the best. BUT, I also know that I’ll probably have more endurance, after time, without the tumor burdens. It’s in God hands. I’m so good with that and rest in them! I love you and appreciate your prayers, Pam. Like you do for me, I pray for you both! 💐🙏💛
Life is so beautiful and you capture the joys of childhood so well. Not having children of my own – I speak from only seeing it through the eyes of others – and I am filled with wonder and at times relief – that I was blessed to be a third party to it all! 🙂
Your prognosis is covered in prayers and positive thinking. This is such amazing news and I know it is important to stay somewhat neutral as news can turn on a dime – but as I read your words, I felt such relief and the power of God at work.
May God bless you and keep you and care for you and be at the hands and minds of all those treating and caring for you.
“Your prognosis is covered in prayers and positive thinking. “—-Erika, this is beautiful! Your words are so kind, thoughtful, and powerful! I appreciated the wisdom of “staying somewhat neutral”. I’m careful to balance my energy appropriately so my emotions don’t go slamming into any hope like a wrecking ball! Yikes! BUT, with that said, like you, I feel RELIEF too. And the POWER of God. I’ve laid the groundwork and there are things that will need to be addressed. Your prayers comfort me. Sending you love and prayers, my friend. Thank you. 💕🙏
Happy Birthday Ainsley Grace! You are a beautiful little girl (runs in your family) and have a beautiful name to match. One day when you’re older, you will come across this poem your Grammy K wrote just for you and you will feel all the love that went into it as you read it. You will realize how special it is to be so loved!
Then there’s your news Karla. Wait! What was it? Oh! I remember….surgery might be an option! HALLELUJAH! WOOHOO! HOTDIGGITTYDOG!
I know there are many roadblocks to get through, but if anyone can do it, YOU can. I can’t imagine the joy you’re feeling right now, along with a dose of fear and anxiety. All good emotions to keep you focused and motivated. I think you hit a Tuesday Touchdown!
Do I even have to tell you that my prayers will be ramping up and my good wishes will be streaming to you 24/7? Take a deep breath, and then take one day at a time. We’re all going to be holding our breath as you move forward on your way back to health.
Sweet Miss Finley must’ve done her own version of the Happy Dance when you told her the news! She’s the best companion you could have. Precious little fur ball.
Hope you are basking in the good news. You deserve to. You have fought hard and long to get to this point. I admire your tenacity, which goes way beyond grit. I am in awe of your sticktoittiveness!
Thank you for sharing the good news. You put a smile on a lot of faces today.
Ginger 💞
Sent from my iPad
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Can you see me smiling, Ginger? Especially after reading your HALLELUJAH and HOTDIGGITTYDOG! I’m basking and motivated! You always have such amazing and awesome words! The deep breath? Yes, I’m doing that. About every hour. We will breathe together, pray together (which I KNOW you are ramping them up!), and hugging virtually in this good news (Finn is currently sleeping—but she’s excited, I know, lol). Your so kind to admire the tenacity. Ginger, when friends share that I’m not always good to take the compliment because I think, “who wouldn’t be?” Or “what choice do I have?” But then some have shared that they know some who would have given up. I can’t say enough just how this diagnosis ALONE gave me the answer to questions I have had for YEARS. I think once you put a name to something—or you know exactly what it is you’re facing—you can muster up more motivation. It’s then you know what you’re dealing with. Before, I never knew and it impacted so much of my life. I was in despair at times with complete confusion. But I would still try to move forward. I see heroes all around me, Ginger. Those who have lost loved ones, those in tragedies, …humans are just amazing, like YOU! So I hope to continue to be tenacious. While I was typing this comment over an hour and 1/2 ago, I received a call from the dr’s office in Bethesda. The ball is rolling quickly. I took a deep breath, Ginger! God has this! Thank you for being here, always, and for putting a smile on MY face—and Finn’s (can you see her smiling?). We both send our love and hugs! 🐾💕
I feel like time is somehow flying by faster with my grand baby than it did with my children…❤️
I understand that, Kelley! Yes! 💛
Beautiful poem, Karla, and great news. 🩷
Thank you, MAK. You’re a huge reason I’m here still writing. You just know. We love you 3 so much. 💕🐾 I can’t get over all that has transpired just in the last hours. The poem and the news are just perfect pieces of this day, too!
🐾🐾 💚⛰️
I’ll climb mountains again, MAK. 🏔️💚
It seems to me you’ve been on a pretty steep one for the last little while. Keep climbing! ❤️🧗🏻♀️
Aww, that’s true, MAK! I didn’t think of it that way! Yes! I see the peak! 🏔️ Thank you thank you!!!! 💕🤟🦓
❤️
❤️
Awh, happy second birthday to you precious princess. What a joy. And what a big reason for hope that you are coming closer to the number 1 treatment. I am sending you healing thoughts and lots of love so that soon you will receive the best possible treatment for sustainable healing. Much love, dear Karla 💖
Thank you, Erika. Yes, a cute #2 and me moving to #1 in treatment. What a great thought! I feel your beautiful healing thoughts and love. “Sustainable healing”. Yes, that’s exactly it! How perfect! Much love to you too, my friend. 💛
May we both be the trust we need to feel to make it beyond that lesson 💖
💕💓 beautiful!
💖💖
Wonderful poem and created with heart and love. I hope everything lines up swiftly for a surgical solution. As you know they gave me a 2% chance of a donor for my third transplant. My wife said – 2% is WAY higher than zero and I didn’t wait ten years, I waited months for a match. I will continue to have hope and you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. ♥
David, I thought of you when I was thinking of how amazing it was I landed on THAT desk—and often, I think of your wife’s statement about 2% (I saved that somewhere in email!). YES! I’ll be persistent and fuel the faith like YOU! Look what you’ve done in the last several decades. You’re an inspiration! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers—sip sip hooray to our tea! I pray for you, your wife, son and family, and your Dad. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your world, my friend. 🤍🙏
We wish you were today also Karla. Today my wife made peach and apple crisp – it will be really wonderful with vanilla ice cream.
I am blessed that my wife is so positive and loving and I am blessed to know you! – David
Thank you, David! Please tell her that I’ve had peaches this week. A friend brought me some. I’ve been using them to make smoothies in the morning and they taste so good. But the crisps sound even yummier! Yes, you are so blessed. I feel blessed to know you both and have your prayers—as I pray for you all! Many blessings!!
Hugs Karla, blessings to you also.
Hey Karla, hope can indeed arrive on some unusual transport. Be it a carrier pigeon or a voice in your heart. Have faith and follow what your heart speaks dear lady. I know it is a big thing and I would think a bringer of nerves. But me and a million, million others are going to be praying with and for you whichever path your heart takes. And I think God may have something to share with you too. Big, big hugs kind lady, may it all flow as only that love can do 😀❤️🙏
Did you say MILLIONS, Mark? Oh, wow! You are so awesome, my friend. I know your carrier pigeons and the heart messages that have flown over miles and miles. I visited for a long time with the assistant today. GULP. She said several times, this is a BIG surgery (and I’ll mention the scar in another post and all my notes are 5 pages long, another GULP). BUT For God and those million prayers. I think I’ll heal wonderfully on the hugs and love! I’m sending them to you too! I hope all your website issues are squared away—I’ll still send that message in a bottle! 💕🙏🤗
Trust me dear lady, the power in those prayers can move mountains as only love can…even from only a few. And with God on your side, I’ll move out of the way 🤣
It is good that they are taking as much of the unknown out of it as they can Karla, let you know they are moving mountains too ❤️🙏
Looking forward to the message in a bottle kind lady, it will show just how far love can truly travel ❤️🙏
Website still doing its thing, so I shall just go have a cup of coffee on my balcony and wave to a few new swans that have arrived on the lake out the front. I wish I could get a nice picture and pass it along to you, I can’t zoom far enough with my mobile phone. Bear with me, I’ll steal a nice digital zoom off someone to get a real shot to send you 🤣❤️🙏
Good morning my faithful, funny, and wise friend! Or it’s morning here, anyway! Arrggg to the website; and hooray for us being out of God’d way! He handles it all~big and small! I’m cheering you on with my coffee (I so desperately need as I was up most of the night lol). The mountains are moving!💕🙏🏻 🏔️
Thank you Karla, now my turn to crawl into bed. Have a great day 🤣❤️🙏
Ha ha! Mark, I’ve been up since 1:40 am. I THINK it’s Wednesday here. Nighty night my friend. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite! 💕💕🙏🏻💛🫶🏻
Oh dear lady, those type of hours are a little wobbly for the soul. I shall send you some of my zzzzz’s so you can at least have what we call a daylight ‘nanna nap’. Wed night here, 10pm and I just yawned for the 20’th time in 10min, so I better go to sleep before the bed bugs do take control. I shall see you on the morrow then Karla 🤣❤️🙏
Karla, this is the BEST news! As you said, surgery is the best option for your cancer, and maybe you will finally get that. God has the best hands, and he is putting you where you need to be. Where is the hospital and doctor? What is your time frame?
Isn’t it crazy, Jennie? I can’t believe it. I learned more this afternoon. It’s at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland on their campus. We are “shooting” for end of October. The surgery is big! I’ll have to share more when I know even more~but removing pancreatic tail, spleen, impacted lymph nodes, and ablations and resections of liver. No big deal 🤪. I’ll be there 10-14 days in hospital. Another 5-7 days in hotel with drains. From what I understand, just this afternoon, I’ll have scans every 3 months for 2 years as this cancer can appear again in liver; but staying on top of it will be less invasive should it grow. They can’t do anything for my bones but continue radiation. His name is Dr. Johnathan Hernandez. As a learner (I know you!) you will find his bio googling. He is doing amazing research in this cancer. I will donate my tissue he takes, with tumor, to further research to HELP OTHERS. It’s a double fold blessing, Jennie! Today I contacted all my team and his asst called me to share all of this. So much groundwork needs to happen, but it will. One day at a time! The sooner we can get the new MRI, the sooner he can meet me as we have it tentatively for October IF all is well on scans and if we can get my bone marrow to recover. It’s SLOWLY moving up. That’s his priority (and mine). After 3-5 months I’ll be on a good road and hopefully maintaining! It’s a miracle, Jennie! Thank you for your support and prayers!💕🙏🏻
This is miracle news! You have a great team of doctors and a great team of angels around you. Thank you for the update, and I know you’ll keep us posted. October is just around the corner.
Thank you, Jennie. I was up all night~some pain and then I was thinking about how my life is about to change huge. I know God has me and this team! My hiking tribe and I are going to the Grand Canyon the end of September. Dr. Hernandez’s assistant told me to take the trip. Jennie, I’m so happy. Sending you hugs!💕🤗
You will enjoy that trip! I just posted a follow-up on the song I sang. It will make you smile!!
Oh I can’t wait to see and hear it! Yes, I’m counting down days!🎶💕
Karla, your birthday poem is so sweet. An original poem from Grammy K is a wonderful keepsake.
What a great day with two reasons for celebration! Praise God for the surgery option and prayer for wisdom, confidence, and peace in whatever treatment you choose.
You’re such a blessing, Manette. Thank you for your gentle wisdom, prayers, wisdom, and support! Praise God! I appreciate you, my friend. 💕
We are here. When you need to rant and rave and curse the universe, We are here. When you want to write beautiful poetry and brag about your grand children, We are here. When the sun is gone and the enormity of your situation rests heavily on your shoulders, We are here. When the successful surgery is completed and you are smiling again. We are here!
Pam, I have exhausted tears in my eyes. “We are here.” It means so much to me. Your kindness and support, compassion and care, through the vents and victories,…I’ve gained strength through it. You’re so dear to me. It’s so nice to be able to “write” my feelings and have them understood vs speaking over and over, repeating and meaning not landing. Thank you for that. I cherish it. 💛🙏🏻
Thanks, Karla. I’m continually reminded how life is that strange, unpredictable mixture of joy and sadness, laughter and tears, controllable predictability and unexpected surprises… and a God who’s alongside us through it all.
I love your wisdom and words, Malcolm. You described life so beautifully! It’s so great to know and believe in God who never leaves us! I appreciate your prayers and support!
Love your poem, Karla. 🌼 Beautiful blessings! I am keeping you close in my heart. 💗
Thank you, sweet Michelle. I’m keeping you there, too. 💕❤️🙏🏻
🙏🏻💗🌹
How wonder that this door is opening for you. May God keep you guide you and help you step by step. Also, this is such a sweet poetic tribute to your grandchildren. That is a true family treasure!
Hello, Pete! Thank you for your kindness and support! God has been a wonderful guide! I hope you and yours are well!
What a beautiful poem, just full of a grandmother’s love! Happy birthday to sweet Ainsley!
Thank you, Ann! Little Ainsley and her brother, Asher, were the ones born in Alaska!💕🥰
Karla, your poetry shares the blessings of family as God’s hand continues to work. Lifting up praises to the Lord for this special gift. While I was in Montana, my niece gave birth to her first baby. Mom, Dad, and baby boy are doing well.
Keeping you on the front burner of my prayers. May He continue to inspire your faith with His bigness.
Congratulations to your niece and family on the birth of a precious boy! I was thinking of you all in Montana. I’m so happy for everyone! Thank you for your prayers and praising with me! There are layers the Lord is helping me with; I’ll gladly give them to him as I do some legwork on my end. The prayers mean everything! I believe!
Karla, how are you my friend? It is always great to read your blogs and feel your kind heart. Thank you very much for sharing with us. 🤗💐
Thank you, sweet sister! I appreciate your prayers, friendship, and unwavering support. I gave you an update at your place and I pray for you each morning. Happy Friday, Tangie. I do hope you are doing well. It’s my blessing to share and even more so, to visit your encouraging place! 💛🙏
Happy birthday, Ainsley Grace.
Thank you, Tangie!💛
Oh! This is wonderful news!! Your post didn’t show up in my reader until tonight…. I had been wondering and praying! Absolutely huge hugs! My prayer warriors will be thrilled with the news (as am I) and will be doubling their efforts! Karla I’m so happy and hopeful!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
Val, I knew you would be so happy to hear the answered prayer. Please give the warriors a huge hug, too! Things are moving swiftly. My nurse here is communicating with the surgeon’s nurse in MD. For example, the surgeon needed an MRI—this was requested on Tuesday and I had it YESTERDAY. Last night I received an email that my nurse had already sent the results to the surgeon’s nurse. They are all very happy for me. It comforts me that my oncologists and surgeons here knew their limitations; and are not allowing “egos” to limit collaboration with the National Cancer Institute. I will see my oncologist on Sept. 1st for a blood draw, visit, and a bone infusion (my back is still a mess! Just as my neck and hip). I’m sure we will all visit about this miracle. I learn more and more each day. I did not “limit” my brain, heart, and dreams and God fulfilled that more than I could have imagined! Surgery is the #1 treatment for this cancer. It doesn’t just “go away”. They will monitor me—I’ll have scans every 3 months for 2 years. Most times, it comes back to liver. If found again, perhaps less invasive measure will be taken versus this huge surgery I’m about to undergo. Now the prayers can shift for my blood counts to improve by Oct. 31st (scheduled surgery) and I’m prepped and ready to go! I’m so happy and hopeful too, Val! I was thinking we could all still sit at that table! You, me, MAK (Martha), and we can all have our dogs there! Finn, Mochi, Bear, and Teddy! That would be a dream come true too! 💛🐾🙏
Children are such a fun blessing. I am glad you have grandchildren to love on little sister. How are you? Praying for you.
Has it been hot there? We have had quite the heat wave the past week but that ends tomorrow.
Hi, brother! They truly are a blessing! Your prayers mean so much~God is moving and miracles are still happening. I’m a surgery candidate for the National Cancer Institute. My blood will need to get stronger. The surgeon has a plan; it will be discussed within a couple of weeks! Shooting for Oct. 31st. Miracles, Matt! It will be a process of healing and time; God has it.
It’s been so hot here, as well. Over 100 in “feels like”
for the week. My body and bones, today, decided to let Finn play in the pool and I decided to join her before a visit with precious family members. Ours will end on Sunday! Are you doing well? How is school going? Coffee shop times for the weekend! Praying for you too, brother. 🙏🏻😊
Will pray for you about the surgery. I am at the coffee shop right now catching up on blogging 🙂
How cute 🥰
This is such good news Karla, a game changer for sure! So excited for you. And I love the sweet poem. Beautiful. Love you and cherish you little sis. Much love and hugs, C
Thank you, big sis. It’s still surreal some. You are such a wonderful support. I can’t wait to see what unfolds. I love and cherish you! 💕🥰🙏🏻
Wonderful poem Karla, loved it.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kindness and support!
Congratulations in the newest family delight, Karla!
Thank you my dear friend!!
Congratulations and an EXTRA hug for the newest addition! Endearing poem to boot!
Aww thank you!!!❤️❤️❤️