Dear friends and family,
A funny thing started happening to me yesterday. My bald head started itching. It is yet another small side effect that seems to pop up. There are lots of them... a constant chemical smell, dry eyes, dry mouth, bloody nose, dry skin, a metallic taste in the mouth. I haven't talked about these much because in the great scheme of things they aren't that bad. They haven't disrupted my life, but they are there. Some are off and on. Some are a constant reminder that life right now is "different."
Well yesterday I received a very special care package from a King George pal with 20+ items that addresses just about every side effect I have ever had or could possibly have as well as some fun accessories like scarves and hats. The girl who sent it went to a store run by a breast cancer survivor, asked her what I needed and bought the whole list. A couple years ago this same girl went through an incredible trial of her own. I remember praying for her at the time, wanting to help in other tangible ways but not knowing what else to do. Since my diagnosis I have received so many kind gifts: breads, books, breast cancer accessories, cards, meals, phone calls and so much more, all of them so very wonderful. I am left to wonder how on earth can I possibly repay all these good deeds.
I guess the only answer to my own question would be to pass it on. Our pastor has used an illustration alot, comparing the difference between people who are like pipes and people who are like pots. Pipes receive on one end and then pass it on. They are givers. Pots receive but never give to others. They are takers.
A person in my Sunday school class whose son battled lymphoma a while back tells the story of a little girl with cancer who gave out angel pins at the treatment center. Anytime she met someone, even someone passing by her on the elevator, she would tell them about Jesus. Five years after her death there are still nurses who wear her pins faithfully on their uniforms every day in honor of her.
That little girl was a pipe. I want to be a pipe too. So many of you have given me so very much. Thank you. I can't wait to pass it on. Lots of love,
Kerry
Kerry, this was a beautiful post. I love the pots/pipes illustration. Thank you for sharing your story. I am praying for you and your family during your journey.
ReplyDelete-Katina (a Fantasic Fridays mom)
Kerry
ReplyDeleteThis blog is an excellent example of how you are already a pipe. I have learned a lot from you and have never even met you - of course I have a feeling that by knowing Meredith, I "know" you also;-) The way you so openly share your thoughts, trials and feelings with all of us so that we know how to pray for you is such a gift. Your stories of all the Godincidences in your life (now and in the past) have truly helped me to realize how important even what I feel is something small at the time can be. I consider myself blessed every time I check this blog and there is another beautiful story from you to brighten my day. Sometimes it makes me sad and worried to read that you are going through a difficult time, but the way you are able to pick yourself up and carry on with such grace is very uplifting. Many prayers are coming your way for continued strength and healing. You are a special "Pipe Hero", maybe "Pipe Woman" or "Super Pipe", in my eyes. Keep smiling!!
Love and blessings,
connie
Kerry, Connie is right. This blog is an example of how you are a pipe. I knew you are a pipe, even before this blog. You have always been giving and caring. I could name so many examples showing you are a pipe that I would not have room to write more.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these side effects. We can pray specifically for these. Of course, God knows what we need to ask even before we ask, but it is ok to be specific also.
I have scripture for you. Psalm 46: 1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
The Godincidenses which you mentioned yesterday shows His divine work in yours and Randy's lives. You are his child. I feel that He is smiling for He must be very pleased with you. You are demonstrating that you are using this strength mentioned in His word. What a wonderful example to all of us.
We love you.
Nana
Dear "Pipe Hero,"
ReplyDeleteI had such a great time yesterday with you and the girls. Between the wonderful company, great food (we had a macaroni and cheese casserole) and the packages that have arrived two Monday's in a row there is excitement in the air :-) Even without the food and packages there is no where I would rather be than spending time with you, Kerry. Your courageous and giving spirit is a joy to be around!
As Kerry and I excitedly opened her package, we were so touched by the kindness of the senders. We both talked about people we have known going through tragedies that we wished we had personally touched in some way. It is so easy to not know exactly what to do, especially if you are a little on the shy or quiet side, and talk yourself into not doing anything. A lot of times I am afraid of saying or doing something that might accidentally hurt the person that I wish to help. Kerry and I both decided to try to be more giving to others in hard times, even when we don't know the recipient very well. Encouragement is just as powerful either way! So, I guess I’m going to work on being a pipe instead of a pot :-)
Thanks for the sweet message today and for your honesty. We will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Your big sis,
Shannon
Hi Kerry,
ReplyDeleteAgain you have inspired me! After reading the blogs over the past couple of days I too have thought about my past and present Godincidences. Meeting my husband (married 20 years this coming July)was definitely a Godincidence! Moving to King George, joining Shiloh Baptist Church, and becoming friends with so many special people (Mitzi definitely one of them!)were very much Godincidences. It would have been much more difficult to go through what my family did 3 years ago if my King George family had not been in my life.
Kerry, I will be praying for your side effects. No matter if they are big or small, they are still reminders that your life has taken a temporary detour and I am sure they are annoying. I pray that they will subside and that you continue to enjoy your daily activities with your family.
You are one special lady! A true "pipe" for the Lord. His light shines brightly through you and He is touching and will continue to touch many lives through you.
Love,
Shelly
Kerry
ReplyDeleteI came across this quote this morning,
"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow."
– Orison Swett Marden
My hope and prayer for you today is that God continues to lift you up. I pray that the Mighty Physician attends to your needs personally, and that you'll feel His strength and soar on wings like eagles.
Love,
Joyce
Sweet Kerry
ReplyDeleteI have been away from the computer for many days, but you have not been far from my thoughts and prayers. You are indeed a pipe.
The Lord has lead you to share your love with all of us in your very special way by reading your blog. It is funny that when something happens that we can not fully comprehend, God uses it to bless other people and that is what you are doing blessing other people by your uplifting spirit. We are receiving the blessings of these blogs and your love.
I heard a song the other day and I can not help but think of you when I hear it. It is by Natalie Grant called " Our Hope Endures"
I won't go through the whole song but the chorus is:
But our Hope endures the worst of conditions
It's more than our optimism
Let the earth quake
Our Hope is unchanged.
Emmanuel, God is with us
El Shaddai, all sufficient
We never walk alone
and This is our hope.
You have demonstrated that Hope to everyone who reads your blog.
Life so often does not make sense, but our Hope endures the worst of conditions. We serve an everlasting, all-knowing, all-suffienct God; Our El-Shaddai, our Emmmanuel, our only Hope in this life.
You are doing great!
Lots of love,
Lorrie
Kerry,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post. I have come to realize how blessed I am to have my life. So many people have invested their time, energy and love in me. I am such a better person for the investment of others.
I am praying over the side effects. I am sorry they are a constant reminder of the chemotherapy and cancer. I count down every day of your chemotherapy and want so much for you to be through it.
I was thinking the most effective "pipes" are the ones that look to God to fill them with guidance, direction and His constant love. I wonder how effective we could be if we all did that? I know I could do better.
The boys have enjoyed playing in the snow. Our driveway was turned into the "Driveway of Doom". The boys want me to sled down it. This concerns me. I am not certain it is in my best interests! I wish you and Shannon were here so we could go down together (I bet Shannon would try standing up!)
I love you so much, Kerry. I pray that you continue to feel good and can enjoy each and every moment of each and every day.
Remember how much I love you,
Mitzi
Dear Aunt Kerry,
ReplyDeleteI found this verse and I thought you might like it.
Psalm 37:5 says,"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him to help you do it and He will."
Joe