For everything there is a season, a time for every activity on this earth...
...a time to speak....
A year ago I was asked to do a workshop at WILD (Womens Institute for Leadership Development
in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC. How could I resist? The sun! The sand! The
pounding surf! The salty air! The beach is one of my favorite places. I
said, "Yes! Sign me up!" The conference dates (October 16-18, 2009) have
been circled on my calendar for months now.
One of the first persons I told about this trip was my BFF,
Dee. I invited her to join me. We have been friends for 20+ years now
& while we have done just about everything together (including big
family vacations) we have never taken an entire weekend
just.for.the.2.of.us. We have been so excited to spend this time
together. In fact, we are flying down a day early, just to relax, hang
out & have fun.
...a time to grieve ...
Two weeks ago Dee was diagnosed with Grade 3 Endometrial
Cancer. This diagnosis has left us reeling. We are in shock, frightened
& trying to process what this means. She is scheduled for a
hysterectomy on November 3. The madness of all this is that she has
never had children and wants nothing more than to be a mother. To say
that I have cried a thousand tears could not possibly come close. And
she has cried thousands more. I have lived in a state of constant prayer
since she called me two weeks ago.
...a time to cry & a time to laugh...
I
cannot help but feel that the timing of this trip has been orchestrated
by God. I am hoping that our time together is peaceful, restful and
that in the midst of our sadness, we will experience pockets of great
joy. Some of my best memories in life have been spent with Dee. I am
anticipating moments of deep laughter. In fact, the last road trip we
took together, I laughed so much that I completely & totally lost my
voice.
...a time to build up....
I
am praying that throughout the weekend & the WILD worship services
God will use this time to strengthen Dee's heart. That He will bless her
socks off, giving her all that she needs in the days ahead. Having you
join your prayers with mine would be most welcomed.
EDITED TO ADD POSTSCRIPT, Tuesday 10/13/09 11:05 AM
....A TIME TO REJOICE!!......
Dee just called me. The Doctor she went to at OSU for a 2nd opinion
just called her. The pathologist at OSU diagnosed her cancer as GRADE
ONE. To say we are rejoicing is the understatement of the year. God is
so amazingly good. Her treatment will be much different (she'll have
an MRI & be treated with medication, not a hysterectomy!!) We are
so excited! So thankful! Much praise & rejoicing today!
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