Welcome to my world

I am a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister and a friend.
I've learned that who you have in your life matters more than what you have.
Thank you for stepping in to my world!

Monday, July 11, 2016

Kicking cancer's ass - day 1047

I'm reposting this blog entry from last year because I couldn't write it any better.

Allyson Hendrickson.

Most of you did not know her.  I'm sorry for that.  She was a person well worth knowing.  She was a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a friend.  She was my friend.

Two years ago today Allyson earned her angel wings.  I know she's at peace now that she's at home with God.  She's no longer in pain.  She's no longer having to fight every single day to stay alive.  I'm relieved for her.  But I'm still sad.  Sad for those of us who loved her.  Especially sad for her "three little cowboys" who have to grow up without their incredible mom.  

I always talk about my "journey" or traveling this road we call cancer.  Nobody traveled it better, with more grace, than Allyson.  She was my example.  She taught me how to fight cancer, and how to live life while doing it.  Having cancer brought her to the lowest of low points, and yet her faith was still shining brightly.




My blog entry from the day of Allyson's memorial service is one of the best things I've ever written.  If you want to know Allyson, and what having her for a friend was like, read Kicking cancer's ass - day 321

Allyson's friends started a non-profit organization called Ally's Wish, and they raise money to grant wishes to mothers with terminal illnesses.  The first wish granted was Allyson's - to have her blog published for her boys.  Her family was the first to receive the book, but I'm happy to say that Three Little Cowboys is finally available to everyone.  Click here to purchase!  My copy sits proudly on my bookshelf.

If you've never read any of Allyson's blog, you need this book.  Even if you have, you need this book.  She was such a gifted writer - her blog entries were so heartfelt and funny, even through her darkest days.  The light that is Allyson Hendrickson shines through every single blog entry.

Buy the book.  Read the book.

Pray for her family.

Donate to Ally's Wish.

And wear flip flops.  Make Allyson proud.

I miss you friend.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Kicking cancer's ass - day 1043

Definition of blessing
: something that helps you or brings happines

One of the greatest blessings in my life is my husband.

Sixteen years ago today, he walked off of a plane in Atlanta and changed my life forever. From that day forward it has been him and me against the world, and I thank God every day that He gave me such a good, good man to stand beside me for the rest of my life.


    Tomorrow, July 8th, we get to celebrate Hubby on his birthday.  



I looked at him with stars in my eyes back then, and I still look at him that way today.  He is the one who makes me laugh, the one who holds me when I cry.  He teases me and takes care of me.  He has been my rock through every storm we've faced, including a pretty damn big storm.





Hubby is not only a good person and a wonderful husband.  
He is a fantastic father to his three kids.  He is funny and sarcastic, strict but gentle, strong and loving.  He would do anything for his kids and to him, family is everything.























Hubby, I wish I knew how to give you the perfect day for your birthday.  You're the husband I love more than words can say, the incredible father to our kids, the friend anyone would be lucky to have.
You wear many hats:  business owner, boss, coach, pool guy, nurse, masseuse, father, son, uncle, brother, even grandpa.  You're always willing to help - anyone, anytime.  You generously give over and over without complaint.
You're the biggest, brightest star in my galaxy and you make me happy every single day.  

You're the strongest person I've ever known, and I'm one lucky lady to have had that strength to help me through 1043 days of kicking cancer's ass.
Happy Birthday Hubby.  I love you!