For my Sister: Forever Tattoed

Tattoos are very personal, in most cases people give a lot of thought into the art that will permanently be on their bodies.  Such was not the case for her.  Her tattoo directs the path the stream of radiation follows.....each and every day.....in sickness and in health...rain, sleet or snow.....come hell or high water she must keep that daily appointment.

She is reaching the end of her treatment......she is one of the lucky ones.....a survivor.  But she has not been left unscarred.  The image in her mirror will remind her of her story forever more.  Reconstruction?  Though it is an option will she choose it?  Maybe looking in the mirror and seeing a clear picture of God's grace is a better choice, because His story intermingles with hers, so much so there is no doubt that He has had her in the palm of His hand during this trial......perhaps the hardest of all trials she has endured thus far.

From the beginning with an early diagnosis (which literally saved her life) to guiding her through each decision that needed to be made.....and there were many.....He was there.

The burning of her flesh will heal.  She will get through this next and final stage the best that she knows how......hopefully with very few side effects.....all this will one day be over.  But her scars will remain, her tattoo will forever mark the spot where God stepped in and  brought her healing grace.

I love you sister.

A Stranger in my Hometown

A Stranger in my Hometown

 

The storefronts that once enticed and teased, now depress.

Daily schedules of work and school maintain a sense of normalcy,

Our faith is really being put to the test.

Can anyone read the misfortune that is our story?

One less act of kindness would have left us on the streets we use to stroll.

Will the end to this trial bring God the glory?

 How does one get from there to here?

Where there are no more options and had we known, there never were.

Not pleasing God through all this is what I really fear.

What once was taken for granted is now longed for.

Everything reminds us of a time that wasn’t so long ago

Visitors in our hometown, that’s what we are now.

The first week of summer was successful at work.  Our rooms look fun and summerish!  It hasn't been too hot (unfortunate for the lil ones as they are anxious for water play!)...class sizes have been pretty light.  Should I now insert a "knock on wood!"   :)     We have some new friends that are getting along just great with our "old timers".  Some have taken the summer off and we look forward to seeing them again in the Fall.  But one in particular moved across the U.S.  :(

I am missing this lil man!  :(       I just love this picture so much, I'm going to print it and put it in my classroom.  Just a reminder of why I do what I do and am just so blessed!

That's my phone in my hand.....no, I wasn't texting! LOL  I was trying to get a picture of him resting in my lap.   Precious!