Among Friends

[DeLaney]

@WaJa61— dearest, Joy. . . I didn’t even realize you’ve been so sick. I hope it's not an adenovirus, and that you're soon feeling completely restored. Not surprised to find you here lovingly supporting others regardless, as well as helping to care for your aunt's needs. I have prayed as you've requested for Cynthia and your own wellness and peace for her. Sounds like her oldest daughter needs prayers, too. 

Best wishes with the auction for the needed school funds. Be seeing you and the other ladies this weekend. You can't guess how much Mike and I are looking forward to our vacation and time with friends. 💚 

@LurkyLoo, sorry we haven’t been in touch lately, but all is well. I'm glad to see that you're okay, too, and being treated by Gwen and Steve to the Pokonos! Congratulations to them on their upcoming nuptials—may their life together reveal only blessings and all they've ever dreamed of. 

Thanks for the tee-shirt link! I'll definitely check that out. Hope they are on sale, since Tyler continues to grow out of everything at near light speed. Like you, I haven’t shopped for clothing for myself since my last visit. Completed decorating Tyler’s room for now. . . he doesn’t want to sleep in there yet! 😆 Doesn’t it just figure? He still prefers his little nook in my home office off our bedroom. We'll begin trying in earnest to help him adapt when we return from our trip. 

Take care and God bless! 💚 

[DeLaney]

@HiLo/M.O.M., I'm frustrated and was so alarmed to learn that your son, Rob's thyroid cancer had already metastasized to his lymph nodes and lungs before being properly diagnosed due to no symptoms, but sudden weight gain. So very thankful his brain scan showed only spots from a previous auto accident. I know he has other challenges, too, which may complicate things along the way with whatever treatments are planned by his oncologist. My heart goes out to him—and you, as his devoted mother. If anything could shake one's faith, however temporary, it's this. As unbearable as the potential loss of any loved one is; nothing comes close to our children. 

I will continue to pray this way and for your family's strength. I'm so sorry to hear that Ryan's situation grows worse, but am thankful he is still able to work part time, as it's good for him. Far better than nothing at his age. (I will speak with you more soon privately.) May the miracle that Don needs arrive at any moment. Meanwhile what a blessing is his faith—doubly so, as he generously shares it with you. Thank you for letting us know, and don't worry with contacting us individually until things calm down. I certainly understand where your priorities must lie. 

How proud you must be of Lauren! It does my heart good to hear that such an accomplished and dedicated young woman will be joining the ranks of badly needed help with social work. Not that you could part with her, but she and her heart-led skills are certainly needed in our area. Our social services remain badly understaffed and over worked. Too many in desperate need slip through the cracks. 

May the faithful Lord of mercy continue to bless Verna and family. She and her mom have been on mind so much. I'm grateful to know the situation is improving—prayers heard and answered. All glory to the Provider! Isn't it remarkable how when her mother was moved to pray for Rob, the peace not of this world enveloped you? 🤗 We shouldn’t be surprised at the power of prayer, yet I'm always amazed.

We are loved beyond measure—that's so humbling and comfortIng. Truly, the only thing I can safely be proud of is Who my Father in Heaven is, as all things come from Him, and despite my many daily shortcomings, He can and does love me anyway. Just as He loves us all! Keeps me mindful to keep striving to love the imperfect everyone among us, just as Jesus demonstrated and instructed. Agape—love worth finding and cherishing forever. Brotherly/sisterly love (philia) among those we approve of is easy—really just denotes self-love (philautia)—viewing some as an extension of ourselves, so therefore worthy. Agape is that higher form of love that God has for His children, and it should become reflected through us. Impossible without the fruits of the Holy Spirit for the flesh is weak. 

I will as you wisely say, keep looking up! I'm expecting the best for you and Rob, despite the outlook. Human percentages and odds mean nothing to Holy God. When all the chips are down, and we yet trust in Him. He can hold off our enemies (like cancer), bind it and part the sea if He so wills it! 

My love and gratitude to you always. 💚

[HiLo]

Hello Marcia:

Your post here is so welcome....

Yes, Rob's cancer is very troubling.  His type is one that is usually one of the most curable....but even his age is against him.  It wasn't  that he avoided the Dr. either but I believe now the Dr. he was seeing was careless in his examination and reading of the blood work; never even checked his neck during exams.  The cancer was suspected by a nurse in a walk in center, where he decided to stop to get his blood pressure checked. When she learned of his weight gain she immediately referred him to a good specialist.

That Dr. referred him to a surgeon. at Johns Hopkins who has not been faithful in contacting him....he had a lung test done a week ago Monday and in spite of constant phone calls she or assistant never call him back no matter how many messages he leaves.  Of course he is anxious to know the results...anyone would be.  I would be tempted to suggest he try another surgeon but the surgery is set up for the 27th.and this lady is know to be very good.  If he had allowed me to accompany him during any of the visits to Hopkins you can be sure there would have been many more questions asked. since he also has a bad hearing problem.

I have a friend whose son has a brain tumor and the family won't accept anything except alternative therapy....Medical Marijuna is their choice and the tumor has shrunk, although the Medical community has other explanations as to why this is happening. I knew this threatment was often used for pain but I had no idea it is supposed to be a cure.  One year now and no more headaches.

As I am writing this, Marcia, I am thinking of your Mom and what your family went through while your brother was sick.and eventually died. .No one knows the pain of losing a child until it happens to them.

And Lauren seemed happy when I told her your story....".no matter how long it takes to reach my goal, I'm going for it."  It's good for her to hear your story and how the Lord worked the circumstances out at just the right time.  But she is not as concerned as she once was about pleasing the Lord...her boy friend is a nice guy but not a Christian. But I know how He works and she will come back.

I want to hear all about little Tyler and what your family is doing next time, Marcia  Have missed so much here and it's almost impossible to catch up.  I will keep you and the others posted on gmail.  Meanwhile, I can't thank you and the others enough for your prayers....they are what we get us through no matter how it turns out.

Love you,

"MOM"  Lois.

[HiLo]

Snappy:

I get tired just writing one of these posts....don't know how you do it but you manage very well.

This is going to be short because I need to at least try to get some sleep so you may want to see some of my recent comments to Delaney (Marcia).

Of course, we are only starting on this cancer journey so it will be a long hard road ahead for us too.  There is no way I could face it without the knowledge that the Lord's eternal plan is really the only one that counts....how quickly life is over.  Just thinking about what Shirley has and is going through make the tears flow....praying for strength and relief for not only Shirley but for you and the rest of the family. 

Her son comes to mind too;  wonder how he is handling it all.  As you probably remember, I lost a grandchild with Downs....but in God's economy they are really a blessing.  Remember walking down the hall at work one day just after I heard that the child was Downs.  Of course, the Lord put  a Christian man directly in my path at that time....one of the things that impressed me the most was when he said, "God doesn't give these children to just anybody because they are so special to Him". And her reaction the day she was taken to surgery made me realize how very special she was: for a child who never smiled it was a miracle how happy she was as they wheeled her down to surgery.  The next hour she was with the Lord and she knew where she was going...if only we could all be that way.

I too am getting weary of this old world ; never seen anything like it in my lifetime. It's easy to say "take care" but we both know it's not that easy; you are suffering too.

Hope to write more later.  Meanwhile praying for Shirley and know you will be praying for us to have the strength to accept whatever God has in mind....His promises are all there for the taking andthey are what provides our peace.

Love to you,

HiLo

[agnesann]

🙏🏻 Updated Prayer List:
 
—Cute's granddaughter-in-law who is being treated for thyroid cancer. Also her daughter, who recently recovered from a stroke.
 
—Snappy's sister, Shirley (urgent—cancer has now spread to her brain and treatments have failed against this very aggressive type), and her pastor's wife for healing from cancer. Snappy herself, as she struggles to deal with and support them both. Relief from her incurable bladder condition with chronic infections and some depression. Her youngest daughter who must decide when it's best to retire from teaching. She worries about leaving Snappy alone while she works. May the Lord guide her and provide her with answers.
 
—Issy and family during their grief at the loss of her brother, J.M. and two cousins. Also her dear friend and neighbor, Joan who is under hospice care.
 
—MsLomo's husband who suffers from severe balance issues and other serious health problems. MsLomo and their son as they care for and support him. May the Lord grant them strength.
 
—Joy's DIL, Suz' being treated for lupus, and their family as they care for and support her. Joy's younger sister suffering some complications following rotator cuff surgery. Their aunt, Cynthia whose overall health is in decline as she is making her final plans. Compassionate care and relief from much suffering. Cynthia's eldest daughter who is her mother's primary caregiver and under much stress.
 
—Gloria's daughter, Darla for healing and an end to severe pain from EDS. Also protective prayers for Darla's twin girls. May they both be spared this disorder. 
 
—LadyAnn who is mourning the loss of her much beloved dog, Toby. 
 
—Ruth Ann who suffers with advancing RA and CHF. Her cousin's young daughter, Erin diagnosed with RA and must seek different employment.
 
—Hilo's brother, Don who suffers with advancing MS. He awaits in faith, the results from recent surgery. Her son, Rob—also having surgery to remove cancerous tumors from his thyroid that has spread to his lymph nodes and lungs. Hilo, herself, for good health. courage and strength as she helps support and care for him. Her grandson, Ryan, as his emotional difficulties increase. Her dear niece who suffers from blindness and has now been diagnosed with lupus.
 
—Agnes' mother who continues to suffer with severe pain from osteoarthritis, mobility issues and reoccurring cysts. Also her dear friend, Michelle and family for comfort and strength as they mourn the loss of baby Martin. Giving thanks for her and her daughter's safe shelter and support through loving sponsors! Agnes' special needs son, Jacob who struggles with some classes in school, making his Autism symptoms worse. Agnes' husband, Darrell who is being treated for a hiatal hernia and stomach ulcers.  

—Selah and Rowan's youngest brother, Nosh and his troubled girlfriend. May she be moved to seek the psychological help she needs.
 
—Marcia's father-in-law, who has developed prediabetes. BabyGirl's birth mother, who suffered a setback - and this precious foster child in the care of her grandmother, Marcia and Mike. Marcia's dad, Owen who soon faces knee surgery and is prone to further aneurysms.
 
—Jubilant who is going through some of life's difficulties, and must be away from these boards for a time. Giving thanks to the Lord that her situation is improving!
 
Thank you, and please add any other petitions that come to mind. God bless and keep you all. 🙏🏻

[MsLomo]

@agnesann 

Blessings on you for this prayer list. How generous and loving you are.  Thank you ... prayers going up for everyone.

[WaJa61]

Yes, thank you, Agnes! 💗 You have the sweetest heart. I printed this update out to add to our local church prayer list. I like to touch the names, as Will and I pray for each person every evening. 

Marcia, my ear and sinus infection hardly seemed worth mentioning. Nothing new for me anyway... Today I take the last antibiotic pill that has my hiatal hernia acting up. That's been the worst part. Seems to bloat it up and make it hurt, along with my stomach. Otherwise, I think I'm over the hump. 

Checked our and NC's weather forecast and they are about the same. Thunderstorms in the evenings most days. Nothing we can't deal with, so don't worry. I can well imagine just how badly you two need a vacation. I'm sorry you have to take the red eye again. I hope little Tyler sleeps straight through it! 

Thanks for your prayers for Cynthia. She is having a very bad week, healthwise... The auction will be in the middle of August, so I'll be making the fruit punches and iced tea to offer the attendees. I confess, I don’t enjoy listening to auctioneers. Gives me a headache when they get going, but I hope it does well for the school. See you soon!

Hilo, I can't tell you how relieved I am for Rob, you and your whole family, now that things look more encouraging. We'll keep looking up in blessed hope and pray for healing to come down. I know you're looking so forward to Donna's arrival, though Stephen and Lauren are already a huge help. I don't understand why Rob isn’t having his calls returned if the test results are in. Stress he doesn’t need!! You could remind him to take a list of questions with him to his appointments. They should give him a print out of instructions to follow anyway. Does he have a hearing aid? Some insurers help to cover the cost, if he doesn’t. Bless you, dear one! 

MsLomo, hello! I'm sorry you are missing your old HSN friends. I miss many former posters from here and often wonder what has become of them, too. We all get to feeling nostalgic for simpler times... especially when we, or our loved ones have so many health issues. Sending hugs to you, and praying for better days ahead for your dear husband. 

Thanks to you, I found this pair of Gentle Souls and I'm wearing them here at work today. 

Like walking on air, and the ankle straps don't rub! The zip in the back, so easy on and off, too. Thank you for the suggestion. 💗

Issy, it's so nice to see you and to know that you and your sister-in-law are doing well. I'm sure that anyone using the new sewing machines would need a class, and I think sewing and crafting is very therapeutic.

It's hard to believe that little Elijah is nearly 3-years old already! Time sure flies and they grow up so fast. I'm glad he's such a bright and happy boy! I got the wedding and family portraits back ~ both on a CD and the hard copies. Really enjoying those and sending some to family members. Here's Jax doing his jig at the reception:

Little ham! Now he thinks he's supposed to dance each time he enters the church. 😁 Hope it's cooled off out there and you can more comfortably enjoy getting out and about. Good luck resisting those statement necklaces! 😍 

Dear Snappy... I can't help but cry for Shirley and your whole family. It also brings back hard memories of my mother's battle with colon cancer, though she had wanted to give up and go Home much sooner than we could want that for her. I remember feeling so guilty for encouraging her to continue the treatments that were so hard on her, when all failed in the end. No one will have to deal with that guilt in regard to brave Shirley. She has such a strong will to live on for her family, including her beloved pets. I hope the infusions help, if she can manage to get them. I pray your time together will bring you both solace and peace. Whatever happens, you'll be together again some day where no more suffering exists. 

I love you, and I understand you don't feel like messing with the computer much right now. It's a brain drain. Enjoy your reading, and I hope you're holding those precious baby girls again soon.  

When we KS ladies arrive at Billy Graham’s Cove next week for the 3-day retreat; we will say special prayers for you, Shirley and all on the prayer list here. 

Love and blessings to each of you,

~Joy 💜

[Rowan72]

Hello, dear friends. I have a few free moments to check in with you all today. Took our aunt and uncle out to their new property this morning, where the modular home will soon be set up. They have their well and septic all in place now. Things are progressing fine, so far, for which we are so grateful. Usually there are snags along the way, such as when Chay and I recently built our home here. Our aunt has recovered from her fall, but decided to get herself the Euro Drive rollator, too. Helps her to feel more secure when walking at a distance. 

I'm sorry there's so much suffering for so many here and elsewhere among members of this forum … not to mention elsewhere. Everywhere, actually. You are certainly not alone. That's what friends do, though - as sweet Issy implied - we're there for one another through the hardest of times, as well as the best of times. Please know that my family's prayers remain steadfast with each of you and your loved ones. Thank you for your prayers for us. Deeply appreciated! 

Anu, that is one scary map! I just heard there was a 3rd quake below Lake Erie, so something sure seems to be happening there. I hope it wasn’t near the salt mines that Joy mentioned. All the water weight could be a huge factor. I grieve for all those, including farm families who have lost everything - tragically some of their loved ones. Also read about the terrible infestation of flies in parts of Louisiana due to the flooding there. Covering bridges and all in their path like wall-to-wall carpet. They will spread illness in their wake. Scarier yet; there's 5 new cases of Flesh Eating Bacteria reported in Delaware Bay. The climate effects everything, including diseases. They are able to thrive in areas where they never could before. 

I hope the severe storms with tornadoes stay far from you, and that your flight out here is able to leave on schedule. 

Oh, I know I'm not qualified to really help Nosh's gf. She needs serious psychiatric help, with probably years of in-depth psychotherapy. Possibly meds. First of all, she needs to recognize that and want to accept help. There is no sign of that at this point, and from what I read, those suffering from NPD usually have to hit rock bottom before seeking help. Then they typically don't follow through once they get past the crisis stage. I am a little confused about the Covert, Introvert type of narcissism, yet I feel that's the type that most fits her personality and behaviors. It's important to understand the differences, so we (mainly Nosh) knows how to react/respond without much conflict. I hope to speak with Marcia about it next week. 

Joy, so glad you’re feeling better from the infection! I can't wait until watermelon season. I'll make that drink for sure. We planted the small, round, seedless variety this time. Still no eggs from our sweet hens yet. A little too early, but I'm looking forward to omelets, like Agnes is enjoying.

Love that adorable Jax! Wouldn’t it be great if we all always lacked the inhibitions that often deprive us of such sheer pleasures in life? His face portrays absolute delight! I should follow his lead. 

Love & Hugs to All, 

Ro' 🙏🏼

[MsLomo]

@Rowan72 

@WaJa61 

Oh, that little Jax! What a DOLL! And how about that snazzy outfit! I agree with Rowan that we need to put his picture where we can see it every morning. He is pure inspiration.

Joy, so glad that the Gentle Souls are comfortable! They sure are cute, too.

Regarding the "hello" posters from the past, it's the passage of time -- the loss of time -- that always gets to me. I so enjoy everyone here and look forward to their posts, even if they can't come here often. For some reason, though, the "old days" seem now to have been easier and lighter times ... because, well, they were! LOL!

to all! Thank you for the prayers ... all of you are in mine.  

[HiLo]

Good morning to all:

I want to thank you for the names of your loved ones who need a touch from the hand of God.  In this world, ill health and sorrow will come to all but it makes a big difference when you know there are people out there who truly care.

I'm not surprised that Snapppy may not be up to posting now.....I feel the same.  She is walking the path with Shirley and can feel the pain...which can be overwhelming.

Joy: The news about Rob is not that positive anymore but will send you a message with details later.  The surgery will be a week from today and the whole process will be a real battle. Have cried an ocean  but then Father God told me in my Spirit that now is the time to be sure that His Word that is in my head is also in my heart. In other words,  JUST TRUST ME!  I desire so much for Him to get glory through all this....whichever way He chooses but to  provide the grace necessary.. Years ago,right after her son was born, Donna found out she had MS.  She went home and poured her heart out to the Lord, saying that His will is what she sought but her one request was that she be able to raise her son these first few years, Well, the end of the story is that to this day there has never been another sign of the MS; her son is now 31 years old! That was a real life lesson for me.

Thanks everyone for the prayers.  He hears them all.

Lois (HiLo)