In the quietness of the evening

It's been an ordinary day today - - -
* sleeping in after attending a 50th birthday party last night - it was so good to be able to visit
and chat with people I hadn't seen in a long while
* having a morning visit with my brother, sister-in-law, and niece
* trying to make the singing bamboo top sing (we don't quite have it yet, Victoria)
* doing a load of wash and hanging up the clothes to dry
* heading out to the library for more reading material - quickly becoming a Saturday ritual
* laying on the couch to enjoy those new books
* sitting at the computer to chat with you a few moments
- - - and the pain is tolerable...
and I'm thankful for energy to go through an ordinary day...
and hoping for that same energy to be able to attend church tomorrow...

Just content,
Sandra

School's on My Mind

I know I'm not able to teach yet but I've been thinking more about school lately. It's just what my mind automatically does at this time of the year. So I'll just dream... and instead I'll do what I can to help out from my home and specifically, my computer.
Today I got my new passport in the mail and it only took 2 weeks and 2 days! I was expecting a longer wait than that, even though it was just a renewal.
This week has started out better than last week as far as the pain is concerned. I would say I am more tired this week than last, but the pain is more tolerable and not as severe. So I just have to continue to have patience and take the time for my body to recover from what it has been through.

Patiently?
Sandra

A beautiful evening!

I just went for a walk with my neighbour. What a beautiful evening! When we got back we had a cup of tea together and now another day is almost done. I'm amazed how quickly the days fly by. My week has been filled with visits, and errands, and a movie (Julie & Julia - how fun!), and lots of reading and laying on the couch, and unfortunately, also quite a bit of pain. That's the hard part of this recuperation and the most tiring and frustrating. I'm trying to do some exercises every day to hopefully try to alleviate the pain somewhat. Not sure it's working yet but it feels good anyways. Now I better get ready for bed. Good night and sleep well!

Love, Sandra

At home again

I am at my own home again and wanted to share a few new pictures with you. My sister's youngest boy, Eric, made such a striking piece of art and I just had to show you. He wrote some sayings in the pink ribbon part but I forgot to write them down. When my sister, Sharon, came a couple of weeks ago, she brought along Audrey's favourite song through this breast cancer journey that she had written in calligraphy. I am just reminded over and over again in so many different ways how God is ever present. I also feel so strongly the love of family, both my own immediate family near and far, and God's larger family, all around the world. Thank you for the reminder of God's peace, too, in your sermon yesterday, Nathaniel. You made Psalm 29 speak loudly and through God's still, "peaceful" voice.
"God makes His people strong.
God gives His people peace." (Psalm 29:11 The Message)



Shalom,
Sandra

Visiting

It's been a good week at mom and dad's. Every day I've been able to see Audrey as well and we've had lots of time to talk and visit. I've been able to read and relax and enjoy my family's company while my body continues to heal and be renewed after all the treatments. I so often think I can do more than I actually can. I'll make plans to do something and then lose the strength and energy needed to complete the task. However, yesterday my mom and I did make blackberry mint muffins after my dad picked some wild blackberries. Yum, yum! Tomorrow I will return to Abbotsford - it's been a refreshing break!

Love, Sandra

Fruit of the Vine

Audrey is home from the hospital! This morning I went to pick her up and then we went out for lunch with Ardie. Now I'm back at my mom and dad's and it's so peaceful and quiet here, although I do hear the occasional blueberry cannon going off. The sun is out again today after a good day of rain yesterday. Maybe tomorrow we can eat some fresh blackberries. What do you think, Dad?

At home and at peace,
Sandra

VACATION TIME!

I'm going on a vacation, beginning tomorrow! I'm going to stay at my parent's bed and breakfast in beautiful Surrey. Won't that be wonderful? I'll stay there for the week and enjoy the sheep, and the pond, and the gardens, and my parents, of course. Unfortunately my sister went into the hospital today so I will go and visit her there instead of at home. Her temperature went up so she's on antibiotics, just like I was. We are in this together. Please pray for Audrey, that all will go well for her and her body will respond quickly. What a road this is, with all its bumps and potholes along the way!
" Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find REST for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)

Standing on the promises,
Sandra

Reading is Wonderful, and so are Sisters!

Oh, I just love reading! I've been doing lots of that lately and I'm really enjoying the book Three Cups of Tea right now. I tried doing some exercises this morning, too. I'm trying to set up a little regimen of exercises from a book I found in the library entitled Essential Exercises for Breast Cancer Survivors. My cancer doctor thought maybe that would help my leg pain somewhat as well. I would love some relief other than painkillers because the leg pain is hard to take at times. And for a little bit of trivia - today is Sisters Day - so tell your sister(s) you love her (them). Take care and have a good day tomorrow!


Love, Sandra

One step at a time

Guess what? I was able to go to church this morning for the first time since March! Just to be able to get up early enough, and drive myself there, and be able to sit through a church service, were all huge accomplishments, and I was thrilled I could do it! When I came home I sat down and played the piano...
"I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free!
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."
Yup, His eye is on all His sparrows. I was glad to be able to go up to the house of God and worship with fellow believers today. Every day is another small step to recovery...

Singing His praises,
Sandra

Saturday Night

Another wonderful day! I was able to hold a precious newborn baby (welcome to this world, Janna), be out and visit with friends, have supper with family, and read and relax as well. It's hard now for me to realize that though I am finished going to treatments, my body is still working hard. I am very tired and a little nauseous at times, and my skin seems to be getting redder, rather than better. I know all those things will clear up over time - I just have to be patient. OK, it's time for a saline soak, some cream, and a few pills.

Till next time...
Sandra