Learn
to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know
that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes,
no coincidences; all events are blessings given to us to
learn from. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
This
quilt with the teal awareness ribbon was made for Liz by her
cousin Holli
July
18 - From Joyce:
Andrew,
Mark, Liz, Jessica
Mark
and Liz
June
23 - From Joyce:
Liz
has the most beautiful head. After Nancy (her hair technician)
shaved her head tonight, it reminded me of the precious head
I kissed the day she was born--so perfectly shaped with ears
flat against her head. For some reason that seemed to be important
to me back in those days--flat ears. And the pink birth mark
at the back of her neck is still visible, just like her brother
Mike's.
Liz's hair began to fall out last Sunday and by today it was
coming out in clumps so Liz decided to go ahead and get it
shaved. A rite of passage in a way. Several of us gathered
for the event--her best friend Diane, daughter Jessica, sister-in-law
Andrea, and me. We had lots of laughter, surprises and great
joy as we witnessed Liz let go of her gorgeous hair and claim
her new look.
Nancy applied some make up and brilliant red lips; I kissed
the top of her shaved head. For now she is not planning to
wear a wig and will apply lots of sun screen to her scalp.
Tomorrow Liz has her second chemo treatment; this will bring
her one step closer to surgery.
Liz told me to share a few photos with you of her transformation--before
and after.
Take care,
Joyce Anne
May
28 - From Joyce:
I
purchased some angel T-shirts from Chico's last week and we
wore them on Memorial Day. Liz managed a first social outing
to join us. On the left is Liz's dear friend, Kiersten. Next
to her is her mother, Yvonne. Next to Liz on the right is
her daughter, Jessica and then me.
Just wanted you to see how wonderful Liz looks.
August
12 - Prayer
Shawl for Liz from Karen Getzinger:
This
shawl is from all of us to Liz. I dedicated rows to everyone
on these lists as I knit, like folks
are dedicating miles run for Liz. So it has truly been a group
project, whether you knew it or not! It feels like I've spent
time with each of you and I'm reminded what a great community
this is. You've all touched this shawl through our online
community just as if we'd been able to pass the shawl around
and each touch it. In addition to the blessings of all of
you, the shawl has collected lots of prayers and blessings
for Liz from friends of mine as well as from perfect strangers
who asked me about it. I really believe that when Liz wears
this shawl, she will feel all of those blessings, love and
support.
When I started knitting the first prayer shawl I made, I thought
that in order for the positive energy to get in it, I had
to have everything just so....peace and quiet, just the right
music on, a special candle lit, but quickly realized that
if I needed that, the shawl would never get done! So Liz'
shawl lived with me for the last month or so, once I finally
found just the right yarn. It is a silk/wool blend, very light
and soft, yet it will provide warmth. And it is teal, the
right awareness color. Its baskets multiplied on the shores
of the Hood Canal at Girl Scout Mom and Me camp with my 7
year old, in parks, while visiting with friends, in Starbucks,
during meetings, and even in line at Costco.
The song that is playing is "Praise
You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns.
As
you listen to the words of this song, gaze at the photos
of Liz and know that she breathes this message into her
heart. Into her being.
The
storm rages and still she hears the voice of one who heals,
who loves beyond measure, who carries her when her strength
fails.
Hope.
Believe. Pray.
Be in the moment.
With Liz.
You can control the playback by using these buttons
The
Lyrics: words by Mark Hall/music
by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now, God, You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes
unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
