I am not sure where God will lead me in 2011. I have mixed emotions with being unemployed. It turned out to be a blessing in 2010 because of all the needs of my mom and Randy. I am an individual who didn't just work to be working but enjoyed the interaction with people. I love the work as the director of human resources, because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and this line of work afforded me many opportunities to give a lifting hand up to others. There were certainly situations that I couldn't change the outcome of, but there were more positive opportunities to provide solutions for others. I loved helping others.
I can't predict the future, but I know that I know that God will meet this need just as He has met all my needs in the past, present, and future. I purposefully change any thoughts of doubt. I don't have to understand, but I do have to believe.
Lisa
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 2, 2011
Went to church. Got to see a lot of my friends and catch-up on what was going on with each of them. I was reminded that everyday is a new venture. There are new blessings and challenges regardless of the new year.
I heard from one friend of her mishap with falling in her attic and her son is in need of surgery. Another friend was just told a few weeks ago that the company that he worked for was being sold. And there are others who are facing untold challenges.
I don't want to just hear about the needs of others but want to actively become an instrument of change, where and when I can. That may be as simple as listening to a friend in need or offering whatever feasible support needed. I want to see people as God sees them, so I can truly hear them and not be afraid to love them regardless of where they are at with their journey.
I know that I don't have this whole thing called life figured out but I know that living each day brings new understanding to God's ways. I may not always like how the challenges make me feel but I continue to learn the meaning of not leaning on my own understanding.
Lisa
I heard from one friend of her mishap with falling in her attic and her son is in need of surgery. Another friend was just told a few weeks ago that the company that he worked for was being sold. And there are others who are facing untold challenges.
I don't want to just hear about the needs of others but want to actively become an instrument of change, where and when I can. That may be as simple as listening to a friend in need or offering whatever feasible support needed. I want to see people as God sees them, so I can truly hear them and not be afraid to love them regardless of where they are at with their journey.
I know that I don't have this whole thing called life figured out but I know that living each day brings new understanding to God's ways. I may not always like how the challenges make me feel but I continue to learn the meaning of not leaning on my own understanding.
Lisa
January 1, 2011
As I read the many posting of others on Facebook, I wondered if I truly expected in change in 2011. I find myself still operating on a minute by minute mode most days. I told myself that I must break this cycle. I am still working on that process.
We had an opportunity to spend News Year Eve with Jeremy, Whitney, Craig, Diane, Grandma Faye, and Grandma Vena at Jeremy and Whitney's home. It was a nice time. We ate and watched some strange shows that Whitney and Jeremy like:o)
New Year's Day, I cooked dinner for the family and everyone seemed to enjoy. It was a nice way to start 2011. I hope we will be able to spend a lot more time together throughout the year.
My only New Year's resolution was to give up diet Mt Dew and to start exercising regularly again. The rest of things will take care of itself as they come. One day at a time with God is how I must live my life.
Lisa
We had an opportunity to spend News Year Eve with Jeremy, Whitney, Craig, Diane, Grandma Faye, and Grandma Vena at Jeremy and Whitney's home. It was a nice time. We ate and watched some strange shows that Whitney and Jeremy like:o)
New Year's Day, I cooked dinner for the family and everyone seemed to enjoy. It was a nice way to start 2011. I hope we will be able to spend a lot more time together throughout the year.
My only New Year's resolution was to give up diet Mt Dew and to start exercising regularly again. The rest of things will take care of itself as they come. One day at a time with God is how I must live my life.
Lisa
Recap of 2010
2010 started out a normal pace, fast and furious, but no different than what had been common for the preceding days and weeks. Little did I know that in a few days life's journey would lead me through many unexpected life changing experiences.
On January 4, 2010, my dear friend Robin Lammes unexpectedly loss her husband of 25 years. Sharing this journey with the Lammes family certainly reminded me of the importance of coming alongside individuals in their time of need. It was difficult to watch this family question "Why", and I knowing that this answer would not be adequately be answered in this lifetime. In spite of all of their pain, they chose to cleave to hope that life would get better. They found that hope revealed through a closer relationship with God and each other.
By mid-February, it was apparent that the company that I was working for would probably be acquired by another firm(s). This unfortunately would be the second acquisition since December 2008. The uncertainty became reality in June when several of the management staff were notified that they were being replaced because of the new acquisition and the addition of a new management team. My position was affected by this change. The positive of this was that it would provide some job security for most of the staff.
In March 2010, Randy and I along with Craig and Diane Hollowell went on a wonderful cruise to the Western Caribbean. I had been apprehensive about going on this trip because of all of the changes occurring at work. Little it I know that it would be the last restful week for the year. While we were on the trip, there were little hints of things to come. On the second day of our trip, we learned of the accidental death of Randy's aunt Gaynelle. In the middle of the week, our daughter-in-law and daughter of Craig and Diane, contacted us on the ship to say she was sick. The Saturday evening, our last night on the ship, my Randy informed me that he thought he had a problem with a lump on his neck. Needless to say, I felt all of my earlier apprehension flooding back into my heart as we began to make our way home. I was texting my friend Doris about getting Randy a doctor's appointment. The next few weeks would reveal much more than than I could have predicted.
I immediately got Randy an appointment, March 29, with Dr. Sutton to check his neck. This lead to blood test that revealed an elevated white count. The word cancer was already being mentioned. The next five weeks were filled with getting x-rays, CT Scans, biopsies, colonscopy, and lots of waiting for test results. By mid-April, Randy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's mantle cell lymphoma, which is a rarer form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and considered incurable. Randy began chemo in May 2010 which continued until October when he received an autologous stem cell transplant. Randy experienced many side effects from the treatments and had several hospital stays along the way. Inspite of all of the challenges we are elated that his cancer is currently in remission. This would be one of three combined journeys for our family.
I mentioned earlier that Whitney Hollowell Meads, our daughter-in-law, had gotten sick while we were gone on the cruise, well that sickness did not go away and on April 7, 2010, she was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease. Whitney was admitted to the ICU unit in Albemarle Hospital where her status was stable but guarded. Whitney was only twenty-four years old at the time of her diagnosis. She and Jeremy, our son, were married on April 18, 2009. Whitney has faced many challenges since being diagnosed with ESRD, she has endured several hospital stays, several surgeries, was placed on dialysis, and the kidney transplant list. The love of her husband and dad (Craig) were shown through their willingness to be tested as donor matches for Whitney. By the mercy of God, Craig, Whitney's dad, was almost a perfect match. It took eight months to move from the time she was diagnosed until she received her new kidney on December 14, 2010. Whitney and Craig are both recovering well.
During Whitney's April stay in the hospital my mom passed out at home, cutting her lip, and ended up in the emergency room. From this incident, she was placed in the hospital due to some internal bleeding. As test were run, colonscopy being one, it was discovered that she had a GIST-gastrointestinal stromal tumor which was cancerous and had ulcerated. After her stay in the hospital there were many doctor visits to ensure that the diagnosis was correct and what action was appropriate. In late May it was determine that the GIST had to be surgical removed, taking part of her stomach. Dr. Reichenbach was to perform the surgery and through a pre-surgery CT scan discovered that my mother also had a 5.3 stomach aneurysm. The decision was to take care of the GIST first because of the immediate life threatening risk. The schedule was scheduled for July 20th. She came through the surgery well but had a slow recovery. She had some lingering infection from an incision but Dr. Reichenbach stayed on top of it until he was able to retrieve it without doing additional surgery. After her complete recovery of this her surgery to repair the aneurysm was scheduled for December 6th. She did well through this surgery and has recovered well.
During the journey of 2010, I lost a dear friend, Jo Ella Snow. Jo Jo valiantly battle with cancer until her little body could no longer fight. I had the privilege of spending time with her and her family during her last hours on this earth. I miss her smiling face and wonderful talks that we had over the years. She has a wonderful family and her only son Bobby Jr. is an amazing man.
I have laughed many times over about all the days and weeks that I have spent in a doctor's office, clinic, hospital. I have such a tremendous appreciation for individuals who work in the medical field. I do however remind everyone that your health care is your responsibility and you need to stay on top of everything that is happening.
In the middle of all of the many challenges faced on this journey, I met some incredible people along the way. Every person that I encountered in my many visits to doctor offices, hospitals, clinics, etc. caused endless thoughts to be processed through my heart and mind. There is so many different ways that people handle life's challenges, many cry, some express anger, some laugh, some retreat, and some just face it like it doesn't exist, just to name a few. I found strength to press on, just watching these heroes as they sought balance between their uncertainty and their hope. It kept me in check concerning my own thoughts about the events of this year.
The year certainly had more challenges than I would have openly signed up for, but I am thankful that we made this journey. I know that we have been blessed with many gifts of kindness shown to our family throughout the year. I can't adequately mention every phone call, text, card, visit, all of the ongoing prayers, the food, the November benefit for Randy, and just the support of all of our family and friends. I struggle to find the right words to express how I really feel about the love and kindness expressed to us. It has certainly been overwhelming and exceeds anything that I feel we deserve. We have an renewed appreciation for the wonderful people who surround us on a daily basis!
The last two weeks in December gave us a sweet gift, everyone was hospital free and feeling better. We were able to enjoy some special moments with family and friends and it was priceless. I am glad to be have had the opportunity to see the close of 2010. Best of all, the whole family made it.
Lisa
On January 4, 2010, my dear friend Robin Lammes unexpectedly loss her husband of 25 years. Sharing this journey with the Lammes family certainly reminded me of the importance of coming alongside individuals in their time of need. It was difficult to watch this family question "Why", and I knowing that this answer would not be adequately be answered in this lifetime. In spite of all of their pain, they chose to cleave to hope that life would get better. They found that hope revealed through a closer relationship with God and each other.
By mid-February, it was apparent that the company that I was working for would probably be acquired by another firm(s). This unfortunately would be the second acquisition since December 2008. The uncertainty became reality in June when several of the management staff were notified that they were being replaced because of the new acquisition and the addition of a new management team. My position was affected by this change. The positive of this was that it would provide some job security for most of the staff.
In March 2010, Randy and I along with Craig and Diane Hollowell went on a wonderful cruise to the Western Caribbean. I had been apprehensive about going on this trip because of all of the changes occurring at work. Little it I know that it would be the last restful week for the year. While we were on the trip, there were little hints of things to come. On the second day of our trip, we learned of the accidental death of Randy's aunt Gaynelle. In the middle of the week, our daughter-in-law and daughter of Craig and Diane, contacted us on the ship to say she was sick. The Saturday evening, our last night on the ship, my Randy informed me that he thought he had a problem with a lump on his neck. Needless to say, I felt all of my earlier apprehension flooding back into my heart as we began to make our way home. I was texting my friend Doris about getting Randy a doctor's appointment. The next few weeks would reveal much more than than I could have predicted.
I immediately got Randy an appointment, March 29, with Dr. Sutton to check his neck. This lead to blood test that revealed an elevated white count. The word cancer was already being mentioned. The next five weeks were filled with getting x-rays, CT Scans, biopsies, colonscopy, and lots of waiting for test results. By mid-April, Randy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's mantle cell lymphoma, which is a rarer form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and considered incurable. Randy began chemo in May 2010 which continued until October when he received an autologous stem cell transplant. Randy experienced many side effects from the treatments and had several hospital stays along the way. Inspite of all of the challenges we are elated that his cancer is currently in remission. This would be one of three combined journeys for our family.
I mentioned earlier that Whitney Hollowell Meads, our daughter-in-law, had gotten sick while we were gone on the cruise, well that sickness did not go away and on April 7, 2010, she was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease. Whitney was admitted to the ICU unit in Albemarle Hospital where her status was stable but guarded. Whitney was only twenty-four years old at the time of her diagnosis. She and Jeremy, our son, were married on April 18, 2009. Whitney has faced many challenges since being diagnosed with ESRD, she has endured several hospital stays, several surgeries, was placed on dialysis, and the kidney transplant list. The love of her husband and dad (Craig) were shown through their willingness to be tested as donor matches for Whitney. By the mercy of God, Craig, Whitney's dad, was almost a perfect match. It took eight months to move from the time she was diagnosed until she received her new kidney on December 14, 2010. Whitney and Craig are both recovering well.
During Whitney's April stay in the hospital my mom passed out at home, cutting her lip, and ended up in the emergency room. From this incident, she was placed in the hospital due to some internal bleeding. As test were run, colonscopy being one, it was discovered that she had a GIST-gastrointestinal stromal tumor which was cancerous and had ulcerated. After her stay in the hospital there were many doctor visits to ensure that the diagnosis was correct and what action was appropriate. In late May it was determine that the GIST had to be surgical removed, taking part of her stomach. Dr. Reichenbach was to perform the surgery and through a pre-surgery CT scan discovered that my mother also had a 5.3 stomach aneurysm. The decision was to take care of the GIST first because of the immediate life threatening risk. The schedule was scheduled for July 20th. She came through the surgery well but had a slow recovery. She had some lingering infection from an incision but Dr. Reichenbach stayed on top of it until he was able to retrieve it without doing additional surgery. After her complete recovery of this her surgery to repair the aneurysm was scheduled for December 6th. She did well through this surgery and has recovered well.
During the journey of 2010, I lost a dear friend, Jo Ella Snow. Jo Jo valiantly battle with cancer until her little body could no longer fight. I had the privilege of spending time with her and her family during her last hours on this earth. I miss her smiling face and wonderful talks that we had over the years. She has a wonderful family and her only son Bobby Jr. is an amazing man.
I have laughed many times over about all the days and weeks that I have spent in a doctor's office, clinic, hospital. I have such a tremendous appreciation for individuals who work in the medical field. I do however remind everyone that your health care is your responsibility and you need to stay on top of everything that is happening.
In the middle of all of the many challenges faced on this journey, I met some incredible people along the way. Every person that I encountered in my many visits to doctor offices, hospitals, clinics, etc. caused endless thoughts to be processed through my heart and mind. There is so many different ways that people handle life's challenges, many cry, some express anger, some laugh, some retreat, and some just face it like it doesn't exist, just to name a few. I found strength to press on, just watching these heroes as they sought balance between their uncertainty and their hope. It kept me in check concerning my own thoughts about the events of this year.
The year certainly had more challenges than I would have openly signed up for, but I am thankful that we made this journey. I know that we have been blessed with many gifts of kindness shown to our family throughout the year. I can't adequately mention every phone call, text, card, visit, all of the ongoing prayers, the food, the November benefit for Randy, and just the support of all of our family and friends. I struggle to find the right words to express how I really feel about the love and kindness expressed to us. It has certainly been overwhelming and exceeds anything that I feel we deserve. We have an renewed appreciation for the wonderful people who surround us on a daily basis!
The last two weeks in December gave us a sweet gift, everyone was hospital free and feeling better. We were able to enjoy some special moments with family and friends and it was priceless. I am glad to be have had the opportunity to see the close of 2010. Best of all, the whole family made it.
Lisa
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)