Bowed down by Grace...

The boys were excited for their first day of school!  Colton is in Mrs. Larson's 4th grade class.  Mrs. Larson taught school and was a friend of Carole's.  She was teary-eyed when we arrived at back to school night and said she had been at the funeral but didn't have a chance to talk with us.  I love that Colton will have a tie to his Grandma through his teacher.  

Yesterday Nolan was convinced he'd wear his athletic shorts and t-shirt.  Out of the blue at 9 pm last night, he decides he wants khaki shorts and a nicer t-shirt.  He also decided to... shave...  oy...  Not sure it will be an every day occurrence, but he definitely could make the argument he was ready for it... 12 and shaving...  just how does that happen?

I'm always amazed at the timing of things.  Einstein says “Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.”  Late last week I received a phone call from Andrea on the far left in the photo below.  She works in Media relations for Sanford.  She said KVLY, a local news station, was asking to do a story on someone battling cancer.  She said my name had been given to her from several departments within Roger Maris... who me?  Would I be willing to share my story with Amy from KVLY?

If I am honest- I'm shy and nervous when it comes to being on camera.  I'd much rather write it out, then speak about it.  But I find, I try not to discern the nature of the blessings as they come.  Only to acknowledge them as blessings and to try to accept them all- the grit along with the glory.  I'm learning to come from a place of "yes," instead of always being caught within the grips of "no," and a healthy dose of fear.

So, maybe everything I have gone through, will help someone else.  Maybe they will see I'm doing okay.  Maybe someone needs to see, and fully know- you can receive a devastating stage IV diagnosis, and live and fight and battle.  

Amy spent over an hour at our house yesterday.  I think it went okay.  But I totally lost my composure... and laughed when she asked if I was a role model... No...  every one of us is going through something.  My story doesn't diminish anyone elses story.  But maybe, we can all just ease burdens and support each other.

The news piece is due to air Thursday at either 5, 6 or 10 o'clock news.  They said they'll email me a link...  plus after we talked a bit about the benefit and some of the many surprises included in it,  they discussed bringing a camera crew over for that too... 

Andrea then told me she was off in search of a doctor to give an interview to go with the piece.  Wonder if she'll track Dr. Panwalkar down?  

In preparation for the benefit on Saturday, September 8th, I decided to donate a basket with a few of my favorite things...  in it you will find a copy of One Thousand Gifts- a lifechanging and lifesaving book for me.  A serenity journal- or gratitude journal to go along with One Thousand Gifts, Arbonne's seasource detox spa, my favorite vanilla bean soy candle, a copy of my favorite book "To Kill a Mockingbird," and a few other fun things... 

Yesterday on the Vicky Westra face book benefit page, a big announcement was made.

"Matt and Bridget Cullen have graciously donated the following package for the LIVE auction. Whomever wins this is one lucky person! Are you ready, here it goes...........

4 tickets to a home MN WILD game (any game after January 1, 2013)

Meet n greet with Matt following the game

2 Locker room tours with Matt following the game

1 night stay at St Paul Hotel

Dinner for 4 following the game ($200 value)"

Wow...  completely, utterly,  blown away... and envious- someone will definitely have a really good time!  Every time I think Matt and Bridget couldn't possibly do any more for us than they have done- they provide an example of how to do more...

I'm so bowed down in Grace...