Nolan's triple A hockey team, The Jr. Spuds, played in the Summer Sizzle this weekend in Burnsville. With just 10 players, 2 goalies and 3 coaches- the team went undefeated all 6 games and won the
championship last night! Way to go boys!
Colton and I spent the weekend in town so that he could go to his own hockey practice. This is the first spring we've had both boys play a spring league. Rick helped organize one for Nolan, and another Dad, Ron, helped organize a team for Colton. We feel so lucky to have this opportunity.
I spent my time during practice warmed by the sun streaming in the car as I read my book... pure bliss.
It finally warmed up! We skipped past the 50's altogether last weekend and flew right into the 60's. It was gloriously warm and spring-like. The river has been climbing in leaps and bounds. What was originally forecast to be a record-breaking flood, has been scaled back to a more modest one.
I have started feeling a bit better. I am due to go back in for infusion tomorrow and see Dr. Panwalkar too. We'll see what my blood counts look like and whether I can begin round 2 of Xeloda.
While the boys played hockey, and Rick traveled to Idaho, I have been on a quest to figure out what I am going to say...
I was so honored to be asked to speak at our church next Saturday. Our Women's group has asked me to share my personal faith story with them at a brunch. I wouldn't call myself a speaker- but I don't feel like just because I am nervous about doing it, that I should let that stop me.
But as I jumped into writing last week, I was struck by how much has happened and how much there is to sift through and make sense out of. I have an entire file box filled with prescriptions, summaries of my appointments, side effect sheets from all the chemos, insurance filings, letters, cards, etc.
On the surface you could call it my "cancer box." But what I've really come to realize it called also be called my "God box." More to come... as I slowly sort through it all and pray a cohesive message comes together by Saturday.
Oh, Vicky. I'm crying happy tears for you. You'll do beautifully. Just like your writing. You'll share from your heart. You'll be real. And the ladies will love it!! xoxoxox I'll be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMiss Julie- thank you so much- I admire you so much as I know how experienced and amazing you are at speaking! Thank you for those prayers- I so appreciate it!
DeleteI am so glad you are feeling better, and I agree with Julie. You will do beautifully. God has given you a story, that you share so well in your writing, and I'm pretty sure he'll give you the grace to speak as well. I am also glad that the temps are finally warming up ~ we leave for our lake place in N. Wisconsin in about 3 weeks, and I was afraid that the ice would still be on the lake:-)
ReplyDeleteHi Sue- ice should be out on the lake- still a bit chilly perhaps- but next week its another warm up I've heard. The book I was reading was "Proof of Heaven," by Eben Alexander- it was a book club pick. Its very informative about his NDE and how his beliefs have changed since having it.
DeleteMost excellent action shots, Vicky... and those are difficult! Congratulations to Nolan and the Jr. Spuds!
ReplyDeletePS: You'll do just fine.
Hi Ms. A~ I can't take credit for the action shots- those are hubby's and he is a photog and that makes me just lucky. Thanks for the vote of confidence :)
DeleteCongratulations to Nolan's team! Being able to soak up that warm sun is good for the body and also the soul. I have read your writing over the last couple of years and I have no doubt that your speech will touch many people. I will be praying!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs! Eileen
Thank you for those prayers Eileen- I am more peaceful than I thought I would be and I think its all of you helping me along with those prayers :)
DeleteI agree w/Eileen, your speech will touch many people - you are an amazing inspiration of courage, strength and hope Vicky. Blessings to you and prayers sent your way.
ReplyDeleteIn His love,
Cheri
Thank you so much Cheri- your words touch me and encourage me- so very kind of you to honor me in this way!
DeleteHi sweet friend! I so wish I could hear you speak! I know it will be wonderful, full of grace and love - just like you always write and share!
ReplyDeleteI continue to keep you in my heart, prayers and thoughts!
Hugs and love!
xoxo
Thank you Tiffany- I appreciate the prayers so much- I will take all of your love with me and know it will see me through :)
DeleteDear Sweet Vicky... LOVE the photos! Hope you're reading a good book in that sunshine. I pray for you every day and will not stop til you are 100% cured!!.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Katie- so appreciate those prayers and well wishes :) Thank you sweet friend!
DeleteCongratulations to Nolan and the Jr. Spuds. Way to go guys!!
ReplyDeleteVicky....I would have thought that I could pick Nolan out of the the team members in the first photo, but I can't. Sigh. Which one is he?
He has grown and changed so much that I cannot recognize that young man, now...
As you go to infusion tomorrow, please know that prayers precede you.
And, as you speak to the Women's Group at your church next Saturday, I want you to know that you won't be standing and speaking alone. He is and always will be with you; I know that you know that...just a whisper of a reminder to let you know that "He's got this." Sending you love, my friend.
Jackie
Jackie- Nolan is the one kneeling on the farthest left side facing us :) They have all matured and changed so much! Thank you for your kind and reassuring words- I take them right to heart with me :) Love you friend!
DeleteVicky, it's going to come together. I have the Sisters at Carmel praying for you. Seriously. So, no worries. :)
ReplyDeleteRoxane- that soothes me beyond measure- thank you for that peace-filled encouragement and for asking that sweet blessing from the Sisters!
DeleteWhat an honor to speak at your church. Heard about your flooding on our local news.
ReplyDeleteGood job to Nolan and his team.
Thank you Lisa- the flooding is truly shaping up to be light, rather than moderate as they once thought and we're all breathing a sigh of relief I think.
DeleteOh, I just love that first picture! Two boys in sports at the same time makes me tired just thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI know there is anxiety that comes with a speaking engagement, but remember that those women love you and will be encouraged by whatever you choose to share with them.
Melissa- I know- its a bit much and yet of course we wouldn't do it any other way :) Thank you for the encouragement :)
DeleteCongratulations for the Championship Nolan :-)
ReplyDeleteHow I would love to sit in that church and listen to your words Vicky. So much strength and beauty in your soul, you are an inspiration. Sending you love and hugs and strength. Praying for you xo
Thank you Anyes- what a lovely thought to think of you there with me :) Thank you for your gracious words and for those prayers- it certainly encourages me!
DeleteRobin~ I'm trusting that He will use me to shine the light on Him and all he has blessed me with. Thankful for your prayers~love you~
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the hockey news, Vicky! Great pics. Looking forward to catching up and finding out how everything else is going......onward!
ReplyDelete