tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post1640941018003457427..comments2024-03-08T05:20:15.941-06:00Comments on The Westra World: abundance amongst the messVickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-46616504326523264582014-02-13T21:34:25.471-06:002014-02-13T21:34:25.471-06:00Oh those darn medical bills. I remember my mom pa...Oh those darn medical bills. I remember my mom panicking over her open-heart surgery medical bills. It's so depressing when those itemized bills start coming in. Praying that you and your family will be blessed. tainterturtleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10307790480251741661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-38970096222662166522014-02-13T14:34:59.549-06:002014-02-13T14:34:59.549-06:00Dear Vicky, I love your super mugs! the fit for su...Dear Vicky, I love your super mugs! the fit for super you and your superman and your super boy's and well we can go on...super family and super friends....and I also Love love your quotes... I didn't have a clue you posted...and as always I read...but i came to let you know that it has been a year since I first found your blog...a year! and it had moved me, humbled me, been so insiteful, so helpful, so real, so filled with heart wrenching reality and yet utter grace... could I be the president of your fan club??? I don't think you fully realize the lives you touch! you just amaze me. Much love to you on this Valentines day! much love to all of you and continued prayers! Big Hugs Dear dear friend!On a Wing and a Prayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11254390486126765402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-54706775875275843112014-02-13T06:54:53.830-06:002014-02-13T06:54:53.830-06:00I'm writing down your beautiful quotes. I'...I'm writing down your beautiful quotes. I'd never heard them. Ohhhhh, so true, my friend. <br /><br />I'm ABUNDANTLY grateful for your words. Your Spirit. Your Heart! Julie Garmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09774724750356986307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-45750040063428186052014-02-12T21:23:15.579-06:002014-02-12T21:23:15.579-06:00I read the following in my Everyday Grace devotion...I read the following in my Everyday Grace devotional. It reminded me of you, and how you choose to live your life in gratitude.<br /><br />God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more that just ready to do what needs to be done. 2 Corinthians 9:8<br /><br />"Blessings are God's grace visible to us in tangible form. Sometimes they are so small we nearly overlook them - the sun on our faces, the smile of a friend, or food on the table - but other times they amaze us. Day by day, God's grace makes us ready for whatever comes our way. He gives us exactly what we need."<br /><br />Thank you for helping me remember not to overlook the blessings that surround me every day!My prayers continue for you with each challenge that you face. Take care, dear Vicky!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03818267577743110088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-56694289965422318042014-02-12T11:57:09.519-06:002014-02-12T11:57:09.519-06:00Aren't they great? I am cleaning them up and ...Aren't they great? I am cleaning them up and preparing them for a workout as we are coffee and tea lovers! Yes- mom is convinced she will somehow garner her wish, and yet she isn't fighting where she is at exactly either, so we'll just keep working at it day by day.<br /><br />I believe I will be doing an AI- either Arimidex or Aromasin. Since I had 6-7 months on Tamoxifen that worked he decided to go this route and has also mentioned Affinitor as a possibility. Will see next Tuesday- have not officially seen him for 6 weeks and its hard to believe so much time has elapsed :) Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-67017696788485926152014-02-12T11:53:20.786-06:002014-02-12T11:53:20.786-06:00Thank you Norma- so appreciate your steadfast pray...Thank you Norma- so appreciate your steadfast prayers and I believe She has, She does- She will. Blessings and love to you! Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-19475049607651587812014-02-12T11:51:53.653-06:002014-02-12T11:51:53.653-06:00Such a beautifully expressed message by Donna- oh ...Such a beautifully expressed message by Donna- oh my goodness- it was so poetic and yet filled with such praiseworthy insight! Thank you for sharing- that one will stay with me. And I was thinking of you quite frequently too this morning (!) as a friend and I had a wonderful morning at Starbucks, having coffee, and catching up. Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-13038027138779563362014-02-12T11:47:26.661-06:002014-02-12T11:47:26.661-06:00Shall we schedule a coffee date? I am fairly open...Shall we schedule a coffee date? I am fairly open next week if that suits you :) Love hearing about your Grandma and how your mother and you are coping with it- I know I am not alone and its worth sharing how we manage and get through it so both ends do as well as they can. Love to you! Look forward to seeing you soon! Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-48902405975988697612014-02-12T11:00:32.432-06:002014-02-12T11:00:32.432-06:00Now those are some fantastic mugs! It would make m...Now those are some fantastic mugs! It would make me happier just to be drinking coffee every day from a mug like that. I'm funny that way - I have very specific coffee mugs that I use and love. No ordinary cups for me. LOL<br /><br />Continued prayers as you navigate this transition with your mother. I know it has to be so difficult to explain things over and over to her, knowing that she is just not understanding. <br /><br />Do you know what chemo drug you'll be taking next? I know that is nerve wracking as well, not knowing the specific side effects. If I can give you any insight, let me know!Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-62907080674117063942014-02-12T10:36:03.784-06:002014-02-12T10:36:03.784-06:00God bless you and your family. I am in awe of all...God bless you and your family. I am in awe of all you have to bear. Asking that our blessed Mother will hold your hand in these trials set before you.Nonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08623569563122986528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-76829557886183179482014-02-12T09:20:45.620-06:002014-02-12T09:20:45.620-06:00i am glad to know all the facets of your life, tho...i am glad to know all the facets of your life, those that are mess and those that are abundance, and those that straddle both categories. <br /><br />i read this post this morning from my dear friend Donna who is doing life in Kenya. i think it will have words you'll resonate with in it.<br /><br />http://www.reachingfortherobe.com/2014/02/for-this-i-have-jesus.html<br /><br />i am thankful that His mercies are new EVERY MORNING and GREAT GREAT GREAT is His faithfulness. wishing i could come help pack up boxes and bring a meal. will pray from here. we're having a snow and ice storm, so my day started with thoughts of you. again, now i know why. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-11454242475849263512014-02-12T09:00:07.061-06:002014-02-12T09:00:07.061-06:00Dear Vicky, every day my grandma tells my mom she&...Dear Vicky, every day my grandma tells my mom she's heading home, that the nursing home isn't where she's supposed to be. And every day my mom has to say the same thing. "This is where you are for now." And then she has to leave for the evening. It's a pattern that is repeating over and over. But each day, somehow, we get through another day. Your mom may never embrace it, but she will know in her heart that she is very blessed to have you and all the others God has put in her life to help her along and tend to her needs. It just might not show on the surface. Detach if you can and take care of yourself mostly and know that like you and your family are, she, too, is in God's hands. Thanks for expressing this, though. It is a grieving that everyone is going through. XXOO and missing you!Roxane B. Salonenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01459456545891720716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-23090985174390043902014-02-12T08:45:18.405-06:002014-02-12T08:45:18.405-06:00Thank you Susan, your words are so insightful and ...Thank you Susan, your words are so insightful and I appreciate your perspective. Thankful to have your prayers that I know He hears and answers. God's blessings to you! Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-58635945261326533022014-02-12T08:42:23.599-06:002014-02-12T08:42:23.599-06:00Linda- I love what your heart wants to shout- I fe...Linda- I love what your heart wants to shout- I felt mine shouting right along side of yours and I have gone through and read several times now. It preaches to me! So touched to think you talked about me with your students… I somehow know I would love to be a student in your class! Thankful to YOU for the prayers and affirmations and the love! Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-11831942236381420492014-02-12T08:36:57.084-06:002014-02-12T08:36:57.084-06:00Robynn, there are so many of us in the midst of be...Robynn, there are so many of us in the midst of being caretakers of our parents in one form or another- we all to need to encourage one another- don't we? Thank you for your thoughtful perspective always :) Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-44625610833489685012014-02-12T08:34:54.041-06:002014-02-12T08:34:54.041-06:00Jackie, I agree with Robynn! You've summed up...Jackie, I agree with Robynn! You've summed up so well exactly what this experience has been like for me- filled with blessings flowing from everywhere. I will definitely tell my mother you asked about her and she will be so happy to hear that :) Hugs and love to you!Vickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02595982706357639001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-28511063961797930482014-02-12T00:33:05.270-06:002014-02-12T00:33:05.270-06:00nodding my head and agreeing. Thankful for my Jes...nodding my head and agreeing. Thankful for my Jesus, where would we be without him?Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08274481412344071315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-26732456426490381522014-02-12T00:30:41.249-06:002014-02-12T00:30:41.249-06:00Vicky, you and your family are heroes to us. I...Vicky, you and your family are heroes to us. I'm feeling heavy in my heart for you, and all that is set before you to accomplish or simply be present for. At the same time I love reading about the gracenotes and the happy moments. LOVE the mail call :-) Yay for glimpses of gondolas. But just a drop in the bucket when it comes to all the love, prayers and good wishes to you and yours.<br /><br />I pray especially that the Lord would give you grace and wisdom on how to best talk things over with your mama in the days ahead. For understanding. God bless!!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08274481412344071315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-17270775116205833502014-02-12T00:01:44.119-06:002014-02-12T00:01:44.119-06:00I couldn't add a single word to what Jackie sa...I couldn't add a single word to what Jackie said. She always says it perfectly, like you. I marvel at how you can face what to do about your mom in the midst of all your own trials. You give me strength and courage when thinking about being the only one for my 82-year-old mother. You know why it scares me but you also inspire me - incredibly, Vicky. Praying for strength and endurance for you and for your mom. XORobynn's Ravingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02619286823020924023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-14839956674377827152014-02-11T19:26:30.063-06:002014-02-11T19:26:30.063-06:00My dear sweet friend, Vicky,
Abundance amongst the...My dear sweet friend, Vicky,<br />Abundance amongst the mess...what a perfect title for this post.<br />What my heart wants to shout is ..."Thank goodness for Jesus!" Thank goodness for Jesus<br />when we open hospital bills and are breathless at what we owe. Thank goodness for Jesus<br />when the most perfect gifts arrive, and we are showered with LOVE! Thank goodness for Jesus<br />when we walk the ending journey with our parents and they struggle so hard to be flexible when so many things change at once. Thank goodness for Jesus when the walk to the mailbox brings <br />words of encouragement from near and far. Thank goodness for Jesus when we start therapy again. Thank goodness for Jesus when we realize that simple abundance surrounds us. Our grateful heart ushers it in.<br /><br />Thank goodness for my Jesus when my eyes fill with tears and my heart feels like it's breaking.<br />And thank goodness for Jesus when we get two more weeks and two more weeks and two more weeks!<br /><br />I talked about you in my class this week. We were talking about how to frame the tough stuff , the challenges that rock us to the core. How your self talk guides your mind and heart. I told them about you and mentioned you were "healthy with a side of cancer." They LOVED it!<br /><br />Your light shines everywhere, dear friend.<br />I'm praying and praying for any worry that might settle in your heart to be put in the palm of the hand that stilled the water. All will be well.<br />Loves and hugs!<br />Linda<br /><br /><br /><br /> Linda Seppa Salisburyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13336969827398454131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795026946181152215.post-30877476274339777172014-02-11T15:51:33.615-06:002014-02-11T15:51:33.615-06:00Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Blessing...Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. <br />Blessings come in so many forms, Vicky. The cards and unexpected gifts from friends...the calls and prayers. So many blessings. I'm thankful for your family and friends.<br />I continue to lift your Mother up in my prayers. <br />Please, tell her that I asked about her. <br />Love to you and your family, sweet friend,<br />JackieJackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01214796594702277709noreply@blogger.com