Tuesday, September 4, 2012

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...










17 comments:

  1. Make sure you post the link as I would love to watch it!

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    1. Will do! Good luck with your new job- can't wait to hear about it!

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  2. Shaving! That must be a whole new world! He looks so much like you - not sure I had noticed that before.

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    1. He does- he used to look like a mini-me of my husband, and just lately everyone says he looks more like me...

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  3. goodness - so many wonderful things to comment on here!

    What a gift about Colton's teacher - thank you Father!

    Shaving - Oh my gosh - when my 14 year old asked - I thought he was too young! Its exciting when they reach this milestone - bittersweet actually!

    What came to mind when I read the rest of this post was: what comes around goes around - Vicky you put out such goodness and I am sure you ALWAYS have even before all this cancer stuff and when we put good out there it finds its way back.

    I am a weepy mess about this and you today - such grace and a humble heart - you minister that! And yes I agree we can help and support each other and ease burdens - its so important to help one another - it takes the focus of ourselves and I believe - truly lets God move and work in all of us.

    I am excited for you and anxious to see how He moves through you and in you! So thankful of you!

    Love you!!
    xoTiffany

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    1. Thank you for your ever encouraging and often clarifying perspective Tiffany. Its true- I am striving to take the focus off myself and beam whatever is coming to me, back to a larger circle of people- and praying indeed it is God working in and around all of it. Thank you for that perspective :)

      Hugs to you sweet one!

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  4. i can't wait to see you on TV....i bet you rocked that interview !!
    xo

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    1. ha- well we'll see... I was hoping there was at least a few sound bytes that were decent... and she took a lot of video for fill... just in case :)

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  5. All wonderful stuff... and can I just tell you this?.. OMG your son looks so much like you!!!..... and my 16 year old just started shaving about a year ago... and still only has to do it occasionally...lol..

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    1. He is looking more and more like me... so funny... because he used to be a mini- me of Superman... and just lately we hear the opposite.

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  6. I guess we have to dig in now that summer is over, into books and a new year of adventures.Shaving is just part of the fun of growing up.lol
    Weird hunh!:) They will always be our babies but now hairy ones lol

    I am so glad you are doing well and fighting. The interview sounds like a lot of fun and good for you for doing it.

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    1. Yep- its a good feeling to have school underway and some routine back for awhile. I always enjoy the shifting of the seasons and the rhythms that go along with it.

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  7. I can totally see you as a role model, Vicky, no matter how much the though of it makes you smile. I am looking forward to a link of your interview.
    The boys look so big, and very handsome they're growing fast :-)
    Sending you love and hugs xo

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    1. Thank you Anyes- yep, it makes me giggle for sure :) The boys are hardly recognizable at times- growing into young adults before my eyes it feels like.

      Love and hugs to you!

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  8. Hi sweet friend, thank you- I hope something useful and insightful shines through... and yes, the connection for Colton is such a gift :) Love you sweet one...

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  9. The boys look great, Vicky, and I hope your "little" shaver is nothing like mine. Shave for three days and then he's had to be nagged to do it for the four years after that! I love the banner photo with all of you in life vests. So cute and you look great. Love how your community continues to love and support you. I think you have friends in VERY high places. ;-) (So grateful to Him for His loving care of you and every good report!) Hey, I have a blogging friend moving to St. Paul. You two would LOVE each other and she is a loving Christian sister, young mother, and a woman of ideas (having coffee with her Monday). How near are you?

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  10. All I can say is that those handsome boys are going to have girls flocking all over them!!

    Love you too by the way!

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