Monday, February 24, 2014

Running to become...

My brain can hardly keep up.  The "deluge" that has ensued since last week is out of this world.  Both figuratively, and honestly?  Quite literally.  I have heard from followers, believers, readers, encouragers,   friends, and family, from all corners of the world.  I've tried to my utmost ability to respond to those who take the time to reach out to us.  

My, how you know, just exactly what to say… even when you claim you don't… it all helps.  

I will have to update soon with a few more things… but for now I will go with this.

Meet Deanna.


Deanna and I went to the same church together growing up.  I was closer in age to her younger sister, who is the friend we adopted Crosby from a couple years ago.

This was part of an email I received from Deanna toward the beginning of the year: 

"Every year I run the Donna Deegan Marathon (I do the half). It's called 26.2 with Donna. She is a three time survivor of breast cancer. She is quite inspiring for the community of Jacksonville and she runs it every year. This is the 7th year. You will have to check out her website when you have some time. Breastcancermarathon.com
I'm going to run it for you this year! "

Yesterday was Deanna's race! Look at the bib she had designed with my picture and a caption which reads:

"Vicky Westra- you inspire me with your blog!  A true woman of faith.  Today, I run to "become."

So she ran! 





Here is the message she left on the huge pink truck they brought in for everyone to sign. 


And here she is with her medal!


I am sufficiently blown away.  Encouraged.  And inspired myself.

Deanna- you rock!  



We are in the midst of completing the packing, cleaning, and moving of all of mom's things out of her apartment. Again- the blessing of family and friends coming to help, sort, organize, fold, box, etc. has been so substantially helpful to us.  I fail to do them justice in expressing the sheer amount of gratitude I have for all they have done.  


I am finding the distraction of packing and moving my mom to be a mixed blessing.  Its thrust me from thinking of myself too much, and instead caused me to focus on my memories of Dad, and my childhood, and the plethora of memories from the past that await around each corner at Mom's place.  

I also got a report in the mail from Dr. Panwalkar.  It showed my tumor markers have indeed risen.  And even though its a standard form-type-letter- the last line was still a reassurance and good reminder.

"Call me with questions or concerns." 

I know, if I worked at it, I could certainly try to get a call through and maybe get to speak to Dr P.  Or at the very least, I know his nurse would take my questions and pass them along and then get back to me with the answers.  Or triage would try to answer them as best as possible.

I have avenues to explore if and when I need them.  

But this week is the big push to get my mom out of her apartment with as much of her security deposit in tact as possible.  

She is still telling us she is moving back to her apartment or one near by. 

Unfortunately, we've had to apprise her of the status of her movers-

WE HAVE RETIRED…

sorry mom- next move is totally on you!  









38 comments:

  1. Deanna does ROCK! I admire anybody who can run like that!
    I still wish I lived closer so I could lend you a hand every so often! Moving someone and packing up their things is never easy.

    So sorry your markers are up again! Wish we could make them go away!, you are such an inspiration to a lot of us! Love you!

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    1. Deanna does rock and I hope she gets to see how you all think so too! Thanks for encouraging and supporting Verna- I pray you and Bud are doing well :) Love you!

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  2. The photo and details about this dear lady running the marathon for you - oh, it gave me goose bumps. Vicky, I love how your story gets carried along, like a seed. You never know where it's going to bear some fruit. I hope it strengthens and invigorates you to have a glimpse of how the Lord is at work, even in the middle of your suffering and the difficult painful days.

    I'm praying for more and more good days and wonderful moments. You are becoming more and more His workmanship, His piece of Art. Right where you are.

    Blessings ~

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    1. I love the visual you gave me, Susan. "your story gets carried along, like a seed." Yes- so spot on and I love this too. Its so much bigger than me- I am just a speck in the grand scheme of things and just happy to be called to be a part of it :) Susan- all of your words- truly speak to me and this simply a beautiful comment- through and through. I pray you are well and that your move goes well- will be thinking of you! Love and blessings to you~

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  3. Two things made me smile - the thought of a big pink truck and letting your mom know that the movers have retired. Too funny.

    I've thought of texting but thought you were probably overwhelmed, not to mention busy. Will get in contact soon!

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    1. Yes- am taking a few minutes to catch up and then back at it- closer though- we've made good progress for sure. Hope to be settling down a bit more come next week~

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  4. Deanna, you are amazing! And Vicky... you amaze us all. Your mother is so very blessed to have you for a daughter.

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    1. Thank you- I am definitely not alone in helping my mom and for that I am extremely grateful. Her sisters, nieces, and brother-in-laws have been immensely helpful and I am so not alone in anything I've done.

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  5. You are blessed with many people who know you, love you and/or pray for you daily. You are never alone, dear friend!

    Love and hugs!

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    1. So true Eileen- so abundantly clear and has me so abundantly thankful. Each and every time someone takes a minute or two and leaves me a few words- it helps me more than I can say. It's the best medicine! Love and hugs to you- love your new profile pic- so pretty~

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  6. She did it for you... and I can't think of anyone more deserving, or inspiring!

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    1. Thank you- I believe you also have an equally inspiring someone- also deserving and can't wait to hear how he is doing :)

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  7. I read your blog, Vicky, but don't often comment. Sometimes I am so touched with feeling that I sit and try to think of what to say. Then I remember, it doesn't matter what the words are on the page. It's simply to let you know that I am thinking of you and sending you the very best healing thoughts.

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    1. Hi Denise- I'm truly touched you took the time to leave a comment. You're right- my heart surges just seeing that someone wrote. Thanks for making me feel so blessed.

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  8. So many nice people in the world .
    Poor Momma. This is a sad time for her.
    I hope you are not overdoing it. Your immune system needs peace so it can fight.
    Always in my prayers Vicky dearest.

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    1. Vic- I have so many helpers- I am so fortunate! I have had plenty of rest in between all the moving and packing. Thanks for those continued prayers!

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  9. Deanna….wow….and always, YOU….wow, too!!! hugs to you sweet girl, as you get your mom's things packed up and moved…..

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    1. Thanks Beth- yeah- Deanna is pretty amazing! Hugs back to you :)

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  10. Two terrific ladies. I like the photos of your boys in the header.

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    1. Thank you Susan- Karen always makes such great headers for me- and thankfully Rick shoots the photos so well in the first place :)

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  11. My dear sweet friend,Vicky....
    I am quite sure that you have NO idea the countless ways God is using you and your journey for His glory. The love you share, the gratitude you show, your authenticity about the hard moments, your spirit in Him...He works through you every day!

    And I LOVED seeing how Deanna dedicated her race to you...and the message on the truck. It made me grin.

    My students feel as if you are an invisible member of our class. They now ask if I've heard more about how you are doing. I've asked them, if they believe in prayer, to keep you in their prayers.
    We have a gift to send you, but I don't know your address. Can you email me and let me know?
    LSSalisbury@aol.com.

    God Bless my sweet friend.
    Love you to the moon and back!
    Your friend,
    Linda

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    1. So touched Linda! Just sent an email to you. Love you friend as well- to the moon and all they way back :)

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  12. Oh, Vicky! I'm just catching up here. I think of you so often and whenever I do, I pray for you, believe me. And as I read, I see a woman being molded in grace, strength, courage, honesty, and humility. I want to be a woman like that!!!!! And I thank you for opening the windows of your life for all of us to watch as God works in and through you.
    I've been taking the Arimidex (anastrosole) now for over 5 years. Yes, I've had some joint pain and hot flashes, etc. But not enough to quit taking it. Ice packs, cool pads in the bed, etc., have gotten me through.
    Be assured, you are being held up in prayer, my friend! And your post today show examples of those who will always be at your side!!!!

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    1. Cora :) I miss your precious self showing up here or on your blog. I think of you often and wonder how you are doing? So helpful to me to know all of your tricks in managing Arimidex- wow good for you that you've endured the 5 years- that encourages me so. Am hopeful to get a good long run on it as well :) Thankful for you friend!

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  13. Hats off to Deanna! What a wonderful gal she is!!
    Kudos, Deanna.
    So glad to read that your mind was occupied with other things this week.
    Know that you are still and always will be right her in my thoughts, sweet girl!
    Love you,
    Jackie

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    1. As I was sorting everything Jackie- I came across the most beautiful handwritten cards to my mother. I took a small break and read each and every one. They so touched me! Mom doesn't write anymore- but she cherishes those cards and has asked me to bring them to her- and I will!! Love you-

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  14. Read this yesterday but wasn't in a position to comment. I love witnessing the community that surrounds you, Vicky. It's beautiful. Also, the photos on your header: priceless. Made me smile big. :) XXOO

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    1. Roxanne- truly makes me feel blessed to- and to have you a big part of it is just icing on the cake :)

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  15. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I check in on your posts. Along with your friends and family, you never disappoint.
    Still in the race with you,
    Kathy

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    1. That is seriously the sweetest comment- thank you. How are you friend? So great to see you show up here today- so glad to have you in the race with me friend :)

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  16. This made me smile! What wonderful people you have in your court! and the last part about telling your mom her movers have retired...priceless! Still praying 24/7 Much love beautiful you!

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    1. We all deserve that smile I think Peggy Sue, lets hope we just continue to have more reasons to smile :) You always make me smile- I hope you know that! Much love to you!

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  17. Such an inspiration you are to so many around you! What wonderful family and friends you have that surrond you daily! Keep thinking positive, I know everyone around you sure is! Praying for peace.
    Sara

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    1. My son will enjoy seeing your gopher profile :) Thank you for taking the time to stop and leave me such a nice comment- thankful for your prayers, Sara.

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  18. How sweet of Deanna to run this race for you -- you have touched lives from coast to coast. You are always in my prayers - Genny

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    1. Genny- pretty amazing indeed to see how far the blog has reached. The boys love tracking down the places the blog has traveled. So thankful for your prayers Genny!

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  19. Dearest Vicky,
    If you need a day brightener, feel tired or a bit discouraged, read about your impact
    on my blog. Thank you, friend, for inspiring me.

    Warm Loves and Hugs being sent your way on this chilly Spokane morning.
    God Bless, sweet Vicky!
    Linda

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    1. Ahhhh- I awoke to the notification of your comment going off on my phone and reached for it and lit right up when I read your sweet words. I went directly to your blog and was so touched- and yes- day brightener- perhaps "life" brightener is more in the ball park :)

      Beyond words encouraged by you- sending loads of love to a grace-filled friend! God's Blessings to you, Linda!

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