Tuesday, January 01, 2008

A Brand New Year Filled with Hope

I can truly say that 2007 ended on the lowest point I have ever experienced in my life. Parents are not supposed to outlive their kids.
I can also say that 2008 will be filled with HOPE. And from what I've read so far, we have a right to hope -- there are 10 and 15 year survivors of this very same cancer, very same diagnosis, very same prognosis. Today Steve is still in intensive care, but he's up and walking around this day, he's even taken a shower. Tomorrow he will more than likely be moved to a room on the neuro floor and hopefully will be going home by the end of the weekend. Starting tomorrow we will be gathering information at the hospital -- I'm a firm believer that the more knowledge you have, the better off you're going to be. I will keep you updated on what is happening, but not on a day to day basis. We also need to return to some semblance of normal --even though our "normal" will be different from what it has always been.

Moving on: This is the picture of the January calendar -- my daughter's family.


I'd been thinking for the past month about what I wanted to accomplish in 2008; what quilty things and also some personal goals. After the events of the past week I thought that certainly life was going to be different; what doesn't matter just doesn't matter, etc. And that is certainly true, but I think it's probably good to have some kind of goals too. So, I'm keeping my personal goals -- one of which was to spend more time with our kids and that will definitely happen! Quilting will still happen, but probably not as much time will be spent on it. I will be working on reducing the ufo pile and I will be working on reducing the scrap bins -- mostly because those kinds of quilts work best for me when I want to do no-thought quilting.
I have the first ufo finished for 2008. I spent an hour or two finishing the binding on the Depression Block quilt and will take it to the hospital tomorrow for Steve. I didn't put a label on it because I don't have a name for it -- it'll just be Steve's hug quilt.

In today's Dear Annie column in the paper (the old Ann Landers column), they posted a piece to take the place of New Year's Resolutions. They did not name the author.
Just for Today

Just for today I will live through the next 12 hours and not tackle my whole life's problems at once.
Just for today I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
Just for today I will be agreeable, I will look my best, speak in a well-modulated voice, be courteous and considerate.
Just for today I will not find fault with friend, relative or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself.
Just for today I will have a program. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two enemies - hurry and indecision.
Just for today I will exercise my character in three ways. I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won't count.
Just for today I will do two things I don't want to do, just for exercise.
Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially will I be unafraid to enjoy what is beautiful and believe that as I give to the world, the world will give to me.

8 comments :

Susan said...

Joanne, I hadn't checked your blog in a while, and come back to see that from Thursday to Tuesday your entire life has changed. I'm so glad they were able to get the entire tumor, and will pray that a treatment is found to keep it from coming back again. I pray that Steve *is* one of those 15 (or more!) year survivors, and knowing that our God is a God of miracles, I have no doubt he can be.

I see you've already decided to continue living life one day at a time, and loving for all you are worth. God's blessings on you and your family.

Vicky said...

Please know that your son, you and the entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers. (Hugs)

tami said...

I was so sorry to hear about your son. Lets hope that he is one of the 15 year survivors. I will keep him in my prayers.

Kristie said...

Oh, you poor, sweet lady, my heart breaks for you. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. Please know that I am praying for you all.
Kristie

Jen said...

That "just for today" is really great. I think you should print that out and hang it on the fridge. I think you should also keep a copy in your car. You're going to need it. Since you'll likley be spending much of this next year running around you should treat yourself to a comfortable pair of shoes to do all of your walking in. Also assemble yourself a few different bags. One where you can get up in the middle of the night and rush out of the house if needed, one with a few books, magazines, pen, paper, notebook for your thoughts, a small craft project.

Keep things in your bags that make you happy and keep you going. Oh yeah, snacks....not just for yourself but anyone you may be with at the hospital.

Meredith said...

A member of our bible study passed a copy of this to all of us today. I will keep your son and family in my prayers.

Mary Johnson said...

Joanne, you and your family continue to be in my prayers. I'm glad you are finding some hope and encouragement as you continue your research.

Cher said...

here I am late again-but have not stopped keeping you and Steve and all in my heart-love this article-printed it and put it up on my design wall and will make a copy for work...we all need to remember words of wisdom like this!