Still Living with Stage 4 Lung Cancer at 36

Today I went to see a counselor at our church.  I absolutely love St. Simons Community Church and the family of people we've grown with there.  I reached out because Karley recently told me that she felt like she needed more faith, it wasn't strong enough.

I totally understood.  How could it be strong enough to understand your mom has stage 4 lung cancer when you're only 10?  Why would God do this to us?

Well, I want everyone, including Karley, to understand.  All of our days are numbered.  We are all going to die one day, some sooner than others.  What is important is that we live the way He would want us to live.  There is a purpose for all of us.  Mine may be this blog, reaching out and helping people, raising my girl, I don't know.  And I won't know until I'm at those pearly gates.  Neither will any of you.  So, I do have complete faith in my healing.  But, where that healing takes place, that is up to God.  That is something we do not have control over, so what is the sense in worrying?

That's what I want Karley to know.  I will be fine.  Whether it be here or in heaven.  She doesn't have to worry about me.  Yes, I get sad because I worry about her, but I can't control what happens.  I only pray that she is fine without me one day.  She's a strong girl and I pray she will continue to have the love and support she needs to deal with the big things that come her way.  She's been through so much.

We are going back to that counselor 12/1 to both talk to her.  She was so helpful.  We are also going to the Jacksonville Jaguars game with Chris Draft Thursday so I'll update Friday.  And my 3 year cancerversary is coming up 11/27!

Thank you all for your continuous prayers.  I cry just thinking about all of you that care so much to pray for us.  Please also pray for my friend Dan Powell's family, he gained his wings this week.  He came in second in Chris Draft's Super Bowl Challenge and I met him and his wife Rebecca at the Hope Summit in May.  They have a a young son together and could really use some prayers for peace and comfort.

Also, please prayer for Ansley Jones, as she's relapsed with her Leukemia.  She has such a positive spirit. Karley just adores her and prays for her every night.   And pray for Kelly Shannon, she's getting scans and results in a few days.  You know how we live every 3 months.  Please pray for Karley, for peace and comfort and more faith.  She needs it.  She's so young to be going through all of this.  I think Ansley's relapse scared her a little, knowing mine can come back.  She has a big heart and would do anything in the world for you.

On a brighter note, we will be doing an interview with 11 Alive Atlanta Monday Thanksgiving week and a photo shoot for Family Circle magazine who is doing an article on me Tuesday Thanksgiving week.  The girls (my soon to be stepdaughter Livi and Karley) are super excited.  And this Thursday will be Livi's first football game.  Chris was so sweet to get tickets for our whole soon to be family.

Just remember, don't give up hope.  They gave me 12-18 months.  It will be 3 years in a few weeks and I have no active cancer and I feel great!  So screw you cancer!

And don't forget,  IT'S LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!!

A few pics of us just living life:

Thanksgiving Feast 2015

Color Me Happy and Lunch with the Girls

Karley and Livi putting up the tree

Filling the Operation Christmas Child Boxes