Home

When one thinks of home, there are so many different opinions of what that is.  There is the home you grew up in, the home you live in now, a place that can feel like home or the last home.  The last home, I feel, is the true home.

This will be my last blog this year.  A lot has happened and I've been so blessed.  My family is expanding, I'm seeing another day, another Christmas, and hopefully a new year (none of us are promised tomorrow).  This journey has certainly taught me not to take life for granted, but to embrace every emotion, experience, and make as many memories as possible.

We have this one earthly life that God has given us to worship him and enjoy ourselves and our lives.  Jesus died for our sins and in two days we celebrate His birth (maybe not his actual birthday), but I've never been one for particular days.  After all, every day here with my loved ones is a celebration.

I can't wait until Christmas morning to watch the girls open their presents and see the rest of my family.  Christmas is my most favorite time of the year.  To me, it's still magical, no matter how old I get.

However, I know that there are some people who don't have their loved ones in their earthly home, maybe for the first time this Christmas.  And to the families of Gretchen Anderson, Dan Powell, Paul Kalanithi, Steven Donaldson (Mandy Busch's father), Curtis Stoner, Courtney Kyte Plandowski and Brad Graves (and so many others I may not have mention - ambien kicked in), I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you.  My mom lost her brother (Bill Webb) this year too, please pray for my mom and his wife.  I take comfort in the fact that they are in their final home.  With no more sorrow, or tears, or fears, or pain.  I didn't want to make this a sad blog, but I can't help but remember these people, and their friends and families and the so many others I've come to befriend and have lost along these past three years.  They will never be forgotten.

I never knew how large this cancer world was until I got sick (although two of the above were non cancer related).  And no, I'm not cancer free.  My cancer is inactive.  I will never be free from cancer (unless a cure is found).  Just have to keep watching the node that progressed a little and see a gynecologist for the abnormal test results.  Just praying the tarceva continues to work and I'm typing a similar message to this next year, with less losses.

Thank you St. Simons Community Church for once again helping to make our Christmas extra special.  This is one of my homes.  Not the final, but just one.  I love these people with all of my heart and soul.

The holidays are hard for so many, so please, keep them in your prayers. Please remember, you are not alone.  And thank you for your continuous support and prayers for me.  Life can change in an instant, make the most of it.  Hold your loved ones tight and make sure they know how much you love them.  And MERRY CHRISTmas.  God bless you all and be safe.  And remember, none of us know God's plan for us, we just have to trust Him.

A few end of the year photos:

Never to be forgotten:

Paul Kalanithi with his wife Lucy and daughter Cady

 Gretchen Mitchell Anderson

 Dan Powell with his wife Rebecca

 Brad Graves with his wife Barbara

 Curtis Stoner with his wife Marie

 Mr. Steven Donaldson

Courtney Kyte Plandowski