Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace

Aug. 9, 2022

TRYING TO SEE EACH NEW DAY AS A GIFT 08.08.22

Monday, August 8, 2022 7:08 PM

Hi, thank for joining us on this journey!

  Today was similar to yesterday as far as less coughing and sleepiness. However, Larry's time in the chair produced more social fruit today. His eyes opened more often and stayed open for much longer. A sure way to get them to close was for me to get close & kiss him. Arrrgghh! He does a cute thing after he's had a bit of a cough, he gives a little raspy moan, then exaggerates it, in an up & down tone, almost turning it into a tune! So I join him! No "I love you!" out loud, but he was even more cooperative with our kisses. That was the best! The nasal air tubes were off, so it was much, much easier to give him a head, face & beard rub. Which he loves! 

The dialysis nurse was just unplugging Larry when I got there. Not sure what it was adding or syphoning out today. He still wasn't as perky as the day of his potassium boost. The nurse was full of encouragement, which I haven't heard yet.

 My cousin & hubby picked me up, along with our 2 aunties. They came a bit early, so we could enjoy dinner together. Which we did! They always pick up my spirits, especially their in person embraces.

From my Blog March 14, 2021, not long after my surgery & before starting chemo therapy. Many are new to our blog, so I want to share this important message.

   Why do I start my videos with, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 ?

   Because: Several years ago, I called my friend, out of the blue! Her 18 yr. old son was on his 40th strait day of chemo in Children's Hospital. She said "I'm on route to the hospital! My son just called and said "Mom, I'm going to die today, and Satan is taking me!" I told her I was coming right away to the hospital, whether she would see me or not, just know that I was there praying for her son.

   Sickened & distressed by those haunting words, I told God, when I got out of the car "I can't take my distress into the hospital! Give me something!" Suddenly I started skipping across the parking lot, singing "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice & be glad!" It sure was not what I expected! That's the miracle that has always been my reminder when facing stress, to not turn in to distress. 

    As I entered the building, I 'just happened to see' a priest sitting off to the side! When I told him about the phone call, he knew who it was and said "Let's go!" What we witnessed this young man go through in the next few minutes, was a purging of any spirit of temptation to evil that he had considered giving in to shortly before his cancer diagnosis. He said that he realized that God used cancer to save him from a life of destruction. He said "Isn't it interesting that like Jesus being tempted in the desert for 40 days, that this is my 40th day of torture, and I'm being set free." (not exact quote, but same message).  

   So that's why I say "This is the day…", whether I feel like it or not! By saying it, it helps me to entrust the unknown into God's hands. It is what I strive to live every day. 

   My friend & her son have given me the 'go ahead' to have the privilege of sharing this most intimate and powerful experience with you. I am grateful for this gift! He has been cancer free & healthy ever since. And his sweetheart since their teens has become a nurse, spending time in pediatric oncology! God bless them both. Actually "God bless them 'three'!" They were married and recently became parents to a beautiful little girl.

   God bless you! Thank you! xoxoxo