“My Dear Lady and the Concept of Normal”

Tuesday July 28th Update

I can remember it like it was yesterday. Though at my age I am beginning to easily forget things, I do remember this very clearly. So after the diagnosis of cancer, one of the Specialists said to me, “For Karen’s sake, we have to keep everything as to close to normal as possible. Her world is being turned upside down. You’ll have to work hard to find those things that will resemble ‘normal.’”

How right that Specialist was that day. Her world did indeed turn upside down within a matter of hours. She has been such a trooper in accepting the life changing situation that suddenly she and her family would experience. Recently she thanked me for something I did for her. She told me that she appreciated me walking through this with her. I held her close and looked into her eyes and very honestly said, “Honey, WE have cancer. It is not just you, it’s us.”

Though we have shared much in life, and even though we are sharing the situation of cancer, it has been difficult for her to find normal. She has always been very healthy, never met her insurance deductible, took very little medication, and seldom went to the doctor. Has that ever changed! In spite of all this, we are still laughing together, worshiping together, serving together, being together, and adjusting to this situation together.

Over the last week or so, it is beginning to happen! Normal! The yucky feeling is somewhat better. The terrible metal taste in her mouth which causes her to be nauseated is better. Her stamina is a little better. Then there was this morning which was so normal. She headed out to run some errands at Target and got groceries without me. She took her time walking around Target and found some wonderful specials at our grocery store (nothing in aisle 9). It has really been a normal day.

She also wants you ladies to know that her hair is just starting to grow back now. Oh if I only had such hope for my hair!

Thank you so much dear friends. Your friendship and encouragement is so very special. On Friday she will turn another year older. It reminds me that none of us know for certain the amount of our days. We can however know the One Who is in charge of our days. It is Karen’s deepest desire that her family and friends would have the joy of knowing Christ as Lord and Savior. Do you know Him?