So it’s been a minute or two since I last posted. It seems that there just aren’t enough hours in the day! Life has been great – and quite busy, but that’s a good thing!
In my last post, I talked a lot about “living” after cancer. And while every day is not full of unicorns and fairy dust – they are not all bad either. I didn’t intend to sound as if I were complaining – but rather just being honest about the difficulties of some days. Thankfully, there’s plenty of good days sprinkled in that I can focus on those days instead. I wasn’t posting those things for sympathy or pity – but rather to give you an honest look at a day in the life AFTER cancer!
This has been the craziest few months. Literally, after boat loads of doctor’s appointments after doctor’s appointments…….I am ELATED to report that I have not had a single cancer-related doctor’s appointment ALL YEAR! I find myself constantly checking my calendar because it feels sooooo weird to have so much time in between appointments – but that is a GOOD thing! I made it until last week without a trip to ANY type of doctor in 2019, but I did have an eye exam last week. Gosh, it sure is nice to not have weekly appointments any more! My next scheduled appointment is in May and I have a mammogram followed by a check-up with my surgeon. I’ll take it!
So we had big celebration earlier this month. Hunter celebrated his 16th birthday on March 14th! I simply cannot believe my “kid” is old enough to be driving. He got his license on his birthday and has been loving the freedom that comes with being able to get himself where he needs to be. I’ve prayed a lot – asking God to keep him safe – and for him to make good decisions and look out for the other crazy folks on the road. It feels weird NOT having to take him to school, or to scouts – or anywhere. But I do love that he can now run errands for me if need be. I’ve got a feeling he’s not going to LOVE the running errands part – he’ll just have to suck it up!
Last weekend, I was invited to Rocky Mount to share my testimony at Englewood UMC’s Spring Tea. It was a lovely event with lots of vendors, wonderful testimonies and music and a delicious meal. God was surely present that day and while none of us knew what the others were speaking on……it was awesome to see just how God took care of intertwining every detail from the testimonies shared to the music selection for the event. Just one of those times when all you can do is just smile and shake your head and said “I KNOW that was YOU God” because there is no other explanation for it!
Here’s a picture of the beautiful backdrop for the event. “Spring with me to the Lydia’s Sisters Tea”.
The room was decorated beautifully. Gorgeous china adorned the tables along with tea pots filled with fresh flowers. What a wonderful day sharing God’s blessings with a room full of sisters in Christ.. I am very thankful to Amy Quigley for inviting me to come and participate in this annual event. I am always happy to share my story and tell of all the wonderful ways God blessed me in the middle of my cancer chaos. I give Him all the praise and glory for my healing and feel that it is my duty to share with as many people as I can!
I’m excited to share that I’ve been asked to participate in Piedmont Community College’s “Step Into the Arts” event next Friday, April 5th. I’ve been invited to do a book reading and question and answer session and I’m super excited to participate! This will be a first for me – but again, I’m excited to share my book and my story any way that I can. If you don’t have anything on your calendar next Friday evening, come on out to the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex and join us!
So as you can see, life around here is pretty busy……. but I wouldn’t want it any other way. And no, I am not on the go all the time. I am extra thankful for the one day each week that I have off from work. Most weeks, I take that day to just rest and relax and take care of odds and ends around the house. I am pretty dang good at resting (if you don’t believe me, just ask my husband)!
Today was one of those “rest” days! I rested up most of the day in preparation for a “girls day” date with my sweet young friend, Hollyn. Hollyn knows I don’t get to do “girl stuff” very often, (being the mom of a teenage boy)……so she recommended that we have a “girls day” and get our nails done and hang out……and we did just that. I picked her up after school and we headed to Tricia’s for a few iced coffees. Next we went to the nail salon where she got a manicure and I got a MUCH needed pedicure. We did a little shopping in town and finished up our date eating Mexican food. YUM! What a delightful young lady and what a fun outing. We decided we MUST have these dates more often!
I love that my friends children feel like they can talk to me and share what’s going on in their lives. I also love that my child feels the same way about my friends. It can’t be easy being a teenager in this day and age – and I am thankful that our “village” that is there to help them navigate the rough waters.
So here’s wishing you a strong finish to your week!
Blessings,
Sonja
Proverbs 27:9 New International Version
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
Temporary Lumps 