An Update on my Sister, Lisa!

Lisa had her breast cancer’s surgical procedure a few weeks ago. We felt good and we are still feeling extremely positive about her chances for a full recovery. However, when Lisa's pathology tests came back the doctor noticed more cancerous tissues that will need to be removed. After Lisa’s next procedure, the doctors, Lisa and Steve, will then begin talking about treatments, reconstruction surgery, etc. Lisa is strengthened by everyone’s faith and prayers. I know Lisa and her family would still be grateful for your prayers and faith on their behalf.

-Shelly

Spring, Spring is in the Air!

There have been a few times during the last several weeks when I questioned if we were 'actually' in the season of spring or if we were really still in a winter rut. Then I saw it the other day!!! It is the true test of spring! Two Canada Geese were walking around a pond and there scurrying around their feet were little cotton balls of feathers, goslings!!!! Now, I know IT IS SPRING!!!

-Shelly

A Monument to God and Man

I am transfixed and in awe of another mountain range, it is a mountain range that is not made up of rocks and stones that have been heaped up on the earth for thousands upon thousands of years. Instead, this is a mountain range in the midwest created with the hand of steel, fiberglass, cement, and the sweat of man's brow.

This is a monument to creativity, imagination, and foresight. It is a testimonial to extraordinary architecture, curved lines, beautiful colors, with spires and tips that can literally reach the sky. It is the Chicago skyline. To me, it is truly a masterpiece created by the inspiration of God and given to man.

-Shelly

My Sister, Lisa

Monday morning (4/12), my sister Lisa called. She informed me that she had breast cancer and would be having a mastectomy in two (2) days. The doctors found a massive tumor in her right breast. The doctors did not know if the cancer had spread to Lisa's lymph nodes or if she would need chemo or radiation.

I am thrilled to report that my little sister sailed out of both surgical procedures with flying colors. The cancer was pretty much contained in the tumor itself and had not spread to Lisa's lymph nodes.

Steve, Lisa's husband, said Lisa was well enough to go home last night. However, all my family seems to have a very hard time with the anesthesia. I was sick to my stomach for days after my surgeries. I know my mom and sisters have had a hard time with it as well. So, I wasn't surprise to hear that Lisa too was having a reaction to the anesthesia. Lisa's blood pressure was very high and she was pretty light headed so the doctors and Steve wanted to play it safe and had Lisa stay over night in the hospital.

We still will not know where things really stand until the lab work comes back on the tumor cell(s). The plastic surgeon and reconstruction surgery will begin in a few weeks. By next week we will know if she will need chemo and radiation.

I am so thrilled to know that the Lord watches over us all. I know God has a mighty hand in the lives of Lynn and I. For that I truly feel blessed.

-Shelly

Happy 50th Birthday Barbie!

I received this from one of my friends and I needed the extra chuckle today. :o)
-Shelly

Twinkies and Root Beer

Shelly and I got this in an Email yesterday from some good friends, and I thought it good enough to post to our blog

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of Root Beer and he started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly man. The man was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons.

The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie.

The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at boy. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer.
Again, the man smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the man, and gave him a hug. The man gave him his biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?

"He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? God's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile, the elderly man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked," Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added," You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!
~author unknown~

Appreciate people who have touched your life in a special way. Let them know how important they are. Have lunch with God!

Spring and Baseball ??

You can just tell that spring is in Chicagoland’s air. The news topics around here have changed from corrupt governors, Chicago Bulls, and outrageous movie stars to Chicago's real love, which is BASEBALL!!! In fact, the main topic of one of our morning news shows was a poll being conducted on which baseball team, the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs have the best fan base. If you want to want to place your vote click here http://www.nbcchicago.com/around_town/debates/. So far with 11 days remaining, the White Sox fans are winning the poll!

My niece, Cori, her husband Jeff, and their son,Seth, live about an hour north from us and they have a soft or favorable spot for the Chicago Cubs. Lynn has a more practical approach when it comes to Chicago’s baseball teams. He says the Chicago White Sox are like Rodney Dangerfield, they ‘get no respect’, so that means Lynn leans a little bit farther to the White Sox bench. I like watching both teams. Since spring is in the air and Tuesday’s White Sox opening game is fast approaching let’s stop slinging hash and start playing Ball!!! The pennant and bragging rights are up this year for grabs.
-Shelly