Last night I had a dream. I was in a crowded swimming pool. Everyone was going back and forth as fast as we could, like our life depended on it. I was struggling to stay afloat and was working so hard while not moving very fast. My parents appeared by my side and started trying to help keep me afloat, they even helped by moving the water with me so that I could move faster. I decided to just focus on moving my legs, they felt so heavy and so I wondered if I stopped using my arms and focused more attention to my legs if I could swim faster, it didn’t seem to help but I did it anyway. I was getting more and more tired until the lifeguard abruptly kicked us all out of the pool. As I got out of the pool I realized I was wearing shorts, pants, and socks still. In my rush to get into the pool, I hadn’t finished preparing myself to swim. During the very long forced pool break I took off my layers and my parents and I discussed using my arms to support me, that by using both my arms and legs I’ll move easier and not tire as quickly. After we were allowed back into the pool I gracefully moved across the water with ease, using my new knowledge and being free from my extra clothes.
Continue reading “What’s holding you down?”Category: Trials
One Rock At A Time
There I sat, completely frozen, unable to move forward, terrified I would slide and roll down the mountain. Continue reading “One Rock At A Time”
What can we do? How can we help? Part 5
While surrounded by loved ones it is still shockingly easy to feel completely alone! Emotional Support is much needed, and often offered and still not fully received. Just being there consistently, is a huge way to support. Continue reading “What can we do? How can we help? Part 5”
What can we do? How can we help? Part 4
I previously shared Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 with ways to help someone going through any sort of trial. We have been fighting cancer for the last 7 years, but there are so many going through such hard things, many of whom could use some support. Below are a few more ideas, that may take less time and are still very helpful for those going through a financially taxing trial!
Continue reading “What can we do? How can we help? Part 4”
What can we do? How can we help? Part 3
Many hands make light work. Here and here are some ideas I previously shared, below are a few more ideas of ways to support those going through any sort of trial. Continue reading “What can we do? How can we help? Part 3”
What can we do? How can we help? Part 2
Those going through cancer and supporting a spouse through cancer cannot do it alone. It is hard to ask for help, but I love and appreciate all of those who have been there for us here I gave ideas for food, packages, letters, and notes, below are a few more ideas of ways to support those going through any sort of trial. These things have been a support to me, Travis, and the kids! Continue reading “What can we do? How can we help? Part 2”
What can we do? How can we help? Part 1
Many have asked so many times “What can we do?” “How can we help?” “What do you need?” or”Please give me the opportunity to serve?” These requests are all from people able and willing to help and yet at a time when I feel my world is falling apart, I can’t think of a single thing for them to do. Continue reading “What can we do? How can we help? Part 1”
10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #10
Endure to the End
Understanding this phrase has been a journey for me. March of 2010 enduring to the end meant patiently waiting for cancer to be over and for us to return to, what I believed to be our normal lives. It meant me turning down an invite because Travis was not able to go out, and so I waited for him to re-join our lives. It meant I became stagnant in life for a little bit, not progressing, I was just waiting. I felt like I was enduring by doing nothing special and waiting until the end of the trial. Continue reading “10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #10”
10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #9
Be Prepared for Complications
This one is hard to write because I’ve struggled a lot with this. Preparing for the worst always seemed to be eliminating hope for something better. At the same time, being in denial of all the possible complications or even an ultimate sad ending is prohibiting myself from mourning with Travis and softening the blow before we are forced to face it. Continue reading “10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #9”
10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #7
“Saying no can be hard, but fight for the best things in life!”