Oh Sara! Choking back tears as I visit your reality! Its such an honor to be allowed into this journey with you. I am deeply humbled. Thank you for your courage in sharing this with us.
I too want to think what about masks and what about other ways to protect you and... but I hear what you are saying. Surrender, with hope, and your ever present grace.
So beautifully said. I am not only knocking I am "pounding" the wood for you, and saying more prayers for peace and strength! Such an honor sweet girl! What a blessing you are 8-)
Anita
· 5 months ago
Sara, my heart goes out to you. Even in your honesty about your terrible pain, your amazing tenacity shines through. You are ever on my mind and in my prayers. Love and a big hug to you. I am hoping for steady improvement. In Jesus' name.
i'm so sorry you've had so much difficulty lately.... my heart goes out to you as well.
Guest
· 5 months ago
As always - moving, inspirational, honest, thought provoking, and bittersweet. Sending love and prayers for healing, joy, and the fulfillment of your goals in life.
You are amazing. And I for one will be here whenever you can post, no matter how long it takes you to do so.
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Jessie
· 5 months ago
I feel like I have grown so close to you through your blog that it really bothers me that I cannot just show up at your door to grab your meds for you or bring you a quick surprise something. You and Riley are in my heart always. I pray you feel some relief soon.
Candy
· 5 months ago
What a beautiful sense of perspective you have. Thanks for checking in with us and letting us know what's up. I'm keeping you lifted in prayer.
I'm so glad that you felt well enough to tell us what's going on! And you're right - we're all here, waiting and praying for you. I pray you are well and all manner of things will be well for you. Many blessings!
Knock, knock, knocking on wood here in Georgia with you.
Exquisitely honest post. Love it. I held back the tears until I saw sweet Riley's expression. I think he understands. God's love shows up in unlikely places--even animals.
Love, Julie
Mary Grace McNamara
· 5 months ago
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. It really is quite an inspiration and makes me stop short when I begin to complain about some little nothing.
My dad always says this and I think it is how you live your life: Press on regardless. There's an eternity of rest ahead.
Keep giving it all to God and bringing others to do the same. Hopefully we will all rest together in eternity.
Knocking on wood with you *smile* Sara, I appreciate you sharing with us your reality, and I send you (((hugs))) and lots of love from WV! I only make it out of my house 1-2 times per week right now, and it takes me days to recover from any activity. My symptoms have progressed lately too, and I struggle with letting others know what is going on because I also don't want sympathy or to sound like a whiner or not to have a solution to the problem I am voicing. I'm looking at some pretty drastic life changing surgeries in my near future and reading your post really helped me to think about my reality, too. I'm so sorry for your loss and for your suffering, and from one Stay Puff Marshmallow Woman to another, "You've Got A Friend In Me." Blessings, Christina W.
Kathryn
· 5 months ago
Thank you for sharing this with us.
I understand the not wanting to complain. My limitations are not as severe as those with which you struggle, but i don't want to share them. However, if i don't people expect more of me than i can do as i "look so normal."
People often write in these comments how "inspiring" you are; it is true that the way you grab life such as it is & all the things you do are very inspiring. However, sometimes when i read that it feels a little trite. I guess because we don't have a word that encompasses all that you do & struggle with on a daily basis.
I do find you inspiring, & i think of you often thru my day as i struggle with different issues. God grant me a small portion of the grace with which you present to life! Sometimes i feel a bit guilty, too, when i find myself complaining - usually in my head - of my own limitations.
God bless you dear. I pray he does send a miracle. But if not i pray that you continue to have strength & his comfort. Thank you for letting us know where you are.
Still PRAYING for you, Sara!! Praying more than you'll ever know. I so wish there was more I could do for you and I know I say that all of the time, but I truly mean every word of it!
Please know that my prayers will continue for you. If you ever just want to talk...just log onto Skype and I'd love to chat with you!!
I get to see Jorgen next Thursday...kind of a surprise (for g'pa & g'ma) and sudden trip to AZ. So, I'll take lots of pictures and some video and hopefully that will give you something fun to look forward to! It's amazing what a 4 month old's laugh/giggle can do to you!!
Sara, I can't tell you how valuable your honesty is to me. I love that you don't feel the need to pretend, especially with God. I agree that it is often more natural to process sadness before I share it. I get that. But I am so glad you let us all in closer so we can be of more specific prayer support for you!
As for blogging, do what you are comfortable with. A sentence here or there...a paragraph maybe. Don't worry about how long it is. As they say, 'quality, not quantity'!
Take good care Sara.
Naomi (and Quincy)!
Elizabeth
· 5 months ago
Sara- Praying for you today and always! Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us in the blog world. I hope things continue to improve little by little each day! Get the rest you need and know that we will all be here waiting for when you feel ready to return! Elizabeth
Sara, "It is what it is" is our mantra around here. At various times in our lives, my husband and I have found only those words to comfort one another. And you know what? The words do bring some kind of peace. Just a reminder that "it" is exactly what God intended to happen, and the only choice in the matter is how we react to the situation at hand. You my dear, continue to "react" better than anyone I know. Well, maybe you don't react to things like, say, AIR so well ... but you sure as heck react to the rest of it pretty darned well :-P I feel so blessed to "know" you, but at the same time am majorly bummed that I don't "know" you and can't come hang out with you. And Riley. And George. I think the 4 of us would be fast friends. Take care of you!
Casey
· 5 months ago
Thank you for your honesty and speaking openly about your life and all its ups and downs.
You are an inspiration to the rest of us!
Praying for you!
Shannon
· 5 months ago
Sweet, stylish, sometimes sweaty (from hot flashes) Sara...you are amazing. I am so proud of you for being this transparent and allowing those of us that have come to love you like blood into your heart and your life.
My heart aches for what you are going through right now, and I wish I could take it from you. I was talking to Jason, and he asked if I wanted to get on a plane and come keep you company at 3am while you were on the 'roid rollercoaster. I would do it in a minute if you need me.
I am praying for you, the girls are praying for you, and I am here if you need me. You just keep truckin' little lady, even with stretched skin and incoherent thoughts from meds. You are going to make it, and we are all here for you....
Amy
· 5 months ago
Knocking on wood, but quietly--or else the dogs would sound the "OH MY GOSH, SOMEONE'S HERE!" alert, rush to the front door, and wake my husband.
Thank you for your open post. We're all praying for you and wishing there was something we do in person instead of from far away. Is the mobility in your hands directly affected, too, or is it everything else that makes computer time tough?
Do you read comments on your older posts? I'm catching up, so I wanted to reply to your godson post here. My goddaughter, 3.5 years, is pretty outrageous and her mommy (my best friend) has posted some quotes at http://rebeccaandtom.blogspot.com/<br />It's well worth a visit if you have a moment for a laugh (or careful smile). My favorite: After using the potty in the morning, Liesl pulled her pajama pants up over her bare bottom: Mommy: “Liesl, don’t you want to put some undies on first?” Liesl: “Nope. I’m goin’ commando.”
Guest
· 5 months ago
Oh Sara, you've been going through my mind, a lot. I hate it that you have so much pain. Hate it. You're amazingly strong, and the fact that you don't want to complain is admirable.
BUT, we as believers together form the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12) 1 Cor. 12:26 says: If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
You do an exceptional job rejoicing with others and I think it's healthy and also essential for you to share (like you did in this post) about your struggles. Sharing is not complaining. If one part suffers, every part suffers. That's how God set it up. If you suffer, we all suffer with you. That's how we want it to be and how it should be. We suffer together. Only you feel your pain, but we do suffer with you. Maybe you don't want us to, but it just is what it is... ;-)
If I feel awful, the Psalms really speak to me, Psalm 91 especially lately.
You're in my prayers. Anna
Marla Taviano
· 5 months ago
I just copied and pasted your life goals, printed them out and stuck them on my bulletin board by my desk.
Have you read Heaven by Randy Alcorn? His non-fiction and fiction both paint such an awesome picture of our eternal home. I always get so excited about heaven when I read his stuff--and it puts my junk on earth in perspective.
You remind me of some of my heroes--Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O King. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)
Prayed just now that God would deliver you from your blazing furnace. Praising Him that you're serving Him faithfully "even if He does not."
I just love you so much, dear Sara! I wish you could see my heart right now....it's pierced, screaming with empathy for you and your situation, overflowing with love for you. You are continuously in my prayers.....continuously!! Simply, I love you! <3
mrsc
· 5 months ago
Praying for you~
Guest
· 5 months ago
Thank you for trusting your readers with the profound truth of your illness. It's a little like I suspected and I am continuing loving you the only way I know how right now...through prayer. Here's a hard question...IS there ANYTHING else I can do for you to make your burden lighter? ANYTHING. I realize the vulnerability it would take for you to answer that...but I truly want to know. I love you...I'm praying...I'd love to do more.
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Mandy
· 5 months ago
You are an amazing woman, Sara, and you know how much we all love you. I so so so wish you didn't have to go through all of this, but I love that with every keystroke we see Christ in you. You are always in my prayers.
Ester
· 5 months ago
Know that I along with many others are praying for you!
Blessedtwice (rhonda)
· 5 months ago
Sara- Thanks for keeping us updated on you, but please know that you don't *have* to. I wish more than anything I too could drop off at your apartment to chat or just give you a hug. Please know that you are in my prayers OFTEN, here in alabama...
SusanD
· 5 months ago
It took me several attempts to read this to my dear hubby yesterday. There were times all I could do was choke on my tears. You are so brave and courageous. Thank you for being honest with us. It may be what it is.....but that still doesn't make it an easy pill to swallow. You are on my heart and in my prayers. I'm like everyone else, if I lived closer, I'd be over all the time checking on you. So....I'll just have to drop in here. Blessings, SusanD
Hello - I know you don't know me but your blog is inspirational as well as entertaining. I know things are difficult and I admire your courage and clarity. My thoughts are with you. Take good care.
Ed
· 5 months ago
Thank you for sharing your world with us.
You are are one of my favorite stops in our blogging community.
Friends share their experiences with each other, good and bad. That is what makes a family. You are an important part of our family, as are Riley, and now George. :)
You are 100% correct that life is what it is. All any of us can do is make the most out of what we have. You are doing a better job of that than anyone I know.
Dani
· 5 months ago
You are amazing. Thanks for your courage and faith and for sharing it with us.
Still praying for you and thankful to see through your words what a strong, inspiring person you are. I just finished reading the life story of Padre Pio. He's a wonderful saint to turn to and ask for intercession. I'm glad Riley is there to keep you company! What a cutie!
Guest
· 5 months ago
I agree with Ed....sharing is what draws us close....and makes us family! So, thanks for sharing your current day-to-day and know you have my prayers to be feeling better soon, friend! ~Cynthia
Vicky
· 5 months ago
Happy Tuesday! Just checking in with you. Hugs to you and Riley pup :-D
Thinking about you today and hoping the sun is shining through your windows. :) Hang in there and keep leaning on the Lord for strength!
BTW - there is a blog award over at my site waiting for you. :)
TheNorEaster
· 5 months ago
Hi. I knocked on wood. 8-)
Sarah Markley
· 5 months ago
Hey Sara,
I'm so glad that I read this. Thank you for posting this. (Sorry, I've been a little behind on blogs lately). Praying for you tonight, friend.
Sarah
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gitz
· 5 months ago
My hands actually have been bothering me more, but the bigger issue is just the energy/feeling sick/not being able to focus thing. The other problem is when if I type for very long, the motion seems to be flaring up the pain in my ribs and chest... guess it uses the muscles there more than I thought. So, to answer your question, it's a combination of it all, I guess! :-P
All Comments
I too want to think what about masks and what about other ways to protect you and... but I hear what you are saying. Surrender, with hope, and your ever present grace.
So beautifully said. I am not only knocking I am "pounding" the wood for you, and saying more prayers for peace and strength! Such an honor sweet girl! What a blessing you are 8-)
Recent blog:=- Some Guys are Just Meant to be Dads
Sending love and prayers for healing, joy, and the fulfillment of your goals in life.
Recent blog:=- Pugs in Desperate Need of Help
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Recent blog:=- I Just Don't Understand
Recent blog:=- In which it was never between you and them anyway
Take care!
Recent blog:=- Learning to read
Recent blog:=- A Prayer
Exquisitely honest post. Love it. I held back the tears until I saw sweet Riley's expression. I think he understands. God's love shows up in unlikely places--even animals.
Love,
Julie
My dad always says this and I think it is how you live your life: Press on regardless. There's an eternity of rest ahead.
Keep giving it all to God and bringing others to do the same. Hopefully we will all rest together in eternity.
MGM
Recent blog:=- Progress on 9 Patch Pillow Children's Quilting Class Sample
Sara, I appreciate you sharing with us your reality, and I send you (((hugs))) and lots of love from WV! I only make it out of my house 1-2 times per week right now, and it takes me days to recover from any activity. My symptoms have progressed lately too, and I struggle with letting others know what is going on because I also don't want sympathy or to sound like a whiner or not to have a solution to the problem I am voicing. I'm looking at some pretty drastic life changing surgeries in my near future and reading your post really helped me to think about my reality, too. I'm so sorry for your loss and for your suffering, and from one Stay Puff Marshmallow Woman to another, "You've Got A Friend In Me."
Blessings,
Christina W.
I understand the not wanting to complain. My limitations are not as severe as those with which you struggle, but i don't want to share them. However, if i don't people expect more of me than i can do as i "look so normal."
People often write in these comments how "inspiring" you are; it is true that the way you grab life such as it is & all the things you do are very inspiring. However, sometimes when i read that it feels a little trite. I guess because we don't have a word that encompasses all that you do & struggle with on a daily basis.
I do find you inspiring, & i think of you often thru my day as i struggle with different issues. God grant me a small portion of the grace with which you present to life! Sometimes i feel a bit guilty, too, when i find myself complaining - usually in my head - of my own limitations.
God bless you dear. I pray he does send a miracle. But if not i pray that you continue to have strength & his comfort. Thank you for letting us know where you are.
Recent blog:=- Well . . .
Please know that my prayers will continue for you. If you ever just want to talk...just log onto Skype and I'd love to chat with you!!
I get to see Jorgen next Thursday...kind of a surprise (for g'pa & g'ma) and sudden trip to AZ. So, I'll take lots of pictures and some video and hopefully that will give you something fun to look forward to! It's amazing what a 4 month old's laugh/giggle can do to you!!
Love ya, friend!
Recent blog:=- Wordless Wednesday!
As for blogging, do what you are comfortable with. A sentence here or there...a paragraph maybe. Don't worry about how long it is. As they say, 'quality, not quantity'!
Take good care Sara.
Naomi (and Quincy)!
Elizabeth
Recent blog:=- Happy Mother’s Day to me!
I feel so blessed to "know" you, but at the same time am majorly bummed that I don't "know" you and can't come hang out with you. And Riley. And George. I think the 4 of us would be fast friends.
Take care of you!
You are an inspiration to the rest of us!
Praying for you!
My heart aches for what you are going through right now, and I wish I could take it from you. I was talking to Jason, and he asked if I wanted to get on a plane and come keep you company at 3am while you were on the 'roid rollercoaster. I would do it in a minute if you need me.
I am praying for you, the girls are praying for you, and I am here if you need me. You just keep truckin' little lady, even with stretched skin and incoherent thoughts from meds. You are going to make it, and we are all here for you....
Thank you for your open post. We're all praying for you and wishing there was something we do in person instead of from far away. Is the mobility in your hands directly affected, too, or is it everything else that makes computer time tough?
Do you read comments on your older posts? I'm catching up, so I wanted to reply to your godson post here. My goddaughter, 3.5 years, is pretty outrageous and her mommy (my best friend) has posted some quotes at http://rebeccaandtom.blogspot.com/<br />It's well worth a visit if you have a moment for a laugh (or careful smile). My favorite:
After using the potty in the morning, Liesl pulled her pajama pants up over her bare bottom:
Mommy: “Liesl, don’t you want to put some undies on first?”
Liesl: “Nope. I’m goin’ commando.”
BUT, we as believers together form the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12)
1 Cor. 12:26 says: If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
You do an exceptional job rejoicing with others and I think it's healthy and also essential for you to share (like you did in this post) about your struggles. Sharing is not complaining. If one part suffers, every part suffers. That's how God set it up. If you suffer, we all suffer with you. That's how we want it to be and how it should be. We suffer together. Only you feel your pain, but we do suffer with you. Maybe you don't want us to, but it just is what it is... ;-)
If I feel awful, the Psalms really speak to me, Psalm 91 especially lately.
You're in my prayers.
Anna
Have you read Heaven by Randy Alcorn? His non-fiction and fiction both paint such an awesome picture of our eternal home. I always get so excited about heaven when I read his stuff--and it puts my junk on earth in perspective.
You remind me of some of my heroes--Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O King. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)
Prayed just now that God would deliver you from your blazing furnace. Praising Him that you're serving Him faithfully "even if He does not."
Love you!!
Recent blog:=- just like big mama
Recent blog:=- Kate-isms
Here's a hard question...IS there ANYTHING else I can do for you to make your burden lighter? ANYTHING. I realize the vulnerability it would take for you to answer that...but I truly want to know. I love you...I'm praying...I'd love to do more.
Recent undefined:=-
Recent blog:=- Turn and Face It
You are are one of my favorite stops in our blogging community.
Friends share their experiences with each other, good and bad. That is what makes a family. You are an important part of our family, as are Riley, and now George. :)
You are 100% correct that life is what it is. All any of us can do is make the most out of what we have. You are doing a better job of that than anyone I know.
Recent blog:=- Love turns the whole thing around… ..I know the heart of life is good
Recent blog:=- Please stop by
I'm glad Riley is there to keep you company! What a cutie!
~Cynthia
Recent blog:=- Blog Meme.
BTW - there is a blog award over at my site waiting for you. :)
I'm so glad that I read this. Thank you for posting this. (Sorry, I've been a little behind on blogs lately). Praying for you tonight, friend.
Sarah
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