I came across your blog like many I'm sure... just browsing. To say that you're story is inspirational would be grammatically incorrect but your outlook on life definitely is. I've never not paused at the thought that my useless complaining about my life is such a waste of time. Yet even as I type this I can think of few things to bitch about. I commend you and the honest, candid view of your life you have displayed to satisfy the voyeur in all of us.
Shannon
· 4 months ago
Sweet Sara,
Too bad they're not flies, I could just swat and destroy them. Be silly away, dear one. I am praying for you.
If you want a laugh that will probably hurt, picture me being dive bombed by barn swallows as I mowed the lawn. Then add to the joy, add the dog attached to me while mowing trying to deter the birds. I was pushing the mower, trying to pull the dog, all while the girls yelled "Watch out mama!!!" Not so joyful for me, but sure to bring some to you. It was hilarious.
The joy in my life today? My girls. Five years ago today I went in to the hospital in labor to deliver Eliana Joy at 34 weeks; early on the 6th she joined our world and was wisked to the NICU. For two weeks I asked our God to make her extraordinary, not just ordinary. I am JOYFUL to report, five years later, my sweet babe is beyond extraordinary. No delays, no illnesses, ahead in everything and on each milestone. He answered my prayer, bringing me much joy. Joy I hold more dear than anything else...
Why do I tell you this? I am praying This exact prayer for you, Sara Frankl, five years later. He has a plan. I am trusting Him to work it.
Loved your blog title today. Loved your analogy. Great writing, as usual.
Daily praying for you, Sara.
Krystal
· 4 months ago
Hey! Not sure what to say or how to say it, but I just wanted to comment. :) I'm a lurker, and I've been reading for a bit. I was diagnosed with MS in Feb 08, and I can understand a lot of the things I read here. Our diseases aren't the same, but chronic illness is what it is.
Your outlook is refreshing, inspiring, and touching. It's hard when you can't do what you used to do. It's good to know you're as positive as possible.
I haven't posted a lot lately (we just moved) but feel free to check out my blog. :)
I've been checking in here and noticed the lack of updates- was going to leave a message no matter what today but am glad to see you were at least up to updating. I've been saying prayers for you and hoping you are all right... I'm guessing all right might cover it but I will hope and pray for better than that. Love to you in His grace and peace.
Carisse
· 4 months ago
Praying for you.
Mary
· 4 months ago
Thank you for that. I've been feeling down lately and you're right, choosing job and to not feel sorry for yourself is something we have the ability to do even when our circumstances are trying. Praying for your health.
Recent :=-
Vicky
· 4 months ago
Sara, I have to tell you, this is a really powerful post! There is an acuity that is coming through. It looks like you've spent a great deal of time on this and I marvel at how you do it! The Chinese proverb is great! So good to "hear" your voice :) Keep swatting away those pesky birds! Will keep you in my prayers.
Anita
· 4 months ago
You amaze me. I am looking forward to silliness with you, dear Gitzengirl. I'm glad to read and chat it up with you about whatever little ol' thing you want to write about. I am always praying for you, sweetheart.
"We all know people who have been made much meaner and more irritable and more intolerable to live with by suffering: it is not right to say that all suffering perfects. It only perfects one type of person ...... the one who accepts the call of God in Christ Jesus." --Oswald Chambers Even though I don't know you IRL, I just love you as my sister in Christ! I thank God for the reminder that you give me to choose joy, no matter my circumstances. Praying for you, for peace and healing!
Sheryl
· 4 months ago
YOU amaze me. honestly, i am sitting here shaking my head at your positive outlook. oh i know that you don't sit around with a smile on your face praising Jesus for your circumstances!!
because we are able to we should "choose joy". i just love that.
have to tell you that when i read the chinese proverb my first thought was "oh, they have not seen this mess of hair on my head - birds would have a field day in there".
Can't really think of anything that I've done that was silly, but I am choosing joy in the form of commuting to work on my bike as often as I can now. It occurred to me that here I am completely able to make good use of my legs and lungs, and that I was being wasteful by continuing to let the bike hang in the garage. Talk about taking things for granted.....it put me to shame......
.....so now I ride my bike and experience the joy rather than not riding it and suffering the shame.
The birds haven't yet landed on my head, but I did have some sort of big bug get trapped between my head and helmet. That's not quite as bad, is it?
I really needed to hear that chinese proverb, so much so that i may do an art jounal page with it.:) thank you!! you inspire me and i hope it helps to know you have fellow bloggers who are happy to hear from you
Princess Cat's Pajamas
· 4 months ago
I sooooo needed to hear this today... I just found out this morning that I have incurable kidney cancer. (At age 25! I'm 10 years younger than the youngest patient the hospital has had with this cancer...) I'll chase the birds away from your hair if you chase them away from mine. :)
Sounds like pigeons to me. Or big ugly crows. Bummer. Here's hoping you at least get some pretty song birds circling soon! :) Woooo metaphors.
Thinking of you always! =-X
Emerging Mummy
· 4 months ago
So very true and so very much what I needed to read today. You are a joy to so many of us.
Cynthia Quinn Schield
· 4 months ago
Hey friend - so good to hear from you - even if it's not the best of news. Praying for your continued recovery from the mean, evil Cushings :) Joy is a choice - as is bravery - both characteristics you embody one-hundred fold. Take care a you! ~Cynthia in MT
Robin~All Things Heart and Hom
· 4 months ago
Checking in...praying. In this for the long haul. I want you to be what you want on any given day. If you need to laugh a little go ahead. I won't stop praying...love you
My whole life is doing things silly and joyful. Yesterday involved some very silly dancing :)
Praying for you as you shoot those birds!
Robynn's Ravings
· 4 months ago
I don't know how you push through (well, I know what you're drawing on), but I mean how you keep inspiring us. Thanks for the effort it takes to do this and keep us in your life and in the loop. Prayers continuing, Sara.
Still staying with you and praying. Maybe you could give us a song ever now and then. And maybe a Riley update also?
Nancygrayce
· 4 months ago
Sara, your honesty is so good for me. Your spirit is constantly an amazement! I count it an honor to pray for you.
Jenny Dunkin
· 4 months ago
Girl...I MISS YOU!!! I miss not hearing your voice. I am praying for you a lot and think of you often!! I love you! Jen
gitz
· 4 months ago
does brent have a bb gun we could borrow?
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks for the kind words, Tmass... i'm glad you browsed your way here. we all have things in our life to complain about, the trick is finding the things to be grateful for instead.
gitz
· 4 months ago
oh my gosh, shan... the image of you and the dog and the birds - PRICELESS!!! I hope Eliana had a wonderful birthday - i'm sure it was full of love and pink and all things fancy. so grateful she turned out to be as extraordinary as her mama.
gitz
· 4 months ago
love you, too, sister. hug my folks for me next time you're there :)
gitz
· 4 months ago
:) that makes me smile!
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks for the prayers, Julie. every time you say you like my writing i almost giggle, since you're a real published author and all ;)
gitz
· 4 months ago
hi, krystal... so glad you de-lurked. and you're right... the illness doesn't matter, so much of chronic illness is the same struggle. i'm sorry you have to face MS but i hope you have as many good people in your corner as i do. it makes such a difference.
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, kate... i wish i could be on here more, but it's great to have the chance to read the comments and catch up a bit. i have a bit of a long road ahead, but i'm doing alright. in the meantime this is still a great reprieve for me when i'm up to it. :)
tam
· 4 months ago
no. but kota does. and hes quite good with it. in fact...he could get those pesky birds from here ;) i love you, gitz!!
gitz
· 4 months ago
it's not always easy though, is it? believe me, i write it just as much to remind myself that there is joy in the midst of it all, too. it helps, i think, when we all keep our focus there together. :)
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, carisse
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, friend. they keep swooping and i keep swatting :-P
gitz
· 4 months ago
well then tell him to feel free to open fire. :) love you, too. [hope you had a good time with your company this week.]
Shannon
· 4 months ago
I am lovin' you right now.� I thought you needed a good visual picture to complete the birds nest quote.� Eliana did have a fantastic birthday; she went to a hotel and swam in a pool and asked if it was a castle (we don't travel much) � Chick-fil-a was enjoyed for dinner, and cake is saved for tomorrow.� I am praying you extraordinary, dear one.� You already are, but we need extraordinary healing to take place. � My heart is singin' with your comment, because I know you are still you.� Fight it, babe; I have your back, every step (or scoot) of the way. � love, me
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, doll. now i just have to think of something silly to write about :)
gitz
· 4 months ago
my mom's horribly allergic to cats, otherwise i'd be all over it. :) thank you so so so much for my magnets... i smile every time i look at them on my fridge. but i smile more as i lay under my afghan every.single.day. thanks for all the blessings you've brought to me, friend. :)
tam
· 4 months ago
we had a good time. i hate seeing josh leave. this was his 3rd time out. its gets harder and harder to see him go. he is a precious soul. a lot like you. full of love and beautiful perspective and hope.
gitz
· 4 months ago
what a beautiful and kind comment. thanks for that, Lynne.
gitz
· 4 months ago
sheryl, if you could see my hair these days you would SO understand why i related to that proverb!!! it was my first thought too :)
gitz
· 4 months ago
laura, that is SO great that you're riding your bike to work. great for your body, but i also imagine it has to be a relaxing time for you before the hectic day starts, too. that's so great!
and EWWW about the bug :) glad it wasn't a bee or something!!! love you, too.
gitz
· 4 months ago
with all those zoo trips done, i imagine you have a lot to be joyful about now :)
gitz
· 4 months ago
i'd love to see a pic of the art journal page when you're done!
it does help me more than you all know that you are here. it makes me try to get on and comment or write even when i don't feel up to it... it's good for me, and i appreciate it.
gitz
· 4 months ago
i'm so sorry... was it the kidney you recently had removed? i'll be praying for you and your doctors that good decisions are made.
gitz
· 4 months ago
yeah, i'm pretty sick of the feathered ones myself. ;) thanks, amy...
gitz
· 4 months ago
that means more than you know, kristy. thanks.
gitz
· 4 months ago
dude, if we could shoot them I'd be hiring some hit men immediately. :) tam said kota has a bb gun we could use...
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, debra... appreciate it so much and i so feel the love.
gitz
· 4 months ago
that made me laugh :) and will i ever grow up enough that the thought of pigeons won't remind me of Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street?
gitz
· 4 months ago
and you all bring joy to me... thanks for that.
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, ms. cynthia. "mean, evil Cushing's" is totally how i'm going to refer to it in my mind from now on... like a comic book character or something :) it's SO fits!!! :-P
gitz
· 4 months ago
you being here for the long haul is a comfort to the soul, friend.
gitz
· 4 months ago
that's what I love about you and your wife, my aussie friend. most everything you do is a joy and that shines through!
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, robynn. you all help me push through more than you know. if you weren't showing up here i wouldn't be trying to hard to keep up, too. i appreciate it.
gitz
· 4 months ago
thanks, john... i don't have many songs left to share :( but what I do i'll try to put up soon. just for you :)
gitz
· 4 months ago
i count it an honor to be prayed for. sincerely. thank you.
gitz
· 4 months ago
I MISS YOU, TOO!!! So much. I left a message for you the other day but don't know if you got it before you left for the lake again. I hate being this disconnected :( but am so glad you guys are taking your moments this summer to enjoy the family!
Kiss the kids for me.
gitz
· 4 months ago
i so hope, for all of your sakes, that it's in God's plan to have him out there. you guys have such a great friendship I just can't imagine it not being in the cards. then again, everyone who goes to visit you suddenly wants to live in Oregon, so I hope the rest of the country is ready for the mass exodus as everyone starts venturing out west. :) well, everyone but me. but you know i'd be there in a heartbeat if i could ;)
gitz
· 4 months ago
i so hope, for all of your sakes, that it's in God's plan to have him out there. you guys have such a great friendship I just can't imagine it not being in the cards. then again, everyone who goes to visit you suddenly wants to live in Oregon, so I hope the rest of the country is ready for the mass exodus as everyone starts venturing out west. :)
well, everyone but me. but you know i'd be there in a heartbeat if i could ;)
gitz
· 4 months ago
I'm still me and I'm still fighting... you all being here makes me want to fight to comment and communicate even when i don't feel up to it, and that's a HUGE help.
I love that Eliana thought it was a castle... staying at a hotel and swimming was a HUGE vacation for us when we were little, so i so get her excitement. hope you enjoy the cake tomorrow!
David
· 4 months ago
As your joy and hope shines through all the crap those birds keep dumping on you. "Inspirational" undersells what you bring to the interwebs.
Hope Kota's BB gun does the job for you ;)
gitz
· 4 months ago
you give me too much credit, but I hope you can feel the hug I'm sending you all the way to australia :)
Mandy
· 4 months ago
I sure hope not!!
tam
· 4 months ago
and i am going to be absolutely honest and 100% truthful here...out of everyone...theres no one id love more to be here than YOU!!! no one.
Shannon
· 4 months ago
It was a huge vacation for us to stay in a hotel as kids as well...the pool, all the doors, all the magic.� It is a gift to be able to share it with her.� The cake is white with buttercream frosting, and is decorated with flowers and a tinkerbell--she's my sprite.� I know you like details, so check fb tomorrow/sat for pictures.�One more thing...she got ROLLERSKATES.
Princess Cat's Pajamas
· 4 months ago
Yes, it was that kidney. It's also spread to my lungs, though, so I'll be starting treatments for that soon. I'll probably have to give up my job and stay in school as long as possible (student insurance covers everything, work insurance would leave me with more than I could afford to pay). The good news is that they caught it at stage 3, which is the latest stage where it can go into remission. Here's to hoping it goes into remission FAST. 'Cause, you know, I don't have time for this right now. ;)
Gail
· 4 months ago
Dear Sara, I took some time this morning to read the comments to you "bird" blog and your responses. It is good to know that from time to time you have the strength to stay in touch. Even though you know Len and I are praying for you, I thought you might like to hear it again. Now, Sara, you know that I never do anything silly, but Len does. For our birthdays our daughter Barbara gave us taking the wallpaper (I have disliked it for years) off in the kitchen and at least beginning to paint the walls. So about two weeks ago she came and instead of having to steam and scrape etc, Len discovered that it would just pull off in large strips. You should have seen him, joyfully loosening a corner and pulling down. He was almost leaping around with strips of wall paper streaming around him with the goofiest smile on his face. Barb and he got the paper off in about 45 minutes. Of course, he couldn't stand around while she worked so he helped her. And from time to time the two of them sent me off to Sherwin Williams for needed supplies. By the end of the day, the paper was off, the walls were washed, and the walls painted and the car knew the way to S-W by itself.
gitz
· 4 months ago
It always makes me happy to hear from you, Gail. :) And you can imagine the smile across my face picturing your home adventure... good to know that some things never change! Love to you both...
gitz
· 4 months ago
i'm so sorry you have to go through this... i'll be praying for you and hope they are able to find the right treatments that work for you...
gitz
· 4 months ago
oh, it sounds like the perfect 5th birthday! i'll have to go check out the pictures [and drool over the cake]. can't wait to see her all decked out in a helmet and pads learning to skate. makes me want to buy her leg warmers just for nostalgia :)
she loves leg warmers...i will post just for you pictures in a minute!� I can't find any pads that fit those skinny little legs and arms (maybe toddler sized???)� the cake was yummy-white with buttercream.� I bought a pie tonight (apple brown betty) b/c I left the last of the cake for the housekeeping to enjoy :)
Mary
· 4 months ago
Hi Sara, I appreciate your response. Knowing you're a child of the 80s, I thought you might find this amusing. I treated myself to a trip to NYC (I live about 1 hour away) and went with a few girlfriends to a play called "awesome 80s prom". http://www.awesome80sprom.com/ It's an interactive play--you go dressed in tacky 80s clothes and the actors mingle with the guests. The actors run the gamut of high school stereotypes (the jock, cheerleader, nerd, exchange student, super-hot bad boy) and they act out dance contests, arguments, break-ups and the "teachers" yell at you to behave and not dirty dance. It was super fun. Anyway, don't know if you like 80s music, but if you go on Pandora, they have a station for 80s dance party music. It's sort of a silly pick-me-up :) Take care of yourself! Mary
Robin~All Things Heart and Hom
· 4 months ago
Stopping by to say hi and I'm praying ... and to say : LOVE YOU!
love you, too. and i'm wearing my pink fuzzy socks today :)
Robin~All Things Heart and Hom
· 4 months ago
Holy cow is it chilly enough to wear pink socks? I'm finding you more comfy some things immediately!!! Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
gitz
· 4 months ago
well, i have to keep the air running 24/7 to breathe well, and i frequently alternate between hot flashes and chills... so some moments call for pink fuzzy socks, and some don't. i was pretty much just wearing them for the sentimental value, though :)
All Comments
Recent blog:=- good pics/great subjects!
I commend you and the honest, candid view of your life you have displayed to satisfy the voyeur in all of us.
Too bad they're not flies, I could just swat and destroy them. Be silly away, dear one. I am praying for you.
If you want a laugh that will probably hurt, picture me being dive bombed by barn swallows as I mowed the lawn. Then add to the joy, add the dog attached to me while mowing trying to deter the birds. I was pushing the mower, trying to pull the dog, all while the girls yelled "Watch out mama!!!" Not so joyful for me, but sure to bring some to you. It was hilarious.
The joy in my life today? My girls. Five years ago today I went in to the hospital in labor to deliver Eliana Joy at 34 weeks; early on the 6th she joined our world and was wisked to the NICU. For two weeks I asked our God to make her extraordinary, not just ordinary. I am JOYFUL to report, five years later, my sweet babe is beyond extraordinary. No delays, no illnesses, ahead in everything and on each milestone. He answered my prayer, bringing me much joy. Joy I hold more dear than anything else...
Why do I tell you this? I am praying This exact prayer for you, Sara Frankl, five years later. He has a plan. I am trusting Him to work it.
Love, me
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Recent blog:=- Satisfaction, Disappointment and Excitement
Daily praying for you, Sara.
Your outlook is refreshing, inspiring, and touching. It's hard when you can't do what you used to do. It's good to know you're as positive as possible.
I haven't posted a lot lately (we just moved) but feel free to check out my blog. :)
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http://jessandkrissy.blogspot.com
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I've been saying prayers for you and hoping you are all right... I'm guessing all right might cover it but I will hope and pray for better than that.
Love to you in His grace and peace.
Recent :=-
Recent blog:=- Hair of the Dog
Recent blog:=- Blue Monday : Finished Baby Quilt Top
Even though I don't know you IRL, I just love you as my sister in Christ! I thank God for the reminder that you give me to choose joy, no matter my circumstances. Praying for you, for peace and healing!
because we are able to we should "choose joy". i just love that.
have to tell you that when i read the chinese proverb my first thought was "oh, they have not seen this mess of hair on my head - birds would have a field day in there".
love you, my friend!!
Recent blog:=- It's A WHAT????
.....so now I ride my bike and experience the joy rather than not riding it and suffering the shame.
The birds haven't yet landed on my head, but I did have some sort of big bug get trapped between my head and helmet. That's not quite as bad, is it?
:-P
I love you, dear-heart!!
Recent blog:=- the party that never ends
thank you!! you inspire me and i hope it helps to know you have fellow bloggers who are happy to hear from you
Recent blog:=- Pli interfessaire
Still thinking and praying, as always.
Recent blog:=- Gotcha
Recent blog:=- Be (in)couraged
Recent blog:=- Gratitude ...
Thinking of you always! =-X
~Cynthia in MT
Recent blog:=- Pain…
Praying for you as you shoot those birds!
Recent blog:=- Don't Be Scared......
Maybe you could give us a song ever now and then.
And maybe a Riley update also?
pesky birds from here ;)
i love you, gitz!!
�
My heart is singin' with your comment, because I know you are still you.� Fight it, babe; I have your back, every step (or scoot) of the way.
�
love, me
gets harder and harder to see him go. he is a precious soul. a lot like you.
full of love and beautiful perspective and hope.
and EWWW about the bug :) glad it wasn't a bee or something!!! love you, too.
it does help me more than you all know that you are here. it makes me try to get on and comment or write even when i don't feel up to it... it's good for me, and i appreciate it.
Kiss the kids for me.
well, everyone but me. but you know i'd be there in a heartbeat if i could ;)
I love that Eliana thought it was a castle... staying at a hotel and swimming was a HUGE vacation for us when we were little, so i so get her excitement. hope you enjoy the cake tomorrow!
Hope Kota's BB gun does the job for you ;)
everyone...theres no one id love more to be here than YOU!!! no one.
I took some time this morning to read the comments to you "bird" blog and your responses. It is good to know that from time to time you have the strength to stay in touch. Even though you know Len and I are praying for you, I thought you might like to hear it again. Now, Sara, you know that I never do anything silly, but Len does. For our birthdays our daughter Barbara gave us taking the wallpaper (I have disliked it for years) off in the kitchen and at least beginning to paint the walls. So about two weeks ago she came and instead of having to steam and scrape etc, Len discovered that it would just pull off in large strips. You should have seen him, joyfully loosening a corner and pulling down. He was almost leaping around with strips of wall paper streaming around him with the goofiest smile on his face. Barb and he got the paper off in about 45 minutes. Of course, he couldn't stand around while she worked so he helped her. And from time to time the two of them sent me off to Sherwin Williams for needed supplies. By the end of the day, the paper was off, the walls were washed, and the walls painted and the car knew the way to S-W by itself.
i'm grateful i get some of your overflow.
Recent blog:=- coffee talk: wedding protocol
I appreciate your response.
Knowing you're a child of the 80s, I thought you might find this amusing. I
treated myself to a trip to NYC (I live about 1 hour away) and went with a
few girlfriends to a play called "awesome 80s prom".
http://www.awesome80sprom.com/
It's an interactive play--you go dressed in tacky 80s clothes and the actors
mingle with the guests. The actors run the gamut of high school stereotypes
(the jock, cheerleader, nerd, exchange student, super-hot bad boy) and they
act out dance contests, arguments, break-ups and the "teachers" yell at you
to behave and not dirty dance. It was super fun.
Anyway, don't know if you like 80s music, but if you go on Pandora, they
have a station for 80s dance party music. It's sort of a silly pick-me-up
:)
Take care of yourself!
Mary
Recent blog:=- Confessions
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile