Hair Donations

I saw Facebook posts from La Luna Salon & Spa, of the ladies who donated their hair.  It got me thinking...

Over the last 7 1/2 years, I've donated over 50 INCHES to be made into wigs for cancer patients through Pantene Beautiful Lengths!

I'm thankful to be able to give something, even as simple as my hair, to those who are going through a difficult time.  If my tiny gesture, small sacrifice, can bring a smile to someone's face, than it was all worth it.


17in, Oct. 2007 (at La Luna),

18in, Spring 2009 (Thank you Cara)

 











17in, summer 2011 (Thank you Jenn)…

Dad is finally home!

Today is day #50 that my dad has been in the hospital.  And today is the day that he finally goes home.

It's been an emotional 6 weeks... I can't believe it's over.  I'm so proud of how strong my mom has been through all of this.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and encouragement.

I hope that you will all consider becoming blood donors if you're not already.  And please, learn from us -  eat a healthy balanced diet, exercise, see your doctor regularly and TELL THEM EVERYTHING.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.  GOD IS SO GOOD!

4 Years Cancer Free

My dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer in September 2007.  After radiation, chemo and surgery, on January 11, 2008 he was declared cancer free.

He's had 4 or 5 major operations, countless smaller procedures.  A bunch of hospital stays (his current stay is 4 times longer than any of the previous, day 43 and counting).

As he is preparing for what could be his last surgery, it's humbling to think of all the people who have taken care of him and my mom, and those who have prayed for him and my family.  Thank you!

4 years cancer free - here's to 40 more, Dad!

Cancer is killing us

Over the past few months, we have lost many American Icons to Cancer. As a person who's father had cancer, I know only too well how horrible this disease can be. It sucks the life out of someone - even if it doesn't kill them. It affects the whole family. I thought the world had crashed down on me when my father told me.

I remember sending out updates and prayer requests, asking people to send words of encouragement to my parents and brothers. Of about 25 people I had asked, 2 sent cards right away. The rest, well, I'm sure they said a prayer. (Allow me to digress, but when a brother or sister in Christ is calling on you in their family's time of need, take 2 minutes and write a card.) I remember going every other weekend to visit my dad in his first round of treatment, and seeing the cards that they had received: from current and former coworkers, parents of my brothers' soccer teammates, friends they hadn't seen in years, and strangers who had seen a prayer request made by a friend and sent a card. Jesus, to those people, bless their abundant hearts.

Today I heard the news that Mary, from Peter Paul and Mary died from Cancer. A few days ago, Patrick Swazye died. A few weeks ago, Ted Kennedy died, and before that Farrah Fawsette. All from cancer. These people played an important role in our culture (whether we like it or not is not the point). They probably had access to the best treatment in the world because of their fame and fortune (I'm not talking about heath care reform now, either). Despite all our medical advancements, people are still dying of cancer.

I look at family members and friends who are dealing with cancer in one way or another now, and it tugs at my heartstrings. I want to be able to take away their pain, but no matter how hard I've prayed, they still had/have to go through it. This tool of the devil does not belong, and in JESUS NAME! begone from my family and friends!

Things of this world

There is so much death happening in the world, it's scary. Many celebrities have died this summer. Ted Kennedy was laid to rest this weekend (I don't agree with most of his politics, but I can tell he loved his family, and he loved my home state of Massachusetts)


I was talking with a friend of my recently about all the deaths and disease that is becoming so prevalent in this day and age. We are called as Christians to go out an pray for the sick and weary. Almost two years ago, when my father was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, it was the day the music died for me; I haven't been the same since. We almost lost him a few times, I tried to talk to him everyday, not knowing if I would ever get to talk to him again. I wish I could just say a prayer and every one's illnesses could go away, but that's not how it works, I guess.



I have really been questioning as to the whole 'God doesn't give us more than we can handle' concept. My brain can't seem to fully grasp that concept - it's hard to explain, but He's God and I'm not. It's not my place to understand. I know that in my current season in life, I am very scared as to what is going to happen in the next few months; how the bills will be paid, what I'm going to feed my children, how will I get them warm clothes for the cold weather. But I know that everything will be taken care of if I trust in God. I will continue to pay my offerings and tithes as best as I can (which is very hard to do, knowing how much you can get at the grocery for 10% of your income.)

I look at everything going on around me. Charities and Churches falling because of lack of financial support; small businesses going under or at least taking away benefits to keep their employees paid; people trying to scrimp and save as best they can to provide basic needs for their families; insurance copay and deductibles going up so that you have to pay a large sum of money before they pay a dime! How can you cut costs when there is nothing left to cut?!

I have to remind myself often that things will get better - they plans that are in place for me and my family are Divine, and while I can try to plan around them, His plan always wins (and it will probably be better than anything I set out to get for myself).

I'm human, so fear is natural. But I am a child of God, and children are never afraid when their Father says that everything is going to be OK. Lord, I'm going to follow You, and trust in You to take care of me and my family and our needs. For You are God, the All Powerful Alpha & Omega and where I cannot see, you have already seen. My troubles of today may be for today, or may be for a season, but You will make the troubles go away. You have not given me anything that I cannot handle, and I will make it though following your lead. Forgive me my fear, for I know to not be afraid. You are The Great God, and You are Greatly to be Praised! Victory in The Name of Jesus! Hallelujah, Amen!