Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Funny how things can change within a couple of hours. Today was that day. If you didn't know me, you probably would think I was making this up. I can assure you I'm not. And since it is 1 a.m. and I can't sleep, I am hoping "talking" to you will help bring comfort and sleep will prevail.

I have always wished we could live in a place where time would freeze. Only at times. Sometimes I am fearful of the future, of the unknown. Thankfully my faith is strong and I give everything to God. But there are moments where I wish I could just stay right where we are. No one has to get older and I always know the kids are safely tucked in their beds at night. But reality hits.

Today I found out my beloved dad, has prostate cancer. Not only is he my dad but he's one of my best friends. My heart sunk. I was hoping the tests would come back more positive. My dad being the person he is, sounded so calm on the phone. I, on the other hand, was not so calm. I am not ready for this and am still in a state of shock. Sometimes I put myself in a bubble, thinking and believing that nothing will ever happen to the people I love. I am sad and feel different and want to help in some way. All I can do is pray, pray, pray. I keep replaying the image in my mind of the man who came out of nowhere during mile 22 of the marathon...the man who bright yellow t-shirt read "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". I will never ever forget that man and this verse that got me thru to the end. I am convinced he was placed there by God. Just when you think you are alone, you are reminded that you aren't. So now I remember that tonight...that I am not alone. Prayer is the key to feeling peace and comfort.

Seth came home to me, listened, shared my tears and we geared up for a run with our dog. It was such a refreshing run, beautiful weather, beautiful geese flying in the sky...everything was feeling good until we got home. Our neighbor has a dog that gets out quite often and barks up a storm. She was out when we left, chased us for a while and went home. I was ahead of Seth when we came up our street, the dog ran out, came up behind my leg and bit me! I started crying all over again! I couldn't believe it. I've never been bit by a dog before in my life. It hurt. 2 puncture wounds. Ugh. Seth got out medicine, looked up what to do about dog bites and then had to do the task of calling the neighbor, whom we like a lot. Fortunately, he was very apologetic and is going to pay for the doctor bills. Yep, have to go in tomorrow to get a shot. What a day. The girls were crying, Brody thought I was going to get rabies...double ugh. So thankful for my family who took care of me tonight.

I am praying tonight. And truly giving everything up to the one who has control, who has the blueprint to all our lives. And I will be just fine. So will my dad. There is no bubble to keep us all in...there is no way to freeze time so we won't get older...there is no way to have trouble-free days all the time...there is only one thing for sure. Faith.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:3. Thank you to the "man" who reminded me of this verse at the most appropriate time in my life. Now it is time to sleep...thank you for listening to my day.

6 comments:

bobbione8y said...

Hi DeAnn;

i awoke at 5:30am this morning, and for some reason went to your blog. i stopped right there and prayed, will continue to do so for your family, and for you.

you are precious to Him! let him strengthen and comfort you as you walk thru the next unknown, KNOWING that he is good!! i love 'your' Phillipians verse...and i will join you in saying it again and again.

carey said...

oh, my friend. I have tears streaming down my cheeks for you. i am so sorry, for all of it. i will pray hard for your dad and for your family. i love you very much and i hope you know how much you mean to all of us. thank you for letting us know and for your words. even in your times of despair you find a way to be inspiring.

Unknown said...

DeAnn,

Know this. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I am praying for you right now.

:)

Karen said...

I'm so sorry. I know how much you love your dad. I'm so glad you have God to turn to, and I'm so glad He will always be there when you do. You will be in my prayers.

bobbione8y said...

you have been on my mind. i hope you are recovering from the bite, and i hope that you are doing okay emotionally. i am praying for you and your family.

Karen said...

God woke me up in the night to pray for your dad, DeAnn. Just know He's got you covered. :-)