Where has the time gone? I apologize for slacking in my writing but, a)I feel like there’s so much going on that my head is spinning and, b)because there’s so much going on, I feel like there’s honestly nothing to write about. It’s ‘b’ that worries me. Yes life moves fast, but if we don’t stop to observe the smallest of moments, we miss the magic of simply living and breathing and I don’t want to miss that because I’m just trying to get through the day…get it? Anyhow, it’s only been about a week since school got out and my oldest made a comment, ‘Why do we seem more busy?’ Well, with a week of summer camp for my daughter, travel basketball for the oldest, baseball play-offs for the youngest, and me working full time? Yeah, we are busy. So, deep breath.
Today my daughter and I went to a wedding shower for a beautiful couple. I have known the bride’s parents for a long time because her dad used to accompany me when I sang awhile back. Fast forward about 15 years and the future groom happens to move here to be closer to his fiance and becomes a leader for my oldest son’s small group at our church. The future bride has had major health struggles over the past year which forced them to postpone the wedding, but now it is back on track and happening soon. What’s beautiful about this couple is that the ‘in sickness and in health’ happened before the wedding and the future groom stood by her side; not just ‘stood’, literally had fundraisers to help the costs of treatment, cooked for her, and cared for her. It was incredible to be a part of their faith and love journey up to this point and get glimpses of their sacrificial love. Today’s bridal shower was really a celebration of life too.
Well, on top of all the business of the past week I was sick, really sick. I just started feeling better yesterday. Body aches, exhaustion, coughing, and because of the coughing I lost my voice for about 4 days. You know what happens when a cancer survivor gets sick and stays sick over a week? They think they have some type of cancer again. I hate that cancer recurrance is where my mind goes first but it’s the truth. Until I started feeling better I thought that I probably had leukemia; not to mention my dog will not leave my side (you know what they say about animals sixth sense). Regardless, I am feeling MUCH better today and my voice is almost 100% back to it’s normal 50% capacity (from lack of vocal cord). Life keeps moving ‘in sickness and in health’ and I don’t want to miss the party. So, in all that busyness, close your eyes and stick your face in the sun or the rain or the clouds and smile. Just breathing is magic!
Today I wear Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop. This is my favorite drugstore lipstick right now because they have quite a bit of color and they do feel like butter on your lips! I have these lip butters in at least four different colors but Lollipop and Red Velvet are my faves. Lollipop is sort of a hot pink color (kinda still on my hot pink roll for now), it reminds me of summer and popsicles…fun! Until next time!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
I’m glad you wrote about thinking sickness might be cancer. After having ovarian & breast cancer, I too think of that as the first thought. Thanks for letting me know you do too. It’s not an obsession but you still have those thoughts. Linda Justice
Linda, I don’t know where your comment went, but I read it! Thanks for confirming I’m not the only cancer survivor who gets paranoid when sick!
The things that keep us busy and away from moping and worrying are meant to do just that. Normally, I would have spent part of last week worrying about my esophagus dilation next Tuesday. But my grandkids came here Tuesday-Friday and we had way too much fun and bonding to even think about cancer. I’m paying for it now, in pain and bleeding, but it was worth the pain to be with them again. Since I can’t get around much, they have decided to come visit every three weeks until school starts in the Fall. So I’ll just go take my dose of vicodin and hope that it gets me through until the next scheduled time. It is all a matter of perspective, and I know that even though they have now found cancer cells in the left shoulder, once we get my throat functioning somewhat normally (eat, breath without trach tube, etc.) we will tackle what the doctors are not even sure of. No worries, be Anna!! Love Ya’
Bob, I’m so glad to hear about your consistent grandbaby visit. Worry is no good and family is a good distraction. You are always in my prayers! Love ya
Amen to “just breathing!” Sickness or health, rain or shine, thank God for the breath of life! So glad you’re feeling better, Anna. Almost texted you a couple days ago as you were on my heart & now I know why. Here’s a pertinent quote from Robert Louis Stevenson:
“The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you.”
Love and prayers always, my friend –
Thank you Grace, for the quote, and for everything!
Just breathing is magic. I’m so sorry you’ve been sick and equally glad it’s moving out. Your faith, your heart and your endless loves will always pull you through.
šSo proud to know you.