Happy March!

Sorry it's been so long in writing. I feel as if I am coming out of the Dark Ages and into the Age of Enlightenment. It's amazing how you can kind of "check-out" of things for a while...and then to feel the awakenings of the mind, stirrings for cultural activities, and strength of the spirit return is sooo refreshing!

Different than the historical Dark Ages, however, my days of darkness have a tapestry woven of spiritual blessings and growth. I have never before realized the degree of learning we can accomplish through others' trials, but I have been honored to learn this through many of you. Here are just a few examples, and I hope that they are okay to share...

• My nephews and nieces had a strengthening experience in fasting as they wanted to fast for my recovery; they learned how to focus on the purpose of a fast and it became a personal experience for them.




• My nieces, who pray for me each day, one morning asked if I would have fun. I was later able to share with this dear 5 year old that her prayer was answered. Her desire mentioned in her prayer enabled me my first good day after the storm; and I did have fun. I laughed a lot that day.




• A few people close to me have started taking more interest in their religious life, due to their concern for me.




• Many dear friends have put my name on the prayer roles, which have given me blessings of relief, a visit from a specialist who could give me aide, or a night with my favorite nurses/PCTs who watched out for me.




• Priesthood blessings have strengthened and comforted us all in our times of need.

I also have received spiritual growth through an other's time of trial. I remember as a youth, watching our dear friend, Brother Sion, struggle with cancer. He didn't speak any English and was in a lot of physical pain, yet he attended church meetings each and every week. I would watch for him each Sunday, and learned from him that if he thought it was important to be there at church, then no matter what my complaint, it was important for me to be there too. I will forever be grateful for his example.

Other weavings of my tapestry have been in the forms of people blessing us with their abilities.

• A friend from the neighborhood, Stacy Lamb, came and cut my hair one afternoon. It had become quite hard to take care of, and the long strands of hair were just...gross. So, now I have a great new cut that is easy to take care of, and is easy with the lifestyle I now lead.




• I also received a beautiful quilt of love (complete with pillow cases) which my family made to help me remember my life outside of the hospital...something that is occasionally vague in my mind anymore!




• I have some great artwork and hilarious pictures sent by my nephews and nieces. (and their parents, too!)




• I have been touched by notes, comments, cards, gifts, and letters left and delivered by dear friends and family, letting me know they were thinking of me and sending me strength.




• The Relief Society of my ward has delivered tapes of excellent Sunday lessons which has helped me feel connected with the ward while here in the hospital. I've loved hearing the comments of friends along with the lessons.




• Though my body seems to be decaying around me, my dear husband still looks into my eyes and tells me I'm beautiful and that he loves me.

There have been many other blessings, and I don't mention them to boast. I merely hope to acknowledge the amazing people who bless my life through their selfless actions, and hope to spread their love and inspiration. I am truly humbled by the service given on my behalf, and am grateful to be a witness to it.

So, if you're wondering how I'm doing, I'm on the upswing. I have now gone several days without a fever, and I am showing little bits of improvement (and less hair) each day. My oncologist joked with me the other day, "You know, you can start growing that bone marrow any day now!" I promised I'd work on that. True to my word, my "blood counts" are starting to improve!

Yesterday a dermatologist was called in to look at yet another rash of mine. His opener was, "There are two types of rashes for a cancer patient. Ones that will kill you, and ones that won't kill you." Great line, huh? I'm happy to tell you, I have the type that WON'T kill me. Hallelujah and for Jeff Dunham fans "Silence, it won't kill me!" :-) So, all is well and on the mend.

Have a great week, and hopefully I'll be able to get to the computer a bit more than before. Again, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. They are felt and truly appreciated. God bless you.

~Sarah