Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Resilience (May 25, 2015)


 
 
Resilience…

 
May 25, 2015

Resilience - the ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.

     It’s been some time since I’ve written.  I told Gilbert, my husband, that I believe I was suffering from writers’ block.  In truth, things have been a bit overwhelming.  I’m being stretched!  I am not a person to allow myself to become depressed, but I find that I am weary.  I’m being pressed!  I’ve religiously gone to the doctor for my 3-month checkups and each checkup has found something.  Something that has to be examined further… thyroid… hernia… possibility of endometrial disease… something.  It’s made me… weary… lots of pulling.

 
     My joy is always boundless when I have to visit Sloan Kettering (MSK).  How can you not feel joyful when you receive the greatest hugs from Nick and Ava?

     Last week I visited the chemo building to get my CAT scan and there was MY Nick.  I thank God for Nick!  He prays for me constantly.  He prayed for me as I entered the 53rd Street building.  “Stay the course.”  1 Corinthians 16:13 says “Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong.”  Then as I sat upstairs preparing for my CAT scan, drinking my unsweetened Kool-Aid, I read the MSK newsletter “Bridges”.  A survivor says “By handing the keys to my MSK team and the driver’s seat to God, this planner was now the passenger and the ride was about to begin.”

     The Director in me has been fighting this.  Gilbert can attest to the fact that I’m a Director, especially when he’s driving!  “Turn here”; “Turn off your indicator”; “Exactly where are we going?”; “Why are you heading into traffic, when you could make a left here and go around?”; “Didn’t you see the crosswalk?”;
“I can’t see, please turn on the wipers.”

 
     I had already given the driver’s seat to God but I now realize that my Directorial tendency was rearing its ugly head.  I know, I know!  God needs the help, right?  “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”  Proverbs 3:13-14   “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  James 3:17

 
Help me Lord!


    Do you now believe?”  John 16:31  Lord I believe!

 

Love,

Charmaine Yvette

 

P.S.:  The past two months have been difficult for my friends and family who have lost loved ones or those who received sad diagnoses.  It makes my struggle appear inconsequential.  Please know that I pray for you.  God is a healing God.  Trust him and he will heal your sorrow… just believe.  “You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.” Jeremiah 8:18  

  

8 comments:

  1. Amen! As always your blogs makes me laugh and inspired by your words and strength. You are always in mind and I always pray for your health. Love Ya! :)

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    1. I know how you feel! When I completed chemo, I assumed that I would resume life as it was before the “diagnosis”. I knew that living with one breast would require some adjusting. However, I did not anticipate the aftermath of baldness, allergies, vertigo, Lymphedema, a daily dose of Claritin D to keep the vertigo at bay, compression sleeves, etc. This is even more daunting because we always been the source and resource for so many others. I think they oftentimes forget that we sometimes need someone to lean on and that we shed tears too. You have been a ray of sunshine in my life for a long time now and I cherish your sister-love. We have shared so much over the years that I guess it is apropos that we travel this Survivor road together. Nevertheless, we will continue to love, support and encourage each other. Your Sister-in-Love Dette!

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    2. Coming from the "ette" family :) I love you and your glorious children so much. You are so right... I did think that once chemo was over that was it. You're in my thoughts and prayers always.

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    3. Diana - you're the best. Love you sister girl! Thanks.

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  2. You are strong, you are the person that many people lean on. Allow us to be that shoulder for you, lean on us and let us return all the love that you've been so gracious to give to us. We love you, we are praying for you. Everything is going to be okay, God's got your back and so do we.

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    1. I love you to pieces. Thank you for being you! Thanks for always being supportive.

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  3. Charmaine, I'm always overwhelmed after reading your "blog", I become emotional to tears, You're a wonderful" little" sister and I thank God for you, I am confident that He'll keep you always in His care as long as you continue to "let go and let God" ( not be the director???). I can't help thinking of Josh Groban's song," You raise me up so I can stand on mountains" because that's just how I feel. I love you and I know that God will continue to take care of you.
    Barbara

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    1. Thanks Barb - as our sister, you've certainly inspired us all! Love you.

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