Life with cancer.....

Cancer is such a dauting word. We all have mental images of what it is like, we all have the fear of it, and we all have the ability to overcome the obstacles it presents...with faith, of course.

Some days look like the picture posted, and that tends to be what we share. It is hard, especially for me, to share the difficult times. It is hard to allow myself to think beyond today right now. It is hard for me to stay positive some days. It is hard.

How is Bruce? Really, how is he? He is doing so much better than we anticipated. He still works, he still laughs and most days he is still his cheerful self. But, he is so tired...He cannot do what he used to do. His mind wants to get so much done, but his body is exhausted. He is in pain, but does not complain; just gets quiet. We miss having him on the boat, or running around town doing Christmas outings, but honestly, we are thinking of future Christmas' and want him to heal.

What is next? Surgeries....

Final thoughts this Christmas Eve are about all of you: family, extended family, friends, co-workers...we receive blessings DAILY! Our mailbox is filled with beautiful cards, letters and words of encouragement. I have not baked a thing, as friends have shared their baked goods with our family. I have a spiral ham sent as a gift to serve tomorrow. Right now, my brother has the boys with him, out doing fun Christmas things....Morgan is wrapping gifts, Bruce is sleeping, and I am basking in the peace and quiet of this day.

Cancer. I think about it everyday now. I also am reminded everyday now, of the amazing family & friends we have in our lives as well as God's hand in all of the trials and tribulations that we endure.

Wishing you all a blessed holiday,
Joanne

Love, laughter, and sparks of light....

I used to wonder what it would be like.....if someone, in my family, besides myself, was suffering.....

if being a nurse would be a help or a hinder.....

if I would still be able to smile.... to enjoy life... to be strong

Bruce is strong. He is wise. He does not complain, but he has slowed down so much....The children are strong, they are amazing and patient....Rhenabeth has been a blessing.

God shows us His glory and greatness through others. Angela's love for Tristan, her dance with her father at her wedding, her smile and the joy of sharing a beautiful day with her family....it brought tears, laughter, and light into our journey. It reminded Bruce and I of our wedding day, and our wedding vows. Of our committment and our love. We are strong, because we believe.

Look for sparks of light in your life, they are all around us.

Happy holidays

Joanne

FoJo Family

I have so so many people that I am thankful for in my life, especially right now as many are reaching out in so many beautiful ways. Tonight, I am focusing on my "FoJo Family" as I call them. They are my work family. My job, is a ministry for me and my co-workers are truly family.
I worked at MUSC for so so long. I was arrogant,really, I was arrogant and hardened by witnessing tragedy after tragedy, by learning to cope with deaths of children, tragic deaths, by hardening my heart. We all did that, it was a way to cope. I was forced into a career change when my health deteriorated and my beloved sister, Julie,became a victim of a homicide,all in the same weekend. I left MUSC behind as I struggled along with my family, to find healing and closure. I stumbled upon school nursing, green to the school system, and was quickly humbled by the challenges of being the only medical staff in the building. I waa embraced by the amazing, hard working staff of Ft. Johnson. The staff treated me with kindness and welcomed me into the school. I fell in love with Ft Johnson and with school nursing; the students, the staff, the uplifting environment.
It is this very staff, these dedicated teachers, administrators, and every staff member, that has chosen to join our family in our journey...they have fed our bodies & souls the past month. Dinner is always ready for us on Thursdays. They are swamped with work, they are busy with their lives and commitments, yet they take the time to cook for us, to write us cards and to keep me smiling and cared for daily at work.
Thank you FoJo family. Thank you for all the caring and giving. Thank you for letting me serve at the school. Thank you for teaching my children and caring for my family. Thank you for joining us in the journey as we pray for Bruce's healing. Thank you for being you.
Joanne