Neuropathy

 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011

Neuropathy

Just when I thought I was done with neuropathy.... surprise, it's back. My legs feel like the nerves have been exposed to the air again, and the pain is sometimes excruciating. I am learning that a small percentage of people who get neuropathy from the effects of chemo must deal with it off and on for life--yes, I am one of those people--no big deal, I can handle it--
Today when I was at work, one of my friends I had not seen for a while came over to talk to me. She was wearing a pink beanie to cover her bald head--she went through a double mastectomy a year and a half before I did (stage 2). Now, it has metastasized to her lungs--she showed me the X-rays --I cannot stop thinking about her today. Cancer really is this ugly VILLAIN, it invades lives, and just when you think you've turned a corner looking to a bright future, BOOM, it's back to haunt and taunt you. Whether a recurrence or side effects, it never goes away.

I'm Alive

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011

✔ I’m Alive

Eric and I are in Mexico with Blake; it’s been nice to have him back. I have asked him a zillion questions about his mission, the people, spiritual experiences, and how he feels being at home. Tonight, I went for a run on the beach. I was listening to music and trying to concentrate on getting my speed up, but my mind kept wandering off, and I found myself thinking about how much I had been blessed. I had check marks in my head every day for things that needed to be done, or I checked off the things I am grateful for. Just as I was thinking about how much the Lord has blessed me,
 I checked off in my head
*BE ALIVE WHEN BLAKE COMES HOME ✔
*BE HAPPY ✔
I looked up in the sky, and in perfect formation were birds forming a check mark; I smiled big and stared at them until they passed. Still not believing what I had just seen, I turned around, looked up, and saw nothing but blue skies...where were the birds? They were nowhere to be found. Within seconds they were gone; at that very moment, I knew that Heavenly Father was giving me a sign. He confirmed that He lives, hears me, and answers my prayers. My goal and prayer have always been to be alive and be happy when Blake gets home; I can honestly say I can check those 2 off my list. It’s so surreal to have him at home. So much has happened in 2 years, not only in my life but especially in Blake’s. I can see the tenderness in his eyes; he is so compassionate and sincere; having a new missionary home is like bringing home a new baby--so much to learn, and I want to soak it all up while I can.

Elder Williams is Home

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mFITDzyn7s

I want to explain to some of my friends who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints precisely what a mission is so you can understand the emotions around returning with honor.

After two years of service, I was acting like a crazy mother at the sight of my son. When a young man chooses to serve a mission (usually at 19), they have traditionally prepared for this their entire life. While these boys serve the Lord, they are given strict rules to show their obedience and devotion to their work. They are allowed to call their families on Christmas and Mothers Day; other than those days, they do not speak to family or friends while they are gone; they are also given the opportunity once a week to email family. Just like anything in life, when we can devote our time or talents without the distractions of girlfriends or boyfriends. We can accomplish so much more. These young men cannot have physical contact with females while they serve again. That could be another distraction; they are on their mission to do the Lord's work and spread the word of the gospel. 

When Blake left, I felt so lost as a mother, knowing I could not be the one to answer his questions or comfort him when he needed it; I guess we both learned over the past two years to do the best we can and then turn the rest over to the Lord--He will help us find our way. He will reach down and lift us up when we trust in Him I'm looking forward to sharing with each other the spiritual experiences we both have had. 

Having him home and making our family complete again has been so sweet. When he was released from his mission and reported to President Merrill I was so touched by Blake's testimony. He sobbed as he explained the journey he has been on. The sacrifice these boys make is unbelievable. They leave family, friends, school, and life as they know it to go out and serve for two years.  Blake has served and learned so much from these two years of sacrifice; the experiences he has had will bless his life forever, and the people he has touched will be changed forever. I would give anything to somehow be that type of example to people.

 

We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk with him. Tonight we had an open house so his friends could come to the house to visit with him. 

Tomorrow we are taking Blake to Mexico for some much-needed alone time... I want to hear about his wonderful and maybe not so wonderful experiences. Tonight I am overwhelmed knowing the Lord took care of my son, better than I could have.

BY bonbon AT 10:43 AM 

4 COMMENTS:

HOW SWEET IT IS!!!!!!

Can't stop crying!! I feel sure you could of never had a better weekend in your life Bon Bon... as Elder Williams returned home so honorably! The spirit I felt as I spoke to him was so tender!! Full-time missionaries are such selfless, noble, humble people! Blake is truly the one that received the blessings of his service for the last two years and I could feel his humility and his knowledge of this as we spoke!! I do know that he has made a huge difference in many people's lives in the Dominican Republic...and for this, these people and their posterity will be eternally thankful to Elder Williams!!

WELCOME HOME ELDER WILLIAMS, The Scheurns LOVE YOU!!!

OCTOBER 03, 2011

Tracey said...

That is the sweetest video! Love it.

OCTOBER 04, 2011

Jill said...

That made me cry, seeing your love and excitement for him. So glad he served the Lord and is home! You made it!!!!

OCTOBER 05, 201i    Robin said...

I just watched Blake's homecoming video. I thought about all the tears we shed for our children (If they only knew!) sad, worried, mad, and best of all happy. It warmed my heart to see your "happy" tears.