Happy New Year! (1/4/14)

Happy New Year!

By Jennifer Craig— Jan 4, 2014 6:43pm

Hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTmas and an awesome start to the New Year!   We had such a beautiful Christmas and then a total blast spending five days at Crystal Mountain celebrating New Years with all of our kids...such a blessing!  I received so many Christmas gifts, but one in particular was so thoughtful and special that came from my daughters.  Several years ago McCulla, had to have surgery at Children's Devos Hospital and was given a "surgery teddy bear/Winslow" from one of my girlfriends to bring her comfort.  When I opened the wrapped gift box, it was McCulla's surgery bear that they had added a pink ribbon survivor pin and explained that now it was the bears turn to bring me comfort for my surgery.  It was so thoughtful and really touched me 😒

Now that the holidays/vacation are over, I've been busy getting back to work and also getting things lined up for my next steps at CClinic.  Jon and I will be leaving Sunday, Jan. 12 for CClinic with another full day of apps./test (lab work, EKG cardiology, plastic surgeon, genetic testing, admitting interview, Pace clinic) beginning early Monday morning.  Most of this is preparing/prepping and preoperative clearance for the surgery which will be Tuesday, February 4th at CClinic.  We will leave for Cleveland early a.m. on Monday, February 3 for two last afternoon appts. (nurse visit and molecular imaging).  The surgery will be 7-10 hours with 3-5 days stay afterwards.  My post-op appt. is February 14th ❤️  where I will be given more info. on when my chemo treatments (possibly radiation, as well) will begin which will be done in Grand Rapids at Lacks Cancer Center.

This diagnose has given me so many opportunities to share where my peace, hope, strength and joy come from.  Not that I haven't had waves of emotions from deep sadness, fear, anxiousness, "why me" and anger...it's just I don't allow myself to "stay" there and it's those times that I especially rely on my faith and pray that God comforts me and He remains faithful....always!  I know He has a plan, it's my job to trust.  I've said that I have two rocks in my life - my Heavenly Father and my incredible Jon.  There is no question about it, Jon is also part of the plan.  I could not ask for a partner that is more loving, patient, kind/sweet, gentle, attentive, smart, ridiculously handsome, and makes me laugh/smile even in my weakest moments.  He is a true gift from God and I'm so thankful that he is fighting this journey with me.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart for all the kind words, encouragement, support, love and PRAYERS.  Please continue to pray that the cancer has in fact not spread, not in lymph nodes, continued peace/strength for McCulla, Macie and Jon and wisdom for all the doctors/nurses and C.Clinic staffed that is involved with my procedure/s and for rest, wisdom, strength/peace and positive attitude and opportunities for God to continue to use me ☺️

The question that I get asked the most frequent is "how am I feeling?"  Honestly, other than this little respiratory/cold thingy that I'm getting over - the biggest thing is my energy level.  I think I'm still emotionally, as well as physically drained.  I'm getting better (with the help of Jon) with saying "no" to invites/activities and lengthy conversations that can be draining and being reminded that I have to save my energy for my daughters/Jon/close family/friends and most of all to get this body well/healed!  If you could share my page/update with anyone that may want to be informed, I would appreciate it.

Again, thank you for the page visits/comments and for being such a blessing to me/my daughters and Jon!

Remember to LIVE LARGE and LOVE RELENTLESSLY ❤️

Love you,

Jen 😃

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