January 2004 ...At least I was in church :)

Whew...it's been a rough couple of months. First of all. I hope each and every one of you has had a most Blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I hope this New Year is filled with love, happiness, good health and PEACE for all. (Not too much to ask, huh??)
I had a stroke on Christmas Eve while attending Mass. I guess if one is going to have a stroke...being in God's house is probably one of the better places. Fortunately, I didn't sustain too much damage afterwards. I did have to undergo a three day blast of steroids (UGH!!) and also have to take a third chemotherapy agent to try and get the central nervous system inflammation under control. (My lupus attacks my brain and central nervous system and the "chemo" helps to attack the lupus)
It is a bit harder for me to figure things out. I get frustrated a lot easier.
I am so lucky that God has blessed me with such a patient and loving husband. Sometimes I think that it is truly harder for Tom to endure this than it is for me. I definitely believe it is harder for loved ones to watch their loved one suffer. Moms want to "kiss it and make it better"...dads will go the distance to find what's "broken and "fix it" Husbands close their eyes and pray...let my wife wake up in the morning...just a simple prayer...nothing more...Well, you get what I am trying to say...I hope :)
Thank you to all who take the time out to send a note or who sign the guestbook. I really appreciate it :) My website is truly a labor of love and sometimes it is a struggle to keep it going but I just ask God to continue to direct and inspire me.
Please be kind to one another. Smile at a stranger :) Open a door for someone. Just treat others as you would want others to treat you...or your grandmother...or your daughter...
Well, I should end for now. Please keep us in your prayers.
Hugs,
Shelley

November 2000 Surrounded by Angels

It is November 2000 and my health has taken a turn for the worse. I was admitted into the hospital ICU for a few days. It was very scary but one thing I wish to share with you is how comforted I was knowing that I was NOT alone. I knew that God, Mary, my angels, and all of "my" Saints were with me. I was also very comforted just looking at a crucifix across the room (I was in a Catholic hospital) The nurses all would comment how "brave or calm" I was..but truly...I know that it was just having faith in God was what was the REAL reason I was so brave.
Throughout my illness, I have been blessed many times. I have a wonderful and supportive husband, and friends who never surprise me with their love and compassion. Some of these people I have met through the internet and have never even met them in person. Yet, they continue to give me hope and encouragement. I thank you ALL!
My life has changed in so many ways. Yes, it is often challenging and sometimes very scary. Yet, I continue to have that faith in God and I know that He will take care of me. For those of you who are suffering or struggling, just remember that God is always there...even in the very depths of darkness, God is there..you just need to talk to Him.
My website keeps me going and I plan to continue working on it every month...so please..continue this journey with me...and if you have a chance...please say a prayer for not only me but for the family and friends who are always trying to cope with this latest setback.