On February 28th we got the news no one wants to hear. Our precious Noni was diagnosed with breast cancer. We knew nothing else and for a brief second it felt like the world was caving in.
But in the next second we remembered that God is in control. He holds each one of us in the palm of His hands. This wasn't a surprise to Him. He knows each and every part of us, and He knew that this was there.
I think He was also answering prayers before we could even pray them. We later found out that the cancer was detected as early as possible (praise!). The insurance that was supposed to take most of the week to process, processed practically before we could finish praying...before noon that Monday (more praise!). Noni was assigned to one of the best cancer doctors in our city, and her surgery was scheduled for just over a month after initially finding out (triple praise!). The cancer also seems to be contained and they don't even think she will need any chemo (so much praise!). Blessing abound.
But on that day we didn't know any of that. We only knew that we were facing a cancer diagnosis. This was the day we had been to the dentist. We got back to the house, ate lunch, celebrated Papa's birthday, and then Noni sat down and told the girls the news. And the second thing out of her mouth was that if God can use this cancer to bring even one person to Him it will all be worth it.
If there was ever an award for the most Godly, faithful way to handle a cancer diagnosis Noni would receive it hands down. And of course she wouldn't accept it because she takes selflessness to a whole other level. I don't even know how to put it into words. She is, quite simply, amazing.
The girls were, of course, unsettled by the news so after she finished explaining she suggested we all go outside. For February it was quite a warm, beautiful day. It felt like Spring! Another blessing straight from God. We sat out in the sunshine talking and playing. Lou got to try the slide for the first time and she absolutely loved it.
Look at this smile! So much joy.
We even got to hear her first sentence, multiple times. "I did it!" It's hard to pick out but she says it at the bottom of the slide.
Noni, with her beautiful, selfless, giving heart turned what could have been a tragic day, into a fun memory. She is truly gifted at blessing others.
I am a natural worrier at heart, and the thought of life without my precious mother strikes terror straight into it, but I have truly felt the presence of the Lord through all of this. I have indeed felt His inexplicable peace.
7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
I know that He is in and over and through all of this, and I pray that our family brings Him glory through every step. I know my amazing mother will be a blessing to every single person she comes into contact with through all this. Her smile alone blesses others every day. I also know this has already been a good lesson to the girls in the power of prayer.
Because of all the Coronavirus stuff Noni's surgery actually got cancelled. The hospital said they were only going to be doing emergency surgeries in order to conserve supplies. Noni's doctor told her she would do her best to get her back on the schedule as soon as possible since she has a fast growing cancer that is not eligible for a pill-based suppressant like some types. Needless to say we were very concerned...especially when we finally got news that they wouldn't be doing non-emergency surgeries until April 15th and they weren't even trying to schedule them yet. We were praying hard for several days that it would happen just as soon as possible when we got the wonderful news that the surgery would go through as planned! Praise the Lord! What an amazing answer to prayer!!!
And speaking of prayer, the big surgery is TOMORROW so prayers would be much appreciated! Thank you so much! I will give an update soon. In the meantime...
Because of all the Coronavirus stuff Noni's surgery actually got cancelled. The hospital said they were only going to be doing emergency surgeries in order to conserve supplies. Noni's doctor told her she would do her best to get her back on the schedule as soon as possible since she has a fast growing cancer that is not eligible for a pill-based suppressant like some types. Needless to say we were very concerned...especially when we finally got news that they wouldn't be doing non-emergency surgeries until April 15th and they weren't even trying to schedule them yet. We were praying hard for several days that it would happen just as soon as possible when we got the wonderful news that the surgery would go through as planned! Praise the Lord! What an amazing answer to prayer!!!
And speaking of prayer, the big surgery is TOMORROW so prayers would be much appreciated! Thank you so much! I will give an update soon. In the meantime...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
