Goodness in the World

I have been so overwhelmed for the last 9 months at how big people's hearts are. I feel a little sheepish as acts of service have been showered on my family and me since the announcement of my diagnosis. Let's just say I ran out of "thank you" cards really, really fast. The thing is, the kindness hasn't stopped since then and is only increasing in intensity.

One of my best friends was so sad about my latest scan and lab results and worried about how it was affecting me. One night she had this big idea to do something about it. She intended for it just to be a way she could serve and get her mind into a more positive place. She wanted to do a softball tournament and have the proceeds go towards a trip to Disneyland for our family. We were planning on taking the kids this fall already but when she announced her plan to us she said with excitement, "Well, now you don't have to wait!!" I am amazed at her capacity to organize, assemble and inspire people in a matter of days. I am also amazed at the generosity of my friends that have donated frequent flyer miles and hotel points. She said she has been overwhelmed at how great people are and that so many people are so eager to do something and don't even hesitate to help. Another friend had asked a local TV station if they wanted be a sponsor. When they found out about how amazing our community is, they wanted to come do a story on it. As my friend said, "The whole project has taken on a life of it's own!!" The tournament will be the 21st and 22nd of May and teams will play all night long! It's going to be SO MUCH FUN! My family is planning on being a team and although we may get whooped, it will be a blast!!

It was so fun to tell the kids about our upcoming trip. Every time we go to get in the car Nathan asks, "Are we going to Disneyland now?" They are all at the perfect ages to take them on this trip. I can't wait to see their faces and watch them play on the beach. Our kids have never been to the ocean, or to Disneyland yet. We are going to fly and they have never been on a plane either. I can just see them at the airport already! It is going to be such a great memory!

I am just so inspired and overcome at the goodness of people. I really wish the focus was not on me though. I feel like it needs to be someone else's turn. So much has been done for us already. The great thing is my friend wants to do it again next year and pick someone else to help. Hopefully, it can become an annual thing and then I can help! It is uplifting to realize that there ARE so many people in the world that are good. Sometimes we feel discouraged as we watch the news and wonder if anyone is kind anymore. Things like this renew our trust in the future and in the hearts and goodness of people. Thank you a million times to all of you that have served our family. The list is endless... We truly appreciate all of you for your thoughtfulness and know that you will be blessed for it.

As for me, I am feeling great! (How could I not be?) I am trying to be healthy still and have devoured several books on the power that our minds have over illness and healing. I just can't dwell on the negativity that my test results show. It is what it is. I have been looking into other clinics that I can go to or other treatment options. I am hoping that I will feel drawn to one or another. So far, I haven't been thrilled with my options as they are. I have to keep trusting that God knows exactly what I need to do although I may not at times. He will guide me and help me and extend my days as long as needed. I need to try and stay positive and do as much as I can to fulfill my part. I am so glad that it's finally spring and I can be outside in the sun. That makes us all feel better, right? Times are great and there is definitely still goodness in the world.