Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Are there times in your life that make you feel like a kid again? Well, one of those times for me, in addition to going to Disney World, decorating sugar cookies and watching Andy Griffith reruns, just to name a few, is the first annual forecast of snow.

Last night, after we finished watching a movie, I looked out the window to nothing but a wet street in front of the house. Disappointed, I crawled back into my warm bed, which I’m so thankful for. Around 3:30 a.m., I woke up, and nothing would do me but to peer through the blinds, looking in our back yard through sleepy, squinted eyes to nothing more than glistening remnants of yesterday’s rain. But, when I woke up around 7 a.m.? I felt the same excitement that many of you felt – SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! It was and is beautiful. Enough to cover the ground, but the roads are clear . . . gosh, I just sounded like my mother . . .
 

Shortly after I woke up this morning, I found myself snuggled in bed between Scott and Austin, oh, and Flatts, too, (one of our black cats – he was our cat . . . Scott brought Kattie to the family, a long-haired black cat). With the blinds open, a picture frame was created for a picture perfect first snowfall of the season, and thanks to Scott, I had coffee in hand. What a moment of reflection . . . reflecting on being blessed? Yes, I truly am.

About thirty minutes later, Scott decides this is the perfect time to put seed and fertilizer on our new yard. Yes . . . I also thought he was kidding! He wasn’t kidding at all, informing me how perfect the timing was so he could see where it was landing on the grass. So after a couple of layers of clothing, his coat and insulated boots, which he repeatedly told me kept his feet dry and warm (as to not catch a cold), and a cap, out he went . . .  a man on a mission. My last words to him? No. Not I love you, but “It’s a good thing you’re going out this early. Hopefully our neighbors are still in bed and won’t see you!”

 

 

But what a great pre-Thanksgiving day! Our first snow, our first snow in our new home and our first snow as a family, and of course, Austin's first snow ball . . . with all my child-like giddiness to boot!

 

Maybe I’m a little selfish wanting all the inches of snow in the forecast, but I’m not one of the 43 million people traveling this Thanksgiving holiday. 43 million! That’s amazing to me . . . but I heard it on the Today Show this morning, so, it has to be true, right? Oh wait . . . that’s the internet :)

The spreading of grass seed and fertilizer? Check. Now, finishing touches on the house have commenced so hopefully we can flip the switch on our Christmas lights tomorrow evening!

And, to close, you have to love the holidays and the snow when friends come around . . . all the way from the beach in SC! My “big sis” Debbie brought her daughter-in-law and granddaughter Danielle and Grace, to see us this morning. Danielle and Grace are here for Thanksgiving and I know Debbie and Mike-Mike could not be happier. And surprisingly, Santa already left a gift under the tree . . . for Grace . . . and of course, it had to be something Minnie Mouse :)  

 

So wherever you are or wherever you’ll be enjoying this holiday, from our family to yours, from a snow-covered yard to the sands on the beach, may the good things in life be yours in abundance this Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

We're Half Way There!

Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, I must begin by saying how thankful I am to be feeling better so I can share with you my recent update.

Last Sunday, November 17, we spent much of our time at the Knoxville airport as delays continued to be issued for our flight to Chicago, which was scheduled for 12:15 p.m. But, surprisingly, Scott and I had the opportunity to visit and catch up with a friend of ours, Lisa. Lisa is a flight attendant with American Airlines and was catching a ride to work on our flight via American Eagle.

I had noticed while watching the weather that morning there was severe weather, including tornadoes, in the Chicago area. Every time a delay or ground stop was issued I couldn’t help but think what was going on . . . were there actual tornadoes? Were houses and structures being destroyed? Were lives being taken?

Once we finally boarded around 3:30 p.m. we still remained on the ground until almost 5:30 p.m., but to our knowledge, no one on the plane was disgruntled about the situation. It was an enjoyable flight, the flight attendant was great, and we were so glad to find out we did not have to take a 2.5 hour scenic route as previously announced. But as we were landing, the winds were still fierce as we felt the plane topple to the left right before we hit the runway. Scott’s hand is probably still sore today as I nearly squeezed it off.
 

 

We had plans to attend a chamber concert and dinner with our friends Steve and Claudette Sunday evening, but we obviously didn’t make it in time. I was very disappointed as we were looking so forward to it. But we were finally in Chicago . . . and we were safe . . . but hungry.

Thankfully, there was a KFC across the street from our hotel. So we braved the high winds and made our way for some take out to enjoy in the room with some Sunday night football.

Monday morning began with breakfast at the Cancer Treatment Center followed by some blood work . . . yay :( Then we had a follow up appointment with our plastic surgeon. He is very pleased with how well I continue to heal from my surgery and he added more fluids to my expanders, giving me more definition. Although somewhat uncomfortable from the additional fluids, we made our way to our next appointment with my oncologist. Oh, I almost forgot! Scott and I were sitting in the hallway after breakfast getting some paperwork in order and here came our chaplain. She grabbed my head and prayed right there. I love to hear her pray . . .

Back to my oncologist . . . he is too pleased with how well I’m doing. Some of my blood work was high, but considering I’m undergoing chemo, they were ok. He did want to schedule an appointment with Quality of Life for my next visit so they could further evaluate my blood work as it relates to my “quality of life”. The one thing he added to my premeds for chemo is Claritin . . . yes, Claritin, the allergy pill. Apparently, they have seen results in minimizing the flu-like body, bone aches by using Claritin. Since that was one of my more difficult side effects last time, I was excited to know I could take something to help.

In addition to the body, bone aches, losing my hair and having a metallic, yuck-like taste in my mouth, I’m now experiencing some neuropathy in my fingers. They advised this could happen, but it’s ok . . . it could be so much worse.

We also met with our dietician (I wish we could just bring her home and let her cook for us), as well as the naturopathic doctor. Ironically, this was right before lunch :) It is amazing to me the difference it makes in how you prepare your food, the types of food you should eat as it relates to the side affects you are experiencing during chemo . . . Scott could have spent the day with our dietician, picking her brain :)

Following lunch, it was time to have my PICC line put in. I was more at ease this time having gone through the procedure the last time. Once again, I felt the prick of the shot that numbed my arm and within a few minutes the procedure was complete. And no tears were shed . . . and yes, I was wearing my glitter eye shadow as a reminder I’m not going to let cancer dull my sparkle so I certainly didn’t want it smeared all over my face :)

Then we made our way to infusion where we would spend the next four hours. After my husband was a little persistent :), we had a private room with a restroom and a beautiful view of the water. Our nurse was wonderful. Ironically, Scott and I both napped most of the time, but we did wake up in time to order and enjoy a delicious dinner. Following chemo, I realized we’re half way there! Two down, two to go! Reminded me of Bon Jovi's "Livin on a Prayer" song :)
 

The next day, I received my neulasta shot, which helps create new white blood cells while I’m taking chemo. Following my shot, we found ourselves on the way back to the airport. The highlight of the day was enjoying some French fries and part of Scott’s burger at the Chicago Bar and Grill in our concourse . . . the same place we’ve eaten at almost every time we fly American. It has become a tradition. I don’t think our dietician would have approved but . . . :)

We arrived home late Tuesday evening. I was feeling well . . . and again Wednesday morning, but by midday on Wednesday, it hit. I was in the bed almost 24/7 until yesterday, Saturday. Maybe the Claritin did help as I often wondered how badly I’d hurt if I wasn’t taking it. But again, I’m thankful I’ve not been sick on my stomach. I can handle the body, bone aches.

Once more, I’m thankful I felt like updating my blog this morning. I am also thankful for those of you who “paddled” for me last week when I couldn’t :) It’s been a rough week, but I realize it could have been worse. I still don’t feel well, but I know this is only temporary.

Speaking of paddling, if you don’t, I encourage you to join our weekly Facebook chats on my Facebook page usually on Thursday evenings. Our last chat was “Paddle, Paddle, Paddle”. Unfortunately, we were not able to host one this past week as I was not feeling well, and Scott had to tend to me, but we hope to host one this coming week, maybe Tuesday evening, since this Thursday is Thanksgiving. Scott and I continue to be blessed to be a blessing, and we want to share all we can with others.

Psalm 136:3

Blessed to be a Blessing

Scott and I hosted our first live Facebook chat last Thursday, entitled “Blessed to be a Blessing”. As you know, our lives as a married couple have evolved around my breast cancer, the most traumatic experience in my life. But it has been amazing the many blessings we have received and the lives we have been able to touch, even in a small way, while on this journey. To that end, we have been blessed to be a blessing.

 

One of my favorite songs is “Blessings” by Laura Story. The first time I heard it I wanted to rewind it on the radio. It was very inspiring and thought provoking for me. Maybe like you, I was raised seeing all the good in this world, not the bad. As I became older, it was somewhat difficult for me to understand why hardship and heartache are too a part of our lives. But as I studied God’s word, I realized God also blesses us during these times, as well as through the absence of unanswered prayers.

During our chat last week, I was reminded when God allows something into my life, for better or worse, I try to use it to bring glory to God. Certainly, it is much easier to use the good things in life, but I have come to realize when I am able to use a difficult situation in my life it often brings greater blessings for me, in addition to those around me.

And how do we reach out to others? In addition to my blog, and posts on my social media outlets, we decided to host a live Facebook chat after we participated in one several weeks ago with the Cancer Treatment Center. I have to say . . .  I can’t imagine anyone who participated received more of a blessing than we did last week. Following the chat, we prayed . . . Scott prayed then I prayed. We were both very touched by those who participated in the chat . . . their words of hope and support were very encouraging to us, but wait! That was our job . . . but then we realized how blessed to be a blessing we are.

In II Corinthians 9:8-12 the Bible tells us “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.’ Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liability, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”

God has blessed me so much. In doing so, He does not expect me to hoard what He has given to me. According to Ecclesiastes, I am to appreciate my blessings. But, the main reason for which God blesses me is so He can use me as a channel in order to be a blessing to others.

I hope you will join us this evening, Thursday, November 14, 2013, on my Facebook page from 7 to 8 p.m. (EST) for our next live chat: Paddle, Paddle, Paddle. While we often cannot control what happens in our lives, we can control if we choose to “paddle, paddle, paddle’ or through in the anchor.

“In the boat of life, do you have an oar in hand, paddling through the rough times, or do you have the anchor in hand, ready to throw it overboard and give up? But before you do, is there someone in your boat with a paddle who you know and trust to ensure when you can’t paddle any more will help you overcome your rough times?” Scott Teague.

“Don’t give up, victory may be right around the corner.” Gal. 6:9

Hope to chat with you this evening, and remember, God blesses us beyond our wildest dreams because He loves us, and He wants us to be a blessing to others. How are you going to be a blessing to someone today?

Thank You Veterans

Today has been a day of reflection for me . . . but in a different way. Instead of my thoughts being centered on the color of pink, I found my thoughts being centered on the red, white and blue.

Today is Veteran’s Day, a day when we pay tribute to all the men and women who have served our country.

Being the daughter of a Marine, I was raised with much pride and respect for our freedom, which my father taught me was not free. Being a proud American, wearing and displaying the red, white and blue was a family tradition. I was also taught to stand still during the playing of the National Anthem with my eyes on the flag and my hand on my heart. To this day, I continue that practice no matter what the person beside me, in front of me or behind me does.

Many of you have heard me say the first day I met my husband, Scott Teague, and found out he was a man of God and a Marine, that was all I needed to know . . . and yes, although it may come across in a jokingly matter, I was very serious. My father was the first man I fell in love with and my husband will be the last. Somewhat flippantly, I’ve told Scott being a Marine was ironically not on “my list” of characteristics I was looking for in my husband, but it certainly should have been. What a bonus I received, huh . . . :)

Earlier today Scott was one of 35 veterans recognized at a Veterans Day program at South Greene High School. Thank God, I felt well enough to attend. I was honored to sit by Scott’s side and among other men and women who have served or are serving our country. As I sat there, on the gym floor, I also found myself in the midst of where I spent four years cheering on the South Greene Rebels, as well as where my father spent many years as the PA announcer, which he loved . . . and took his job very seriously :) When prayer was no longer permitted, he retired. It is amazing how the paths in our life often bring us back to the same places yet for different purposes.

Do you know the history of Veterans Day? I have heard it before, but as a part of their program, a few students shared the history. To that end, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you why we observe and honor our Veterans on this day:

World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, otherwise known as a temporary end of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918 is regarded as the end of the “war to end all wars”.

Therefore, it all began on November 11, 1919. Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this day as Armistice Day in the United States. While declaring this day as a holiday, Wilson highlighted the fact this day was observed to honor “the heroism of those who died in the country’s service”. Eventually, an act passed on May 13 1938, making provisions for declaring November 11^th every year a legal holiday.

By 1954, the US had participated in two major wars: WWII and the Korean War, wherein many American soldiers lost their lives. Taking a note of this, the Veterans Affairs urged Congress to amend the Act of 1938 and replace the word Armistice with Veterans, making this day Veterans Day.

On June 1, 1954, Congress amended this act, remaining this day from Armistice Day to “Veterans Day”. Since then, this day has been observed as Veterans Day in the United States.

Though it was initially decided the 11^th day of the 11^th month of every year will be observed as Veterans Day, in 1971, it was shifted to the fourth Monday of October, which was October 25, 1971. This change, however, resulted in a great deal of confusion, and eventually it was shifted back to November 11 in 1978.

In conclusion, I extend my sincere gratitude to all Veterans, our heroes, who dedicated and sacrificed their lives for our country, especially to my father and husband. But you know something? We should acknowledge and pay tribute to our Veterans every day, not just one day of the year. To that end, I challenge you, as I will challenge myself, to say thank you to a Veteran when you see someone in uniform . . . turn our admiration into words. Being a daughter and wife of a Marine, I will close with this quote by President Ronald Reagan “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don’t have that problem”.

It's a Date!

Since our honeymoon, the only place we have been, for the most part, is Chicago, spending most of our time at the Cancer Treatment Center of America. However, this past Wednesday, my incredibly thoughtful, sweet husband changed that.

He had the day off. As he was leaving to take Austin to school he told me to get up and get dressed  . . . we were going for a ride. Although I didn’t feel great, I was excited. Unfortunately, before we ever got out of the driveway, I had a side effect from the chemo hit me. This had been going on for several days, but I realized it's part of it. I prayed it would subside long enough for us enjoy our ride . . . yet, destination? Unknown :)

We drove to Newport. First stop? Cracker Barrel. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot my side effect hit again . . . ugh. I did not want to go home, but if it was going to continue I’m not sure we had a choice. I had taken something for it and Scott encouraged me to take some more. And I did. By the way, our breakfast was sooooo good. I had not had much of an appetite, but this hit the spot!

After we had eaten and were meandering around the store, giving ample time to ensure my side effect wasn’t going to hit again, a lady walked up to me, wearing pink, and said, “How long”? I replied, “I was diagnosed the end of July”. She was diagnosed a couple of years ago, has lymphedema and cannot use her right arm, and she is continuing treatments. Her name was Marie. We had a very enjoyable conversation and parted ways, assuring one another we’d keep the other one in prayer. And I will.

As we departed Cracker Barrel, Scott got on I-40 so I thought maybe we were headed to Asheville. But in a few miles, he got off the interstate, and I decided then we were Gatlinburg bound. It was a beautiful day but a little cool to put the top down just yet, but I knew in time, my pink scarf would be blowing in the wind.

When we drove into Gatlinburg, we both had a craving for a Starbucks coffee. After looking on both sides of the road from one end of the main strip to the other, then Googling, did you know there is not a Starbucks in Gatlinburg? Sounds like a franchise opportunity to me! Nonetheless, there were several coffee shops street side so we parked as close as we could to one. When Scott explained to the parking attendant we were only going to get a coffee, he let us park for $5 instead of $8 :)

As we walked from the parking lot to the street, I quickly realized how difficult an easy task, like walking, had become. But then again, I had been wiped out in bed most of the last four, five days, but with Scott on my arm, I’d make it! We had identified the coffee shop of choice as we were driving by, but before we arrived at that one, we passed a Mayfield store that served coffees. Sounded good to me . . . and it was. Then there was the cutest shop next door. Between Scott and me we found a few things :) I even found a seat on the bench outside while he continued shopping. As he joined me on the bench, we noticed one of the airbrush/t-shirt shops a few stores down. Scott suggested we get a few t-shirts made, noting “Susan’s Circle of Courage”. And we did. The gentleman had to free hand it and design it. So we only paid for one to ensure it met our satisfaction.

While we waited, Scott decided to take our shopping back to the car. I sat on a bench outside the Ole Smoky Mountain Candy Factory. And “I thought” I had lost my will power . . . I didn’t even shadow the door :) Several minutes before, Scott noticed a gentleman with a Marines’ cap on so as we passed he responded “Semper Fi”. The gentleman and his wife were celebrating their anniversary and live near Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC but are originally from the Nashville area. As I was sitting on the bench, the retired Marine joined me and we chatted until Scott returned while his wife shopped in the candy store.

Following our conversation with the Marine, I hung on Scott’s arm as we made our way back to the t-shirt shop. He shared with me he told the parking attendant we obviously decided to do more than just grab a cup of coffee. Scott offered to pay him the additional $3. And he took it . . . I was a little surprised he took it, but as I told Scott, it always pays to be honest.

The gentleman was finishing up my t-shirt as we approached the shop. Since he wasn’t finished, once again, I made my way to the bench in front of the store, anxiously awaiting the final product. While I had been sitting there, I had noticed a young girl, pretty blonde, walk by me a few times, to the trash can. It appeared she worked at one of those kiosks that give away tickets and offers various promotions. This time, though, she walked over and sat beside me. She said, “I don’t know you, but God told me to pray for you . . . to pray for full restoration of your body, and I wanted you to know I did.” I was so touched . . . I told her my name was Susan. I extended my sincere appreciation for her prayers and for sharing it with me before she returned to her work station.

In the meantime, my t-shirt met our expectation so Scott ordered one for him and one for Austin. As he was paying, I overheard him say, “We’ll pick them up on our way back”. On our way back? Where are we going now? Scott pulled me back to the car as I really getting tired by this point. He put the top down. Stopped at KFC on the way out of town and told me we were going to have picnic on top of Ole Smoky . . . neither one of us had not been to the top of the mountain in forever. It was a beautiful drive. Of course, the higher the altitude, the cooler it became. We stopped at a few scenic overlooks. The first one we were swarmed in ladybugs . . . ugh! But managed to smile and pose for a picture.

The next overlook was the rock wall where everybody signs their name. Scott took the pink ribbon off his car and traced it on a stone, then I signed it. In the midst of all that, a lady came over and hugged me. She smiled and told me she was a two-year survivor. We had a delightful chat before they left, headed the rest of the way up the mountain.

After a few pictures on the stone wall, we too made our way to the top. With KFC, my jacket and a blanket in tow, we had our picnic, among several other passer-byers, on top of Ole Smoky. A lady stopped to tell me she had four daughters, one of which is a huge advocate for breast cancer as she mentioned one in four women are afflicted with this, but so far, none of them had been diagnosed. However, according to the American Cancer Society, “the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer during her life is one in eight”.

Following an enjoyable picnic and meeting some Alabama fans who were enjoying Bojangles a few blocks, literally, down from us, we made our way back to the car and headed down the mountain. As we arrived back in Gatlinburg, we pulled in the same parking lot where we had parked earlier. Scott told the same parking attendant we were just picking up some shirts so he didn’t charge us to park this time :)

I managed to make my way back to the shop on Scott’s arm. The shirts looked great. Then on our way back to the car, Scott just had to have some Karmel Korn, and I just had to have some ice cream before making our journey home.

What a wonderful day we had together. Did I feel great? No. But there were enough deterrents, mainly Scott, the fresh air, the beauty of the mountains, so I didn’t focus on my discomfort and pain.

As we were nearing Newport, Scott took a detour on the Foothills Parkway, and as tired as I was, I was so glad he did. It was absolutely gorgeous. The colors were far more vibrant than on the mountain, but it is at a much lower elevation.

So, if we have to wait two more months before we have another date, then so be it. It was nice to be together and not be traveling to Chicago for a change, which we always make the best of :) And it was an opportunity for me to mentally refocus and enjoy and appreciate God’s masterpiece, His canvas . . . not just in the Smokies but in my life, as well.