Two years ago today is a day I'll never forget... It marks the day that I was diagnosed with cancer. I personally never thought I would be the one with Cancer. I had known plenty of people with Cancer and even had loved ones die from the disease. My world changed like I could never expect that day. God had a lot in store for me over especially the next five months as I would undergo quite the battle to come out on top and give Him all the Glory. I remember sitting in the doctors office that day and him telling me that I was going to spend 4-6 weeks in the hospital before I could even go home. At first thought I was like no way, I can't do that, I'm way to active and this really can't be happening to me. Little did I know that less than 5 hours later I would have a machine helping me breathe and pretty much be sedated so I didn't know what was going on. Truly the first few days are such a blur for me because I was sedated. It is hard to believe that I was thankful for the trach rather than a breathing tube. Thankfully those 4-6 weeks became only 11 days for the first stint. I did spend more than enough time in the hospital in 2006, but I am thankful for each day and each nurse, doctor, care partner, radiology tech, nutrition person, and even the housekeeping people, who took care of me. They each made an amazing impact on my life. I love going back to the hospital to visit and seeing the smiles on their faces to help them remember why they are in the medical field. I have been told several times that they enjoy seeing their success stories. I am glad that I am one of them and that I was able to leave a piece of Kim in that hospital, and that God used me and is still using me in ways that I will never know. Before I wrote this post I was thinking how many years will I recall this anniversary on a blog or through an email, and I can't answer that, but I really hope that I do it every year, even if it is to say I had another healthy year and this marks fill in the blank year of being diagnosed....
I pray that I will be more open to sharing my story with the people that I meet on a daily basis if the situation arises, because yesterday I feel I missed that oppourtunity at the airport. Yesterday as mom and I were waiting at the airport in Tampa for our plane to leave. A lady came up and sat across for me and asked what verse is that, speaking of the Phil 4:6-7 that is on my tattoo. I quoted the verse and moved on in the conversation, basically just saying it was my life verse. She did tell me she liked that verse and really needed it that moring because she didn't really like to fly. I debated in my head on whether or not to tell my story. Well my flesh won and I didn't share. I am still wondering if I should of stepped up in my faith and shared my story, now I am left wondering if it would of made an impact on her life. We did talk about other things, and my mom did tell her I was sick, but I'm not sure to what extent. I think part of the reason I didn't share is because I feel that it makes it all about me, and really it was all about God bringing me through that situation on top and more in love with Him. I need to think about how to make JESUS shine through my story!
Sorry for the long post but its what was on my mind.. Hopefully more about our great vacation next time! :)
Kim:)
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration! Share your story with whomever will listen. Your story tells how the God of the universe touches each of our lives here on earth. Some people think that God is too far away or too big to have an intimate relationship with them. Your story tells how we as ordinary people can have a loving and intimate relationship with Him. People need to know that in personal tragedy, we can run to the Lord instead of getting angry at Him!
Love Shannon in Cali!