Oh what a journey and a challenge the chaos of 2020 is! As if the world and national chaos of COVID-19 and racial injustice is not enough, I now have some personal chaos to deal with. The theme is healing! Healing! Healing!
On May 28th, just 3 days after George Floyd was killed, I found a lump in my breast. Fast forward to Monday, June 22nd. After a whole bunch of tests, including a biopsy, I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Monday morning I have a "port placement" surgery. Then Wednesday, June 24nd, I will begin the road to healing by having my first chemotherapy treatment. The rest of this year and into the next will be focused on doing what is needed to stop the cancer and get rid of it. Unfortunately, many of you already know the drill.
I appreciate all prayers and songs that are offered. I believe we always make a difference in the world when we offer compassion to each other, in whatever way we can. It works even at a distance. It's one of the miracles of life that we can do this for each other. We can be part of the healing in this way.
Please also put those same good thoughts and prayers and songs toward bringing healing to our state, our nation, our black neighbors, our indigineous neighbors, and all of us. If you don't have anything else, just offer this one intention into the world, "Healing! Healing! Healing!"
I mention all this because I imagine that this cancer journey will change the way I post on social media. It will alter the way I look at life. It may at times cause me to withdraw so I can rest and heal. It may at times discourage me. I may not feel like sharing every detail with the world.
I hope to use some of my chemotherapy hours to write more but who knows? It is an unknown path I take now. We'll just have to see how it goes. I know only this, that I trust my friends to hold me in their hearts and that I will be holding them in mine as well. I know only this, that no matter what happens, love wins.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the gift of such dear friends and precious family. Thank you! Thank you! thank you!
And remember, the theme for 2020 is healing. Healing for our city, our state, our nation. Healing for our families, our elders, our young. Healing for our leadership, our systems. Healing for our black and indigineous neighbors. Healing for the world. The theme, the prayer, the hope is healing!
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| Pete & I --June 21, 2020 |
Hugs & prayers coming your way Jules!
ReplyDeleteWe love you Julie! And will keep our prayers lifted for your healing & healing & peace for our world.
ReplyDeleteah, Jules, this is hard news (upon hard news, upon hard times...) Sympathies. Thank you for thinking about the big picture that surrounds us all - yes, healing, so much healing, is needed nearly everywhere! - but your piece in the big picture is absolutely important. Thanks for being vulnerable and honest and for gearing yourself up to be strong but also self-protective. I think your dates are wrong (tomorrow, not Wedn, will be the 22nd) but am guessing the DAYS of the week you've identified (Monday for port, Wedn for first chemo) are right, so will hold you in prayer accordingly. Meanwhile a virtual hug to send comfort and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteJules . I am Geralyn's cousin. Years ago- I lost my 27 year old sister to breast cancer.
ReplyDeleteSO MUCH HAS CHANGED over the years.
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.❤
CONTINUE IN YOUR FAITHFUL TRUST WALK.
MAUREEN " CHIC"
Hi dear Spiritual Director. Your words and questions still ring in my ears. I think of you often and now will be praying for you along with all the prayers for our world and communities. Blessings and peace to you and yours. Carolyn
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as you begin your personal journey of physical healing. Prayers for your doctor's and medical teams healing hands.
ReplyDeletePrayers for healing and peace as so many of us try to come together and find a way to encourage all to be accepting, loving and open to much needed change in our society.
Peace to you and yours.
Dianne
Julie....... Thank you for sharing with us your thoughts and feelings that are taking place now in our souls, systems, bodies and daily life. Healing is such a good word for the times. It is complex and uncertain. An imagery that you know very well from personal experience is that of birthing. We are at such a time. You are at such a time. Breathing deep and regularly gets you thru the pain to the joy. Take in all the feelings. Let them flow thru you like a rolling stream. And as you go, all will be well. All will be well. Believe it with every breath. Blessings, Connie
ReplyDeleteJules! Your healing song is the world's healing song and the world's healing song is your healing song. I am singing and praying and singing. Love, Kip
ReplyDeleteI wish you a long future, health and happiness. You are a very special person to many. Take the time you need to be open, not be open, just be. Look to others for support when you need it. Love and prayers to you and your family.
ReplyDelete