Monday, October 11, 2010

BITTERSWEET WEEK!!!

Last Wednesday, October 6th, I had to say goodbye to a wonderful chapter in my life. I had been an employee at Arkansas Children's Hospital for the past twenty years, but have felt like it was home since 1978, when Jennifer first became a patient there. For the past thirty-two years, ACH has been a big part of my life. I have made many life long friends and my life has been so enriched by this place of care, love and hope.

When I began this second battle with cancer, I was certain that I would be able to return to work. I just could not in clear conscience, keep my postition tied up any longer...I had been off work for eighteen months, first going on leave with back problems...which led to a total hip replacement..which led to this current diagnosis of my cancer return. ACH will always live in my heart, as will all the wonderful people there...I am just having to learn to accept that God has a different plan for me..I know that He is the One that is always in control...I have my faith and trust in Him!

On Wednesday, I was given the best retirement party ever...could not have been more perfect...wonderful food, flowers, gifts and well wishes...I felt so loved and will never forget it. I am so very grateful.

On the way home from the party, we were involved in an accident. Pete had stopped to avoid hitting a stopped car in front of us that had no brake or tail lights..then we were hit from behind by a man driving way too fast...grateful that we weren't hurt...but poor little J-LO (my little VW bug) got pretty banged up and is now in the hospital.

Had chemo again on Thursday, then Princess Breanna surprised me by coming to spend the weekend with us...always such a joy and good medicine for both of us..have really missed her since she has started school. She is growing up way too fast! She is so funny and adorable.

Yesterday, Breanna went to church with me and then we went to Kimberly's for a wonderful lunch...was pretty tired, so I wasn't much help with the unpacking. I love her new apartment...so much bigger and NO STAIRS...it is going to be awesome when she gets everything where she wants it...can't wait util the first Ya Ya day in her new studio....will be just like being at the Scrapbook store..only better!

We will keep the "Jennifer Project" alive for the patients at ACH and I will keep my pink gloves on and "Fight Like a Girl"...life sure isn't always what we have planned, but it is always what God has planned for us!!

4 comments:

Dennis Pyritz, RN said...

Great Blog! You are a credit to the cancer blogging community. I have added you to my blogroll, “Cancer Blogs” with over 1000 other personal cancer blogs at www.beingcancer.net, a cancer networking site featuring a cancer book club, guest blogs, cancer resources, reviews and more.
If you have not visited, please stop by. If you agree that the site is a worthwhile resource for those affected by cancer, please consider adding Being Cancer to your own blogroll. And like bloggers everywhere, I love receiving your comments and ideas.
Take care, Dennis (beingcancer@att.net)

Debbie Nelson said...

Dennis,

Thank you so much for your kind comment and especially for leading me to your wonderful site...I will visit often.

Joanna said...

Debbie,

It is good to meet you through the blog. IBC is quite the challenge and it appears that you are good at "Fighting Like A Girl". I am glad you visited my blog and I will keep up with you on your blog.

Debbie Nelson said...

Thank you, Joanna...I will keep up with your blog as well.