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An open letter to all the lovely ladies of Team Teal~~~~~
I sometimes feel I over-use the words “thank you”. I thank the lab tech who draws my blood, I thank the doctor after a sometimes painful exam and then I thank the chemo nurse for setting up my infusions. You might say I’m a very thankful person.
However, until February, 2011-- birth date of Team Teal -- I never thought much about how the words “thank you” could never be enough. There must be a better term when something touches your heart so deeply and lifts your spirits to the point of soaring--and all I can say is “thank you”? Come on, there’s got to be a better way!
Well, that’s the way Team Teal has made me look at life--to be a lot more thankful, grateful and in awe of the kindness of total strangers. From the cards -- both beautifully hand crafted and the specially selected store-bought -- to the yummy sweets (thanks, Mel!) and the precious pictures (thanks, Ruth), my cup is full to overflowing!
I don’t know how much Deb has shared with you but after a 10 week break from chemo, I’ve started treatment again and have had 2 sessions 21 days apart. The PET scans I had in November have shown the cancer has spread and my CA125 numbers (cancer antigen blood test for ovarian cancer) were at an all time high on January 10, 2012 when I went for my first treatment after the 10 weeks off. They were sitting at 9,200, almost twice as high as they were when I was diagnosed last February (normal reading is anything under 35 points). Scary? Oh, yeah!
I refuse to let the doctor give me a prognosis. I don’t need negative thoughts right now. I’m praying daily for a miracle, even though at the same time, the guilt of asking for one is sometimes overwhelming. I’m just one person in a sea of millions who all want miracles.
I’ve got an amazing husband (again, amazing doesn’t come close to describing him. Better word here?). My incredible children and grandchildren --who are a constant reminder of what I have created and contributed to this earth in my nearly 70 years--I’m so proud of each of them. I’ve decided to not think about what I’ll miss, but rather what I’ve had. And it’s been wonderful!
I also want you all to know how I appreciate all you do for Deb. Your encouraging comments on her blog along with e-mails and happy mail help keep her spirits high which helps her be even more of an encouragement to me. IF things should “go south” I know you’ll all be there to help her through.
I hope to be writing another letter like this every year for the next 20 years--if God allows. Until then, I suppose we’ll all have to be satisfied with “thank you so much” until I can come up with a better phrase.
God bless each and every one of you for your prayers, loving thoughts and beautiful happy mail!
My love to all of you!
Marti
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26 comments:
What a wonderful post. Even though it brought a tear to my eye, for my mum too fought cancer. So not only do I send my good wishes and hopes for that miracle to you, but to Deb as well as I can see it from a daughter's perspective. You look amazing Marti and your smile is inspirational. Keep strong and keep positive. We are all wishing you better xxx
..and love right back to you. I have been so moved by the grace you have all shown as you face this journey together. It's a privilege to know you and the family x
Beautiful post. While I can understand the sentiment that "thank you" isn't enough, in this case it isn't even necessary. Those of "strangers" who became a part of Team Teal derive as much or more in the way of blessings as you do being on the receiving end Marti. I can't imagine a better way to honor my own Mom and her memory than to reach out to another Mom experiencing a similar journey. Sending lots of love and happy healing vibes your way! And big hugs to Deb!
You are a beautiful soul. I know your Deb and Carrie and I can only say they must be like you - delightful and caring women. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Wow, Marti. You are really, really inspiring!
Seeing your beautiful smile this morning has made my day. My prayers are with you and your family for that little miracle. With God all things are possible. Your sentiments have touched my heart in ways that you just don't know. So for this reason I want to say, "Thank You".
What a lovely post and what a wonderful idea to have your mother as a "guest"
Thank you for sharing this difficult journey with us.
Hugs,
Catherine
I'm so lucky to have such an awesome Grandma!! I LOVE everything about this post - the picture and the writing. Love you so much Grandmother and can not wait to see you this weekend!!!
Great post---awesome letter and beautiful picture of mom!!!
A wonderful post, which brought a tear to my eye too. I agree with Sian that you have moved me too with the grace you have shown during this journey. I will never regret the day I started reading Deb's blog and found her and her wonderful family. Thinking of you all the time - my Team Teal band sits on my crafting desk :) xx
Deb, thank you for having your Mom as a "guest" blogger.
Marti, The photo of you is gorgeous. There is a true serenity and beauty in your eyes and smile. I feel privileged to be a prayer warrior on your behalf. Your attitdue is a strong model and it passes on to your beautiful daughter.
it is amazing how so many people across the world can share their love and best wishes through the simple art of blogging. i am an avid fan. team teal has done some awesome stuff to support your guys. it is a tough journey when you are fighting the big C but if the whole world is for you and God too then who can stand against that?
here's hoping that the blood work shows improvement and that the miracle you pray for is granted. god gives miracle every day and u are definately no less deserving than anyone else.
keep up the positive thinking,
loads of love jo xxxx
Team Teal: Your comments continue to be inspiring and encouraging!
Deb: Thanks for the opportunity to finally acknowledge all the wonderful people in your blog community!
My love to you all!
Marti
What a beautifully written post, Marti. I love your positive attitude and will continue to pray for (and with) you for that miracle. Stay strong as you continue on this journey and thank you for sharing it with us.
xx
What a wonderful post Marti...it is indeed obvious where Deb gets her 'joie de vivre' and her positive thinking. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you continue with this journey...much love
Alison xx
Such a wonderful and inspiring post,Marti....and it is us thanking you for letting us share this difficult journey with you...sending you support and much love.
Marti, Deb and Carrie ~ It's me who should be thanking you ... for the love that you have all shown to me and mine, for the humour that we have shared, for the history that you now share with my son, for the chance to chat via Skype. The list goes on.
I have been humbled by the way you, Marti, have faced this fight head on and how you have faced it with such dignity and grace. I am so proud to know you all and to call you my friends.
The Boy Child sends you and Papa Rod hugs and kisses xx
Marti you are an inspiration .... and you have the smiliest smile for miles around! We all have buckets of love to share. I hope you continue to smack the big C in the eye!! <3
Marti, you empower so many people when you tell your story. Sharing a journey like yours is not easy, you are strong and you are positive!
What a inspiring post, Marti. You know our prayers are constant and heartfelt. Your beautiful portrait on this post speaks to the beautiful person inside.
What a touching and lovely post! I am certain that all the thank you's you put out there over the years will come back to you in some form of grace. Keeping you and your lovely Deb (well done on raising that girl to be the sweetest ever!) in our prayers...
I am so inspired by your whole family. What a gift you all are to the universe. Never feel guilty asking for miracles. In fact, I'm a firm believer in demanding them.
I too am grateful for blog friends and the way they enrich our lives. Deb has a way of inspiring people to think of others rather than themselves. I feel that she has gained this from you and passed it on to Carrie and so you have given your girls a great legacy. Looking forward to reading your February 2013 letter. xxx
Marti,
You are more than welcome! You have given much more than you could have received through your grace and poise (and of course your wonderful daughter and granddaughter). Continued blessings to you,
Rinda
Well i now know where Deb gets her lovely smile from - and her spirit. I came to Deb's blog too late in the day to be part of Team Teal - but I'll happily add my positive thoughts to the world-wide-web of hope that a miracle does come your way!
I'm not part of Team Teal either, but am very moved by your writing and it would seem you have touched the hearts of many others as evidenced by the comments on this post. I am new to Deb's blog, but I do look forward to seeing your beautiful smile again :)
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