Last night I told my children that I have breast cancer. Not a conversation I ever imagined I would have with these amazing kids of mine. God was gracious and His peace flooded our home. The conversations went as wonderfully as something like that could go, and they responded exactly as I thought they would.
Maddie was quiet. She is a processor. She takes time to process information, good or bad, so we don’t get a lot of strong initial reactions from her. I actually love this about her, as it shows a maturity and depth that I never had at her age. As I told her about our new reality a few tears slipped down her cheek, but her eyes never left mine. She spent the rest of the night following me around like a shadow. It’s the way she shows love and it made my heart smile. That kid is a leader and a warrior. She’ll be fine.
One never has to wonder what Creed is thinking. The moment a thought enters that imaginative mind of his, it pops right out his mouth! He is our humor relief. The kid has charisma in spades. (True story, he sold sand to complete strangers at the beach this summer.) Several times a day he does or says something that makes us laugh. The deep belly kind of laughs. True to Creedster form, the questions began spilling out before I even finished talking. He wanted to know where the cancer was. I pointed to my chest and told him it was in my breast. “Oh, well that’s good,” he said. “There’s nothing important in there.”
Seriously love that kid.
Now that they know, we have begun the process of telling the rest of our family and friends. My phone has been blowing up with calls, texts, and emails since about 8:30 this morning. Everyone of them make me smile. Every. Single. One.
Oh Team Tina, I love you. I love you so very much. Thank you for every text, email, phone call, scripture, prayer, and encouraging word. Please don’t stop. Even if I can’t respond back right away, please know, it means the world to me.
Tina, you don’t know me but you do know my Sister A. Walls. She thought I might understand some of what you are going thru. I had a Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I didn’t have to go thru the chemo but I did the radiation. I do know the feelings and what do I tell my family.
I am sending prayers everyday and I KNOW God is listening. Continue to TRUST in Him and He WILL keep you strong. None of us know the outcome of His decisions of our life, but I do know He is there everyday holding your hand. May God be with you and your family everyday.
Rita