Similar Experiences, Different Perspectives

In February, I discovered a lump on my left breast that was found to be cancerous. After diagnostic tests, along with biopsy, a lumpectomy was done. I, then, started radiation treatment in April. Today, is Day 25 of 33.

The surgery was easy. The radiation, though, is tough. The treatment lasts for 3 minutes. It takes me longer to drive to the UMass Cancer Center in Marlborough, to get changed from civilian clothes to a hospital gown and do the reverse after the day's treatment.  How do I feel about it? My body is weak and constantly tired, as all cancer patients can attest, yet, I am grateful for I am cancer-free. I am blessed.

NOTE:  I decided not to tell everyone, until now. I was not ready to do so. Yet, today, I openly express my thanks for those who pray for me and keep me strong. I appreciate the encouragement when I was feeling weak and down, the flexibility so that I could go for the daily radiation treatments, and text messages that brightened my day...and make me laugh.


Yesterday, I was told that the cancer center is scheduled to have an open house next week. In the lobby, several paintings and short blurbs were mounted on easel stands to share  thoughts and feeling of different people, who, for one reason or another, had experienced cancer.

and these are mine

O Lord, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner

Prayers at this time 

Center on those who are sick

O God, keep them strong!

For those who are frail,

Tired, not of their own doing,

Let there be solace. 

Let's be united,
To find a cure for cancer,
Glory to You, Lord
(Marilou G. Cambas)

 

And the Maiden Accepted

The Annunciation

Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden .  According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most high overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55)

Reading copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission.  All rights reserved.

(from the GOARCH: iconograms.org)

When the Angel Gabriel came to  Mary to announce that she was chosen to be the Mother of God, she had two choices: to say YES or NO. We know that she eventually said, "Yes."

Everyday we are given several opportunities by God. We have two choices,  as well: YES or NO.

We should not be afraid to accept God's requests. He is constantly with us. He will never leave us alone.

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." 

Genesis 28:18

"Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 

Psalm 73:26  

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

 

God's Every Day's Presence in my Life; His Words Through Memes (Part 1)

Part One: Here is a compilation of memes that I found very relevant at this moment in my life. I share them with you because they tell the truth.

In a nutshell: 

Prayers are important. It is our way of keeping in touch with the Lord, the Theotokos , and the saints.

God's promise is real. He is always in our midst. 

He is in control of our lives. 

He knows what's best for us. God saves. 

He provides comfort and rest to those who are weary.

Trust in the Lord and all His works. If God puts us to it, He certainly will pull us through it.

Everyone has challenges and battles. Let us always be kind to others.

About Learning

All children want to learn. They do learn. They learn at their own paces. This is my teaching/learning philosophy. I am a perfect example.

1. I wanted to play the piano when I was a child...I couldn't back then. Now I am able to play simple music. (I just need to practice continuously.) 

2. As a third grader, I had a terrible experience with mobiles...They always got tangled up. For my master's course, I took a class, Art in Education, where I made a solar system stand up mobile. 

3. In high school I was petrified of Math- Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. Three years ago, I conquered my fear of Math. I read books on Algebra and learned it. I also went into inclusion Math classrooms where I learned more "tricks of the trade" on Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry. I learned that Math is a skill, an algorithm. Math is a pattern. Math is fun!  Now, I am confidently teaching a Pull Out Pre-Algebra class.

4. We had home economics class in high school where we had cooking, electronics, and sewing instructions. Cooking was easy since the kitchen has been my haven since I was eight years old. However, my sewing skills were pitiful. As much as I was good in cooking, my sewing abilities were limited to mending socks and sewing buttons. I did not produce a single crocheted project. My crocheted doilies always looked funny.  The  loop and the first layer, looked decent but  somehow,halfway through, they always ended up looking  like a baby bonnet. 

Now I am happy to share my  accomplishment- a pillow doily. 
I just started with it.  I am quite amazed with what I have come up with. (so far)

 

start of the project


 

After about 2 hours of work: I have the choice to stop or to continue using a different color. Hmm... choices

This is the first segment of the project; still no bonnet

I decided to use  the burnt red yarn for the second part of the project.

This is the ninth layer

I am very pleased with the pillow doily.

and now the finished project!

Conclusion:  

"Never" should not be a part of our vocabulary. Never is a harsh word. In life, we are always given opportunities to rise above obstacles, those that seem to be unattainable goals. In anything we do, so long as we have the Faith in God and in the talents that He has given us, how could we go wrong.