How strange to be sitting here in the midst of machines and medical break throughs that drip consented poison into an admittedly ingenious port right under my skin - unceremoniously releasing this fiery, armored chemo to chase rogue cancer cells throughout the labyrinth of my veins.
I am glad that you brought your books for comfort. I realized in that moment if I were in your position right now I would probably open up your blog and read. It is so often that your words bring me great comfort on a weekly basis. Maybe I am asking you to write a book?
I take comfort in what an old doctor told me years ago--a lover of John of the Cross. He said that we are body, mind/psyche, and spirit. Of those, he said, spirit is the strongest.
If there ever was strength of spirit, you bear it to us with your writing. Take care and rest. Count on my prayers.
Thinking of you Denise and sending prayers through the intercession of St Pio , of whom I have been reading so much of these holidays. My husband, who is off work for a few weeks, is not a reader and we sit together in the mornings and read his stories aloud before the kids get up. We read that many have experienced healing from having his picture under their pillow.
As an aside, I read the "Q" books you spoke of during the holidays and thoroughly enjoyed them. I must look up this one you speak of. It sounds like it is the right book for you to be reading right now.
So beautiful! I resonate so much with your reflection today….over the past 15 years of chronic illness and the ups and downs that come with it, my books and beloved authors were my dearest friends who gave of themselves expecting nothing in return. Such solace and “healthy” food for thought in times where intruding fears, impending dread, and sheer exhaustion could overwhelm me. Your beautiful gift of words also were present to me as a dear friend at these times. Thank you again for being vulnerable and truly squeezing such joy, angst, and honesty into your writing which brings our hearts so much more into the conformity with Christ we are all seeking on this earth. My prayers are with you on this journey. Peace be with you.
Dear Denise - keeping you and your chemo sessions in our prayers. Am so grateful for Claire introducing us to you and your writing. Your writings are such a treasure and every morning I look for them in my email. So glad you have Rilke to keep you company. Jesus, Bl. Mother, St. Joseph and a bevy of saints are rooting for you and so am I!
It hit me on the raw to learn of your cancer diagnosis as it came on the heels of my dear mother-in-law’s own diagnosis. You see, I’ve been sharing some of your writings with her (she doesn’t get online if she can help it), and many of your book recommendations as well. When you recommended “Jayber Crow,” she followed up with “Hannah Coulter.” I gave her the book about Emily Dickinson’s Garden for her birthday after you wrote about it, and she loved it. I keep you both in my heart and prayers.
((And now here you come in the midst of your chemo with another book to recommend for us!! You’re amazing! And you were spot on with the Helene Hanff books. I read both between Dec 31 - Jan 2, exasperated my teen son by gushing about them to anyone who would listen, and loaned them to a dear friend just in time for her to enjoy during a snowstorm!))
Oh Theresa, thanks so much for this! It gives me such joy! Please tell your mother-in-law that I will pray for her! And thank you for your own good thoughts and prayers. As for the books, I say gush on, gush proudly! 😊 my husband gets all my gushing these days. 😂
Read, rest, and bring a cozy throw for next time, Denise. Praying for you.
Prayers for you, my friend. Grateful for the comfort of words -- and the consolation of The Word.
Thank you, Claire! ❤️
Just letting you know that you always reach the heart on the other side of the letter. You are in my prayers.
Your words remind of Rilke’s - he has been a favorite for half a century. Praying for you as well.
I salute you, fellow Rilke lover! ❤️
I am glad that you brought your books for comfort. I realized in that moment if I were in your position right now I would probably open up your blog and read. It is so often that your words bring me great comfort on a weekly basis. Maybe I am asking you to write a book?
Be assured of my daily prayers for you Denise.
I take comfort in what an old doctor told me years ago--a lover of John of the Cross. He said that we are body, mind/psyche, and spirit. Of those, he said, spirit is the strongest.
If there ever was strength of spirit, you bear it to us with your writing. Take care and rest. Count on my prayers.
Thanks, Mary! ❤️
Praying daily for this journey of yours! Thank you for sharing words from your heart!❤️ 🙏
Thank you, Marcy! ❤️
Thinking of you Denise and sending prayers through the intercession of St Pio , of whom I have been reading so much of these holidays. My husband, who is off work for a few weeks, is not a reader and we sit together in the mornings and read his stories aloud before the kids get up. We read that many have experienced healing from having his picture under their pillow.
As an aside, I read the "Q" books you spoke of during the holidays and thoroughly enjoyed them. I must look up this one you speak of. It sounds like it is the right book for you to be reading right now.
God bless you dear Denise!
Thank you, Tania!
So beautiful! I resonate so much with your reflection today….over the past 15 years of chronic illness and the ups and downs that come with it, my books and beloved authors were my dearest friends who gave of themselves expecting nothing in return. Such solace and “healthy” food for thought in times where intruding fears, impending dread, and sheer exhaustion could overwhelm me. Your beautiful gift of words also were present to me as a dear friend at these times. Thank you again for being vulnerable and truly squeezing such joy, angst, and honesty into your writing which brings our hearts so much more into the conformity with Christ we are all seeking on this earth. My prayers are with you on this journey. Peace be with you.
Dear Denise - keeping you and your chemo sessions in our prayers. Am so grateful for Claire introducing us to you and your writing. Your writings are such a treasure and every morning I look for them in my email. So glad you have Rilke to keep you company. Jesus, Bl. Mother, St. Joseph and a bevy of saints are rooting for you and so am I!
Thank you, Linda!
It hit me on the raw to learn of your cancer diagnosis as it came on the heels of my dear mother-in-law’s own diagnosis. You see, I’ve been sharing some of your writings with her (she doesn’t get online if she can help it), and many of your book recommendations as well. When you recommended “Jayber Crow,” she followed up with “Hannah Coulter.” I gave her the book about Emily Dickinson’s Garden for her birthday after you wrote about it, and she loved it. I keep you both in my heart and prayers.
((And now here you come in the midst of your chemo with another book to recommend for us!! You’re amazing! And you were spot on with the Helene Hanff books. I read both between Dec 31 - Jan 2, exasperated my teen son by gushing about them to anyone who would listen, and loaned them to a dear friend just in time for her to enjoy during a snowstorm!))
Oh Theresa, thanks so much for this! It gives me such joy! Please tell your mother-in-law that I will pray for her! And thank you for your own good thoughts and prayers. As for the books, I say gush on, gush proudly! 😊 my husband gets all my gushing these days. 😂