Archive for April 12th, 2010

Tonight I went to a healing ceremony at the church I’ve attended for 33 years now.  At first, I thought how strange I never knew these existed, but then again…I guess you find out things as you need them.   

Faith, prayers and an unexplained feeling of greatness, I’m lucky to say, surrounds me.  I cannot say thank you enough to the literally thousands of people I know are already praying for me and all the prayers to come.  I plan to only take in just want I need and be sure to pass on some to others I know need your prayers as well :)

The night at church was tearful at times as I sat with my sister, oldest nephew and niece.  We did not know what to expect, as what started as a typical Catholic mass, ended with true amazement.  The priest asked people to step forward for their healing. Immediately people lined up and some gracefully dropped in the power of what they received.  Literally dropped at the feet of the priest and lay on the carpet in front of the church altar.  I sat frozen and thought, well….I’ll come back in a month’s time and go up.

As I sat in our sort of “back of church” pew, my sister and oldest nephew left to get in line.  Bless them I thought, I’ll go next time.  Next time? Did I not need healing now?  Well, I just was frozen in time.  Reality sure has set in, but I still thought I’d need more healing strength after my surgery and that I had received my blessing for now.  Oh…not the case. 

Within moments, my niece turned to me and said, “OK Auntie, Let’s GO!”   So, we went and added to the line.  I knew her fear was that she might fall back in the spirit…but an endearing woman told her, just tell Christ’s spirit you don’t want to fall over.  Ask and I guess you do receive.

We all received the healing blessing and walked out incredibly lifted, and wonderfully exhausted from the experience.  I plan to go back next month, so watch for the date and I’d love anyone to join us.

I have asked myself, “Why Me?” ….but in maybe a different way from  other people. 

My questioning was more in a way that is in control and positive tied to great things that can come out of this for me, our family and many, many others.   Over the last few weeks, I’ve tried to use my new found “cancer patient” eyes to identify gaps in the overall process.  Areas where maybe something could help the “next” to come. 

First in my thoughts were ways to impact moms and their caregivers.  Perhaps,  a family suitcase program that would arrive to give the family support and at the same time help the mom.  When googling this idea, I came across a program that delivers a “Necessities Bag” to women to help prepare them for their mastectomy surgery.  I just had to reach out to them.  I was curious to know what it was all about and in general, what started the idea.  I quickly received an email from the founder who was excited that I had contacted them.  As luck would have it she lived just a few towns away from me in Connecticut. 

At my next doctor appointment, my nurse said there was a Necessities Bag for me to take home.  If was an attractive tote bag embellished with a tasteful nondescript purple imprint design…all jammed packed with “things”.  I took the ribbon off the bag and started to dive in.  Quickly I felt the “hands” that had all been in this bag. Hands that had sewn the perfectly sized pillows that would be heaven sent to comfort me post surgery..down to the perfect tapes and bandages  to the perfect tees ..a ribbon to tie drains too, a nail file, lip balm, note pads, pens, facial clothes…you name it.  Each item clearly labeled with what and why. Sort the most bizarrely wonderful gift basket and the most perfect assortment you could want!..that is if you are going in for a mastectomy.  I got a crash course in what I never knew I’d need.. a blessing I know in advance for sure.

This morning, I had the grand opportunity to meet the founder of the Necessities Bag over breakfast.   

Deep in her heart was the mission to help each woman, one by one.  She has given in so many ways and continues to give from within down to straight from her wallet.  After hearing how the program has developed and flourished in the past 5 years since, I knew that I might not need to start my own  program yet.  But to be part of a program that can scale the one to one delivery from 5 states to a national program.    So, for those of you that would like to do something to help me, you know I just want to help others and I’m be most touched if you sponsored a bag or two.  http://www.necessitiesbag.org/general-donation-p-33.html