The Answer is...

Does Valentine's Day come in January?  

I didn't think so, but it sure feels like it.

As I think I shared on my last post, my body has responded to the last four treatments with fevers and aches.  Aches like I've been run over by a car and then backed over by a big rig.  

Over the weekend, my sister asked me, "How are you getting through this?"

Well, I'll tell ya.  

It's just one simple word.  

Love.

Love comes in many different forms.   

Over the weekend, the doorbell rang.  I brought my make-up less, smelly-haired, mismatched-pajama-clad body to the door to find a friend holding a bouquet of flowers. 

 "I saw these and I thought of you," she said. 

After I hugged her, I saw two more gifts that had been left on my porch.  Someone we know (who?!) must have been to the farmer's market that morning.  A bag of fresh strawberries were waiting to be eaten.  


On the other side of the porch sat another gift.  A little stuffed animal that can be frozen and draped around my neck when that lovely fever chooses to strike.  (Tucker has been eyeing it big time.  I know he wishes this one was for him.)

Love is also:

 "I'm at Costco.  What do you need?"

"Can I take Rachel on Saturday for a few hours so you can rest?"

 "Can I help?  Do you need me?"

"Let me take you to the doctor."
"I'm standing on Psalm 91:14-16 for you."
(By the way, look it up.  It's a good one.)

"Can I hang out with you at chemo tomorrow?"

"Can Jake have dinner with us tonight?"

"I'm praying for you."

I mean, I don't have time to write them all down!

But this is the thing.  This is what gets me.  
That you guys look beyond yourself and think of someone else.  


That just might be my favorite quality in a human being.  


Because I remember how busy my days were pre-cancer.  I had lots of stuff to do on my to-do list.  So I know it's a big deal to put a detour in your day to bless someone else.  It is a big thing.  Just to take the time to write an email and say, "I hope you have a good day today" -- is a big deal.  Because I know our days, even our months, can easily slip away from us before thinking of someone else.  

So all of this to say -- shower me with more gifts!  No, I'm so kidding!  
It's to say, when I receive a gift, a thoughtful email or an offer of help, I see Jesus in all of you.  And it brings me to tears.  Often.


We all know Jesus is synonymous with love.  And I see love in 
each and every one of you 
during this challenging season in my life.

So when my sister asks, "How are you getting through this?"  
I'll be more specific.

With Jesus' love.  His actual love and the love from all of you.  

(And a ton of Advil.)  

Your love will never be forgotten.  
Keep giving it away.  
You have no idea what a gift it is to somene who needs it.