2020’s final punch

Apparently 2020 wanted to leave one more mark.  

When our family left 2019 behind, we already knew this year would have it’s share of troubles. We had moved Perry’s mom into our home on December 31st, and after several weeks on hospice, she passed away on February 11th, 2020. Just a month later, the world turned upside down.

Like everyone else, we learned to navigate the changes and grieve the losses the year would bring. In spite of the tough stuff, I also had more time to write, more time at home, and believe it or not, I found a way to actually enjoy a slower pace of life, which is a huge accomplishment since for most of my life, I’ve really only had one gear - full speed ahead.  All in all, we made it through 2020, inconvenienced, but relatively unscathed compared to what so many others have endured. 

In an attempt to enter 2021 from the healthiest possible place, I scheduled as many appointments as I could squeeze into the last few weeks of the year: dentist, general physician, physical therapist, gynecologist, colonoscopy, and mammogram.  It was the last one that got me.  

After several scans and a biopsy, I found out on New Year’s Eve I have breast cancer. I mean, seriously...could 2020 be a bigger jerk?

I’ll know more when I see a surgeon and oncologist next week, but right now we are hopeful it was discovered early and will be very treatable. I would appreciate prayers for a full recovery and for my family as they wade in these waters with me.  

I trust in a God who I know to be faithful, and He has shown His kindness to me in countless ways including unexplainable peace. I expect Him to be unchanging in the days ahead - loving, gracious, and so, so good.  

Between my faith in an unshakeable God, my access to good medical care, and a mom who prays, (you do not mess with Lois) I am confident this is all going to be okay. So take that, 2020. And 2021, just so you know, I am not afraid of you.  

Isaiah 26:3 “The steadfast of mind He will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee.”