The Holy Tridumn and Easter

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.   John 3:16

Tomorrow the Holy Tridumm begins. It is the final three days of Lent and Holy Week and the last three days before Easter.

For many this doesn't mean much. It probably means making sure that you have a new Easter outfit to wear on Sunday. For many children it means the Easter Bunny will be coming by to deliver candy and whatever else it his he brings children now days.

As a kid I can remember making Easter baskets out of construction paper and placing them on our family bookcase. I had many siblings which meant we would never have  store bought baskets. For sure, we never got new Easter outfits. We would be so excited anticipating the candy that would magically appear in the baskets by morning.

Now, Holy Week brings a sorrowful experience that ultimately ends with the most glorious joy and hope. Each day I am focused on Jesus Christ and the sorrowful journey that he took for me. It was not Pilate that condemned him to die. It was my sins. He carried the burden of that cross on his back for me. Each time Jesus fell with the cross, I recall the times that I have fallen; times that I have sinned. It makes me deeply sorrowful for my part in Christ's suffering.

 I have also been reflecting on, Mary, our Blessed Mother. Thinking about her sorrow. As a mother I can't fathom how much pain she felt watching her beloved son in agony. Watching as He was scourged. Watching as He carried the cross on His back where His flesh had been ripped from His body. Watching as He was nailed to the cross. Finally, watching Him in anguish as He died on the cross. Mary was so strong and she loved Him so much, she never turned away from His suffering. She was there until the very end with Him, until they layed His dead body in her arms.

Then, all of the sadness is wiped away and Easter brings complete joy and hope. I know that I am made new. We celebrate the Resurrection of Our Saviour, and His promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us take the sorrowful journey of the Triduum together as a community of Christians. On Easter morning let us praise God and thank Jesus for His unconditional love, for suffering and dying for us!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Okay so it's not my legal birthday, but it is a day to celebrate the new life God gave me. I was born again, so to speak, on March 8, 2012. That is the day that I received my stem cell transplant. I have been given a second chance at life, and I give all the thanks  and glory to God. He worked through my brother Bobby. I wouldn't be here if my brother's stem cells hadn't grafted in my body. He had no hesitation when he came to my rescue. I will be forever grateful to him.

I remember my stay at Porter hospital where my amazing doctor and incredible nursing staff worked to put me in remission. My incredible husband and kids made sure I was never alone. Ernie slept in that uncomfortable pull out bed nearly every night, and the couple of nights I made him go home, my daughters spent the night with me. My son and daughter in law were also there when I was admitted and when my son (in the Navy) had to return to Virginia Beach, my daughter in law extended her stay to be with me. I never knew how comforted and loved I could feel.

I was in Porter hospital for five weeks. I had a beautiful big room, which one doc placed us in, after she came in and saw so many family members visiting. Every weekend was really a celebration of family love. My brother Ruben and Connie would drive a hundred miles and spend each weekend with us, bringing enough food for everyone that visited. Let me tell you he is a wonderful cook and he fed all the loved ones that would surround me every weekend.The nurses couldn't believe what an atmosphere I was surrounded in. It was filled with food, joy, and laughter no matter what my state was. That was the kind of love that helped me to heal.

Later, when I went to PSL for my transplant all my loved ones followed me there. Even though they couldn't visit without dressing in gloves, and masks, and gowns. That is love!

So what does it feel like to be one. Well, it feels pretty darn good! I have been through a lot of stuff, this past year. The stuff has sometimes been frustrating, challenging, scary, and difficult. It has also been filled with the most joy and love I have ever felt in my life. Family and friends were always be my side. So maybe getting to this first birthday was a little sketchy, but now that it's here, its time to celebrate.

So what am I celebrating? I am going to celebrate the second chance God has given me to live my life for him not me. I know that he has more for me to do and I am ready. However much time God has left for me to be on earth I will serve Him. I will celebrate all of the love and care my family and friends have given me. I will celebrate each and every day as if it is my last, because I have a finite time on this earth. I will not waste it.

I want you all to know that no matter how dire your situation may be, you can overcome it. Through faith in all of God's promises, and through his stripes, you can overcome anything, you can face anything! He will never abandon you. I know that I always felt protected and comforted while I have faced my trials. I know that if your heart is open to Him you will never feel alone.

GG vs. leukemia

GG 1 -leukemia ZERO!!!

May God surround you and comfort you all of your lives!