Things have been blessedly uneventful. Hair and nails are growing. Neuropathy is receding. Radiation has been going smoothly, but I have a pretty good “sunburn” going. The bell will be rung in 3 days.
I’m not one to wear my faith on my sleeve, but here’s a little peek at one of many stories of God’s grace and the synchronicities that have appeared along this road - telling me that everything was going to be alright.
When this all started in January, my brother's family got me a wall plaque that says "God is in her, She will not fall". I have it hanging in a spot in the center of our home where we pass most often. I often touch it as I pass by. I also took a picture of it and made it my lock screen on my phone.
On September 11th I was looking at an online store (one that DOES wear its faith on its sleeve) and wondered if they offered plus sized clothing. So I put "plus" in the search bar.
The photo attached is the ONLY item that showed up “God is within her, she will not fall.” Again. There were other keychains on this site. But this one showed up. Why "plus" brought this one up, I have no idea. What an amazing sign - to match the sign from the beginning of this chapter
As if that wasn’t enough…
A couple days later, I was in South Hills Village. Sometimes when I have some extra time after radiation, I will zip over there to walk some laps. The online store I was searching has a location in that mall. When I saw the store, I thought “I should get that keychain”, I walked in and was directed to one by the register. When I tossed it on the counter the girl said “that was fast!”. And like any secluded Pittsburgher I took the opportunity to tell her the story of my plaque and the online search.
I ended the story with “… and so I had to get this!” Then a woman I hadn’t noticed sidled up to us and added, “and I’m going to buy it for her!”. The girl behind the counter’s eyes were wide as she watched this unfold. Mine were full of tears. I hugged the woman (Covid be damned), the girl put me in the store’s prayer book (that I had no idea that they had), and I left with an offering of kindness from a stranger.
To top that off…
Did you know that Hallmark came out with a survivor’s bell ornament this year? It’s been sitting beside me in my office waiting for the big day. The brass finish of the bell match the brass findings of the keychain. I replaced the simple ribbon that came with the bell with the keychain. They were meant for each other. My husband and I will be bringing them with us so can bring the ring home with us. I will find a place of honor for this in our home
I’ll be ringing the bell in 3 days - September 29, the best Wellness Wednesday ever!