Friday, January 11, 2013

It's Time!

I just love words....don't you?
They can make you laugh, cry, sing, shout and so many other emotions...
they can also scare you and made you sad....
 

!!!!CANCER!!!!

12 years ago...
I heard these words come out of my doctor's mouth...
I was stunned....
Never been in the hospital, never had surgery...pretty much healthy as a horse...
Within 2 months I had had three surgeries, lost my right vocal cord, ate thru a tube inserted in my stomach and was scared about my future.
 
Cancer can hurt you financially, spiritually and emotionally...
 
BUT SOMEONE GAVE ME A CARD TO READ
and I still read it all the time...
and when I found the panel below in my LQS
I knew I had to make a wall hanging out of it for my sewing room...
with bright cheerful fabrics, full of hope and fun...
 
 
 
WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO....
 

It cannot corrode faith....

(It put a small dent in it at first,
until I reminded myself that God did not do this to me, he helped through it)
 

It cannot shatter hope....

(It's been 12 years and I still hope to sing again some day.  I go sit in the choir loft at church just in case something comes out.)
 

It cannot conquer the spirit....

(I still get up every morning and go to work, I still teach classes at the quilt shop)
 

It cannot stifle laughter...

(Well, throat cancer can, but only on the outside.  I still laugh in my head)
 

It cannot invade the soul...

(There's no room for it in the soul....I am all filled up with God's love)

It cannot erode confidence...

( I still do my job everyday, despite the fact that most people have trouble hearing me)

It cannot kill friendship...

(It made friendship stronger, I couldn't make it without God and my friends)

It cannot erase memories...

(Still intact and some more vivid than others)

It cannot cripple love...

(I still love things with the same passion I had before cancer)
 

It cannot silence courage...

( I know that it may come back, but I will deal with it when it happens)

It cannot steal humor.

(I have found that people either whisper back to me or scream at me.  I ask them why they are whispering or tell them "I can't talk, but I hear just fine."  After they get through apologizing I make them laugh by telling them to relax, it's no big deal)

It cannot destroy peace...

(Only I can let it do that and I refuse)
 
To those of you who are fighting cancer everyday....you are my heroes....you are my inspiration...you are in my prayers. I am not making light of cancer, but I refuse to let it dominate my thoughts.
 
Cause you see...
Cancer is a pretty scary six letter word...
but it is, afterall, just a word...
not a state of mind!
 
Everyday, I get up, accept the fact that I have had it and may have it again....
and then I go out and dance!
 
Because, just for today, I am still cancer free!
 
Now drop me a note...tell me your story...and I will surprise one lucky person with one of my
"SMILE" bags with a few surprises in it when the hop is over!
 
 
Oh!  A huge thank you to Linda at Buzzing and Bumbling
and Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt
for hosting this fun event!
 
God Bless You!
Martha
 
and go visit all the other wonderful bloggers who love words....
Monday, January 7
Kwilty Pleasures (Kathy G.)
Sew Darn Quilt (Carolyn R.)
Traveling Quilter (Debbie A.)
Just Let Me Quilt (Carol S.)
Vroomans Quilts (Sharon V.)
Cate's Linens (Catherine R.)
Nini and the Sea (Denise)
Tuesday, January 8
Piece Peace (Patricia G.)
A Stitch in Time (Patty D.)
krislovesfabric (Kris T.)
The Slow Quilter (Felicia F.)
Wednesday, January 9
Kathy's Quilts (Kathy W.)
Sunshine Quilting (Martina S.)
Grammie Q's (Charlotte M.)
Dancing Moon (Carla B.)
Thursday, January 10
Just Sew Sue (Sue B.)
Scrappy 'n Happy (Jess R.)
Sowing Stitches (Beulah aka. Carol)
Just Quilt It (Kathy G.)
Friday, January 11
Jane's Fabrics (Jane R.)
Jane's Quilting (Jane C.)
Nuts 4 Redwork (Heide W.)
Bits and Pieces (Martha R.)
Life in Every Breath (Jennifer B.)
Quilting Lines (Patricia L.)
Meadowbrook (Kristen K.)
Count It All Joy! (Denise P.)
Sophie Junction (Sophie W.)
Monday, January 14
Clothes and Crafts (Maria K.)
Simple Sew (Shirley T.)
Woolie Mammoth (Anna B.)
RocknQuilts (Mary Ann)
Quiltsmiles (Jane E.)
Tuesday, January 15
BQuiltin Studio (Beverly K.)
Hill Valley Quilter (Britt-Inger)
Bumbleberry Stitches (Theresa K.)
In Stitches and Seams (Annette S.)
Englating (Marica from Sweden)
Stitchin by the Lake (Marlene B.)
Selina Quilts (Selina)
Words & Stitches (Beth S.)
Wednesday, January 16
Sew Many Yarns (Lyndsey M.)
Christa Quilts (Christa W.)
 

94 comments:

  1. Way to not let cancer completely ruin your life!! My husband was diagnosed with malignant melanoma last year which was really really scary too...but getting through it with a great attitude is half the battle! I pray that someday you can sing again!!!

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  2. I will have to look for this panel. WOnderful outlook to life, thank you for sharing.

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  3. Thank you so much for sharing - your posting and words are so inspiring and appreciated. It is all about the attitude. Judy C

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  4. I quickly logged on this morning as I am on my way out the door to go see my oncologist for my 2 year visit for colon cancer. I had my CAT scan last week and get the results today. I am confident that he will tell me I am still cancer free. But found out yesterday a good friend has just been diagonsed with bone marrow cancer. It effects so many people. You have to dance and "sing" while you can because you never know.. thanks for sharing your story.

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  5. You my Sister are the Greatest Cheerleader in the Universe!
    What an encouraging post and testimony With God All Things are Possible!
    My story can wait for another day....Today...I am Dancing, and Leaping, and Singing, and Shouting CELEBRATING that you my Sister are CANCER FREE!!! God Bless You!!! sowingstitches[at]gmail[dot]com

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  6. My sister was diagnosed with the worst type of brain cancer just over a year ago. She told of that moment when the doctor said that word to her: just before he said "brain cancer", she felt - physically felt - a presence holding and supporting her, like a hug from God. To her, it was God saying "I've got you" and it has made all the difference in the world. It has been very tough, but this year has been full of blessing and moments that were not to be missed. Because of her diagnosis, we have all re-prioritized a bit to make sure that we value and honor her time and that, too, has been a blessing.

    Thanks for sharing your story and your wonderful project. Best wishes in your journey!

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  7. Yes, dance and sing and be positive and happy.. It is a great way to fight this beast!

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  8. An amazing and inspiring blog post to read today. My brother is facing a huge throat surgery for a vascular hemangioma. He already has had a trach tube for about 10 years and has suffered so much in his life. If he survives the surgery, the recovery is 4-6 months, and no voice at all anymore. I will hold your recovery story in my mind as we wait to see what will happen.

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  9. The best medicine is a great attitude and not to lose hope. Thanks for your message.

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  10. amazing story and a great project. Cancer has something ot do with my starting ot quilt -- I used quilting as an outlet when my mother passed away 12 years ago. one of my prized possessions is the quilt she made me before I was born and this was a way to keep in touch with her during this difficult time in my life.

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  11. Very inspiring story. That word does change our world. My 26 yr. old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor that, after surgery, we found out that the tumor contained three different types of cancer. It was 6 weeks to the day of being diagnosed that we lost our son. My life has not been the same ever since. How one word can change a person's life is just unbelievable.

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  12. Great quilt and wonderful attitude!

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  13. Bless your heart. I love this. Cancer effects so many people, and somehow the words help calm the spirit. Thank you.

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  14. How beautiful and yay for you, I am so happy to hear your story! I am a hospice chaplain, and constantly in awe of the beauty of the human spirit, surely a reflection of God's goodness. Blessings.

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  15. thank you so much for this post - my niece was diagnosed with bone cancer in Oct - she will have her right leg/hip amputated this Monday - she is 20 yrs old, in college, beautiful and courageous. I bought that same panel to make a quilt for her. May you live a long and glorious life.

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  16. What a wonderful story - I'm so glad that you were able to share it! My husband had melanoma, diagnosed in December of 2004, and is doing great. I posted this week about bone marrow transplants for a friend of mine who has lymphoma. I spent 3 years as a hospital chaplain and saw the ravages of this disease far too often. blessings, marlene

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  17. What an encouraging story. Thank you so much for sharing. Our family wasn't so lucky. Our grandson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 2 1/2. He fought a valiant fight until he turned 7. Many of those words still pertain to his life. He loved life. He loved traveling to NYC. He usually had a smile. He loved going to church. He loved John Deeres and Caterpillars. He taught us that there is life while suffering from cancer. Your quilt speaks to that also. Thank you.

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  18. Thank you for sharing your story and may you be remain cancer free :)

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  19. Glad to hear you are still cancer free. Nice wall hanging, very cheerful colors.

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  20. So glad you are still cancer free, 2 of my friends and 1 relative are battling it now. Wonderful quilt hanging.

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  21. Cancer is actually a four-letter word. Congratulations on winning your battle! I have lost my mother and all four grandparents to cancers in one form or another. So those sayings are very poignant to me. Love your quilted project!

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  22. Love your spirit and determination to "fight like a girl"

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  23. I love your word panel and your cancer story is so inspiring. Cancer creeps its way into all of our lives one way or another, but your positive attitude is so encouraging. We've lost so many to cancer...I'm glad you're not one of them. Thank you for sharing your sweet, sweet story. Love that bag in your giveaway,too. :O)

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  24. Thank you for sharing your story and your words.

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  25. Glad you're a survivor. My grandfather-in-law was not so lucky. He had been, but 3 years ago the cancer returned and he passed away a few months later. He is missed greatly.

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  26. What a wonderful attitude you have! Your choice of that panel is perfect! All of us have been touched in some way by cancer, either personally or through friends or acquaintances. My prayer is that you will never have to face it again!

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  27. Thanks for sharing your story. You are an inspiration.

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  28. First off congrats to being a survivor. What a wonderful meaningful quiltie. Words to remember in the darkest days for sure!

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  29. Gorgeous wall hanging. I don't know anyone who has NOT been touched by cancer, but we always still believe, NOT ME. Thank-you for your wonderful words, thoughts and a gorgeous wall hanging.
    bonnielarson58@gmail.com

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  30. Thanks for your inspiring story, 2012 ended on a particularly tough note for our family, but you are right...faith keeps us strong. Beautiful project, so glad you shared.

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  31. That is such a beautiful post and words of encouragement. My sister had a mastectomy and now chemo which is hard since she had a bypass a few years ago, but she is doing well and we are praying that this round will kill the rest of the cancer.

    Debbie

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  32. Congratulations on winning against cancer and having such a great attitude. I will include you in my prayers. Thanks for sharing such inspiration.

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  33. My friend is celebrating 6 years. Going to share this with her! I just bet she'll want to make something like this for her wall.

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  34. Congrats on being Cancer free. My heart goes to you and your family. I lost my best friend of 25 yrs, and she was my sister n law to, she RIP now for 2 yrs. My love and heart goes to the 4 girls and grandkids she left behind. She was in alot of pain for a year and it was horrible seeing her like this. I am working on a Quilt in her honor and we all had her name tatooed on us.

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  35. My husband was diagnosed in 2011 - he has had a lot of surgery and has been clear for nearly a year now!
    Positive thinking is the key for us!

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  36. I am crying as I sit at my computer and read your story.You have a wonderful attitude about the whole experience and I know it is because our Father is with you. May you always be blessed by His love.
    I lost my best friend one year ago this month from cancer. She had the same attitude as you and her faith was sooo strong. That is what kelp her going.She was the one to lift me up whenever I was down. I still miss her so much.But I know that she is no longer in pain.
    Honey, you may not get to sing again on earth, but one day(in the farthest future) you will be singing with the Heavenly Band. May God bless you always.

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  37. Your courage is amazing and beautiful! I would be honored to win your Smile bag and hope it's OK if I copy and paste your poem to share with others. Thanks for the encouragement!!

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  38. Hi!! Love your wall hanging!! The poem is great!! Sending prayers you stay cancer free!!!

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  39. I thank you for such positive words. In the last few years I lost my parents to lung cancer, my only child to kidney and heart disease and last year my beloved husband to throat cancer. I try not to give in to the blue devils and words like yours help so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Pam

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  40. What a wonderful story for those of us that have or had the big C. It has been 7 years for me and I am thankful for every day. God bless you! Thank you for sharing and the wonderful giveaway. jbechosend at sbcglobal dot net

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  41. wonderful blog. I have a niece who suffering from lung cancer. Has completed the chemo rounds and is awaiting surgery and then more chemo and radiation. I am going to send her to your blog. I think it will be a very good read for her. Thank you so much.

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  42. The "C" word is scary, but your attitude is such a key to your return to health and you definitely have the right attitude! Each day is a gift and each one of us needs to remember that...your wall hanging is so perfect! Wish I could find that material...my deal MIL is fighting her third round of lymphoma and it would be perfect in her quilting room!!! Thank you for the awesome giveaway. I am going to follow you - everyone needs more positive people in their life! Blessings.

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  43. Thank you so muh for shareing your project and your scarey word...I hate that word...I had cervical cancer 19 years ago. Thank goodness was caught in time. My grandmother had breast cancer. My baby sister had breast cancer when she was 31. She had to have mastectomy...Cancer literally ruined her life. And My neice was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 2 years ago at age 24.. yes I said 24. And since then Medical University of South Carolina has diagnosed 3 young women all the same age with ovarian cancer and they all come from the same county. But none knew the other until this luckily they have all ended up with the same Onocologist. I had a lumpectomy that was suspicous a few years back but luckily it turned out benign. So that is my story and the reason why I hate that word cancer. It sounds like you have a wonderful fighting attitude and it is so good to see your project you made. It is full of inspiration.And also thank you for a chance to enter your giveaway.
    conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  44. God Bless You too Martha! I can't think of anyone who hasn't been impacted by cancer in some way. I've lost too many friends and family. I love to hear survivor stories. Attitude is everything. Love yours!

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  45. Martha.....I am so glad you are cancer free. We would have missed out on this lovely post. Your words are so inspiring...thank you for sharing with us. I have been lucky enough to have a healthy life so far. Only one surgery; one thyroid gland removed because of a lump. But it was nothing; very lucky there. Thanks for your giveaway

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  46. It is a very scary word :( My husband has had melanoma and his mum recently passed with ovarian.
    I love your attitude! And your words! You are an inspiration :)

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  47. Bless you Martha, I had Cancer seven years ago and had a double mastectomy I was 63 and my daughter was having my first Grandchild. My daughter has diabetes and she had just lost one baby at 27 weeks so I had to help her and never mind this pesky old cancer. Fortunately I didn't need Chemo. My daughter was in hospital for 5 months and them had our little Jonah who is our light and he was born blind. I needed to be alive for both of them so here I am 7 years later still cancer free. I had my days that were hard but God was always behind me. We moved to live closer to our daughter and Grandson because she had to go on dialysis and I look after Jonah three days a week and I am thankful that I am able to and I pray that the cancer won't come back but I will to deal with it if it does. I think attitude and faith has a lot to do with how cancer goes and yours is beautiful. I love your panel and what you wrote after about cancer. Thanks for sharing your story with us. I live in Canada and have never seen this panel is there anywhere i could find it on line.
    Blessing Sandra

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  48. You are an amazing person! I don't know that I could be so sure of things like you are with this dreaded "word". I love this work of art and inspiration!
    hulseybg at gmail dot com

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  49. Ohhh how lovely! You have made a lovely project. Thanks for sharing. Cancer took my mother at age 50 - almost 13 years ago and the world changed overnight for me. I am tankful for my memories of her. I dance knowing you are now cancer free - my heart sings outloud for you!

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  50. Wonderful post and I admire your courage and determination and amazing attitude!

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  51. Thanks so much for sharing. You have a great attitude and your lovely quilt just shows this wonderfully.
    Be blessed

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  52. what a beautiful project and thank you so much for sharing your story.

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  53. Thanks so much for sharing. I haven't had cancer myself, but I lost my oldest son, husband, mom & dad to cancer. So I really enjoyed the panel.

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  54. So good to hear you can share your story. I'm going to move my check up to an earlier, just in case. Thanks for sharing.

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  55. Thanks for sharing Martha! Love your panel. Judith, Texas

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  56. you made a great wall hanging! I love your resilient spirit!

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  57. thanks for sharing, great spirit!
    Liebe Grüße
    Bente

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  58. Congratulations on winning! And your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

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  59. Your wall hanging is beautiful. I think your inner strength is more beautiful.

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  60. Thank you for sharing your story. What a marvelous spirit you have; I could see it between the words. I am so glad you are here to share yourself with all of us.

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  61. Such a great quote! Congrats on winning your battle.

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  62. Thank you so much for sharing your story and "words". They came at an excellent time. My boss just informed me she was diagnosed with breast cancer this week. I have been sitting here trying to think of some kind of encouragement or "something" to help her and I am going to pass your "words" along to her. I know these will help her and her family in the coming days/months/year.

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  63. Oh man, such an inspiring post! My story is not nearly as scary, but just a story of a gal who no one thought would go far, who started with nothing in worldly terms but a wealth of family love and support who has made a wonderful, creative, fulfilling life for herself. We are in charge of our destiny, and it is not determined by where we have come from, but where we are going.

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  64. Thank you for sharing your story. You are fighting the big C with grace and determination. My dad lost his 11 month fight in 2009. It's a struggle and lost that is not forgotten. Live for today, enjoy your life and love your family.

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  65. Bless your heart. You are such an inspiration. I love your wall hanging.

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  66. Rosemary B here:
    Happy Saturday :-) this is super wonderful. I have too many friends with cancer, and it DOES so many things, but you are absolutely right with this amazing quilt!
    You are a dear friend and I am so glad you know you.
    Thank you for sharing your amazing creativity today

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  67. Thank you, You are an inspiration! Thankfully, I have never dealt with it personally but I have seen many family members and friends deal with it. it is a scary things.

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  68. Good for you! My DH is a cancer survivor also.

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  69. I have not had cancer but by best friend had stage four breast cancer. Has been cancer free for five years. My sister in law was diagnosed with breast cancer one year ago had surgery and is making a come back. I am so amazed with their courage and strength, also with yours. If I am ever in those shoes I hope that I will be courageous and strong.

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  70. Thank you for a lovely post. Yes cancer is a scary word, so glad you are here to share your talents with us.

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  71. So inspirational :0) I'm going to remember to count my blessings , and smile a whole lot more.

    Happy Sewing and thanks for the chance to win.

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  72. Wow covers it. Thanks so much for sharing. It's a wonderful perspective.

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  73. God Bless You and your spirit. Beautifully written post. I won't bore you with all of mine, but like you have been dealing with non-cancerous health issues for myself and my husband. He clinical died in April 2011, (can read the details if wanted here: http://www.quiltsmiles.blogspot.com/2011/04/harrowing-yet-blessful-experience.html
    but for the grace of God we are all still here today! That being said, I am a WIP and will prevail my health issues with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. Jane

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  74. Thank you for sharing that ;) My sister passed from cervical cancer in Aug 2010, just after turning 29 years old. She did not lose hope or faith during her battle with cancer. Her name is Angela, but she went by Angie. I like to think that she needed to be called by God early, for something special we, as living humans, can't see. She was in such pain at the end, it was almost a relief to know that she cannot hurt anymore. I remember seeing something like the card you received, and I believe it to be every bit true. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's such a terrible and destructive disease.

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  75. awww... thank you for sharing. I hope you'll check out my daily blog.. my day is the last day

    Pat Sloan
    Radio show Host... The Voice of Quilting
    http://blog.patsloan.com

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  76. You know... My mother used to say, "If everyone were to sit in a circle and place their troubles in the middle of the table, you would gladly take back your own". How true!!! After reading your post I had to sit and think a moment.
    I was diagnosed with PTSD, after my husband passed away from an 8 year battle with ALS. It has been rough going for me for the past 5 years. However, your post made me realize that my life/health has never been compromised... just my mental state. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!

    Deb Hathaway
    http://www.debhathaway.com

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  77. Thank you so much for sharing. You are an inspiration to all, not only quilters. Your words have so much meaning. My uncle (which was like my dad) passed with cancer. I feel for anyone who has it or around someone who has. Your words, well, thank you again for sharing.

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  78. What an inspiration! The big "C" hits and hurts more people than we realise. You have a great attitude. Remember, there will be unlimited singing and praising when we get to heaven!

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  79. You are a spitfire!! You go girl! Your spirit is singing out in your words! Best wishes to you!

    Nini~

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  80. You are an inspiration!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and you keep sitting with the choir. God can hear you sing. =)

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  81. You are such an inspiration to us all! You keep on keepin on :) Thanks for sharing.

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  82. You are one amazing lady, so much courage, so much spirit, inspiration to us all. Thank you xx

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  83. Wonderful contribution to InYourWord's Bloghop!

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  84. I shared your inspirational post with a friend of mine suffering from sarcoidosis - she was so encouraged, she printed out your text, laminated it and looks at it several times a day!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

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  85. Your project touched my heart. your words resonated with me conpletely....I am so pleased you joined us on this wordy journey...

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  86. Your wall hanging is wonderful! Attitude is a very important part of healing.

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  87. Your quilt is so inspiring. Your attitude is a lot of the reason that you are a survivor after 12 years.

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  88. what an inspiring quilt and post!! Thank you for sharing you story and your spirit!

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  89. Thank you for the inspirational and hopeful words! Your courage is awesome.
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  90. What a wonderful post. I too read that poem many times over several years ago when BC invaded my life. For a while it became my silent mantra. I had it memorized. I am so glad you came through that journey to healing. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story and attitude.

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