For a job well done,
I knew that you all had something planned, only because I knew about the tail gate. And I knew that PJ was playing the game in my honor.
So in honor of you, of your sowing into my life, my family's lives and my friend's lives I thank you. I'm sorry it isn't an intense Romeo football game, but it is an intense love and admiration for your love and admiration; all given us by God's amazing grace, hope and love.
A bit about that... On the day that we prayed for me, in April before my treatments started for this occurrence of cancer, PJ and the Butcher family came as did so many of you. After prayer, PJ, a 16 year old young man who makes me laugh, who is quiet and private, smart, athletic, and 16.... asked me if it would be ok for him to play the Watchdog Game in my honor. That was when I teared up. I know how sappy this is going to sound, but I was so touched and humbled and so very honored that he chose me. Deep down it made me feel like I mattered. At a time when my life was turning upside down again, this young man helped to right my heart.
So since then I have been looking forward to that day. Then, since PJ got a certain amount to money turned in he got my t-shirt early, so I had one before anyone else! And I wore it!
As the kids returned to school I had some time to just be, and I got to wondering about the Week of Watchdog Cancer Awareness. So much happening. The Cross Country Team had some kids running for me on Tuesday. And that's about the time I started feeling overwhelmed with a sense of anticipation with a dash of excitement. I did so good not asking ANY questions of anyone! I knew that surprises from the hearts of my friends and family were coming my way. Which means being the center of attention-my most gosh darn favorite place to be (insert your own sarcastic tone please.)
But how could I anticipate 2 canopies filled with food- and you. Driving up, seeing the crowd, the kids running up to the truck.... Just amazing. Getting a chance to hug everyone, not getting a chance to eat much. Seeing my best friend of 26 years, from Columbus, here... Well the hug spoke for itself I would imagine. The friends I have are amazing. To know me so well. To honor me when everyone of you have someone in your family that has battled cancer as well. To honor me when so many of us survivors get to see each other each Sunday at church. To honor me and to be blessed by so many friendships. Just completely humbling.
Sitting in the stands, with us taking up so many rows... so many blankets and children and faces and laughter and conversation. Nieces and nephews from St. Louis. So much love. How did I get to be so lucky, so loved?
A friend said you reap what you sow. Hmm. I wish I could sow like I used to be able to. I wish I could do more with you. But the reality is too much is not possible for me right now. So we've turned to talking and building relationships with words and stories and common ups and downs of regular proportions. I love learning about your heart. And I love sharing mine, especially the God moments. And there were several God moments yesterday.....
The JV player who walked me thru the tunnel is Spencer Rinke, who is one of Austin's good friends since Kindergarden, and whose mom is a great friend of mine. He walked up to the table right when I did. The woman introduced us and we just smiled. I said that he was a good friend of my son's and that I knew him well.
Then seeing another great friend, Lucille, a breast cancer survivor, finding me at the tent, taking a picture with me and walking with me and Spencer and her escort, Hunter. It was amazing.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Cor. 9:6
Thank you. And I forgive any and all lies told to me during the last few weeks..... :) And let's none of us ever give up and continue to sow into the lives of others generously.
Much love,
Vicki
