Monday, January 25, 2010

His joy comes with the morning

My Monday began in the surgery waiting room while my mom underwent a laparoscopy to drain some fluid in her abdomen. She had a pet scan a few weeks ago which showed some inflamation around her female organs. She had cancer two years ago (marginal zone lymphoma - a rare cancer) and it was contained within the upper portion of her lung which she had removed at that time. She was cancer free and has pet scans ever since to make sure it stays that way. Unfortunately, the surgery this morning showed that she has little tumors throughout her pelvic region and on her ovaries. Not the good news we were hoping to hear. The Doctor thinks it could be ovarian cancer. Gosh, I hate that word!! I have been a puffy eyed snotty nosed mess all day. She is my very best friend. She gets me like no one else does. We have this weird sense of humor that no one but us understands. We have such a special mother/daughter bond that we call each other at the same time, we say the same things at the same time, we have even sensed when things are wrong with each other. She always knows before even I do that I'm pregnant just be looking at me and sensing it. It is a bond that cannot be replaced. So, you may understand a little why this is such a big blow to me.

I do know this. . .I know that we take on the strength of that which we overcome. I know that we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3). I know that in all things God is good. I do not understand why these things are allowed to happen to anyone, but I put my trust, my faith, and my hope in the Lord. No matter the circumstance. He will do whatever He has to so that the work of God might be displayed in our lives (John 9). I know that in our weakness we are made strong. It seems like He grants an extra doseage of strength and peace in difficult times. That does not mean I am coasting along without any emotions, because I am not. I am a mess! However, I know that there is a greater purpose. That's why I choose to put my hope in Christ. I would greatly appreciate your prayers! The days ahead will not be easy. She is an amazing woman and is so strong in her character. She has been a wonderful example of the Proverbs 31 woman to all who know her.
Okay. . .sorry for being such a Debbie Downer! It felt so good to get that off of my chest and share my soul.

My mom's blog with her friends

I know this isn't my typical post, so forgive me for not having fun crafty pictures. . .they will come later in the week (I have been creating up a storm!). Scrapbooking and crafting can be so therapeutic, eh? I am so thankful for this welcome distraction! I am also thankful for my blogging and online friends who provide encouragement from afar!
xo

31 comments:

Jocelyn said...

I will be praying for you and your mom! Keep holding onto scripture! God's way is always best even when we don't understand!

Sara said...

My prayers are coming your way! I will keep you and her in my thoughts! I hope everything turns out ok! She sounds like a strong Mom!

Deana said...

Sometimes life can be far from easy. Will be saying prayers for the strength of your mom, you & your beautiful family.


Big hugs...

Garsy said...

Give her a hug from me please! Praying for your mom and you as well.

Garsy

Unknown said...

Amber, This is my first visit to your beautiful blog, but I'm a friend of your mom's through ACFW. In fact, we're close friends, or maybe it's just that she's so wonderful she makes all of us feel that way?? :) You have such an amazing relationship with her, I'm in awe. Please know that I am praying for you, your mom, and your whole family.

Jenneke said...

Oh Amber, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom..
Wishing her, you and the rest of your family lots of strength!!

Hugs, Jenneke

Story and Logic Media Group said...

So sorry about your Mom's bad news. I will be praying for her and the doctors and your whole family. God bless you as you go through this journey together.

Michelle Shocklee said...

Amber, I also know your Mom through ACFW. She's such a sweet spirited person. I usually corner her at conferences and remind her about our "Nazareneness" connection. :) She and your family will be in my prayers!!
In Him,
Michelle Shocklee

Lisa Faye Harman said...

Amber, I've known your mom since Doc Hensley's writing class. She has been such a blessing to me. I have a daughter named Amber also. At 12, she's already heard people tell her a million times that she looks and acts just like her mom. I've admired your relationship with your mom and want the same thing for my relationship with my Amber when she grows into the woman God is calling her to be. I'm praying for you and your mom.

Courtney Walsh said...

Wow, Amber, I'll be praying too! I stumbled on your blog from your mom's and I'm going to park it and stay awhile.

Praying for strength for both of you and the entire family!

Courtney Walsh said...

Amber,

Just saw that you are a scrapbooker. Would love to send you a gift if you could send me your email?

I look on here but couldn't find it. I know a good mail day can take away your pain, but I think it might make you smile. :)

courtneyrwalsh [at] gmail [dot] com

:)

Beverly said...

Amber,

I linked over to your blog via Girls Write Out. Just want to let you know that others will be standing with, behind, and around you all in prayer as you walk this journey with your Mom.

Your Mom became an e-mail friend when I went through breast cancer. I am still SO blessed by her ... by her NOW, and by the memories of her emails.

May God sustain you and grant you peace that is beyond comprehension, and the richness of seeing Him at work in huge and small ways alike.

Love to you,
Beverly in Texas

Beverly said...

Amber,

I linked over to your blog via Girls Write Out. Just want to let you know that others will be standing with, behind, and around you all in prayer as you walk this journey with your Mom.

Your Mom became an e-mail friend when I went through breast cancer. I am still SO blessed by her ... by her NOW, and by the memories of her emails.

May God sustain you and grant you peace that is beyond comprehension, and the richness of seeing Him at work in huge and small ways alike.

Love to you,
Beverly in Texas

chinamommy said...

We're praying here in Michigan!!!....
misschell

Patti Hill said...

I am praying for you and your mom, too. My mom (I'm a hundred years older than you) has had cancer 3 times. She's turning 80 next month. We believe in miracles, and I'm so glad you do, too. Be watchful. Be open. He is near.

Noel said...

Oh Amber...I am so sorry to hear about your mom...praying they can get rid of those tumors and she can be healthy again! Stay strong....

HUGE HUGS!

Denise Hunter said...

Amber, please let me know if I can do anything besides pray, which you know I'm doing fervently and frequently!

Greta Adams said...

Amber i will keep you and your mom in my prayers. Cancer is such a scary thing. I went through it with my mom and my aunt at the same time (breast cancer) HORRIBLE....if you want to be a snotty nose mess with someone feel free to contact me ...i am a good listener...and i have also been in your shoes....

{{{HUGS}}}}

Southern-fried Fiction said...

Amber, you don't know me, but I love your mom through ACFW. She's been a writing mentor and friend to me for about 4 years. I have that same quirky view of life that sometimes gets me in trouble over a comment I can make. Your mom is one of the few people in this world who gets me. Colleen told me yesterday what was happening, and you can count on me bombarding Heaven with prayer for Di. And I praise God for your strong faith. He IS Jehovah Rapha, the Lord Who heals, and I'm calling on Him to heal your mom once again.

Cara Putman said...

Love your mom, and know that I am praying for God to work another creative miracle in her. And that He will strengthen and comfort all of you.

Deborah Raney said...

Praying for your mom! She is always SO proud of you and your kids. After reading your blog I can see why! Praying hard and thanking God for a woman like your mom in this world! She's a blessing wherever she goes!

Virginia said...

Hey girl- I just sent up a prayer for you and your mom, and I will continue to pray. You are so right - He WILL be glorified.

(hugs)

Deena Peterson said...

i get what you're saying about your unique bond with your mom. had that with mine and it can't be replaced! know i will be praying for you and diann. i just love her tremendously:-)

jel said...

my thoughts and prayers

and sending a flybyhugging to y'all

krista said...

This is a beautiful post that you wrote, despite your current pain.

God goes with you through it all, I pray you continue to feel His love all around you!

: )
krista

Amber Zimmerman said...

Thank you thank you for your words of encouragement, for the prayers being lifted up and for your support! It truly does lift my spirits. =)

Kim Moreno said...

Praying for your family Amber! ((hugs))

Karla Akins said...

Praying. Hugs. I will have my church pray, too.

Unknown said...

I read about your mom's illness on her blog "Girls Write Out." You betcha I'm praying and I've asked my online group, Heavenly Daze (started by Angela Hunt and inspired by the series written by her and Lori Copeland), to pray as well. Those ladies are fierce prayer warriors and God seems to answer their prayers rather quickly.

If I do say so myself, I make beautiful prayer shawls and I would like to make one for your dear mom. Since neither of you know me, I thought it prudent to ask permission first. Please contact me with your answer to: rlaba51 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net. I tried to find an email addy for you here, but couldn't so had to go this route.

Vicki Cluxton said...

Amber -
I love your mom. She is a wonderful coffee buddy! She loves with such depth - and she loves her family fiercely. I admire her so much and want you to know that our family is praying for you all. We are here to do anything we can to help. Ps. 62:8 is a great comfort to me.

Blessings,
Vicki Cluxton

chinamommy said...

still thinking of you and your momma! praying here in MI :)