Everybody’s Got Sumpin’

     As Robin Roberts says, “Everybody’s got sumpin’.”  We all have a story to tell. Usually I don’t write about personal things on this blog. However, it has been dormant for awhile and so I have decided to share MY story. Then I will go back to sharing my head-full-heart-full teaching ideas.  I hope this will speak to you.
     “Life” doesn’t care what color you are, how much money you make, what religion you are, how old you are, where you live, etc.
     My husband came down with the flu. It went into double pneumonia and then heart failure. He spent 2 weeks in ICU. He lost 30 pounds in 2 weeks. (How is that even possible??) We prayed and had people all over the world praying. By the GRACE of GOD he survived and came home. We went out with friends for his birthday to celebrate life and received a call from my son. We were wondering why he wasn’t at the celebration…..Well…..
     My 20-something year old son is healthy, athletic (a rock-climber) and energetic. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer (cancer had spread to his lungs, around his kidneys and lymph nodes). He recently had been laid off from his job and had lost his insurance. His temporary insurance did not cover cancer. (Who would think you needed that at such a young age??!!!)
     To get him in the door at M.D. Anderson (we live in Houston), we had to come up with $18,900! That was just to get an appointment! How many school teachers do you know have that kind of money sitting around??!!
     My best friend and TpT partner started a Go-Fund-Me account and others organized fundraising events. People all over the world started praying.
     Due to the overwhelming generosity of family, friends, acquaintances and complete strangers, Randy started treatment exactly 1 month later. He has 3 out of the 4 types of testicular cancer. One of those does not respond to chemo. We prayed. People all over the world were praying for him. He is 2 weeks out of chemo and had his first scans. The cancer is gone for now, including the tumor that doesn’t respond to chemo! We believe that is God’s hand in all of this!!
     If you have continued to read to here, I am writing this on the anniversary of my brother’s death due to liver cancer. The MORAL TO MY STORY: 1. Tell your family you love them EVERY SINGLE DAY. 2. Never leave the house or hang up the phone without telling them you love them. 3. Don’t let “toothpaste” fights upset you because they are not important.  4. Tell your friends how much you care about them often. 5. Help people when you can. 6. Be GRATEFUL for things you usually take for granted.  And…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 7. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!! 
   The old saying, “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle” should be, “Because of God we can handle what we are given.”
   I would love to hear from you!
Susan