Sharliss Jane

2010 Natchez Trace Duathlon

2010-04-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

So many of you have watched Stephen grow up running through the streets of Powder Springs with skimpy shorts and a headband. He moved on to Athens and his love for running has grown and now he has added cycling. On March 21, 2010 Stephen competed in his first Duathlon which included running 2 miles, biking 15 miles and then ended with running a 5K. The day was awful as far as the weather. But Jill, Katherine, David and I packed up to travel an hour and 45 minutes away in the rain and cold to cheer our boy on. We had such a great time. Jill and Katherine chatted the entire time catching up and David held an umbrella over me so I could run around and take pictures, he sure is a sweetie! Since we did not know what to expect, we tried to position ourselves so we could see him as much as we could. He did great in each event, in fact he was forth to cross the finish line out of about 160 participants and he WON the Male Overall category. He was so excited! He had trained hard and now he would enjoy the fruit of his labor. A side note that only you mommas can understand, Stephen and the girls went to pack up all this gear and David had walked back up to the car. I was waiting in the lobby of the conference center and several guys were huddled around congratulating each other and then the conversation turned to “who was the guy with the red beard and blue shirt?” Stephen had no sponsors and was not running under UGA, so no one knew him. I had the privileged of telling them all about Stephen. They were thrilled to know who their competition was and now I am sure they will keep up with him at other races.

2010 FGC

2010-04-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from a very special night, in fact, it was a wonderful weekend with lots of friends and family. Katherine looked beautiful! (remember to click over to her caringbridge site for all the information www.caringbridge.org/visit/katherinearnold01

Updates In Pictures February and March

2010-04-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

The above pictures are when we traveled to Georgia to be a part of Annabelle Sharliss Whitehead's baptism. We stayed with Connie and Heather and had a wonderful time! The last picture is at the 2010 State Wrestling Tournament - Katherine and Alex - Encouraging their team!

Many of you know that I have published my sweet Katherine's journey with cancer on her Caring Bridge Site and now it has become an ongoing update of our family because so many want to hear about all her. That being said, I must admit that pictures are not easy when it comes to the site because the page will only hold so many pictures and we want to keep the important ones about her journey so I will download pictures here to allow friends and family to be a part of her activities.

Been Away For A While! But I Am Back

2010-01-22T07:24:00.000-08:00

It is January 22nd so we can say that 2010 is truly underway. My last post was in July and I must say I did a very long and detailed post with many pictures telling everyone about our Make A Wish trip to the Hamptons. As you can tell, taking the time to sit down and blog has not been first on my list of things to do. With the holidays, birthday celebrations and just day to day life, it seems the minutes and hours of the day have been full.

Several things have promoted me to "get better in 2010". First, we seem to think about what we want to accomplish during the year in January and also we look back at what we did not accomplish in the year prior. I even put a question before all my guest prior to the blessing of our New Year's Dinner of "What two things do you want to accomplish this year?". Of course I received instant whining because they thought it should just be one thing, but several were going to graduate from high school and college this year and that my friend was too easy. David prayed, we ate a wonderful meal and I allowed the question to leave the room for several hours. After all the dishes were done, which by the way was more work than usual because my dishwasher broke the minute the Wood and Smith family arrived, and once all the dishes were put away, I sat on the counter of the kitchen and began asking everyone to give me their answer. The usual answers were the goals regarding Exercise, Health, School, and even Passion such as minstry were spoken. I loved listening to all the "reasons" and also how they planned to accomplish these goals. I am hoping I will have all 12 people back in my home at the end of the year and see how many accomplished their goals. And what God showed them along the way.

As for me, it was simple, I wanted to be better about Exercise and my Health, you know I am not getting any younger and it seems my body tells me everyday how I have abused it in times past. Also, the task of "trying to matter" is very important to me. I want to work where God truly wants me to be because I will have three children in college all at the same time and I want to help in every way I can. For this reason, I feel I need some extra training in various areas to beef up my knowledge so I can be a better assist to the company who employs me. Also, God has stirred my heart in the area of digging deeper in His word and allowing myself to be transparent in helping other women who are struggling with life. Of course it is so easy to be helpful to your friends and family, they are right there and know you for who you are. But I want God to truly use me where I am all the time. Yeap, I know what you are thinking, "Sharliss Jane you have just set yourself up for the devil to come and hit you right between the eyes." Well, he has thought in times past that he could take me down, but he has not accomplished that so I know God knows just what He is doing.

As many of you know, I have been keeping a Caring Bridge Site for Katherine, my unbelievable daughter who showed me so much courage and grace while she struggled through 813 days of chemo treatment. I have shown through my entries that God was with us each and every day. Several people have made the statement "The Caring Bridge Site seems like a blog now" and now that Katherine is better, they truly do not read my updates and they sure don't sign the guest book with words of encouragement and for a moment, those words stung because I feel in my heart I want to continue the site to allow people to see Katherine's walk, but a part of me understands how they feel, but God will not let me stop "talking".

So here I am, pouring over a blog named Sharliss Jane. I have not stopped the Caring Bridge Site and I feel I will know the right time, perhaps it will be Katherine who tells me to stop, we will see what the days hold. As for me, well, "I am just trying to matter". Truly. God has put so many thoughts in my head that some days it is just too heavy to walk around with.

Another area that I am determined to accomplish is true scheduled exercise at least three times a week. This means I get up two times a week with my sweet husband around 5:30 a.m. yes, it is dark when I try to open my eyes and go to the gym for one hour. Of course I hate it, but when I leave, I feel wonderful and the day seems to have "something extra". Now, don't get all excited, I have only been doing this for two weeks, so I still have a long way to go to make this a "life style" change. I am focused on my Core. I know that if I concentrate on strengthening this area, it will pay off all the way around.

My daily quiet time has been full of excitement, tears, talking....ok, screaming out loud and then days where I just sit and allow Him to love on me as I weep with a heavy heart. These are the times that I know I am strengthening my Spiritual Core and yes again, it will affect my daily walk with the Lord and His directions. I have begun a study of the book of Ruth and I am so excited. I have traveled many journeys in my life that have made me feel like I was all alone, hungry, scared, lifeless and even questioning God but I continued walking because there was always someone to help me move forward. So I did with eight other women at my table and I have the honor of leading and encouraging them to dig deep and see what God wants to show them through this study.

As I began the study, it struck me when the author said "Godliness affects things. It matters not just on the front row of church or when we get to heaven but in all things, right now." In times past I have spent lots of time on things that seemed so important at the time but exhausted and frustrated me especially when my heart was never touched.

While friends, I am almost 50, in fact, I will turn 49 this year and I plan on listening to God and my heart and when the year is complete I do pray I am exhausted with the work and direction He has asked me to launch into. Yes, I want this year to matter and to be one that will be a corner stone in the years to come.

So, what are your goals my friend? You may only have two but you could also be like me and only talk about the two but you have about 20 that are stirring in your heart.

Make A Wish Trip To The Hamptons!

2009-07-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

A Wish Come True!

All the laundry is caught up and I even have all the pictures from my camera downloaded. Now all I need are the pictures from Brenda and Katy’s camera and I hope to finish Kaye’s scrapbook soon documenting this wonderful trip.

It all began at 5:15 a.m. with a ride to the airport in a white stretch limo. Will was our driver and was impressed that we were ready and waiting at the door right on time. Little did he know some of us had only had two hours of sleep. Our flight to Long Island was uneventful and yes, some of us slept most of the way.

We arrived right on time and were so excited to begin our adventure. Brenda Smith flew in from Atlanta and met us at the airport. She had made all her arrangements to come up to the Hamptons and see the girls enjoy their adventure.

We arrived in Southampton and walked around in the beautiful town. The flowers were beautiful and the town was buzzing with the lunch crowd. We ate and then went to The Southampton Inn to check in. Our room was very nice and we had lots of room for all four of us. Poor David, he shared a room with three women, lots of hair products, hair dyers, and all the girlie things we think we need. He was such a sport! We traveled to Sag harbor for dinner.

The next morning we were up early and the girls looked beautiful. This was the day Katherine had been waiting for. Johan and Corrine, the Make A Wish representatives arrived and we met with Dede Gotthelf, the owner of the Southampton. Then we were off to met Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. We traveled for more than an hour because of traffic. Mrs. Garten lives in East Hampton, another beautiful town. I must admit, I had butterflies in my stomach but from the time Ina opened the door with open arms and hugs, I just cannot put into words how wonderful the afternoon was. She is such a lovely woman. She hugged Katherine and you could tell it truly touched her to meet Kaye.

After all the introductions Ina gave us a tour of her grounds which included her flower and vegetable garden. The lawn between her home and The Barn hosts so many beautiful trees and flowers. It was cool to see because this is just what you see on her show. We entered The Barn and it was just a relaxing place complete with music and flowers. The long table was set and she asked Katherine if she wanted to help her put the finishing touches on the food. That sure made Katherine happy. I went into the kitchen with them and that is were we gave Ina the scrapbook of Katherine’s journey so she could see just were Kaye had come from. She loved it!

We sat down to lunch with Katy and Katherine right by Ina’s side and the laughs began. For more than three hours we enjoyed a lobster blue cheese salad, fresh bread and fruit tea. The conversation covered the board and we loved that Ina is a lovely lady. We told us of her travels and how she arrived at where she was. The stories around the table brought lots of laughs and tears. We also asked Ina what her favorite restaurants were and she told us about 1176 House and Red Bar. She asked if we would like to see if she could get us reservation at Red Bar. We were thrilled to learn we had reservations and Ina laughed when she told us “you have reservations and I wondered who we bumped”. Seems Red Bar is were all the stars of for dinner.

We also had the opportunity to met Ina’s assistant and friend, Barbara. Barbara told us about many funny moments on the show that you would never know had happened. Johan and Corrine had Ina’s latest cookbook for Katherine so Ina could sign it. It is truly a lovely project. I read it like a novel on the plan and have already tried two receipts. Might I say awesome! After lunch we enjoyed coffee and her frozen key lime pie. If she had turned her back, I think I could have just finished the pie off. It was cool, tangy and wonderful. The visit had to come to an end, but when we left, we knew we had made new friends. Friends that would be added to the Christmas Card list.

During lunch, Ina had jotted down all the locations of the local vendors that she uses. We took our time going back to Southampton and visited everything on the list. Our first stop was Loaves and Fishes. Anna Pump is the owner and a very close friend of Ina’s. In fact, the current cookbook is dedicated to her. We told Anna about why we were in the Hamptons and had her sign Katherine’s copy of the cookbook. The day was fun, full and had brought lots of emotion.

We finished at Red Bar with one of the best meals I have ever had. The place was buzzing and when we were seated, the waiter brought champagne compliments of Ina and Shirley Temples for the girls. We enjoyed every bit of the evening and when it was time to ask for the check or waiter informed us the owner Kirk Basnight wanted to pick up our dinner. We were floored and felt so blessed. Katherine walked over to Kirk, who was very cute might I say, and thanked him for our dinner. He hugged and kissed her and said it was his pleasure. We left with our hearts full and went back to the Inn for a much needed nights sleep.

Every morning David and I walked down to The Golden Pear to pickup coffee and muffins for the girls. The ate breakfast in bed everyday. Saturday, we packed up and traveled to the Southampton Yacht Club with Dede and her son Eddie. Eddie took the girls out for a sailing lesson and Dede drove us around on her personal boat so we could watch. The day was wonderful. Dede even took us out the channel a ways so we could see all the beautiful homes along the coast. The girls had a blast and Eddie was such a wonderful young man. We found out that he is very interested in Vanderbilt University here in Nashville and would be down sometime in September to visit.

We went back to the Inn and Dede treated us to lunch and more wonderful conversation about the Hamptons. The girls and David went back for a nap and Brenda and I walked around the town and also side streets where some of the most beautiful homes were unveiled. They are surrounded by 10 to 12 foot hedges but you can see them through the driveway.

Later that day we drove all the way up to the point of Long Island New York. Beautiful, just beautiful. We arrived in the town of Montauk where we went to the Montauk Point Lighthouse. We climbed all the way to the top and enjoyed the beautiful view. Then we had dinner at Gosman’s restaurant and sat out by the point and watched the sun go down. Another perfect day!

Sunday began with a day at the Spa for the girls and then we traveled out to the Riverhead area and own out into the farming area of Long Island. Again, a beautiful place. We went to the Pindar Vineyard where Kerri met us. Make A Wish was having a fundraising event and everyone was thrilled to met Katherine. We roamed through the tasting room and then Kerri had lunch ready for us under the pavilion. We sat and enjoyed the live music and then Kerri gave us a tour of the Vineyard including the processing areas. After the tour, we took the girls out into the vineyard and the sunflower patch for lots of pictures.

With our tummies full and a hand full of sunflowers we were off to another local vineyard, Martha Clara. There we received a tour via horse and buggy. It was a pretty place and the ride was a great way to see the entire vineyard. This vineyard is owned by the man who owned the Entenmanns bakery. We had seen a lot of the beauty of this state today and ended with dinner in downtown Riverhead. While waiting for our dinner we enjoyed a fireworks display right outside on the sidewalk. It was amazing! We all thought it so nice for Riverhead to go to this much trouble just for us but found out they were having a blues music festival.

The trip ended with one more stroll down through the shops in Southampton. We said goodbye and all made a pack to come back to visit all the new friends we had made. I asked Katherine if this is what she wanted, she told me with a smile it was more than she imagined. Her wish truly did come true and Katy told me later that this vacation was wonderful and we made lots of new friends that we would keep in touch with.

We Are Off To The Hamptons!

2009-07-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

First, I want you to notice what time it is, then I will tell you the limo will be at my house at 5:15 a.m.! Yes, I know, I am crazy but I just had to leave you with an update of the past few days! Katherine and Katy are running around quietly upstairs packing, laughing and getting their showers so they can sleep until 4:30 a.m. I am sure the limo driver will be thrilled with three women who have only had about three hours of sleep perfectly pressed clothes and lots of coffee. David was the smart one and went to bed by 10 p.m. Oh well, we can sleep on the plan right?

The past week has been a whirlwind. Katherine continued to recover from Big Stuf and slept lots. Each day I would receive updates from the Make A Wish Foundation regarding our trip and would get more excited everyday. Tracy Bossman, our Make A Wish Rep called to inform me we would be having Katherine’s Announcing Party at The Viking School in Franklin. When she went in and told them Katherine’s story including what she wanted to do for her wish, they wanted to host a very special lunch for our family that would included an amazing menu and Katherine would be able to prepare this beautiful meal right along side two awesome chiefs.

So the next week David and I worked on several lies, yes, I said lies, we wanted to surprise Katherine but also had to get Kaitlin Smith up to be involved in the luncheon. We worked with Brenda to get Kaitlin up Monday morning thinking she was surprising Katherine. Then I had to trick Katherine into getting her dressed up and over to the Factory where we would just “drop in” to the Viking Store and then walk into their demonstration kitchen. It all came together and the event was unbelievable. Katherine enjoyed herself so much and might I say she, Jamie and Mike put together a beautiful meal that included:

Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (made from scratch)
Bobby Flay’s Grilled Asparagus
Melt In Your Mouth Potato Gratin
Blue Cheese Stuffed Filet Mignon
Morton’s of Chicago Godiva Hot Chocolate Cake

Katherine loved preparing each course and then even got Kaitlin up to help with the Godiva Hot Chocolate Cake. The girls had the two chiefs in stitches most of the time. After everything was done, we sat down to eat and enjoy the fruit of their labor. Trace then told Katherine all about her wish that had been granted. She began by talking about her journey over the past three years and Jamie and Mike were touched. She gave her a huge Make A Wish bag filled with lots of goodies for the trip and then explained how her wish will unfold.

We will be picked up by limo in the morning and then fly to the Hamptons on Long Island New York. We will stay in the beautiful historic South Hampton Inn. One Friday, Katherine will met and cook with Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, yes that was Katherine’s wish. On Saturday she will enjoy some time at the local spa and then she will have the opportunity to have some sailing lessons. The rest of the weekend, we will enjoy touring the Hamptons and relaxing. David and I have known about all the wonderful events they had planned for Kaye but then it was Katherine’s turn to thank Katy for being such a wonderful friend and informing her that part of her wish from the start was that she could take her best friend with her. Because Will and Stephen are over 18, they could not go with us, so they granted this part of her wish as well. Kaitlin will experience the Hamptons with Katherine and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Katy was floored and of course there were lots of tears. I was just happy I did not have to lie any more! So the last few days have been getting ready to enjoy this awesome adventure. The house is quiet and of course I am the last to finish and get in the bed. I have put together a scrap book to give to Ina Garten telling Katherine’s story. I wanted her to see and understand the past three years and how she has helped to make a difference in Katherine’s life without even meeting her. You know me, it could not be some simple thing but it did make me organize more than three years of pictures of Kaye’s journey and I have finished.

I just could not leave without giving each of you the scoop and asking for special prayers of protection while we travel. Lucy and Cole will be taking care of by one of our favorite little boys, Cam. Well, everything is done, and now I must close my eyes for just a few hours. I will update once we are home but I wanted to go ahead and wish two people a very special Happy Birthday. They will celebrate while we are gone and I wanted to give them an early “Happy Birthday” wish. July 18th will be my Aunt Ruth Ann’s birthday and July 20th is Nani-Grace’s birthday. We love you both. Thank you for celebrating with us. We appreciate all your love and words of encouragement. Good night!

Never Quit!

Sharliss, David, KJ & Katy Bug…..off to the Hamptons!

Here are some pictures of the Make A Wish Luncheon hosted by the Viking School.

Empty

2009-01-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

I sit in front of this big ole screen feeling empty, thankful for where I am, warm, safe, thrilled my girl is at school. This week has been better for my sweet girl who has walked a journey of pain and struggle. As I pray for her today I am also getting ready to travel home to attend a memorial service for a friend who took his own life this weekend. I will stand by his wife whom I love and try and give some sort of encouragement and with his his two beautiful daughters who have questions with no answers. I feel empty....I have also prayed for another family whom I have never met. The Lamberth family. Mark was involved in an accident and had head trauma that has put him at death's door. They have been told there is no hope, now they wait again no answers...I feel empty. Oh how I wish I could draw all these people close and fix this awful mess, keep them from the pain and struggle, but I cannot. I can only pray, hold their hands and remind them that there is Hope. Hope in the cross, hope in knowing that Jesus is there and has never and will never leave. One man, successful, engaged in his daughters lives, encourager and the other just beginning life with his new little boy Noah and a beautiful wife. Oh how fragile life is, I will continue to walk in grace today knowing that we will have Hope for tomorrow if only one day at a time.

To Go or Not To Go

2008-11-04T10:51:00.001-08:00

The past few years we have had to ask ourselves this question so many times. With Kaye and "being" around people, we have had to truly think about every step we make. Even around family and our dearest friends, we have had to say "no". This week Kaye asked herself this question, not because of her body but because of her heart. You see, Monday was Matthew's service, a time to say goodbye, a time to close the chapter for this sweet young man. Kaye truly had a hard time because she was so torn about going. She had prayed so hard for God to bring Matthew through, to allow him to "make it" andthen be able to have a reason for a grand testimony. We did not go to the service. She was filled with wonder of what people thought. "Why did Matthew die and not others?" "Why was he so sick and his body could not handle it and mine did?" Kaye has asked herself that many times and I just cannot answer that question for her. She wants to see Tricia and Jeff, hug them and be able to minister to them but wanted to wait and do it in the way and time God would have us to. She amazes me. I know her heart continues to hurt but she is so much wiser with her emotions than others. So, we will wait for a few weeks, then travel up to see them and I pray she will be able to bring a smile to their face and then she will embrace them and they will feel the love and honest joy of this sweet young girl having the opportunity to meet their family and having the chance to get to know Matthew. Our time here is like a breath and I want to make every breath count. I see her walking in those shoes and that makes me more proud than I could ever say. I pray my children will dream big but will keep their focus small and true. We can all do so much, running around like chickens with our heads cut off, doing, doing, doing.....but I want to do it well, I want to matter. Matthew was only here for 15 years and I will say, he did it well and truly what he did mattered.

I Am Still Alive! - Just When Is It A Good Time?

2008-09-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yep, I did it again! It has been a long while since you have heard from this old girl but life is just passing right by. I must admit, I think almost everyday about things I could go on an on about right here in this little space, but the day and night get away from me and then its over, the day and my desire to write words that would be an encouragement, bring laughter or perhaps tears.

Just to set the mood, I am in our office with Lucy in my lap, Katherine is sleeping on the couch because a day at clinic and school have slap worn her out and my honey is out of town which means Kaye and I will have Chinese food for dinner! Today was hard, my thoughts were not about me in anyway, well ok, I have gained eight extra pounds and I hate how my jeans feel and I did think about that.

We are on our knees these days lifting another sweet young man up because he is just not doing well. We met Matthew Litchfield just 2 weeks after Katherine was first admitted to Vandy back in September, 2006. He was a quiet, blond tall young man. We watched him go through chemo treatments like Kaye, same side effects but he also had to go through a bone marrow transplant. The year was so hard on his body but he did everything that was required and I enjoyed seeing him in clinic and sometimes Kaye and Matthew were in the hospital at the same time so Tricia, his mom and I would "hang out" on the floor. Tricia always love talking to Kaye and I remembered one time during her last hospital stay this summer Matthew was in the hospital. On our nightly laps we would stop in and see the two of them. We would smile and say HI to Matthew and then Kaye would say Hi, Tricia would always say, "She is a pretty girl, say Hi!". Tricia always made me laugh and she sure is a great momma. Matthew was able to go on his Make A Wish Trip to Hawaii, he loved it, but right before he left they were told "his numbers" did not look right. Once back the nightmare began again, Matthew had indeed relapsed and that meant another transplant and huge volumes of chemo to get him "clean" again before he could even be ready for another transplant. He is currently on 6A at Vandy fighting for every breath and there are hundreds of people praying and begging God for this sweet young man and his family.

While Kaye was at clinic I went over to try and see Tricia but the nurses informed me "It's Not A Good Time". I felt helpless and wanted so badly to run down that hall and just take it all away, but I could not. The entire way to Vandy that morning was full of consent prayers for Matthew. Even when Harold, our wonderful welcome guy at the front door loved on Kaye I almost felt empty. All I could think about was Matthew. The hospital was all the same, nothing had changed except our sweet friend was hanging on and there was nothing I could do and that broke my heart.

Just when is it "A Good Time"? We just move in our life from one day to the next, one event, one struggle. I can tell you that it is never a good time to have the Beast....Cancer enter you life. It truly knocks the wind out of your lungs and knocks your feet out from under you. You have to learn to lean on something much stronger, something that encourages you to have hope, hope in the day or even just the moment. My insides ache right about now and I know I will have to feel this pain. I keep checking my email to see if Tricia has either posted there or on Caringbridge. I pray for good news....I need good news, I just pray.

Happy Birthday Day Mama!

2008-06-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Today my mom would have been 66 years old. She went to heaven when I was 9 years old and yes I miss her so. Many have said there are times or seasons you miss them more but I always correct them and say, "I miss my mom and dad almost daily, weekly, monthly. I have been blessed to have the most awesome "mother-in-love" but I still have a special place in my heart for my mom. Only my family knew her. Not one of my friends or my bestest friend, David, knew her. They only know about this beautiful women through me. She was tall, blond, green eyed and could teach you how to dance, sew, smile and make a memory and how to make the best pan of corn bread you would put in your mouth. Many have said, "I never met her in person but I have known her through you. I love love love to dance, sewing is well something that is just apart of me, I love to make people smile, ok, I am not tall, just normal but I can make an iron pan of corn bread that will make your mouth water.

The past few years have been hard for me and I can almost feel her arms around me when I need her. I pray I have made her proud. I love her so and am proud to be the only daughter of Betty Jane Mincey Westbrooks. House work was not something she loved to do so I have memories of playing outside with her until late in the day, laying by our small pool in the sun or playing softball with all the kids in our Atlanta neighborhood and then when it was 4:30 p.m. we would run to the house like crazy and get it looking grand before dad came home. Dinner was always great, she was a wonderful cook. If daddy only knew what we really did all day.

She could make anything, and I mean anything. All the curtains, even recovered chairs. Not to mention making all our clothes. The yard always look grand, she loved making everything just right but in turn spent lots of time with my brothers and I. If I close my eyes I can see her dancing in the kitchen, I can even smell her perfume. And of course that smile, and that long beautiful body. I am blessed and I pray I will continue to strive to be the mom that she helped me to be.

Smiles and Tears At The Publix Store!

2008-05-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

It has been almost two months since I sat down to write, sorry for that. I wish I had a good reason, but to be honest, once I check on all my "kids" via email, caringbridge, etc. I feel a little guilty to spend additional time sitting in front of the computer. I am a person who must do do do. Many of my sweet friends and family tell me this is a season for me to "just be" and I have had to really relax and take one day at a time. Anyway, enough reasons, I have so much to blog about, I even started writing titles on small pieces of paper and putting them into a wine glass that sits on my hutch. I will start with this one because it is most recent and something that truly touched me.

Many of you know that Publix has become the place to go! While Kaye was so sick and weak, Publix was the only place we would venture out and of course who could forget all the stories about the electric cart with the big basket on it. We now have many people who know us by name and smile and speak every day. Yes, I guess out of 7 days I am at Publix 5 of them. I have even gone Green and have those cute green Publix bags. Anyway, I was there to pick up just a few items and heard loud voices from the cereal row. I looked down and there were three kids, one of those car carts and a dad who was giving them direction in picking out cereal. Most of us have been there at on time or another. The kids ranged from the ages of 4-10 so there was no way they would pick the same cereal or even two of the same. I stood for a long time watching this "event" unfold and smiled. The dad was trying so very hard to be patient. I wanted to help and I thought about telling him how David's mom would allow the Arnold boys to pick cereal. They could have anything they wanted as long as when they turned the box to the side and read the ingredients, the first ingredient could not be sugar! Perfect! That keep the Arnold boys eating good cereal until Connie came along and of course being the baby, he always wanted the chocolate cereal.

I did not talk with the little family but by the time the cereals were in the cart and after lots of "talk", they had 4 different flavors and I could tell they were with their dad every other weekend. My light heart sunk and I began Asking God to give them a sweet weekend with their daddy.

Later that night I was in the car and heard a new song by Reba and Kenny named Every Other Weekend. Yep, you guessed it, I cried through the entire song. My thoughts went back to this sweet family who sure loved their daddy. I also thought about my family and how I do understand how hard this life is for everyone involved. We just go about out daily business understanding divorce but do we truly Understand Divorce. I wish I could just make it better because at times it can be a big ole mess and many are hurt, not just for a short time but for many many years. Because of my experience in the Cereal Row I will have a very special place in my heart for kids who go to different houses Every Other Weekend.

6A Families

2008-04-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

While we travel through this life we are surrounded by so many people. People who are family, you can't choose your family, friends that enter your life through school, church, other friends, work and then their are seasons of life that take you to a place you never understand why. We have met, talked with, cried with, rejoiced with so many wonderful families during Katherine's journey. A journey that began on the 6A Floor of Vanderbilt here in Nashville.

Some I got to know just as true family, some I may have just waved at, smiled with and cried when I was told of their struggles. Others Kaye and I received the gift of love through, and cried when they were no longer with us here on this earth.

I can't even remember when I met Renee Garcia but Kennedy is a site we love to see. Katherine has kept up with so many beautiful children, large, small, young and older. As I check my email to see how to pray I went back to Renee's personal blog and noticed an area I guess I just did not see before, she has a list of all the kids she and Kennedy "look after" and also listed are the Angels who are now in heaven. As I read all the names of the Angels my heart broke because we have met so many of these angels, their sweetness entered our lives either on 6A, 6B or the clinic. I am thankful Renee keeps them on her blog because they in their on special way have helped us during our travel of this journey. Even our sweet Rachel who we loved getting to know and even a shopping day was on the calendar for her and Katherine.

God truly uses every person in our lives, every single one of them. I sure hope each of you always take the time to do what God whispers in your ear. That person just might need you right at that moment. Perhaps to stand in a hallway trying to understand what the doctors have said. In the late nights when you just can't find sleep. When you get good news and are afraid it won't last. When you stand for more than an hour in the kitchen area on 6A or 6B trying to fix some comfort food which for me was chicken noodle soup with potatoe chips and you end up sitting in the floor with the cup and talking with another mother so you won't wake the sleeping child in their room because they had been up for days throwing up or hurting and when you just need a hug through words.

The families on 6A & 6B then and now are special and have a special bond as they are working to walk through a battleground. I pray we all will find the peace that God's love, grace and healing will show.

10 Random Things About Me!

2008-02-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, my dear sweet friend Caroline "tagged" me. I now have the task of giving 10 random things about myself. The hard part is that I am a very transparent person so there is not much about me that all don't know. But here goes!

1. I am not a good speller and I hate that with a passion. I am grateful for spell check but sometimes the word is spelled right but it is the wrong word! Damn

2. I love love love music, I played the saxophone in middle and high school and was very good. I love jazz music and many special memories of my life are surrounded with music. My daddy taught me how to dance and our home had lots of dancing. I loved watching my parents dance in the kitchen. As I always say when a pair of people "float" on the dance floor, "they sure look pretty". I wished I had had music and dancing at my wedding, but I did not.

3. I lost both of my parents by the time I was 25. At a very young age, I prayed that God would send people right into my path that would help instruct me with life training. Some of those people are still with me, some were a part of only a season of life, but their "imprint" is ever lasting. I want to leave a leagcy. One of my favorite saying is "I'm Just Trying To Matter One Day At A Time". "Make A Memory"

4. I was raised around race cars. While growing up, I loved going to the track...West Atlanta, Rome, and Dixie. Yes, I have driven a race car and I love the way it makes you feel while you go faster and faster but once standing outside the race car, I am scared to death. With all these years I must admit, I have never been to a NASCAR race. That would be so cool!

5. I died twice when I was 9 as a result of a car accident and I never saw a light. God sure has a purpose for me.

6. Traditions are so important to me! I think it is totally cool to work so hard to keep a tradition going. The tradition I miss the most is Sunday Dinners. As a child I went to a grandmother's house almost every Sunday for a meal that included either pot roast or fried chicken, sweet tea and lots of stories and laughter. While a teenager, I prayed not just for my husband to be but I wanted the whole package. I wanted a family that was fun to hang with. And God gave me all that plus SUNDAY DINNERS WITH GRANNY ARNOLD!

7. I am married to the greatest man in the world and I met him at McEachern in the 8th grade in band class! Music was our beginning!

8. I love to fly in planes my favorite part is taking off. When I was 19 I looked into being a flight attendant. Yeap, I even had the application filled out. I love to travel

9. I was an undercover detective for Macy for about 2 years! Yes, I have ran people down in the mall, used handcuffs, even sat on a lady and put people in jail but then my partner was kidnaped one weekend by a shop lifter while I was off and David said, I had to "change jobs".

10. I hate when someone says "there is no way you can do that". It just makes me want it more than ever, I had rather be the one who "Does" the part instead of the one who "thinks it up". I love being the "Giver" rather than the "Receiver"

11. I will be different........a true want in my life is to work on a special project with Extreme Make Over. Not just wear the blue shirt but help develop something and then use my talents and hands to create something for a sweet soul.

12. OK, so I am really different....I think words are so very important and there are many who do not care how they use them. This world was created with words. Thats pretty big to me! I have learned to be careful with words because once they are out and running around creating messes, you are spending valuble time catching them.

Well there you go, I could probably add another 10 but I must be good. I now have the chance to tag a few people, who will you be? Heather Arnold, David Arnold, Joshilyn Winn and Mandy Mann. You must do this! If you don't have a blog email and then I will post on my blog.

Our Attitude

2008-01-31T05:47:00.000-08:00

I have had so many topics I wanted to take time to blog about, but by the time I thought I had time to express my thoughts, there always seemed to be reasons not to sit down at the computer. I think I might need to get a "Topics Can" and scratch them out on a piece of paper and then pick one out so I will complete the task.

I have always enjoyed my ride home to Franklin. The view is always beautiful in all seasons and once we get on 840 West right outside of Franklin I just have a sense of home. Last night as Kaye and I traveled home from Georgia, we listened to a CD that Rev. Ike Reighard gave us entitled "Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People". I have had the opportunity to "get to know" Ike and I call him a close and personal friend. I know the roads he has traveled, the hardship, the darkness so as I listened once again to his "life's" experiences I felt sure I knew everything that would be discussed via this CD. God always uses these times to give us just a little more than we expect. I knew all the stories but something he said stuck. One of the most important freedoms we have is our attitude. I can acknowledge that even in the darkest of times it truly is your choice to allow a person, a situation or an event to take or affect your attitude. It is a choice and one that at times just has to be "willed".

Our season's of life change, come and go but inorder to use our experiences to help others, heck to even help ourselves not get stuck, begins with our attitude. I choose to try and move forward even if it is 1/2 step each day. Getting stuck dosen't help me and it sure dosen't help those around me. There are times to rest, grieve, be still but we must take a deep breath, take a step and move. I pray this can always be apart of my legacy that I give my children and the people around me. I love to laugh, I love to hug and both of those element truly help my attitude. Hugs to you all!

Just The Unknown

2008-01-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

We are live our lives from day to day, thinking we know just what we are walking into. We just move from one event that was planned to another, schedules never change, we see the same people and then we truly become numb. We could even close our eyes while driving and make our way there...I would not advise this but how many times have we just "done" something without thinking because "it's just the way we do it?"

This morning I have a huge praise. One of the beautiful children we have met through our journey is Jillian. In fact her website is Joyful Jillian. She is truly a mess and today they celebrate, she is finished with her 10 months of treatment! Yes, we are all so excited but then we will turn the page, go to the next day and wonder, what is next for Jillian. Ok, I know what you are thinking right now. Sharliss, stop worrying, don't go there. Well, those of us who have traveled this journey see things through a little different view. Yes, we are so thankful, so grateful for the medicines that kill all the cancer but we also know in the back of our heads, we must keep praying, must keep covering them just because of the Unknown.

Jillian is a 4 time cancer survivor. Yes, that is what I said. Her first was MDS at the age of 1 and then six months later went into AML. Her twin sister had the same cancer and Jade died after her bone marrow transplant. Jillian recovered from MDS, AML and then she relapsed two years later and had to receive a bone marrow transplant. She made it through that war and in 2007 they found that she had osteosarcoma, cancer of the bone. For the past 10 months she has fought hard, been through chemo and surgery and as of today is cancer free! Yes, this family has stood firm in the storm, worked hard to care for their children and will once again walk out of Vanderbilt and "begin life". A life with questions, fears, and just learning how to function in what we call normal.

I read her mom's entries and then I pray for God to cover her and Jillian. This little girl make me laugh. She is truly just a mess. I pray this morning for a true new beginning for this family. This breath of fresh air. I pray that the Unknown will become less and less scary. That God would show Himself in such a way that they would feel His arms holding tight around them. Enjoy life, one day at a time, treasure oh treasure health.

Do You Miss Me?

2008-01-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it has been a while since I was "on". Sorry for that, to just be honest, I wanted to put some Christmas Pictures and that has been my reason because all you guys know I am not the best when it comes to computer stuff. Just as my favorite computer guy...Chris Wills. It takes a lot of work to just move pictures from my camera...to the computer...to the blog. Now, some of you might think it is easy, well bully for you. Anyway, the days a full of running around for Kaye, meds and trying to finally get all the boxes unpacked and put somewhere in the house. Yes, these are still some of the boxes in our garage.

Life is moving pretty good right now, but I must admit, holding my breath. They tell me as the years go by I will relax more when it comes to Kaye. I will not be as scared when her counts go crazy, she falls, or she just says "I'm not feeling good this morning". I cannot wait until that time, all this still weighs heavy on my heart.

David informed me my blog was boring! I laughed because I guess that is just where I am these days, in a holding pattern. No tournaments or meets to attend, no dance, no appointments with clients, no damage furniture, no fabric "looking". Yes, I guess it does seem boring. But that is the season God has me in right now. I am sure it will pick up and begin moving faster soon. Well, hope you have a grand day. Peace Out!

Next Stop Leiper's Fork

2007-12-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

Well, our next stop was great fun. We saw Santa, roamed through all the great stores and then found a perfect spot and then watched people. Fun, the floats began coming down the street. Now I must admit, they were not like the kind in the Macy's parade, or the Rose parade but they were very interesting and you could tell the people who entered their "floats" had a wonderful time.

There were lots of dogs running around as well and a man singing while enclosed in a huge snowglobe. He was truly funny but I could not get any pictures.

Then we were all standing tall and proud when the Septic vendor was announced. Yeap, that is what I said, the Septic vendor. This was just one of the two that were in the parade. The funny thing was that they tossed tootsie rolls! There was lots of beautiful horses and also the float that JoJo Davis designed. She did the float for the barn that her daughter Anne has her horse Toby at. All the girls who ride and show their horse dressed up at mice and rode in a big flatbed wagon. It was fun

The even was one everyone should put on their calendar and travel to come see. It was great fun and then we took the "long way home" and saw some beautiful countryside. My, this part of the world sure is pretty.

A Christmas Event

2007-12-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I know many have not slept because I have not written in a while, but I have pictures to prove we have been outside a little with the #3 jewel in my crown. She is my ruby, no that is not her "birthstone" but when she smiles, she looks like a Ruby to me, deep red, which is my favorite color! Well here I go, I will give you some pictures and a little talking about each picture. Hoping I can do this here we go .

#1-3 are pictures of various people in character at the Dicken's Christmas in downtown Frankln. Cook, really cook. The small Chamber choir who sang would have had an additional person if feeling well. Yes, Katherine was asked to try out for this choir. All I have to say is, wait until next year!

#3 is a picture of Kaye of Santa in a beautiful long red coat. Pretty cool!

Ok, here are the pictures of A Dicken's Chrismas and yes, it was great great fun. I will do another entry with our next stop. See you!

Wrestling Is In The Blood

2007-12-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

I know many are saying "Sharliss, your blog is boring". For that I am sorry, I guess right now all that is in the middle of my life are dogs, kids and one is currently in treatment and a husband I still calm as my boyfriend. The day was simple but Kaye did come home from a few classes at school announcing the day was better. She took the time to reach out and talk to some people even if they did not begin the conversation. Well, the guys she spoke to today in Childhood Development class wrestle for Franklin. Of course she had lots to say about that subject that included her brother and McEachern. After the conversation she asked if they were going to the tournament at McCallie in Tennessee next weekend. They said yes and she returned with "I will see you there". All I have to say, is You Go Girl.

Getting back into the "swing" of things is a little challenging for our girl but I know once she is around more at Franklin, there will be no problems with fitting in and developing relationships that will fill a huge void. She has so much to offer everyone up here and I know God will use her greatly. Peace Out.

Doing Doing To Avoid Fear

2007-12-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is the title sorry. I kept myself very busy today, did not even sit down in a chair until well after David arrived from work. You see, I was still decorating for Christmas and I must say, "It is beautiful Sharliss Jane". But under all that wonderful "doing" I was truly hiding my fears. Kaye has been sick for several days, very very tired, pale and sleeping more. This brought back memories of "the beginning" of this chapter of Leukemia. I told David tonight, she just has a bad old cold and maybe a little virus but I moved around so much today I would not let Satan even allow bad thoughts of fear into my momma head.

Tomorrow will be a long day in chemo. I am sure she will see lots of sweet young children who are running around with no hair, feed tubes and hurting from chemo. Of course she will give out every hug she has not even thinking about how bad she feels. They will give her hugs back and their parents will notice how pretty Kaye is and how her smile shines and makes the entire clinic light up.

Yes, I am a proud momma, a tired one but one that understands the journey she walks. She is a gift to me. One that keeps me understanding the true meaning of this "life" we live. Praying it is just a bad old cold, low counts.

I must boast a little, she has worked so hard on school work every day even if she does not go to the building. She is doing an ABC project book on herself. Even as bad as she felt she insisted to go to Walgreen's with me to make copies of the needed pictures. She got very sick and almost past out and then left a not so nice "gift" in the parking lot. I was scared for a few moments until I could get her home and on the couch. Well, that dang project is done and at Staples being bound and placed on card stock. It better bring an A or else.

Blessings to you all, stay warm, have some hot coco for me and Kaye.

December 1, 2007!....Oh Gosh 24 Days Until Christmas

2007-12-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Yeap, that's right! December is here and now the race is on. Things have been a little different around the Arnold house, so we have learned to slow down, not get to busy because to be honest, we cannot plan to far out. That has helped me to not get my hopes up and of course that means I don't get disappointed as much. It has been somewhat quiet around here and for that reason I can blog more. I love this time of year. Franklin had its Christmas parade today, we did not make it down town in time but all is good because next week will be the Big Weekend. The town will turn into a page from the storybook wrote by Charles Dickens. I cannot wait, even David is looking forward to this fun time. The nights are cold and crisp and the days are beautiful with cool air and blue skies. Kaye is getting better, at least we can be out and around people. That in itself makes my heart leap.

I am praying for some extra "specialness" this year...is that a word? Anyway, I know God will grant that wish for me. The three jewels in my crown make me smile when I speak their names and think of them. That is special. It warms my heart when I pray for them. My head is full of anticipation for them and how God will use their "everyday" life to show Himself. Oh my, this season is special.

Another Day Behind Us

2007-11-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

It is bedtime here and everyone is getting ready to retire. Even the dogs seem tired tonight. Not much to report or even pull out of my head other than I am thankful we have completed another day in the journey. Kaye is still stopped up but did complete some PT today. We were able to have dinner with Chris Wills who is very special to me. I love his smile and his great big old hug. Checked on all my kids via blogs, Caringbridge and email. Each is traveling their own journey, some are in the hospital awaiting a test, chemo or operation. My heart is a big ole place these days because I carry each one of them and then fill the Throne Room in heaven with many requests. I hurt for these parents and even for us as we all await that wonderful end and the statement..."All Clear, No Cancer, You are Done". Just cannot wait!

Remembering

2007-11-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

Each Christmas brings thoughts of times past and for me smells, colors, and activities bring special people into my thoughts. People who are still right here with me and many who have gone through heaven's gates. For some reason, the smells of Christmas time remind me of my mother. I loved her so and enjoyed spending time with her. She was so talented with her hands and could make anything, clothes, anything for the house and yes even upholstering chairs! Many have told me this is grieving for me and perhaps it is but grieving does not depress me like others. I welcome all the memories of special times with loved ones. I am thankful I can even remember anything these days. Oh yes, tears do come but that makes me love them even more.

Remembering is important, that is how we continue to keep them alive. Traditions are also very important and we live through each tradition. I pray I will have a legacy that is left one day to all the people I love so much. A legacy of understanding, compassion, mercy, fun, laughter and loving people. Even those who are not here. I have several Christmas songs that I love love. David will tell you I could listen all year long but the one that brings such feelings of how much I love my parents and miss them is Celebrate Me Home. When that song comes on, where ever I am, I will stop, take a deep breath and dance. Be Still and Remember, its ok.

Simply Wait

2007-11-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will begin an Advent Devotional entitled "Simply Wait". I am very excited and I have had the book for more than 3 weeks. I put it away so I would not sneak and begin early. There are four weeks in the Advent Season: Anticipation, Hope, Patience and Obedience. I am truly looking forward to this time I will put aside to read, pray and worship. I feel blessed because I need these next four weeks of word, stillness, being close to God and also because I know the author personally. Pam Hawkins has entered into my life and caused a stirring of my soul that makes me want so much more in my spiritual life. I begin with the following: "contemplative prayer, prayer that finds its home not in busy doing or speaking but in becoming, in being."

This past year have taken me to the lowest and also high on the mountain top. I need, I want to stop, be still and continue to rest in God's arms, right in the middle of his lap. I must keep looking, pressing forward but I know his warmth will cover me and help guide me through the rest of my journey, the one of this year and many years to come. Prayer, stillness, being...this is my desire for the next four weeks.

Family Time

2007-11-25T18:27:00.000-08:00

I know all of you are completely upset with me, but what can I say, I failed you, I promise I have not been sitting on the couch wasting away, since Wednesday night we have been in Georgia enjoying family and friends. We have had such a wonderful time. Thanksgiving was such an awesome time with my family then we celebrated with the Arnolds on Saturday. All of us were at Granny and Papa's from 12 noon until that evening. I know mom was thrilled to have all of us under one roof. It was great fun cooking, watching football and enjoying one another.

We went to church today and I felt so thankful for my family and church family. Kaye had a wonderful time catching up with all the youth. Then off again to celebrate. Today is Will and Papa's birthday. Papa is 70 and Will turned 22. We all met and went out to eat. Great, Great fun. Now we are with Brenda and Steve and then tomorrow we will travel home to Tennessee. We have had such a wonderful time however, I will admit, I am looking forward to my own bed. Once home the "Pulling Down Of The Christmas Stuff" will begin and before we know it, Christmas will be here. I keep thinking about where we were last year and feeling so thankful that Kaye has come so far. She is not feeling great today but that has been her pattern for a few months now. Sundays and Mondays are hard then her body begins to recover. Well, memories were made, smiles and hugs were all around us so I feel complete. I can go home now.

Please Don't Hate Me

2007-11-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, all I can say is Sorry. We have so enjoyed our time with family that I fall into bed late at night after I have laughed all day. I will admit that it took more than 5 hours to travel home. I truly don't like traveling during the holidays but what is a girl to do. The travel was so bad we got off Interstate 24 and took Interstate 59 and the GPS directed us over Lookout Mountain, yes, I did say OVER. It was crazy, lots of fog and rain but once we got back on the interstate, there was no traffic and we were on 75. We looked at the route we took on the computer the next day and that was when David completely understood when the car was telling us we were going North, then South, then South East, then North East. I would love to do the route again when the sun is shinning and I could see the view from way up high. Still home enjoying fun with family and friends. I am at Caroline and Mike's right now so I just had to blog. She is my teacher you know. I have to make her proud. Love to you all and Peace Out

Tis The Season

2007-11-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow at this time we will be pulling into Canton, Ga. and our Thanksgiving weekend will begin. I love love love the holidays and I am so excited to be with everyone in Georgia. We have lots of plans and I just cannot wait until Shannon and I are in Mom's house with the IPOD on and cooking and laughing and helping mom get ready. Seeing both my brothers will be wonderful and just hanging out and making memories. I will have all three of my jewels around me and I just can not stand it. We will also do some celebrating while home, both Will and Papa's birthday on Sunday and also Emmi-Kate's dedication. The weather will get cold so I know we will have a fire at Hank's. Fun Fun. Lots of kitchen time and those that know me well know I love hanging out in the kitchen, cooking and yes dancing. We have so much to be thankful for this year. Kaye is feeling pretty good. When I look back on the pictures from last year I can see how sick she was. She is much better even though the chemo seems to be pulling her counts down some. God has taken such great care of us and we do indeed have so much to celebrate. Hoping each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and go ahead try making the green jello salad. Yes, I know it is the "special" receipt and only the selected one can do the task. But we all know if you are selected, you have arrived. I have a very special friend who holds this title and I am very proud of her. Peace Out!

We Have Begun The Season

2007-11-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am down on the computer while David & Kaye are upstairs watching the Monday Night Football game. The Titans are losing by 7 points so I must hurry and go help pull the team through. Today was ok, Kaye is hurting some and I have seen that the pattern is Friday-Sunday seems to be bad days and Monday is just a day to recover. She takes so much chemo on the weekend and her little body is screaming STOP RIGHT NOW!

On another note, I want to go ahead and throw out something that just gets on my nerves. Rude People! I just don't understand why people choose to be rude. But for some reason starting this week and then continuing through the end of December, people just loose their minds and many are just Ruddies! Please, Please, leave early, plan your day, know what you want, need and must accomplish so you do not have to be a RUDE person. This is a season of Hope, a season of anticipation. Please don't cause some of us to loose our joy because you are rude. There, I feel so much better. Yeap, you got it, I ran across three Rude people today that just need a spanking from their momma. Peace Out

Simply Wait

2007-11-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

I know right now there will be another entry with this title because I have the honor of attending a retreat this afternoon that will be hosted by Pam Hawkins. As I get ready to travel to Belle Meade United Methodist Church and I ponder the title I just cannot help but look back over my life and can see God's hand and His awesomeness. I can tell you that I have been taught it is very important to just Simply Wait.

Pam is a wonderful person who God brought into my life when Kaye began her journey here in Tennessee. She is the associate pastor and our dear friends Donna & Steve Harrison attend this church. We began our relationship with visits in the hospital and then she told Kaye of her journey with chemo when she was a freshman in college. A very cool relationship began and there were several things about this woman that I fell in love with:

1. She was real, not fake, right from the start
2. She truly understood where we were and never tried to tell us, "I've been there......" She just
was there.
3. Her prayers have to be straight from heaven, I have never been with a woman who once she
said "Amen" I truly felt covered with love and grace.
4. She not once wanted anything in return, just wanted to be with us, create smiles, cry with
me when I did not even understand the tears.
5. She likes Starbuck Coffee, a huge plus for Kaye
6. She was never afraid to show the human side of she was
7. She reminded me "Sharliss, Just Simply Wait"

Well, when I found out she was the author of a book, I could not wait to get a copy. Of course she took the time to write inside the cover. She wrote just to me the following:

"May you wait as a woman who trusts God beyond any human imagination. May God bless your going outs and your coming in- through Advent and Beyond."

You see the book is an advent devotional. I have had to hide this book from myself so I will wait to begin during Advent. I am so excited! Today at 4 p.m. I will sit and listen to my friend speak words of love, wisdom and to remind me how to Simply Wait.

Saturday Night Date

2007-11-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

David and I were invited to attend the "Taco Date" with Katherine tonight. Cam came over this morning and ask if we could come for soup tonight. We said "Of Course". Mainly because Ms. Sharliss loves little boys. Once we arrived, I had to have a big hug and kiss from this sweet little man and we had such a wonderful time with sweet neighbors. The Taco Soup was awesome and playing and laughing was even better. The night is cool and crisp up here and now we are getting ready for bed because we will get up tomorrow morning and attend church together as a family, something we have not done here since Kaye has been sick. I am so excited. Kaye on the other hand is a little down because we adults want to attend the 9:30 a.m. service, she will have to "get up" early. Oh well, the life of a teenager.

Kaye and I are also starting something we have never done before. We are making a quilt! Caroline gave us some great advice and now we will do this project together. I am looking forward to teaching Kaye how to use the sewing machine a little and then we will settle in, watch some movies, girlie movies of course, and do everything else by hand. It will be fun and then we will have a beautiful item from the fruit of our hands. Peace Out.

It's Friday

2007-11-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I missed Thursday. The day was full of finishing tasks and driving home very late. I just could not sit in front of the computer, I had to sleep. As for today, it was beautiful in Franklin, TN. I have a beautiful tree in the front yard that is covered with red leaves. We went to lunch with Jasmine from our home church it was great fun, lots of love and smiles. Then we were treated by the Manuel family to a fine dinner and then to see the Blue Man Group. I must say, it was different from anything I have ever seen but it was so much fun getting out and having fun with a group of people. David, Katherine and I had so much fun. Now we are home, getting ready for a nice nights sleep under the new heating blanket that David purchased while we were home. Well, hope to have more time to empty my mind tomorrow. Peace Out

Dang I Missed By 15 Minutes

2007-11-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

I just had to put on my PJ's and that made me late. Oh well, just a time thing. The rain brought so much more than just water today. It was a lovely day, a day full of completion. I feel like I can take a deep breath and if feels good. I pray each of you sleep tonight. Blessings.

God Is Good All The Time and All The Time God Is Good

2007-11-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

I thought of that phrase many times today. It was not has hectic and many of my prayers were answered today. Katherine was also able to have lunch with some friends who have not seen her since she was in the hospital in January. I enjoyed watching their face as she walked across the parking lot. I felt warm arms around me today. I washed lots of dirty clothes but enjoyed doing the "momma" thing. Tomorrow will be a day that makes such an impact. I am praying it will be a lovely day. Then I will rest tomorrow night. God is God All The Time and All The Time God Is Good. Thank you Ms. Elaine for teaching me how to truly be a good momma.

A Day Is Just 24 Hours

2007-11-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

It still amazes me how a day is 24 hours but you can only cross off two or three items off your "to do list". But there are just some days like that. Today was a good day. A day that I accomplished some important tasks that helped my heart and I thanked God that I was the vessel He used. Life can be so hard but when you are the vessel that is being used. It is a good feeling when the day is done.

Processing

2007-11-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Today was a day full of "processing". I did just that all day. I began at Mike & Caroline's church, Stonebridge, which is a new wonderful church right on the square in Marietta. My first thought was "no one will know me there and I can just hide, be, worship and no questions". I then was surrounded with lots of love, music and then a message about Reaping What You Sow and of course Mercy. I Processed this message all day and thank my Lord that he sent it to me just in time. The rest of the day was a true day of Processing. I moved from one line to another, followed rules and directions and then did one task at a time. The entire required task is not complete yet because I do not have all the requests needed to even begin the process however, I am very tired, spent, and empty. I will get up in the morning and begin another process and pray I will be told....you have finished, completed, checked off and it is all good. Rest, sleep and a heart of memories will help me sleep tonight. I pray hard for my jewels, be safe, be strong, move forward, don't get stuck in the moment. Keep your eyes forward and believe you can keep moving. "I carry your heart".

My Head is Full

2007-11-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

I wished I could say "when my head is full" I knew just what I was thinking and how to put everything into a file folder and out of my thoughts and then just deal with one file folder at a time but that is truly not how life is. Tonight my head/mind is going 90 to nothing, it is full to the brim and it is now to the point that it hurts to much to "file" anything else. This life can be so tough even when you cannot put your arms totally around all the events. Breath, and just try to pick up on folder at a time.

Isn't She Lovely

2007-11-09T18:47:00.001-08:00

It was a magical night. The Arnold girls love to dress up and of course once we were there David figured out that the majority of the men wore Jeans, Boots, White Shirt and Cowboy hat. I did inform him that their "outfit" cost more than both the outfits Kaye and I wore. He did not mind at all, once seated, her removed his coat and tie. The picture of David and Kaye is outside during the Red Carpet event. We were given Gibson T-Shirts and had to wear them. We did not mind because it was another layer of clothes to keep us warm. The other two pictures are of Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. There dresses were just beautiful. Well, there is my blog for tonight. Hoping to turn in early so I can get some rest.

Good News

2007-11-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

I am tired tonight but am thankful I can give some good new regarding Kaye's legs. Pretty much it all boils do to her muscles are not strong enough to support her and her leg bones and knees are trying to do all the work and are creating lots of pain. She does have Osteonecrosis however, very early and with the change in meds she should not have long lasting complications. We have to work very hard with her leg muscles. So more on our plate, but we will make new goals.

She had a blast at the CMA Awards. I must admit, she was thrilled about the Red Carpet event but it truly was crazy, she informed me that next year she will ask Make A Wish to be inside the Tent not outside. My girl knows what she wants. The night was great, all the people worked hard to help us with her wheelchair and make everything very smooth. Kaye had a smile on her face the entire night. I caught her singing almost every song, dancing along and she had her feet up in the seat sitting Indian style. Yes, that is right, her long chocolate gown sitting Indian style. There was lots of moving parts so we could all be together downtown at 3:45 p.m. But it all came together and was so much fun. The music was awesome. Another memory, another night to be thankful I was there enjoying watching her enjoy the event. I loved being mom!

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

2007-11-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

I know all of you have been waiting for this post, there was no way I could just go to bed without at least telling you WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME AT THE CMA AWARDS! Yeap, we got to even attended the Red Carpet event. It is late, Kaye is very tired and we have to get in the bed because we have to get up early so she can go back to Vandy and we can see the Sports Medicine Doctor. I promise, I will give you all the scoop tomorrow. It was a blast and even David enjoyed the show. I will see you tomorrow. Love Love

Hey Hey Hey

2007-11-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

I pray your day was blessed, ours was! Kaye's counts were down but still stable. She and India discussed her legs and knees and we have entered into another "avenue" on this journey but when we left, she had a smile on her face and that is just fine with this momma! Still in the wheel chair but moving forward and no tears!

Once again, God spoke to me right there in the mist of that chemo clinic. I have to admit, I am one who hates to be still, even when we go to clinic I have "something" to do, magazines or something to read, well need I even say God spoke to me! Put that book down and look around. So many kids hurting and momma's needing a smile, a hand on their shoulder and yes, just hold open the dang door. We just need to be still and look around today, not next week, today dang it! We all wait until we are in such need to listen for an answer, today I had the entire day with Kaye in that wheel chair, she was not happy but not hurting and as usual, I was moving fast to the next item on the To Do List. I stopped, no tears, no throwing up and as long as she was in the wheel chair, no pain. Deep Breath and a huge thank you! I felt like I was on a mountain top, breathing easier, moving slower. Praise, Praise, Praise! I am sure the mountain top that Peter, John and James went to was so amazing but I know that even in Franklin, Tennessee, with all its beautiful trees can be a mountain top for me. Kaye gained another pound, 105! Thursday will be the day with the Sports Medicine doctor. David and I will go together and be with her as he tells her the next phase, I know all will be just fine. The circle around us is close and tight. Thanks so much my Lord and also the hearts and hands that extend to us each and everyday. Blessings.

"You Have No Connection"

2007-11-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

This is the message that kept popping up on our computer tonight. We had a storm so of course something has gone "crazy" with our home computer but I am once again thankful to all the friends who pitched in and bought me a wonderful laptop all of my own. I plugged it in and now I can continue. I will have to call my favorite Chris Boy (Chris Wills) and ask him to walk me through getting my home computer up and talking to the internet.

This title made me think how we just take for grant the next thing in our day, things that seem to be so easy. All so while having some quiet time, I thanked Jesus for always being there for me and never leaving me. He never walks away or pushes me to the side. There is always a connection. I spent time with the Lord talking about Kaye and the new issues we will bring to the table tomorrow when we talk with India. I do have a peace right now because I know we are not alone and I also see the courage Kaye has. Even when her legs and knees are killing her, she is so determined to complete the task as hand. I will admit, every now and then she will turn to David and say "daddy, can you just carry me, I am tired". That is just how I feel when I stand in the presence of Jesus and I cannot take another step.

Also, Have I told you I hate this new time thing? It gets dark here, I mean dark by 5 p.m. I hate it, but that is another talk for another day. Praying you are still for just a few minutes and feel a big ole hug just from me. Blessings. Good night!

There Is A Time For Everything

2007-11-04T18:51:00.001-08:00

In Ecclesiastes 3 we are told that "there is a time for everything". My life has been full of many trials and journeys. Some that scared me and I begged God to get me out fast, others I even understood why I was in them but I can honestly say, today, every trial and journey I have walked, I have learned so much from. This weekend, my dear friend Caroline Bedingfield talked about something that sure hit home for me. And it caused me to think. "When we are in the mist of something, we think that it will never end." You know like when you have a new born, a new momma thinks, I will never ever sleep through the night again, or when you have teenagers you are in the mist of storms that will never calm.

Right then I began thinking about this last year. This storm stinks and it has been hard and I will admit, it has been all consuming. But as will travel to another place in this journey I look back and am sometimes angry with myself because I could not see passed the storm. Now when a new wall seems to be up around us with all this knee stuff, David reminds me "from whence we came", boy the huge stormy seas and how God has calmed so much. Again, I am thankful for the journey I am so humbled by how Kaye has preserved and again I remember the words in James 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' James 1:2-4

So for all the roads traveled, hurt, abandonment, loneliness, fear, the unknown, CANCER I will say, I count it all joy because I do view things through a different pair of glasses. The main thing these trials and journeys have taught me is to stop, to be still, and to listen and then enjoy even just that moment for it will be gone and then we will be on to the next season in just a blink.

My Thoughts

2007-11-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have thought long and hard about this thing called "A Blog". So many have no idea what, why, how, what for? Well, join the crowd. I just happen to be a mama that has been housed up with a sick child and wanted and need interaction with people, yes even mean ones! Anyhow, I have enjoyed reading others' blogs and laughing and crying and yes even cussing right along with them. This big old world is just big and if we just sit still in our own little box, it will pass us right on by so, I want to put in thoughts in words so even I can try to make some kind of sense of right now. If you really want the total truth, I wanted to do this because I can type forever and there is no limit like the Caringbridge Site and I can add pictures. That is pretty important stuff when you live 4 hours away from so many that you love and want to be loved by.

So here we are on Day 3, I wish I had something I could just give you but all I have is my life. Yesterday was wonderful in so many ways and then, just like satan likes to do, the dang rug was pulled out from under me and I let is consume me. Dr. India told us the MRI showed that Kaye has a stress fracture just below her right knee and the beginning stages of Osteonecrosis. Just let me say the Internet is a wonderful tool but it can also scare the dang heart out of someone. We understand stress fractures but that other word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was mad when my sweet girl who is doing so well had tears in her eyes and more questions. Questions I could not answer and let me tell you I DO NOT LIKE THAT! We will know more on Tuesday but we know she will not take steroids for a while or maybe never again. Anyway, another "side road" to this journey. I have asked so many to pray, pray, pray. No permanent damage of any kind.

Also just to make things a little more CRAZY, I got bit by something, we thought a spider out in the yard but the doctors say it is another inset. That just made me roll my eyes but the places on my leg look bad and they have to be watched. Is that just not the dumbest thing? I also had to get a shot!!!!!!!!!!! If you just need one more thing to pray about, add that to the list. This is the end.

Day 2

2007-11-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hahaha, what a great title! Here we go! Caroline is here and has helped me put this together. I hope I will do this justice. We have had a grand time tonight with Mike and Caroline. We went to the opening of Jake's House. It is a Life is Good store in the Green Hills area. We were also introduced to "the brothers". The two brothers who started this line of clothing while in college. John and Bert were very cool and John really enjoyed meeting Katherine. Ok, so now I will tell you what Kaye and I did today. We went and had professional pictures made of Katherine. Six outfits and 3 hours later she was worn out but we had so much fun. She is truly a beautiful child/girl and I can just tell you that we will have lots of pictures to choose from. No, JC Penny or Sears for our princess, a beautiful studio, lots of fun and the only thing she had to "work" at was being mean. Well, it is late and I must close my eyes.