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Hey there MIP family. Tomorrow, I am headed out of town for a day trip to visit my friend with cancer. She's currently in treatment and because she was no responding to chemo, they've changed up the cocktail and still battling. She's a spiritual person as well as religious and has been very upbeat through the process. However, she went 'radio-silent' a few days back, so I reached out to her in lieu of our small group.
She was very clear - she's struggling with her own mortality and is having a hard time living One Day at a Time. She is NOT in our fellowship but obviously this lovely slogan we live/breathe by has spread beyond our fellowship. She asked me to pray for just that - her ability to stay focused on One Day at a Time.
I am wondering if any of you know of daily readers that are just for life/spiritual folks beyond our program literature? I am also wondering if you've got any supporting words for her goal and lastly, if not - can you pray for her and all suffering with any disease to focus on the present, the here and now?
I have already processed with HP the worse case scenario. I have accepted if she needs to leave this earthly place that it will be God's will. I am sure she's also gotten there. However, I am really struggling for words beyond I'm praying for you, I'm thinking of you, etc. Of course, she knows I love her....
So - I'll take anything you have for me...leaving by 9:30am CST tomorrow morning. TIA!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Hello IAH I am sending positive thoughts and prayers to accompany you on this difficult journey.
I do have three small meditation books with clear indexes that are very powerful
The three books are in one small pocketbook and is entitled:The Way,. The Furrow and the Forge. . I purchased it in Barnes & Noble's a few years ago and it is invaluable.
The author is Josemaria Escriva.
I know that you will be in the moment and reach deep within and be able to say the right words at the right time. You have worked hard on your recovery and your positive spiritual being will provide you with the words and compassion that you will need at this time .
Send HP before you and know that you will be in my prayers
Thanks Ladies! Betty - I am going to see if I can find that book locally.....would love to grab it before I go. I have no issue sharing mine with her but they definitely have more 'value' to those of us in recovery!
Sarah - love the prayers - will take all that I can get for her and I.
(((Hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
First off prayers to both your friend struggling with cancer and you as well as you go to see her. Our friends are the people that we choose to have in our lives and sometimes the prospect of losing them can be even more upsetting then people we are related to . The first thing that came to my mind to suggest is not a book but mindfulness practices to assist in remaining present in the moment. I am sure that there is likely some designed specifically for people battling terminal/chronic illnesses in a cd format or online. Some of the practicioners that I have used material from are Jon Kabat-Zinn, Dr Ron Nagel and Dr Kirsten Neff.
I have also found Jon Kabat-Zinn's meditations very useful, my favourite book of his is 'Wherever You Go, There You Are.' Eckhart Tolle's 'The Power of Now' is a book that I have read many times. Here are a couple of quotes from the authors for your journey....
I'm sure your friend will greatly appreciate your visit and the love that you bring with you. Sending (((((hugs))))) as always!
Thank you all for your suggestions, thoughts, quotes and prayers! Make it a great day - taking you all and my toolbox and packing the car now!!! (((Hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
I too am praying for you on this journey. I can only imagine how difficult this must be. I would think for myself that hearing that I was loved, that I mattered and maybe why I mattered and that everything is as it should be right now, this moment. may be of comfort. Allowing someone the grace of letting go seems like a monumental task. I am sure with your HP in the driver seat, you will find a peaceful way through.
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Bethany
"Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be." Abe Lincoln
prayers for you and your friend. you will need lots of strength after the visit so feel free to pm me. I hospice cared my sister and dad personally and it was a life changing experience.
IAH would you also thank her for the opportunity of bringing us together to meditate and pray with Higher Power for her peace of mind and serenity. She allows us the opportunity to send our heartfelt prayers and love with you and to experience gratitude for the process. Be safe sister that prayers and with and for you also. (((hugs)))
Thank you all for the wisdom, strength and love you bring to my program and life each day. We had a lovely day and many great discussions. We talked about husbands, kids, life, God, spirituality, recovery and faith. We talked about fear, hope, loss, life and what comes next after we leave this earth.
Because of each of you, it was tear-less for us both. I can not explain how HP works, but any/all fears I had for her outcome in this battle were lifted, if just for that day. I stayed way longer than planned, drove back home, changed into ball clothes and played ball - which is part of my self-care and therapy. It was a long, long day but one of the best days possible.
I was able to share with her that she was loved by me and many of my program friends. I told her that I had added her to the prayers of others in recovery locally as well as world-wide. This made her smile - and she's got a great smile. She was having a really good day, so we even ventured out to lunch. She has lost all her hair, so I went make-up free and very casual and we were comfortable and at peace.
When I first found out about the recurrence, I had purchased two silver bracelets from Avon. (Local mega-store in my area) I had set them aside to bring her and almost forgot. When I woke up, I recalled I had those for her (thanks HP!!!) so gifted them to her. One says, "One Day at a Time" and the other has the Serenity Prayer on it. I also helped her load music onto two phones and gave her some headphones. Her request for me was help living One Day at a Time and for me, music is one tool I use to ground me often.
I had a long, long day but I feel blessed and honored that she's in my life. We were both happy to be together and enjoyed the day. We are going to try and get together each week. Thank you all for your wisdom, suggestions, prayers and ideas - and most of all for your love!! (((Hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thanks ladies....I actually feel like the blessed one - I would hope I have half the courage she has if I have to face what she's going through...
(((Hugs))) to all!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Hugs so glad you had an amazing trip! Visiting my sponsor was exactly what I needed to do. It gave her peace and me too. I agree the God of my understanding has a way of keeping emotions at bay. Sending prayers of healing and peacefulness to you both.
S :)
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Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you've got all the answers, then don't call what you do "faith". - Brene Brown
"Whatever truth you own doesn't own you" - Gary John Bishop
Thanks sweetie - great photo in your avatar.....love the shades!!!! (and of course, the smile)!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
