I need to be honest with all of you – I am struggling to maintain a presence in the blog-o-sphere these days, and it doesn’t look like it is going to get a whole lot easier in the near future.
A while back I shared with you that my sister was diagnosed with colon cancer in December. She underwent surgery and was given a good prognosis. She did not even need chemotherapy at that time because her cancer was staged at a 2A. We became a little alarmed in March when a routine scan showed some spots on her liver – but after multiple tests and two inconclusive needle biopsies and a consultation with a liver specialist…everyone seemed to think this was NOT cancer.
But with cancer, there are no guarantees and it is not always so straight forward. Unfortunately, my sister will be undergoing more surgery on August 20th. It will be a long recovery and I am intending to go to New Hampshire to be with her and her daughters for as long as they need me. This is my first priority – there is nothing more important right now. Kip is completely supportive of me going (now I know why God put him in my life) even though I could be gone for as long as eight weeks. I have been trying to get a NH Physical Therapy license which is being held up by a delay for an FBI criminal background check (which NH requires before issuing me a license). Unfortunately, NH is one of the very few states which does not have reciprocity for therapists currently licensed in other states…so even though I have been a PT for 22 years with an unblemished record, I still must wait. I would like to be able to do a little work in NH while I’m there…so keep good thoughts that things will go through before much longer.
With everything going on with my sister, as well as being more busy than usual with work, I have been late in responding to comments, not showing up on your blogs as routinely, and in general, being a little more silent than normal. It has been all I can manage to put up book reviews and giveaways, and do the two weekly memes I enjoy the most (Mailbox Mondays and Sunday Salon). I am (at last check) about 2000 posts behind in my feed reader. Don’t even talk to me about A Novel Challenge – although that continues to run smoothly because of Teddy who has been my partner in crime over there (thank you, Teddy – I could not do it without you!).
For awhile I was feeling guilty and bad because I know I am missing things in the community and not giving back as I used to – but, I also know that this is a community full of support and understanding. Many of you feel like old friends, people who I have come to know and respect…which is why I feel I can share this personal part of my life with you.
I have no plans to desert my blog. I’ll still be around…but just with a little more silence than usual. I’ve had people ask me if they can do anything for me – and what I tell them is “Pray if you are a praying person; and send good thoughts whether you pray or not.” Because I believe completely in the power of prayer and positive thinking.
Thanks for continuing to read my blog and taking this journey with me…
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I am so sorry to hear about your sister, but I’m glad that you’ll be able to be there for her. Don’t stress over blogging stuff – this is all for fun anyway – because we’ll be here when you find some time. I’ll be praying and sending positive thoughts.
I will be praying for your sister. She’s very blessed to have such a supportive sister. And we are here for you – don’t worry!
Oh, Wendy … I’m so sorry to hear about your sister and all that is going on. Family comes first, and you know where your priorities lie. Don’t give any thought to the blog or what’s happening here in the blogging community. We are a community, and we will be here for you, no matter how often you do or don’t post.
In the meantime, know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendy, take all the time you need. We’ll all still be here when you wander back. In the meantime, you and your family will be in my prayers. What a blessing that you are able to take the time to be with your sister. I hope your license will come through in time for you to work as well.
You know how I feel … take whatever break you need. You’re focused on the most important things right now, and the blogging community will always be here. Take care, Wendy. xoxo
Wendy, I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. Sending lots of prayers your way.
Oh Wendy — I am so, so sorry! I do believe in the power of prayer and I will pray for healing for your sister, peace for her family, wisdom for the doctors, and comfort for you. I will also pray that the background check will proceed quickly and you will be able to find as much employment as you desire. Kip is definitely a God-send and I will pray for him and little Raven as well.
Keep us posted when you can, as we would be anxious to know how things are going, but do what you have to do for yourself and your sister.
Sending good thoughts (and love) to you and your sister. Email me if you need to chat. Don’t give the blogging a second thought. We all understand!
I’ll echo everyone in saying that your sister and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. We’ll see you when you get back but until then we’ll be thinking of you.
I’m terribly sorry to hear the bad news. Take all the break you need! If I was in your position I don’t think I’d have the energy to blog at all.
I am sorry to hear that your family is dealing with this. Please know that you and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendy, there is nothing more important than family, and I don’t think that you will ever regret the decision you are making to be there for your sister now. What a selfless thing to do. I hope that your generosity of spirit is rewarded with her renewed good health. Best wishes!
This is so understandable, Wendy. Take your time, and don’t worry at all about the blogosphere. Hugs.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister and will keep you in my prayers. You are right about the blogging community being a supportive group. We will all be here when you get back or when you are able to post or comment. In the meantime, take care of yourself and your family.
I’m really sorry to hear about your sister. My thoughts are with you. There is nothing more important than being with your family at a time like this so I think you’ve made the right decision. ((HUGS))
Oh, I am so sorry that this is happening to you and your sister. Don’t feel guilty at all: it sounds like you are already doing a superhuman job of balancing all the aspects of your life. Just do what is pleasurable to you in the blog world….
Take the time you need, Wendy – we’ll be here when you get back. I’ll keep you and your sister in my thoughts.
I will definitely be hoping for the best for you and your sister. This has been a long trial for your family. Don’t feel guilty for focusing on it, Wendy. After all, family is the only thing that really matters.
So sorry to hear about your sister, Wendy, but your priorities are definitely in the right place. Do what you need to do—we’ll all be here whenever you’re ready to come back.
our prayers are with you. we understand.
Wendy, I’m so sorry about the further developments in your sister’s condition. I am definitely a praying person and will put your sister and her family and you as well on my list. Take care of yourself. All of this will be here when you come back. Big, big hugs to you all and may God bless!
I hope for the best for your sister! It’s awful that she has to go through this, but so nice that you can be there for her.
I am so sorry to hear about what your sister is going through right now. I know how hard it can be to keep everything going when there is illness in the family. Please do take care of yourself, and don’t worry about blogging and visiting. The internet will be here when you get back. I will keep your sister and yourself in my prayers.
I am glad that you have such support in Kip and that you can take the time to be with your sister. I hope the background check and the license come through soon.
Wendy,
I’ll send prayers for you and your sister. Having been through all that horrible illness involves with my mother, I know how it consumes your time and your thoughts. Don’t worry about the blog. Family comes first; the blog community will still be here when you have the time to devote to your blog, again.
You’re right about your sister being your first priority right now. I’ll keep you guys in my prayers.
I think your priorities are exactly where they should be! Will keep you and your sister in my thoughts and prayers…
I’m hoping for all good things for both you and your sister. I just lost mine to the same thing, although she had chemo. The cancer was just too strong. It’s far more important for you to be there to help her. Take time with her and show her you love her. We’ll be here whenever you have the time. She’s far more important right now. Big hugs for you both and lots of hope.
Wow, sorry to hear about your sister. We’re thinking of you, feel sure. Take your time,
I think I can safely speak for all in saying we will all be praying for you and will be around to support you whenever you show up or need anything!
Wendy – I will definitely be keeping your sister – and you and the rest of the family- in my prayers. Take as much time as you need – we will still be here when you have time.
As far as reader is concerned – take a deep breath and mark all read. there you feel better already don’t you
No-one is going to be upset that you haven’t read there blog at a time like this – family comes first and will certainly pray for your sister, her family and for you.
Take care of yourself and when you are ready you can be sure we’ll all be waiting here to help shout from the roodtops
Wendy – You and your sister will be in my prayers. My family has been touched by colon cancer and I feel deeply for what you are experiencing. May the Lord hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Don’t worry about the blogging! We’ll be here when you get back to it, no matter how long you need to take time away. God Bless.
I opened my blog this morning and tears filled my eyes as I read all your wonderful comments and words of support. Thank you so much – this is THE BEST community out there. My sister and I and our family so appreciate your good thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
I’ll still be posting reviews as I finish books and you’ll see me every Monday for Mailbox Mondays and Sundays for Sunday Salon. I also have some book giveaways lined up and ready to go over the next few weeks…so I will be around still…but, I am glad to see that if I have to take some days away, that you will all still be here when I return.
*hugs* to all of you.
I haven’t been around as much blogging this summer due to some family issues and know that my blogger friends are still there to support me. I haven’t posted here for some time either and will be praying for your sister and you and your family. She is so blessed to have you in her life and to be by her side. As an OT, I can understand the hoops you must be going through to get your license and hope it all falls together soon. That’s the beauty of our professions…we can work in almost any state PRN , it’s the license snags that take a bit of time to work out. Good luck!
We have had some health problems at our house too, and I feel for you in a way that only those who have been touched by cancer can be (which nowadays seems like everyone).
. Do whatever you need to do and take what ever time you need.
So here is my gift to you-never feel guilty about responding to my comments, my blog, or my tweets
Sending you my prayers and my good thoughts!
I’m sorry to hear about your sister, but it’s great you are able to go be with them during this time. I totally understand the guilty feeling that comes with not being able to be part of the blogging community as much as you wish you could, but you’re totally right — we understand
Good luck with everything — good thoughts are coming your way.
I’m wishing all the best for you Wendy!
Wendy we DO understand! Your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers. It is truly a blessing that you are able to go and help your sister. (Last week I took off without a word – or a book – in order to help after a family member’s heart attack.) Blogging or reading blogs when you have the time is enough; family does come first and we all understand that.
Definitely sending prayers for you and for your sister and family at large. I wish you and her nothing but the best, and I’ll certainly be thinking and praying for the situation.
Put first things first and don’t feel guilty. Also, may I suggest you declare “Google Reader bankruptcy” and use the Mark All As Read button. That’s what it’s there for. It delivers a great feeling of freedom!
Good thoughts AND prayers coming your and your sister’s way.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister, Wendy. I have been pretty silent the past few months because of things going on in my life (no illness, fortunately), but I did want you to know that I’ll be thinking of you both and wishing the best for your both. Thank goodness your sister will have you there by her side; what a comfort. I also want to let you know that I haven’t forgotten the Childhood Cancer pledge that I made. My reading time has been drastically reduced the second quarter of this year, and although I’ve lost track of how many books I’ve read, I will make good on my pledge!
I’m sorry to hear this. I was hoping that all would be well with your sister. I’ll still keep thinking positive thoughts for her and you as well.
I have to say I’m not surprised about NH’s rules and red tape. That state drives me knuts! My aunt lives there and she always had fun stories to tell about the regulations related to her tree farm, etc.
I hope that you get your license soon for NH so you can do some work, while there. I’m glad you have Kip to support you. I know he’s a really good guy.
I’ll be thinking of you all. No worry about the silence…we all have had these times in our lives and totally understand.
Wendy, you do what you need to do. I’ll be sending plenty of positive thoughts your way and to your sister and the rest of your family. Take care!
Once again – thank you to all who have left words of support and are keeping me and my sister in their thoughts and prayers….it means more to me than you’ll ever know.
Sorry I’m late to this post. I’m keeping you and your sister and your families in my thoughts and prayers. Don’t worry about the online stuff; “real life” is more important.
I know I’m behind on this but I wanted you to know I’ve been thinking about you and will be praying for you.
Anna: No need to apologize! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Heather: Thank you so much – it means a lot to me.