WHERE, WHAT, WHY?

karenringalls

WHERE: My journey for the past 5 months has taken me to mountain-top highs and some desert lows. I have had two major events that have required a lot of time and energy.

A mountain-high joy when my husband was declared cancer-free. The desert low was the lasting effects of radiation and hormone therapy.

A second “high” was the decision and initial steps in our major fundraiser for women’s cancers.

WHAT: 16 years ago I went through the fatigue, fears, and treatments of cancer not once but three times. Now it was what my husband jokingly calls “his ovarian cancer for men” better known as prostate cancer.

The date of May 11th is set for our fundraiser. The day before Mother’s Day! How perfect! Many things to do. Many details to cover. Excitement grows. Time to read, write (except for the fundraiser), and relax is shorter and shorter.

WHY: When it comes to cancer (or any serious illness), there is no answer for why. We accept whatever challenges and try to learn and be better people.

I chose to not do any writing or reading, simply because my entire focus was on the health of my husband and the success of the fundraiser.

LESSONS: Therefore, I have had many hours to evaluate my life, decide on my priorities, and how I can live as God would want me to.

To do any writing (even a blog), reading books, blogs, or articles has been a challenge. My macular degeneration is only part of the reason. I looked back and realized that I needed to step back and away. By doing so, I have a new energy and interest. I want to use my gift with the pen to teach, share, and inspire everyone.

Here is a wonderful quote by Hans Urs von Balthasar: “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” My grandmother taught me this quote as a young girl. It has helped me through many aspects of my life.

Please know that I have returned to reading books and blogs, and will write reviews and comments. I will raise awareness and fundraise for cancer research.

Here is my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/kareningalls1941 and to my fundraising page: https://give.adventhealth.com/fundraiser/5552764

10 thoughts on “WHERE, WHAT, WHY?”

  1. I am so thankful your husband is cancer free, Karen. What a wonderful gift from God! Blessings to you both!

    I had a family member go through the radiation and hormone treatment for prostrate and know how draining it can be. The outcome, however, is well worth those long months.

    I love the quote you shared. It’s one I often remind myself of these days. My outlook on writing has changed drastically in the last year, and I couldn’t be more content with the direction God is leading me. Have a blessed day!

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    1. Thank you for sharing about your family member. We are both blessed to share good news about them.
      This is a quote that my grandmother impressed on me and it has always been a guide. It is always amazing how God can and does direct us in new ways…if we let it be. I wish you the best. I am currently reading The Keeping Place.
      God bless you.

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  4. I am SO happy to hear your husband has been declared cancer free, Karen! We all need those times to step back and not only take care of ourselves and loved ones, but reflect. That is a beautiful quote and so true. Welcome back. Xo

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  5. Dear Karen, your entire life is a blessing. The cancer walk is a life changing one, as I tread its path daily. These last weeks, I’ve been pretty silent as well, because of my husband’s successive 3 surgeries. He’s growing stronger by the day, but it’s been a complicated journey. Thank you for modeling patience, loving kindness – and your faith. Sending love and hugs — ❤️

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