Perspective . . . a healthy dose

The following is an e-mail my sister-in-law, Pam, sent out early this morning.  

I am thankful for . . . LIFE!!

In December, 2004, my doctors discovered that I had stage 3 ovarian cancer.  After many complications during surgery, my husband, Mike, was told I would not live through the night. Hundreds of people prayed in unity for me that night and over the next few days!  My heavenly Father brought together the right doctors, nurses, and medications to save my life.  When I came home from the hospital two weeks later, I began to battle the cancer.  Only one-third of the women with ovarian cancer live longer than 5 years.  I was 44 years old and decided to set my sights on turning 50!

Today is my 50^th birthday!

As I reflect on the last 6 ½ years, I am thankful for:

• ·         being “chosen of God, holy and beloved.”  Colossians 3:12-17 is my life story.
• ·         my cancer.  It has given me God-ordained connections with so many people!
• ·         God’s incredible healing power that He continues to pour into my body.
• ·         doctors and nurses who recognize God’s miraculous interventions.
• ·         enjoying God’s restoration in my marriage. (Joel 2:25-27)
• ·         over 1000 early morning prayers with Mike, my husband.
• ·         being married to my best friend.  (I would still choose you Mike!)
• ·         over 5000 good night hugs and kisses from my sons, Joel and Seth.
• ·         helping Seth learn to love reading.
• ·         being Joel’s number one fan every time he plays the guitar and sings.
• ·         riding the Boomerang roller coaster at Wild Adventures with Seth . . . only once.
• ·         retaining the title of “Mommy, Finder of All Things.”
• ·         helping Joel learn to drive.
• ·         singing hymns with Seth as he plays the piano.
• ·         reading The Lord of the Rings trilogy aloud to my boys.
• ·         sharing my childhood home with my 90-year-old mother.
• ·         watching the sun rise every morning over the same farm I learned to love as a child.
• ·         over 4500 meals shared with my family after we hold hands and pray.
• ·         walking to Axson with my family on the same road I walked as a child.
• ·         all 93 students influenced in my classroom.
• ·         all the hats worn in my honor, in Lumpkin county the first time I lost my hair and in Atkinson county the second time.
• ·         the family who prayed in Spanish for my healing during parent conferences at my school.
• ·         every person God has gathered into a remarkable support system, from my husband and children and extended family to school personnel to medical staff in Atlanta and Valdosta to church family.  I truly love you and could not walk this path without you!

So here is how you can help me celebrate my 50^th birthday.  Please join me in thanking God for my life.  I want Him to hear hundreds of people praying in unity again, only this time thanking and praising Him!  And while you are praying, maybe you can think of something in your own life to thank Him for.  I would love to join you in thanking Him for your life so send me an email (pwitherspoon@gmail.com).

Feel free to forward this email to anyone who knows me or might be encouraged by my story. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Love, 

Pam 

The first picture was taken the day we brought her home from the hospital in December 2004 and the 2nd was taken December 2010. And how is she celebrating her day today? Having chemo, of course!

Have a great day!

Praising God for celebrating 50 years with my "sister"!!!!!