It's easy to identify those who "bejewel" my life! My husband of nearly 19 years is my best friend; he's a man of strong faith, family devotion, & generosity. Our five children are the love & light of our lives! My husband & I are both blessed with inspiring, faith-filled parents, as well as siblings & their spouses who are always there for us. We have cherished friends whose kindnesses & prayers are valued more than they could ever know.
Life as I knew it changed almost 4 years ago when my Dad was diagnosed with a brain mass and presented with symptoms of not being able to think or speak clearly. My dad's story is truly an inspiring one, worthy of a book. (Someday, that just may be on my to-do-list?!) He was thought to have "PCNS Lymphoma", a rare brain cancer with a two-month life expectancy without treatment. Our faith led us to include him on prayer chains, make visits to a local Shrine, load him up on patron saint medals, use special prayers, & receive blessings from priests. He had a prayer blanket & prayer cloth too.
After a month of symptoms with no treatment, the idea kept creeping in my mind to have others perform a special "act of kindness" with the special intention as a prayer in active form for my Dad. The results were overwhelming, with participants reaching across the USA with the most heart-felt, thought-out acts of kindnesses. In the week that followed this, my Dad's speech improved greatly, pains subsided, & his thought processes appeared close to normal. Our next visit to Cleveland Clinic, he was declared a "miracle" three times by his cancer doctor! He stated that Dad's body was in the process of healing itself & the spot was smaller. In time, it completely disappeared, & now he enjoys life to the fullest. He loves playing cards, woodworking, & traveling with my Mom, a retired first grade teacher. This miracle was certainly a precious gift! Their faith has always inspired me!
Last week, my Dad had a "mild" heart attack. He was hospitalized a few days, & is now home, awaiting triple bypass surgery next week. My Dad is a true "Miracle Man" with enduring the Vietnam War, being hit by a train, raising five kids (lol!), getting life-flighted after hitting a tree, having a brain tumor, and now a heart attack followed by Open Heart Surgery. When we were little, Dad would tell us to make room when we sat down for our Guardian Angel. I believe Dad's Angel is very special & always near him!
It is my hope with this blog, be.jeweled, to share with you about family life (with five kids, you know it's always an adventure around our house!), the importance of faith, inspirations, & being decorated, as if by jewels...
to brighten & enrich our lives...be.jeweled!
~God's Peace, Love, & Joy~ Amy