Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2015

As I sit here sending out my text messages to some of my special peeps, I realize what this year is to us! Two years ago I was in the middle of chemo and freaking out about cancer. Last year I was recouping from my second shoulder surgery, hoping that it was going to work and wondering if I could go back to the job I loved. THIS YEAR 2015- I find myself healthy (except for this ear infection) and back at work- for a new company, Southwest. I am doing what I love. I have become a "double" Grand Mom this year. We are so blessed and they are precious.

It is also the year that me and all my "way back girlfriends" turn 50. That just blows me away! It seems like only yesterday that me and Kelley would sit and talk in high school about how we wanted to get a convertible Mercedes for our 50th birthday- so stupid but the Mercedes we wanted back then was a current model, not a new futuristic one....not so stupid now, I would still rather have an old classic, than a new one!

 Priorities also change as we get older also, or is it just because I had the cancer scare? Mercedes don't really matter, spending as much time with my love ones and "living" is the most important. (Doesn't mean I wouldn't jump up and down for a convertible) but doing things and making memories with the ones I love is the most important. Last year I gave a journal to Lloyd for Christmas and it has stuff I wanted us to do- my New Years resolution is to start marking off those pages and living life. 50 is an important year and I am so glad I made it here!!

A toast to all my girls turning 50 this year- embrace it and start living it!! To my husband that puts up with me, thanks you are the best, I love ya! To my kids, y'all need to hold tight to those babies, they grow up really quickly! I love y'all!! Happy New Years to all my friends and love ones!








Sunday, November 16, 2014

Thankful- Thanksgiving 2014

2014- Wow what a year and how very thankful I am this Thanksgiving season!!
I might get deep and emotional in this post, so stop ready here if that offends you.

Today I saw my third grandchild being born. This one was extra special because from the time my first born little girl Kristi, was in this world- all I could imagine, was her one day becoming a mother. When I went through the cancer, all I could think of was not being here to live out that dream. Today that milestone was met with open arms. To be there for Peyton's birth and to be standing alongside her sister as she helped to deliver this baby, was incredible. That room was so filled with love- We were all present, Krisit"s sister and best friend Brittany, Me, her dad, her mother-in-love and Bradley, the love of her life. To see this miracle and to experience this love is the most humbling experience.
If anyone says they don't believe in God, they have never been brought to their knees asked and begged for a positive outcome or a miracle, and been given that, AND more! There is no way someone can watch the miracle of childbirth (that is truly the only way to describe it) and not believe it is not guided by God's hand. This morning we saw the presence of God, love, and miracles. For that my life is blessed and my request fulfilled to be here for that birth. How could I be thankful for more?
BUT I AM!!
Not only was I able to be around for Peyton's birth, but God blessed me with Brittany's surprise, Baby Kinsley. I have to say....probably because I am her grandmom, but there is not a better, more precious baby girl, than that one born 4 months (to the day) before Peyton! That little girl holds my heart and
 I am so thankful for her. 16 is now my lucky number!!
7/16/2014 "Baby Girl" Kinsley Carter Howell and 11/16/2014 "P Daddy" Peyton West Horne
Brittany came up with both of the nicknames. The stress of Kinsley's birth and the prayers that were answered on that one- is just another slap in the face that God is real and I have so much to be thankful for!
The third little guy in my Grand Mom trilogy is Homer. What a little man!! He lights up my world- and because God put Lloyd in my life and he is an amazing man, I got my bonus son- Jim who in turn gave me our first grandson Homer- born on our Anniversary. And of course behind any awesome man, is an awesome mother- so there is Janet, my daughter-in-love. I am so thankful to have a son, finally and for that son to be such an awesome, different, child of mine!! I am so thankful for having that little family in our life.
Then other thing that is truly a blessing and I am SO thankful for, is my health. There was a time that I thought this stupid shoulder would never be healed. Or that Stupid Cancer would beat me. This year has proved it different! I healed from my second shoulder surgery and I went back to work!!! YES, I was able to return to a job I love and I am now turning a page and moving on to Southwest and starting a whole new chapter in that novel. (Stay tuned folks!!)
Lastly, all of this would not be possible without the amazing man I have standing by my side. Lloyd was truly a gift from God. He appeared at a low point in my life, he showed me unconditional love, he nursed me back to health through shoulder surgeries and cancer, he cooked for me and encouraged me, and he always supported my crazy dream of being a flight attendant. I know I could never be thankful for all the above things without him standing by my side!!
I am blessed and I am thankful! Thankful to God for all he has given me. There is so much more to mention, but right now: after being up all night birthing a baby, I am too tired to go into detail= I will list just a few.
I am Thankful for:
My Mom- and the time I am still able to spend with her.
My Sister- who I couldn't do without
My Amazing Friends- you all know who you are!!

Thanksgiving 2014 has given me all the blessings I could ask for!! It goes down in the history books for me!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

September 11, never forget

I can't help but think about the events of 9/11, not just because I am now a flight attendant; but because at this moment I am staring at Boston's Logan Airport,  from my hotel. This is where some of the monsters boarded planes with the sole purpose of killing Americans.


I know tomorrow my heart will hurt for the 25 flight attendants killed and their families. I will remember how they were the front line of this attack and how brave and calm they were in the face of this evil. I know I joke about my job and passing the pretzels, but I also take it seriously. I take security and safety seriously.  My heart will hurt for ALL the victims of this attack.

I also know that the threat of another attack is high right now. We, as flight attendants need to be alert and aware of our surroundings. We also need to stand up for our safety and make sure that TSA and DHS are requiring the proper identification for passengers boarding planes. We need to continue the fight to keep knives off the plane. Most of all we need to be alert to odd behavior and security breaches of any kind.

Every year at this time we remember the brutal attacks made on this day in 2001, but we need to remember EVERY day! We need to remember how easily, how calculated and how ruthless these attacks were! Take time to watch some of the broadcast again, or listen to Bety Ong make her phone call. Take a moment to reflect, again. Please never forget. There were so many heroes that day, starting with the flight attendants, and ending with the fire fighters, God bless them all! ..............
8:46
9/11/01


Sunday, August 24, 2014

August 24th- Cancerversary

Today even though I surrounded myself with my love ones and woke up with two of my kids here with their babies, I still woke and had this panicky feeling. Something was off and just not right. I had no clue what it was until I looked at my phone to check my flight schedule. Today was Doom Day, Today was the anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. Lloyd prefers me not to even bring up that day or that anniversary, but it sneaks up on me and takes my breathe, without even knowing. I have spent the past couple of months focusing on work and the girls and their pregnancies, but today the C word came back to haunt me and grab my breathe and sit on my chest. I can't escape the date, I can't not think about it and yes, I think about the fact that I am cancer-free, but it also panics me to remember August 24, 2012.
That day I found out that within a minute, life changes. Life can turn black in an instant. So, it can't be ignored, so let's toast the day my life changed. Cancer, you suck, I beat your ass and I became a new person because of you- now get the hell out of my thoughts I have living to do, here's to all the August 25th's!! Tomorrow is another day and I have too much to be thankful for-

 My mom and my grand baby, Kinsley

Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Lucky One at 49

After dodging a cancer bullet, EVERY birthday is special and you appreciate each one that passes. This year is a real special one for me. The one thing that I was worried about missing when I heard I had cancer, was not being able to see Kristi and Brittany have children. Well this birthday I am anxiously awaiting Brittany's first child and then low and behold, Kristi got pregnant too! I was with them both this week and my heart fills with more joy than I could EVER imagine, when I see them and their big ole bellies!!
I normally celebrate my birthday the whole month of June, but between worrying about Kinsley and working, I haven't had time to reflect too much on it until today. That's not to say that when life settles down a bit, that I won't pull out that Birthday "card" and use it somewhere down the road.
Last week seemed like the gopher game at the fair, every time I seem to have one thing figured out, up jumps another gopher. I have to remember that I just have to trust in God and let him hold the hammer and take care of everything....and he did!
My life is so blessed right now! I am back at work doing what I love, I am getting ready to meet my two precious babies, I am married to the most supportive husband, I have the BEST friends and family a girl could ask for, I still have my mama with me, and I am healthy!
There is not another single thing I could ask for on this 49th Birthday!!! This year is going to be the best!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Back...Up up in the air

This weekend, I did something that, for the past two years I didn't think I would be able to do.....I returned to the air! My shoulder had been injured so bad, I didn't think it would ever not hurt. Then, came the breast cancer! The dream I had in 2010, when I put on those wings, felt like it was going to be short lived.

I had dreamed of flying since I was a little girl. I thought it was so cool that my dad built planes. My other friends had more money and their dads were Dr's or lawyers, but that didn't hold a candle to the fact he worked at Lockheed. I was more impressed with his job. Every time I heard the C5-A come screeching across the sky and rattling the windows, I would run outside to look. I still to this day, lift my head every time a plane from Dobbins is flying over my house. The highlight of my childhood was when the Blue Angles were in town and Missy and I would climb on top of my roof to watch them. They felt so close we would duck down when they got near. One year my brother took us to the base to watch them and I felt like I had died and gone to heaven!

 I didn't know anything about commercial flying, so I can't say the dream was to be a flight attendant...just to fly. I struggled to find out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I thought briefly about the armed services, but I was scrawny and didn't think I could make it through one day of boot camp, since I loathed to run!! I thought about teaching, but since I hate math, as much as running, I didn't think I was qualified to teach a 1st grader anything!! As I got in high school and the thought of traveling to far away places, intrigued me, I thought being a flight attendant would be cool. I would wear a uniform, like the military, tell people what to do, like a teacher and get to fly- like I wanted to do.

Several times during my life, the opportunity came up to apply with the airlines, but it was never the right time. Until 2010- April 28th, I graduated from 4 weeks of training with the greatest group of people!



After two shoulder surgeries, countless hours of physical therapy, two breast cancer surgeries, 8 chemo treatments, and a week of re-training- I pinned my wings back on Friday and took to the skies!
My first trip was with one of my favorite classmates, Hillary and Ashlee (some random crazy girl we had never met, who is now our bff).  We had awesome layovers in Washington DC and Raleigh, my stomach hurts from all the laughing!



Being a flight attendant is something that is not for everyone. You have to be able to adapt and be flexible. Tuesday was my day off, but we had a mechanical problem and couldn't get home Monday night. Most people would not be able to handle that uncertainty. You also have to have a personality to change someones attitude around, even when they are totally pissed off at you or a situation. I have to say, I love what I do. It is not something that takes alot of brain power- (getting the head count is by far the hardest thing for me. Ha ha) but it takes alot of personality, adaptability and mental fortitude. Plus, we are able to rescue and save your butts in a moments notice.

We are trained as, teachers, nurses, paramedics, boat captains (I hope to never have to use that skill), police officers, waitresses, counselors, hotel connoisseurs, etc. I am so happy to be back up in the air and I thank my husband for being supportive of this career and my family for being understanding when I miss Easter, or Christmas or other important events. I am truely blessed with my life and I thank God for it everyday!!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Week 1 of my 3 week plan

Well I have to say, it's been pretty easy. I have not had any white flour or sugar (unless it was hidden in something I ate). I am down 3 pounds, although losing weight is not the main goal, I'm still encouraged to be getting closer to the number I have in mind for my ultimate weight. I have cheated a little with my wine, (which I admitted would be hard), but when I am sitting in our place in TN and the sun is setting on a gorgous day- I just gotta!!
The biggest positive from this plan has been my energy level- after the past two years of sitting around and then the chemo, I haven't had much energy. This past week, about 4pm and the time I usually wanted a nap- I am ready to go out on my 30 minute walk. One day it was even after 2 hours of physical therapy!! I just FEEL healthy.
If any of you joined me in this plan, share with us any changes you have noticed!

To the park for my walk!!!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Day 3- Let's get started

So today is the day that I will put all the research into action. We talked yesterday about what fueled cancer cells. Today I will share what I will be doing religiously, for the next three weeks to fight that fire!! I made several of these changes the moment I found out about the cancer, but it is time to turn into a Warrior and fight to keep Cancer out of my life! I have given myself 3 weeks to focus on all these changes, but I will hopefully make these "life changes".
Another reason for writing these three blogs, was to educate my kids and loved ones. Hopefully, they will make some little changes, to keep Cancer out of their lives! This idea came to me when I opened both of their refrigerators and found huge tubs of Country Crock. Along with sugar, margarine is the devil. Not only is it full of  Omega 6, which we want to avoid because of the inflammation that it causes, but one of the ingredients is Calcium Disodium EDTA. This ingredient is made from a concoction of poisons and chelation chemicals. So, I am hoping to teach my loves ones what they can do to avoid the cancer that lives in them.
So let's get started!! Here are the changes that I have made or will be making for the next 3 weeks.

1. Exercise- I will exercise at least 30 minutes 6 times a week. (It really needs to warm up!!) I am also now wearing a FitBit to remind me how much I am moving!
2. Sugar- will be eliminated from my diet.
3. Trans Fat- Eliminated as well. This is found in processed foods- key words are Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
4. Omega 6 is bad and Omega 3 is good- I am not a friend of Salmon so I add the Omega 3 to my diet via Chia Seeds. I sprinkle them into my yogurt each morning.
5. Wine and Alcohol- I know what your thinking! (Traci's going to stop drinking??) Well, I really have slowed down already. I usually don't drink during the week and have only a couple of glasses during the weekend. I can kick the habit for 3 weeks, then we will go from there. I do know that when I don't drink, I feel A LOT better and sleep better! And as previously stated, one glass of red wine with dinner is beneficial.
6. White Flour- This will be eliminated. If I eat bread, it will be multi grain or sourdough. Rice will be whole grain or basmati.
7. Stress- No body stress me out, ok??
8. Vegetables- I will be eating a lot more of these guys! Greens are good!!
9. Eliminate Chemicals- This is really hard!! I started with my deodorant- Thanks to Jennifer (aka Jenny from the Block), I have been able to try out most of the natural ones and the one below is my favorite. It really works, which is necessary since chemo pushed me into menopause and those hot flashes are hell!

Some of my weapons in this fight:
 
In the picture above is, my shampoo It is Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle, my deodorant Crystal Essence, and My Fit Bit
 
In addition, to those products:
 
1. My yogurt maker- I make my own yogurt from Organic milk and eat it in the mornings, and also make homemade Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing with it. Way before cancer we stopped buying bottled Salad Dressings and have always made our own.
 
2. Nutra-Bullet- I use this to make healthy drinks and my salad dressings.
 
 My Magic Bullet drink

Garden is planted- takes the guess work out of ingredients when I KNOW it is fresh and organic!!
 
****UPDATED for Yogurt instructions***
many have asked how you make your own yogurt- Well you start with a yogurt maker, mine is a Cuisine brand (pictured below) It's really easy, 1. you boil milk (i use fat free organic), to 180 degrees 2. let it cool 3. mix with a yogurt culture (you can purchase this in powder form or use one you previously made or use store bought 6oz container) 4. place in jars that come with your yogurt machine 5. place in yogurt machine for recommended time (9 hours for fat free milk) 6. Then take it out and place in the refridgerator, you will have 7 6oz containers of yogurt.
I add agave necter, berries and chia seeds to mine to flavor, when I eat it.
 
 
 
 
So here is a list of the VIP Foods for Fighting Cancer, lets add them to our diet and see how we feel:
 
1.Green Tea- 3 cups a day
 
2. Olive Oil
 
3. Tummeric-
 
4. Mushrooms
 
5. Berries
 
6. Ginger
 
7. Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts 3 times a week
 
8. Veggies and Fruits high in Caroteoids (Red, yellow orange colored)
 
9. Tomatoes
 
10. Dark Chocolate
 
11. Yogurt
 
12. Drink lots of water to help flush toxins
 
This is not some hard diet to follow, it is more just a conscious way of thinking that will help ANYONE keep the cancer cells extinguished. Please let me know if you are going to join me on this road and keep me posted on how you are feeling and any changes you may experience. 


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Day 2- Cancer Fuel

We began the journey of knowledge, in the last blog and learned some of the "reasons" I believe I was susceptible to cancer. Now we will start talking about what we can do to keep Cancer away. This section is also helpful for people who want to live healthy and not fuel the cancer that lives in their body. Remember fact one in yesterdays blog, EVERYONE has cancer cells lying dormant in their body.

So here are some things that FUEL those cancer cells:

1. SUGAR- I had my eyes opened to this little gem, when I went in for my PET scan. They make you drink a sugary drink, then you wait just a little bit, and then get scanned. The glucose in that drink, will go directly to the tumor. That tumor will "light up" on the scan and they are able to see it. When we eat foods with a high glycemic index, your body will release a dose of insulin. That insulin stimulates cell growth. Reducing the amount of refined sugar and white flour we consume, we cut off a life line for that cancer cell. Added benefit to reducing the sugar and flour....healthier skin.

So here is a list of things we will avoid:
                     1. Sugar, honey and syrups (try instead Agave necter, dark chocolate and stevia)
                     2. White/ Bleached Flour, White Rice- (try whole grains, basmati or brown rice, multi-grain pasta, oats, and quinoa)
                     3. Potatoes- (instead, lentils, peas, sweet potatoes, beans)
                     4. Sweetened drinks, sodas ( drink instead water or green tea)
                     5. Alcohol- (red wine ONE glass with dinner is ok)

2. Inflammation- Yesterday, I mentioned a little bit about inflammation and how I felt it was responsible in some ways for my cancer. Here are some causes of inflammation in your body.
                            1. Diet of red meat, processed pork products and refined sugars
                            2. Oils rich in omega- 6 (trans fat)
                            3. Dairy products that are full fat and non-organic
                            4. Eggs fed corn and soybeans
                            5. Stress- The stress hormone cortisol causes inflammation
                            3. Less than 20 minutes of Physical Activity a day
                            4. SMOKING and other Pollutants- Do I really need to explain this one? Your putting SMOKE in your LUNGS- Hello??? Lung Cancer is the number 1 cancer causing killer and you can prevent it easily- STOP SMOKING!

3. Everyday Product- These are now so prevalent in our society, it is hard to avoid. Here are a list of some of the ones of most concern.
                          1. Deodorants with aluminum, especially for women who shave their armpits
                          2. Dry Cleaning chemicals- Perchloroethylene- air out dry cleaned garments in fresh air for several hours before wearing
                          3. Plastic containers made with PVC's- use glass or ceramic containers when using a microwave to heat.
                          4. Cell phones and electromagnetic fields-
                          5. Parabens and phthalates in cosmetic products
                          6. Pesticides and insecticides

                Tomorrow- Day 3- I will write about the changes I have made based on my research. I hope you will also join me in making these changes and continue this journey with me.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Day 1- Triple Negative, turning into positives

Triple Negative is the form of breast cancer I was diagnosed with, in August 2012. Last year, in honor of Triple Negative awareness day, I wrote a blog and shared a link. This year, I am spending 3 days researching and writing about ways to keep cancer at bay. Then spending 3 weeks making those changes to my own life and sharing the outcome and difficulties. Wish me luck and feel free to join me!!

First off, 40% of all cancers can be prevented (YES PREVENTED) by simple changes in your nutrition and physical activities!! That is huge and gives us all a reason to embark on these changes.

Second, and important....CANCER lies dormant in ALL of us!! No one is free to say, I'll never have cancer. We are all at risk. We might never really know what causes our cancers to show their ugly heads in our lives, but we can try to analyze it and reduce our risk with knowledge.

This knowledge is what I will be sharing. I have read many books and this is my conclusion: there are proven factors that fuel those dormant cancer cells. For me it was a combination of several, that came together in a perfect trifecta that resulted in my breast cancer. A perfect storm, if you will.
1. My weakened immune system-  A strong immune system will keep cancer at bay. At the time of my diagnosis I was taking Enbral a drug prescribed for RA, that suppresses your immune system. We can strengthen our immune system with a healthy anti-inflammatory diet, a positive emotional state of serenity and joy, a positive support system of family and friends, and regular physical activity.
2. Injury that won't heal- Researchers have directly linked 1 cancer in 6 to a chronic inflammatory state. Not only do I have this with RA, I had a shoulder injury that for one year was constant pain. When you have an injury your body produces highly inflammatory substances to heal your injury. The substances like cytokines, prostaglandins and leukotrienes act like gasoline to promote cell reproduction to heal- they also promote cancer cell reproduction,, which can slip right into the neighboring tissue. I don't believe that it is just a coincidence that my tumor was only 3 inches away from my shoulder injury and the constant swollen pain! Plus, my white blood cells are also working overtime to heal the shoulder. This left my defenses down.
3. A Sedentary lifestyle- Again, at the time of my diagnosis I was barely getting out of the house, much less my chair. The shoulder pain was so great and the weight of it "hanging" while I was standing, made me miserable after only a short time of walking or standing. Exercise had been non-existent for over a year.

When I went for my first check up after all my chemo treatments and surgeries were complete, I asked the Dr; if my boobs have been amputated and chemo is complete what test will we do to make sure we stay on top of this returning, and what changes can be made to reduce the risk of this returning? She said this," we won't be running any routine test (such as mammogram), and there is nothing you can do (that you haven't already done) to reduce your risk. You just need to be aware of any problems or any changes, in your body and let us know as soon as possible. Your cancer will return somewhere else, if it does." (based on research, in my brain or bones)
I have never been one that listened to the words- You can't do something- CAN'T just isn't in my vocabulary! So, for the next three days I will share with you what I find out CAN be done and we will embark on the journey for the next 3 weeks!! We CAN do this!!

Notice all the 3's? It's in honor of TRIPLE Negative Breast Cancer- Join me on the 3-day learning journey and 3-week implementation!

Friday, February 14, 2014

A year already- do I say cancer-free?

Lots of people you meet who have had cancer are quick to say (proudly) I am a _ year survivor, or I've been cancer free for _ years. I just don't know how I feel about saying that. I kinda feel like I am jinxing it to say I am cancer-free or I'm a one year survivor. I probably shouldn't be, but I am uncomfortable saying those words.
Anyway, it has been exactly ONE year since Kim and I loaded up the BMW and headed to the infusion room for the last time. ONE year ago that I experienced the relief of finishing chemo and also the fear of being without the chemo and the doctors being there for me every other week.
Last Chemo- Number 8 on Feb 14, 2013


Cancer changed me and this year I have really grown into this new person. My life is so fullfilled! God has given me the blessing of every new day and I am taking advantage of each and every one of them. He put so many wonderful people in my life during this journey and I hope to nuture those friendships. I have worked on getting my stamina, my life, my hair, eyebrows, and fingernails back from the destruction of chemo. I pretty much feel back to normal. Although, my husband says I never have been normal! So.... normal for me.
I am still scared to death that the cancer will return, but that is the fear most cancer patients live with, whether they are cancer free for one or a gazillon years. I am sure I just get used to living with that fear, eventually.
I never was big on Valentines Day, I always felt like it was just a commercial holiday. Now, Valentines is a day I LOVE- it is a re-birth of my life and all that I love! It is a day to celebrate the end of cancer, the end of chemo and the beginning of the new life to share with all my loved ones.

So Happy Happy Valentines to all of you!! Please, check your boobs, eat some chocolate, and maybe have a little wine!
I will now go celebrate my ONE YEAR re-birthday and do the same (except check my boobs, since they are gone)!!





 
 One year later.....Happy Valentines
 
 
Valentines Celebration 2013

Monday, January 6, 2014

New "Prettier" Beginnings- 2014

In a way I hate to write another blog, after the one I wrote about Missy on January 1st. As of today, it has been read by close to 900 people. People I didn't know, came up to me at the funeral to tell me thanks for writing it and how special it was. I even had someone ask that I write one about them when they pass away!

I really don't know if I can live up to that blog or not, it truly was written from my heart. I started formulating this blog on New Year's Eve, but Missy's blog quickly took first page when I was stunned by her untimely death. So this blog has been changed a little, because of the impact Missy's death made on me.

One week ago, if I had told Missy that our church would be over flowing with people that admired her and wanted to pay tribute to her, she would have been embarrassed and told me I was crazy. I think she knew that she impressed some people and made an impact on their lives, but not to the extent that was apparent yesterday. Missy was a behind the scenes person, never wanting to draw attention to what she did. She never did anything for notoriety, just out of the goodness of her heart. If you knew her or came into her presence, you knew of her giving heart.

Yesterday, the preacher talked about Missy's "pretties" (as she called them) and how she collected things- lots of things!! He talked about making our corner of the world "prettier", make our marriage "prettier", make the world "prettier". Appreciate the beauty in each day and all your surroundings.

If cancer had not already made me realize that, Missy and Tim Hunt's death, earlier in 2013, surely did!! They both were amazingly good people who left us way to soon, but with their death and with the cancer, came a light to my life. They shine in me to be a better person. I am sure my life is not the only one that has been touched by the two of them! Missy's light and the goodness of her, lives in her children and those who knew her. Same with Tim, because of his example, those that knew him, try to be better people.

2013 was an uphill road for me, the chemo treatments, new cancer free boobs, new hair-do, the shoulder surgery and now the recovery and physical therapy to get back to work after almost three years, and the loss of two friends Tim Hunt and Missy Randall. It also brought lots of memories and happy times, being honored at the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic and the Making Strides Walk, checking things off my bucket list, time spent with family and friends, Kristi getting settled into her new marriage and new home, Jim and Janet's new home, My Flipagram from 2013

Brittany's graduation and announcement of her baby. I am at the top of that hill now, and I am going to live up here as, Tim and Missy would have!! I will make this hill "Pretty" and I will shine like I have never shone before! Life is precious and ever minute counts, so burn your light bright! Live with the volume turned up, look down at the path you are walking on and don't miss a thing! Don't wait till the funeral to show someone they matter to you, let them know now. 

2014 hopefully will bring me health and I'll be able to get back to work, doing what I love. I am going to be a Grandmother again, and I am so excited about that new life. I have the best friends around me, some  that have been here forever. I have the most awesome family, that I couldn't live without. I am thankful to have a supportive husband, who is my rock. My blessings are many.

Yes, it is those blessings God has given me, that will lift me up for the new year. The teachings that I have learned over the past year from the battle with cancer and the loss of these two good friends will point me in a new direction, they will be my compass and I will begin 2014 with a "Prettier" beginning! I ask you all to join me on this new journey and this new adventure from the top of the hill!



Wednesday, January 1, 2014

A Piece of My Heart

Sometimes people come into your life and they hold a piece of your heart, you may not talk to them, you may drift apart, you may not have much in common, but they always are there in your heart. My friend Missy Wilson Randall was one of those people, so today a piece of my heart is broken. Missy's death shocked us all, she had not been sick, she never suffered, she may not have even known it was happening. It was a hemorrhagic cerebral vascular accident, that took her from us.

I was born exactly one year after Missy, and we became friends at that moment. The story was; our parents had to install a gate in our backyard fence, they were afraid Missy was going to kill herself climbing it, to come play. I never remember the gate not being there or Missy for that matter, so it must have been installed shortly after she learned to walk.

We spent every waking hour together, as kids. As soon as I woke up I would go outside to my swing and start yelling, "Missssssyyyyy, Miiissssyyyy". Her mom Polly would come out and tell me if she was still asleep, David, her brother, would come out and tell me to shut up, or Missy would come running out and off we would go, till it was time for bed. Then once inside for the night, we had soup cans with the string strung from her bedroom window to mine, so we could talk. That was before we upgraded to walkie talkies. Days turned to nights, nights turned to days and the years became our childhood together. Our days were spent riding the wheels off our Big Wheels in her driveway, racing our bikes with Keith and Steve Carter, building forts out of my brothers paintings with Darby and Brooke and countless hours with Legos and Barbies. We were like sisters, we laughed like sisters, we fought like sisters, and we were opposites like sisters. Where Missy was studious, I was not. Where Missy loved to cook and sew, I did not. Where I got in trouble, Missy did not. But, I made Missy laugh. I loved her laugh and the fact she laughed at my stupid jokes. I also understood her, what she lived with in her house, and she understood mine. No one else did. We held those secrets near and dear, and she was my rock my stability.

My Mom held us together and when Polly died, my Mom swooped in and took Missy under her wing. Missy basically became my Mom's other daughter. Being a stupid middle school kid, I resented it sometimes, because Missy was perfect. She was smarter, more talented, nicer.... but I still loved her. She was always there for me. I know Missy's bond with my Mom influenced her life, she is more like my Mom in some ways, than I am. My Mom introduced Missy to the 1st Methodist Church and she grew to be a wonderful Christan Servant of that church, just like my Mom. She loved to be in the kitchen and cook for people, just like my Mom. She loved her flowers and nature, just like my Mom. She was quick to let you know JUST what was on her mind, just like my Mom. She had a love for antiques and fostoria, just like my Mom. So as much as Missy got from their bond, my Mom got just as much, she gained a daughter!

We didn't have to talk much to know that our bond was forever. Every now and then on facebook we would write a little inside joke, that just the two of us would understand. We would send each other a card with an old picture or something we would find in our attic. We never had a fight or lost respect for each other, life just got in the way. We always talked about getting together, it just never could happen. She always joked and said, "as soon as the 5th one is out of high school, maybe we will have time."

In high school we didn't see each other much, like I said, she was older and in the "smarter classes", but I would often run into her in the hallway. Sometimes if I saw her and her cheeks were beet red, I knew she was stressed over a test (something I never did understand), but I would give her a squeeze and tell her not to worry, she always did well, why worry? Sometimes her cheeks were just red because she ran into a boy she had a crush on, I would trivialize that, too. Her cheeks gave her away, not that you didn't already know where you stood with her. She wore her heart on her sleeve. You always knew how she felt. If she was mad about something, you would know that too. Last time I saw her, she was mad that she missed the dedication for the park that was named after her Dad. She was good at fuming, and the steam was flying that day. Of course I would have been there too, if I had known. Guess we both should have read the MDJ- ha ha.

Missy knew that from the time I was a little girl, I wrote to express my feelings. Whether it was a story when we "played school", an apology letter for being in a fight, or just to say I love being her friend. So, I guess she would know that I was going to write about her today.

She was an angel. She would do anything for anyone. She was good! A good mother, a good friend, a good wife. A piece of my heart went to heaven this morning, so my heart is broken right now. It breaks not just for my Mom and I, it breaks for all those that knew this gracious amazing woman. I know if Missy was my Rock at 7 years old, she was a Rock at 49, to everyone around her.

I guess if there is a moral to this story, those people that touch your heart, let them know. Let them know that they are important to you. Every time we talked we said we needed to catch up and get together, but we rarely did, and we should have! Times like these I don't understand why God takes someone so important. A mother of five, a wife, a friend. Why Missy? Why not someone else? I didn't get to eat her chicken pot pie, she promised me. I didn't get to show her my garden I was so proud of, because I was finally living up to "Missy". She didn't get to see all her babies grow up and finish school. She was so proud of them and their accomplishments she needs to be here to see them accomplish more. I just don't understand WHY!

What I do know is, Heaven now has a very special person. Missy is now with her Mom and Dad and one day we will again laugh together. I can hold on to the special memories we have. I can remember Missy as she ran from Nobie, when she would try to brush her tangled hair. I can remember us swinging and singing at the top of our lungs. I can remember her standing in my kitchen with my Mom, or sitting at the sewing machine. I have those precious memories to forever hold on to.
Reach out to the people that mean something to you and make time for them. Don't put it off any longer!


 Funeral arrangements have been made for Sunday, January 5, 2014 at 3pm at the First United Methodist Church in Marietta.  They will receive guests beginning at 1pm, prior to the service.  

Missy's Obituary

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