Written Monday evening, August 1:
This will not be the post you were expecting. I plan to get to all those posts as soon as I can, but life has thrown us a bit of a curve ball — and I feel like I owe it to you to let you know what is going on with us. And I tend to process stuff by talking about it a bit. So here goes...
I've been not feeling right for a few weeks, but with the wedding coming up... well, even the doctor attributed it to stress.
So — long story short — I'm currently in the hospital. I've been diagnosed with a brain tumor and am awaiting more tests and more results.
And, I don't have a lot to say about that right now. Just that I may not know what my immediate future holds but I certainly know Who holds my future. I'm in a safe place — the palm of my Lord's hand.
Now — a change of topics... since I know you like food pics. :)
This was dinner tonight. Fried chicken, mac & cheese, chocolate mousse, sweet tea... not exactly my usual healthy fare, but it hit the spot. (Collard greens? Not so much...)
But that's probably not what you came here for either. Is this more like it?
I know it's not a great picture, but it's better than nothing... right? I'll try to get some better ones to you in the near future.
Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit today. And thank you for your prayers. Love and hugs to all of you!
Janelle - please know that you are in our prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Karen Falls
Posted by: karen Falls | 08/02/2011 at 06:45 PM
oh, Janelle...I am lost for words. I hope you know that all my thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family...you put it so perfectly, you are in the Lord's healing hands. What a beautiful photo of your darling daughter...I look forward to having you home soon and more updates. Sending you an overabundance of hugs :)
Posted by: Maureen Plut | 08/02/2011 at 06:49 PM
My heart is breaking for you my dear friend! Will be in constant prayer on your behalf! I know it's very personal but please keep us posted as much as you're comfortably able to. Love to you all!
Posted by: Armando Cortez | 08/02/2011 at 06:49 PM
Prayers being lifted for you. The greatest gift God has given me during my struggle with breast cancer has been the grace and privilege of bowing the knee ~ surrendering ~ to Almighty God. You stated it so beautifully ... We can do so when we know that we are safe in His hands. Life is so hard but our comfort and confidence is in Him!
Press in, stand firm in your faith and know that the Father loves you with an everlasting love.
Bless you,
Cindy Kessler
Posted by: Cindy K | 08/02/2011 at 07:03 PM
I will be calling Ken...prayers lifted up!!!
Posted by: Kay Gasser | 08/02/2011 at 07:31 PM
janelle.im shocked and saddened.my prayers are with you and am so sorry this is happening to you! if there is anything i can do for you please let me know.pinkberry will be delivered to you whenever you say when!!!sending a (((hug))) to both you and ken.peace and love,susie
Posted by: susie p | 08/02/2011 at 07:49 PM
Janelle,
Sending prayers and good thoughts for a speedy recovery.
"There is no obstacle to great, no challenge too difficult, if we have faith."
Love to you,
Danell
Posted by: Danell Anderson | 08/02/2011 at 08:00 PM
Janelle,
Brit looks absolutely beautiful. Please know that I am lifting you and your family up in prayer. I know we have not met personally but I know that your faith will help you. Wishing I was closely to give you a firm hug and pray together with you.
Fondly, Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | 08/02/2011 at 08:20 PM
Janelle,
There are no words I can say that will express how I feel about what you are going through. Do you remember my story about being in church and listening to the minister as he said the words..."Do you trust Me?" Those same words are being spoken to you right now. I know you well, and I know that you trust the Lord with all your heart, and He will be right by your side every step of the way to give you the strength to get through this. Andy and I continue to send up prayers for all of your family.
I love you!
Margie
Posted by: Margie Nance | 08/02/2011 at 08:37 PM
Janelle, My heart goes out to you--at what is such a joyous time in your life, to have to face such sadness and uncertainty is beyond the power of my words to express. I am sending you healing thoughts from San Diego, and I know what your strong faith will help you get through whatever lays ahead. Joyce
Posted by: Joyce M. | 08/02/2011 at 08:45 PM
Janelle, you and your family will be in my prayers. I hope and pray that your will be able to enjoy your daughter's wedding and that the Lord will guide the doctors in how to handle your treatment.
I trust that the Lord will comfort you and your family as you all go through this journey.
Posted by: Juanita | 08/02/2011 at 09:03 PM
Oh, Janelle.. My heart sunk when I read your opening to this post. I am definitely keeping you in my prayers! Brit looks beautiful! Also, can you please send me your address in an email? I seem to have lost it. Please keep us updated..
Posted by: Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft | 08/02/2011 at 09:21 PM
Janelle... I don't really know what to say other than I am in shock! As I am sure you are!!! This is not something I would ever want to hear from you! I love you and will be praying for you! Keep us updated as you can!! I will be wondering and worried! Loving you!!
Posted by: Kelley Eubanks | 08/02/2011 at 09:40 PM
Sending you prayers and love across the oceans from Australia Janelle. J.xx
Posted by: Jaki | 08/02/2011 at 09:41 PM
Your daughter is beautiful. I too, will be praying for you.
Posted by: Karen B. | 08/02/2011 at 09:53 PM
I am praying for you. What awesome faith you have. God will sustain you and your family.
Posted by: Karin | 08/02/2011 at 11:02 PM
Oh Janelle! Have been so excited to read your posts on your gorgeous daughter and her wedding.Then, to read instead your shocking news. Am praising God for your strong faith, which will help you get through this.Also,am praying and claiming Acts4:30 for you. Will keep you and your family in much prayer.patty
Posted by: Patty | 08/02/2011 at 11:10 PM
Oh Janelle-you were there for me when I was going through the worst thing I'd ever experienced. I am with you in spirit and in prayer.
I love you!
Posted by: Lisa | 08/02/2011 at 11:32 PM
prayers and love to you <3
Posted by: mary dawn | 08/02/2011 at 11:58 PM
Janelle, please know that you're in my prayers that our Father's mercy removes the tumor from your brain. Your faith in Him is admirable and a testimony. God bless you
Posted by: Ted | 08/03/2011 at 12:09 AM
Janelle, Boy that came out of left field.
I'm trusting God for your health.
"My God is so big, so strong and so mighty. There is noting my God can not do". My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest, let them test and get ready for that beautiful wedding.
Posted by: GinnaG | 08/03/2011 at 12:16 AM
Janelle, I am so very sorry to hear this. I am sending prayers and good thoughts your way.
Posted by: Michele aka Derbylea | 08/03/2011 at 12:39 AM
Oh Janelle! I am in shock! I will pray for you--I am already praying for you. Peace and healing, my sweet online friend.
Posted by: Sharon D | 08/03/2011 at 12:44 AM
So I was not sure when the wedding was scheduled for.... looking back I think that I put 2 & 2 together and think that it must have been over last weekend. So I apologies for not having that clear before I posted my above comment. Still believing God and his mercies. Keep us all posted and would love to see more pics of the bride and etc.
Posted by: GinnaG | 08/03/2011 at 12:44 AM
Just saw on the doctor Oz show that eating Sweet Potatoes fights tumors and cancer. new research confirms this
Posted by: Michael Caligure | 08/03/2011 at 12:45 AM