This past year had its ups and downs. I worked full time, was a pastor’s wife and worked on finalizing my book with an editor. I celebrated family birthdays, and anniversaries (27 years married, 30 years together). Then things changed.Tom got an offer for a job in Dallas and it was as if someone hit the fast forward button on my life. I was finishing up my book and working full time. We had to downsize, and prep our house for sale. It sold and we had to pack and move. Saying goodbye to people we loved in Washington wasn’t easy. We knew it was a God thing and the new pastors would be a blessing to the people.
We moved and Tom started his new job. We settled into our apartment and I continued to search for a job. A routine check up for Tom turned out to be anything but routine. Cancer came back and the liaison was forty percent larger than the last one. Chemo started on December 29th.
The day chemo started was long. Tom was very fatigued and had a headache. The next day he had to go back for a Neulasta shot to help his white blood count. That medicine can have its own side effects, but after recovering from some fatigued he actually went to work in the afternoon for several hours. It did tire him out but falls under the column of a good day. Today was not a good day. He’s having pain, nausea and fatigue.
Next year starts off with many months of chemo. I know that God loves us. I know that God is good and everything else starts after that. I know that we will enjoy the good days, endure the bad days and through it all keep moving forward. I know that I love Tom with my whole heart. I know that I will eventually get a job. I know that we will come through this storm. I know because God has gotten us through this before. I’m still holding on to hope. I’m grateful and know that Tom and I are loved. I know there are so many people praying for healing and praying for us through this time. I ask that you continue. It’s appreciated and does make a difference.
Tomorrow is the start of 2009 and I have no idea what the year will bring. I don’t know what ups and downs I will face. I know that I’m moving forward. I’m standing by Tom’s side and together we will continue on the path God has for us.
© Nadine Zawacki 2008
29 comments:
thanks for always being there... I love you.
awww I am so sorry Tom is having a tough time. Makes me so sad. Praying that all will be peaceful for the two of you this year and you weather through this storm together, stronger and even more in love (if that is possible!)
Hang in there!
ps I can't buy your book in Canada yet :( I will keep checking Amazon.ca!)
Praying for Tom! My dad went through a year of chemo. We happened to be living with my parents at that time and witnessed first hand how very difficult it is.
Praying you have a blessed new year.
What a beautiful testiment of faith Nadine. I pray for Tom's healing and that God's blessings will be upon you this year. I truly think 2009 will turn out to be a wonderful year for us all.
praying for you that His Grace is sufficient and sustaining!
big hugs
and Happy New Year
my prayers are with your family. i have enjoyed getting to know you through our blogs and comments. here's a toast to 2009 being a year of good health (maybe starting in the spring), career opportunities, and a vibrant love life! wink wink!
it sounds like i hit the champagne early - but i promise i haven't!
You have an awesome attitude. I know you've been through a lot lately and I pray 2009 will turn out to be one of the best years you and Tom have had together. You're going through some rough patches right now, but as you say, you've been through this before and God has carried you through it.
I will continue to pray for Tom and for you, my friend. Blessing in the new year and always...
Your friend, Ily
I love you Nay... here is to good surprises in 2009 for you and Tom!
I wish only love, good health and happiness in 2009! Congrats on your book and best wishes to you and Tom!! Take care - Kellan
What a rough year! Thankfully, you know that God is holding you close and guiding your steps. I hope you have a very blessed 2009!
Prayers were going up, and will continue.
I am praying for blessings and good health for you both in 2009
Missing you both dearly!
None of us know what tomorrow brings, but we know who holds tomorrow, and today, and the very next beat of our heart or breath of air in our lungs, and we know HE loves us beyond anything we can imagine. You and Tom are in my prayers.
Susan
That was beautifully put! I continue to pray for Tom! God is good! Happy New Year Nadine! May 2009 be the best yet!
What a year it has been! We know so much more about so many people with this wonderful blessing we call blogging. I am so sorry that Tom's cancer has returned. But you are right in everything you said. And Susan, too - we never know what will happen in the next minute even. But we know Who holds that minute and every one in the future, however many that may be.
Blessings to you and Tom and your kids! It has been a privilege to become your friend.
As each year ends and a new one begins, I usually review some of the years events. I never cease to be amazed at how much is packed into 365 days. I'm also thankful that God usually doesn't give me a full look at the new year....and, after all, why should He. Our life is in Him regardless of the circumstances. I've learned a lot from you and Tom over the years, and I'm convinced of the two things Tom has taught us....God loves us, and He is Good. Blessings of prosperity and health to both of you in 2009. Strider
Nadine, I wanted to drop by and say wish you both a happy new year. I know it is hard, and I am so sorry that the beginning of the year has to start off this way for you. I wish I could change it and make it easier.
I just want you both to know that I am praying for you. God bless you both abundantly in every area of your lives. I am here if you need me.
Thats the best way to start a brandnew year - thinking positive and planning to go with the flow. *HUGZ*
HAPPY NEW YEAR luv!
Keshi.
Oh Nadine, I had no idea this was happening. Wow, this truly is a test above all. I will pray for the BOTH of you as I know that the caregiver needs it just as much. I will have to tell you my mom's story sometime.
Go out and buy the book "90 min in heaven". It's an amazing testament to prayer. Read it aloud to Tom...it's a very easy read.
This WILL be a good year...
Your friend, Korin
We know we'll continue to pray for both you & Tom and hope all would be well with the on-going treatment.
Wishing you the Best of New Year 2009 :)
I'm keeping Tom and you in my prayers as you enter this new year.
Keeping Tom in my prayers.
I'm praying hard for Tom and sorry to hear he isn't feeling to well, but if this is what will heal him then it will be worth it. Praying for Tom's full recovery and healing.
Hugs and prayers for you in this new year.
What an eventful 2008 you had, for sure! You have been a true blessing to me this past year, and I will continue to cherish our bloggy friendship this year. I will continue to life you and Tom and your family in prayer as you battle cancer.
wow it has been a long time you have had some big changes sorry to see you leave the northwest and about Tom but God has a plan he always does and no matter what God does not make a move with out knowing where it will lead I will keep you in my prayers
Billie
I will continue praying. You and Tom are real testimonies to God's goodness Nadine.
I am praying for Tom and you! Never give up hope. I hope Tom will be able to tolerate his treatments and things will go as good as they can.
remembering both you and your husband in my prayers... for strength, encouragement and healing.
Praying daily here. You two are a rather powerful duo in my book....you'll kick it. hugs, girlie. Know we're with you guys every step of the way!!!
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