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Lynda's Letters
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Friday, 15 February 2008 |
Hello and Happy Valentine's Day!
"Anything can happen if you let it
Sometimes things are difficult but you can bet it
Doesn't have to be so. . ." Lyrics from Mary Poppins
We celebrated Valentine's Day in NYC seeing the Broadway musical,
MARY POPPINS. It was uplifting and full of energy. We had amazing
seats--center orchestra--"practically perfect." I love the feeling
it leaves inside you while watching the performers bring magic to
the stage. It allows to escape from the every day routines and have
fun imagining life in a fictional sense. The cast was extraordinary
and brought the first movie I ever saw to life!! So as the Banks
family lives became better, I pray and imagine the lives of all the
children with brain tumors become better, too.
Jaclyn only made it to school one day this week, as she was waking
each morning with nausea and vomiting. It's only in the morning
and when that happens, it spooks me to no end. I release my
thoughts and surrender them to God trusting that all is well and
that she is healed. She is so tired of feeling this way so often.
Her MRI is coming up on March 7 so continue with those positive
thoughts and prayers!
There are so many children who are also in need of prayers. Please
keep Will, Sidney, Gina, and Marissa on your prayer list.
Here is a special link that I wanted to share with you that is
worth taking a few minutes to watch. It is beautiful and validates
the importance of living each day as a gift--live in the moment,
play in the moment, and celebrate the day!
http://www.dashpoemmovie.com (it is posted below so you can just
click and enjoy)
We love you all and celebrate everyday,
The Murphys |
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Monday, 28 January 2008 |
Hello Everyone!
It is hard to believe that January is quickly coming to an end. We
have packed away our Christmas treasures with only our snowmen
remaining. I love to collect snowmen because they can be out all
winter long. The decorations of the holiday season have been
stashed away, but the snowmen continue to add a magical spirit
throughout our home until Spring. Living in the Northeast brings
long winter months. It is a special time to reflect and go deep
within. To hibernate your thoughts and allow them to flourish in
the coming months.
We are still working on our holiday card. Happy King Day! Perhaps
we should do a Valentine's Card. The girls love our traditions and
cannot believe the card hasn't been produced yet. It is in the
works. Please know that we are so appreciative of everyone's
support and good wishes to us and we send them back to all of you
twofold!
Taryn's thumb has healed and she now needs to rebuild so that she
can return to her gymnastics classes to prevent injury. She is
thrilled that her cast is off and can return to her activities. She
is always on the go and her social calendar is always full. Her
dimpled smile melts my heart!
A new year--we did start the year off with nausea and vomiting.
However, it is more infrequent. I think it has only been twice this
month. We keep praying for improvement and are so watchful of her
diet--actually, Jaclyn is the best. She watches every move of
anyone who is preparing the food she is going to eat. She checks
labels, is diligent about hand washing, and keeps an eye for cross
contamination of food. She never even thinks about cheating--she
has such willpower. She continues to amaze me and makes me laugh
and smile. Her appreciation for each day and support from everyone
never goes unnoticed. She is not the best at writing her thoughts,
but she expresses to me daily--actually many times a day--her
gratitude for life, for love, the ability to do the simplest of
things! She loves all your messages, the love, and positive energy
that you send to her each day!!!
My heart is heavy with all the news of our brain tumor community.
There have been four more children who have lost their battle since
my last writing. That is one of the reasons for my neglect in
posting. We try so hard to keep a positive outlook and I remind
myself that each person has a different journey. However, it is all
too close to home. PLEASE keep a light heart and live in the
moment. These children are teaching us the value of each day and
how important it is to celebrate life.
We love you all and celebrate everyday,
The Murphys
PS--Please pray for Elizabeth and Lexie as they have their MRI's
this week. Also, for my dear friend, Carol's Mom, Mrs. Naudhausen
to manifest perfect health as she was recently diagnosed with lung
cancer. Light that candle every night at 7 p.m. and say a prayer
for all these cancer warriors.
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Tuesday, 01 January 2008 |
Happy New Year--2008!!!
You probably thought I fell off the face of the earth--I decided to
give the computer a break and just enjoy the holidays. Tomorrow I
return to work and I cannot believe the holidays have come and gone
so quickly! We still have not done our holiday card--looks like a
new year's card will be coming shortly! We hope and pray that
everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the season with family,
friends, food, laughter, peace, and joy that will remain in their
hearts forever!
Before signing on, I checked my email, since I truly gave the
computer a break. Unfortunately, I learned that one of our Camp
Sunshine families lost their son, Gregory, on Sunday. My heart felt
crushed and my eyes filled with tears as another child lost their
life to a brain tumor. I was planning on writing something that I
thought would be uplifting and special. It's news like this that
makes me feel even more appreciative of the gift of each day.
Please send prayers to the Skalaban family as their son enters into
Heaven.
The new year is a time for reflection--I think of the past, where
we have been. I think of the present, where we are. I think of the
future and where we would like to be. Then, I am reminded of the
importance of this present moment. Reflection is important for
setting goals, comparisons--without judgement, and learning from
our past. However, acceptance, and making choices that benefit our
present moment bring happiness and contentment to our hearts.
Whatever it is that you resolve to do in the coming year, take it
one step at a time, one day, one minute, and one moment. For when
you live in the NOW with full intention and purpose, I cannot
imagine reflecting on what should have been. This is the moment
that counts. I count my blessings and know that each day is another
reason to celebrate life.
We love you all and celebrate everyday,
The Murphys
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Wednesday, 19 December 2007 |
Hello Everyone,
The days seem to go by so quickly this time of year. Not sure if it is the shorter day-light hours, the amount of things that need to be completed for the traditions of the holidays, or the snow that keeps falling that needs to be shoveled--combination of the three!! I already received my call that school will be delayed tomorrow two hours. It is great knowing before going to bed--to be able to set the alarm at 7 instead of 5 is a gift--the gift of time (and sleep!).
Thursday I celebrated another birthday. Although I do not think of myself as old, I have come to realize and appreciate the gift of life. Another year to celebrate, to be thankful, and to understand how precious each day and year is. Because of the snow and cancellation of school, we were home bound and celebrated my life quietly--decorating, organizing, and I, completing my final. (Thankfully my course is now over--and I got my "A") I have to say that I received the most special gift this year. It is from a young woman, Bayly, who wrote the most poignant essay (her final) about me. I met Bayly at Camp Sunshine this past summer--it was her first year as a volunteer. Words cannot describe how I feel about the people who volunteer their time to make our week so special. To think Bayly is the one sacrificing her time to make our world a better place, yet, she is writing about my journal here on Caringbridge and how it has touched her life. I am truly at a loss for words and her beautifully written essay is a treasure to my heart. (You deserve better than an A --you are an amazing writer!) Since I know you read this often, thank you, Bayly, you are a gift to this world and I look forward to seeing you soon!!!
Last week during a telephone conversation with my mom, I was so moved by her words. Although she needs to use a walker to get around, which obviously slows her down--she continues to be so positive and happy. It made my heart feel so good. Being content, acceptance--these are special lessons in life. It validates that everyday we choose--choose happiness over misery and it will make each day the gift it was meant to be. We pray that during these darkened days the light shines brighter in your hearts.
Jaclyn continues to do well. We had a special allergy test done to see what foods can aggrevate her body. Thankfully, nothing too bad as we already know that gluten is a culprit. She was not happy that potatoes can also make her feel sluggish, but it doesn't mean she cannot have them now and then--you know she loves her mashed potatoes every night--probably why it came up. She is looking forward to being off--five days until winter break. The snow continues to fall. . .
We love you all and celebrate everyday,
The Murphys
PS--please pray for Will Canan, who needs lots of prayers at this time. |
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Monday, 10 December 2007 |
Hello Everyone,
Wishing all our friends the peace, joy, and faith that this holiday season brings. Praying that everyone is enjoying the prefestivities and the preparation of this time of year. Although it always seems like there is so much to accomplish--and there certainly is--I hope that everyone can feel the peace and calm in their hearts and to see the light that shines in each one of us. Speaking of lights, tonight at 7 p.m. if everyone can light a candle in memory of the children who have lost their battle. A symbol that there light continue to shine and live on in all of our hearts. Take a moment from the busyness, light a candle, and say a prayer.
Yesterday Taryn and I attended the annual Make-A-Wish holiday party. I get emotional just being there. To see so many little ones who are fighting for life. It breaks my heart. It also reminds me of where we are and have been. We are truly so blessed and I am so thankful for all the love and prayers we continue to receive. I also thought how the previous year, my student, Stephen, was there, too. This year, perhaps he was there in spirit. I have to hold back my tears and enjoy the festivites that this wonderful organization provides for all the families.
Jaclyn and Den went down to present another child, Allie, to the Georgetown Women's LAX team. As the adoptions continue to help and inspire these children--giving hope, friendship, and companionship as they continue on their paths to wellness.
Never dull in our home, Thursday I received a call at school that Taryn was in the nurse's office. During PE class, while playing basketball, her guarding skills were so great that when her thumb hit the boy's stomach (he must have abs of steel) it bent back. Off to the doctor's, then for x-rays to learn that she fractured her thumb. She now has a cast on her thumb and it looks like she is ready for a fight. I really need to put her in bubble wrap or at least not have her in any sport where there is contact! Of course, bones heal and it should only be for three weeks.
Jaclyn and Taryn both made the honor roll this past quarter. We are so proud of their accomplishments and how hard they work regardless of the circumstances in our lives. Now that we are back in our home trying to organize, normalcy should return soon.
We love you all and celebrate everyday,
The Murphys |
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