Coping Methods

People tell me all the time how well I cope with Emma's sickness.  I understand their comments, and their well-meaning.  But...I don't really like to be told how "well" I'm doing.  Sometimes I don't feel like I'm doing well at all.  Sometimes I feel like I'm falling apart!

So I decided to figure out why I come off as "coping".  I examined everything I do, and I realized that one thing that helps me work through things the most is (duh) my writing.  I am a writer.  I express myself best in the written word.  I get my negative feelings out, and then I feel better to face the world.

I don't journal, but when I'm feeling particularly strong about something I will write it down.  And then, I'm always writing other things (articles or stories, etc.).  Writing is my coping mechanism!

I think everyone needs a healthy way to cope, because while we don't all have kids with cancer, we do all have stress (especially during the holiday season!).  For some it's crafts, or exercise, or singing, or dance, or reading.  What's your coping mechanism?  If you don't have one, you should find one.  After all, if it works for me, it can work for you, too!

I Am Strong

Here are the beautiful lyrics to a song by Dolly Parton and the Grascals, which was written for the kids at St. Jude, and filmed with them.  Of course, it is dedicated to kids with cancer everywhere!

I am tired and I am weak

Sometimes I ask, "Why me?"

But I have faith and I believe

That I am strong

I have a Mom and I have a Dad

I am happy sometimes sad

And I have hope and I have GOD

And I am strong

I am strong, I am strong,

Take my hand, sing my song, I am strong

I am a child and I have dreams

That I’ll fight for you to see

Know in your heart when you see me

That I am strong

I wear a mask… I have no hair

I may be sick I may be scared

But I know God He answers prayer

And I am strong.

I am strong, I am strong

Take my hand sing my song, I am strong

I am strong, I am strong

Take my hand, sing my song, I am strong

Take my hand, sing my song, I am strong.

Guardian Angels

     I recently read a book called Heaven Is For Real.  It is about a little boy who says he went to Heaven while on the operating table when he was three years old.  It was a thought-provoking story, one that often left me smiling, or crying, or at the very least, hoping. 

Did I believe it 100%?  No, not really.  But who cares?  It was a nice thought.

What does that have to do with anything?  I’ll tell you J

We have often wondered where Emma “was” while she was in a coma for 2 ½ weeks.  I can tell you that when she woke up she had a couple of odd things to say!  Do I think she went to Heaven?  Doubtful.  However, I don’t think she was alone in her sleep.

Now, before you call me kooky and click away, hear me out!

In Matthew 18:10 it says, “ Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones;  for I say unto you, That in heaven their [the children’s] angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”

Children have guardian angels.  When I read this verse sweet relief filled my body, and I smiled. 

Think for a moment how you would feel if your child was in a coma, all alone, on the brink of death for 2 ½ weeks.  I couldn’t stand the thought that she was alone in the recesses of her sub conscience.

But she wasn’t!  She had a guardian angel who was with her, and who was going before God the Father on her behalf.  See why this discovery should make me happy?

So after reading this, I asked Emma if she knew she had a guardian angel.  She looked up from her toys, shrugged, and said, “Yeah.”  Like, duh Mom.

In light of reading the Heaven Is For Real book, I kind of paused.  I said, “How did you know?”

She said, “Because I hear them…

Time out.  She started this sentence, and I’m thinking—she HEARS them?!  But then she finished.

…bowling every time it storms.”

Ha!  I smiled and said, “Oh, that’s right.”

So maybe Emma hasn’t ever ‘met’ her guardian angel, but I believe with all my heart that he is with her.  And that makes me happy.

Anyway, I thought this was a fitting Christmastime subject!  Happy Holidays!

There's A Monkey In My Chair!

Yikes!  Have you ever seen a monkey in your chair?  Emma has one in hers, but he only makes an apperance in her kindergarten class, and only when Emma can't go to school because of chemo and doctor's visits!

This month's charity highlight is a really cool project, and one that brings smiles to young kids with cancer everywhere.

WHO ARE THEY?  www.monkeyinmychair.org  They are a beneficial program dedicated to helping kids with cancer feel connected to their classmates and friends, even when they're away.

HOW THEY STARTED:  There's a Monkey in my Chair was originally started by a little girl named Chloe, and her mother.  Chloe had to spend lots of time away from school for cancer treatment.  From the Our Hero website: Chloe was fun-loving, free spirited girly girl. She loved dancing, singing, everything pink and everything monkeys! Chloe is the inspiration behind the program, There's a Monkey in my Chair, which helps children battling cancer with their absence from the classroom.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Go to their website to donate today.  You can sponsor a "kit" which will be sent to a deserving child.  You will brighten their day!  How cool is that?