It always is something that happens in other families.
To other people.
Until now!!
Twenty some years ago my MIL was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She went through all the chemo and radiation. She has been doing quite well.
Until now.
The radiation has caused MDS – MyeloDysplastic Syndrome – where the body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. She is back in chemo and must have transfusions frequently to fite off the over abundance of White blood cells.
We have been dealing.
We want more time with her, but we know it’s not going to happen.
Three weeks ago my Hubs got sick. Emergency Surgery. They removed a tumor from his colon. It was malignant. It was not a good day!!
We have been dealing.
It is not easy. We still want another 20/30 years together.
With our two wonderful children!
And our Wee T!
So what is the purpose of all this. October 2nd is LiveStrong Day 2010. LiveSTRONG With A Taste of Yellow is an official LivesSTRONG Day event. In honor of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Lance Armstrong Foundation unites, inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. And this year the theme for Live Strong with a Taste of Yellow is Hearts.
My heart belongs to my husband.
These hearts are for him.
The tears I hide from everyone are for all of us.
I filled them with Lemon Curd because Lemon Pie is his favorite.
Today is October 2, 2010. In case you didn’t know this was the day in 1996 that Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with Cancer. He was 25. Today he is 39. Live Strong!!!
Please visit The Lance Armstrong Foundation. You aren’t alone.
Tea and Scones 
October 2, 2010 at 10:02 AM
This is a beautiful post, Margaret! You all have been in my prayers and will continue to be in my prayers. The cookies are beautiful and a lovely sentiment!
October 2, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Thank you, Emily. I appreciate your support!
October 2, 2010 at 11:20 AM
I’m very touched by your post. About a year ago, my husband was diagnosed with a medical condition and it was difficult, but God performed a miracle and today, the condition is totally reversed. Doctor said it’s extremely rare but that’s what miracles do! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Be strong!!
October 2, 2010 at 6:50 PM
Thanks, Jenny. I am glad your family is on the positive.
October 2, 2010 at 1:43 PM
If anything could be a healing treat, I believe your lemon curd linzer heart cookies would be just the thing. May they work their miracles for you and your family.
October 2, 2010 at 6:48 PM
Thanks, Judy. We could all use one about now.
October 2, 2010 at 1:48 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your mother in law as well as your husband. That is a lot for one family to deal with, especially all at once đŸ˜¦ Before returning to school, I was a Radiation Therapist and became all too familiar with the struggle cancer patients go through. I also saw a lot of happy endings though! I’ll keep your family in my thoughts. Beautiful post.
October 2, 2010 at 6:48 PM
We hope the chemo will be enough. Thanks for our support.
October 2, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Such a touching post. I’m sorry to hear about the news. Cancer can suck it. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers! – mary
October 2, 2010 at 6:47 PM
Thank you , Mary. I appreciate it.
October 2, 2010 at 7:16 PM
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband and mother-in-law. I hope you all have many, many more years together. Your hearts are beautiful, and I love the large, small, and tiny sizes you made to represent your family.
October 2, 2010 at 7:19 PM
Thank you, Jill. It was a lot at one time. The sizes were just a spur of the moment. But it worked.
October 2, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Okay, you got to me cry…stop that!! I cried for MIL, I cried for B, I cried for the hearts, I cried for the son and daughter, and I cried when I saw Little Teapot’s heart. Some good tears, some not so good ones, you can figure out which is which, I am sure. This was just a wonderfully heartwarming post…hugs, prayers, and our best to all of you.
October 2, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Kayte. I’m sorry. But very glad you stopped by. thaqnks for all your thoughts/prayers/support/hugs.
October 2, 2010 at 9:54 PM
Thank you for sharing your beautiful post and giving me your heart for LiveSTRONG Day Margaret.
October 2, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Thank you for doing such a wonderful thing by hosting the livestrong each year. Be assured we all help each other.
October 2, 2010 at 10:32 PM
I send my prayers and blessings. Thank you for sharing.
October 2, 2010 at 11:30 PM
Thank you, Lola. Means a lot.
October 3, 2010 at 12:00 AM
Oh Margaret, my heart goes out to you. I understand some of the challenges you’re dealing with. I lost my mom 20+ years ago to cancer. She had breast cancer 3 times (the first when I was 7), a tumor in her leg and lung cancer twice. You need to know that the rock you are, with your sweet, positive nature (and nurturing) makes you a source of strength and inspiration to your MIL and to B. And to all of us. xxoo
October 3, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Thank you so much. I depend on all of y’all for ears and shoulders. Makes it a little easier.
October 3, 2010 at 10:22 AM
My own heart hurts for you and for all of the hearts in your family as you deal with all of this difficulty. But yellow is a sunny color, and I know that your positive spirit – and some yummy treats – will help you all get through the tough times. I pray that the treatment is successful and that you have many many more years together.
October 3, 2010 at 11:48 PM
thank you. It is comforting to know so many friends are thinking of our hearts at this time. My positiveness comes from y’all.
October 3, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Lovely post, Margaret. I love all the hearts. I’m glad you’re hanging in there, but don’t forget, we’re here if you need it. Any time. *hugs*
October 3, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Thanks, Di. It’s good to have friends I can talk to – anytime. I appreciate all of y’all.
October 3, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Margaret, I had no idea that your family has been dealing with so much. Your post really moved me. I’ll be praying for your husband and MIL and wishing your family many more happy, healthy, sweet years together.
October 3, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Thanks, Cathy. I haven’t talked about it much. I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
October 4, 2010 at 9:01 AM
Oh, Margaret, I wish I could give you a huge, huge hug. You and your family are in my prayers. I knew your husband was wasn’t well, but I had no idea it was colon cancer. I have a family history of this disease (most recently with my dad) and my heart goes out to you and your family. I wish I lived closer so I could offer more support!
October 4, 2010 at 2:47 PM
Jessica. I appreciate all the thoughts/prayers/hugs from my friends – close or far. Thanks so much for your support.
October 4, 2010 at 2:33 PM
I am so incredibly behind. I knew something happened, but I wasn’t sure what. You and your family are in my thoughts. Huge cyber-hugs going out to you! What a beautiful post.
October 4, 2010 at 3:15 PM
Thanks, Katy. Your thoughts/hugs so much appreciated. My friends’ support means a lot.
October 5, 2010 at 5:24 AM
I wish your MIL all the very best to beat this disease. Love your hearts – they are gorgeous.
October 5, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Thanks, Gaye. I appreciate the thoughts and support.
October 6, 2010 at 9:02 AM
Dear Margaret,
I can’t see clearly what my fingers are typing because your story and your illustration with your beautiful hearts have moved not only me, but judging by previous comments all who love you and value your friendship. Thank you for sharing a snipet of the circumstances you are dealing with currently. Know that you are in the hearts of many and in the arms of our heavenly father as he comforts you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part.
i love the hearts and that you incorporated your favorite lemon flavor. Take care
AmyRuth
October 6, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Thank you, AmyRuth. Know that I appreciate you and all my other friends and their thoughts and prayers over the weeks. It is not an easy road.
October 6, 2010 at 1:12 PM
I’m so sorry to hear of your heartbreaking news, but know that you are not alone. We have had experience with colon cancer in my Mum’s family as both her parents had it, and 7 years ago, we went through it with my Mum. She is doing well after surgery and chemo. Stay positive and hopeful and do whatever needs to be done medically for your MIL and husband, and the rest is out of our hands. Wishing your family all the best.
October 9, 2010 at 11:37 AM
Margaret – lots of prayers are being sent your way – including mine. My dad is still with us (thankfully) after going through liver and colon cancer 15 years ago. Keep strong – both of you, there is so much healing through positive thinking (and LOVE)! Your bund is beautiful – as is your post.
October 21, 2010 at 11:39 PM
i’m just catching up with my blogging friends…my heart is with you as you and your family battle cancer together. xoxo