Kara's Collection

Kara’s Collection: The Call Came

Kara’s Collection: The Call Came

from an article originally posted August 17, 2014…

The call came twice on Friday. The sweet nurse left me the message to kindly call her back. In front of her sits a sheet of paper that will determine my next moments, my next breaths and the strength for breathing I will be able to lend that living. But I simply was away. I was away from service, away from fear, and my phone read no service all weekend. Jason kindly asked me to call from the camp phone and leave that number, I kindly declined and asked him to not ask for the duration of my time away. He kindly obliged.

Kara’s Collection: Summer Denial

Kara’s Collection: Summer Denial

from an article originally posted August 14, 2014…

Yesterday, I went to buy our camping supplies, and brought my firstborn along. Someone graciously bought the other kids their school supplies, but Ella wanted to do it herself. So as I shopped she went and grabbed what she needed. She filled my basket and my heart sank just a bit. It’s flying away; this summer has been one of the most full, most amazing summers I have known, and it’s coming to an end. My heart is completely mixed I’m full of happy and sad feelings about it.

Kara's Collection: Extending Love

Kara's Collection: Extending Love

from an article originally posted August 12, 2014…

On a day that feels full of sorrow, the headlines offer little hope. Bright lights have dimmed, and the familiar pit in our stomach becomes our companions once again. I have met an intruder—new pain—and tomorrow the snort will take a look at what chaos is happening within my body. But is it all chaos? It feels like it is. And what is the answer?

Kara’s Collection: Edges

Kara’s Collection: Edges

from an article originally posted August 9, 2014…

Some days all the edges of this world feel too oppressive. The headlines of the day are heartbreaking. I can barely stomach the titles. I hurt, my heart hurts so desperately for pain in this world I cannot comprehend. I’m too weak to even look. Ann Voskamp calls us to pray. My prayers are broken and limp. The familiar, Help, oh, help dear Jesus.

Today—worth the fight...

Today—worth the fight...

from an article originally posted August 8, 2014…

Yesterday a dear friend asked me if I was tired of this battle. I simply sent her this.

Which was totally unfair, because I know it made her cry. But it is a bit true—looking at these faces, I will continue to take the treatment. I know I’m fading. I know new corners of cancer are taking up residence in my body. I just know. But these faces, these blessed faces, make the swallowing of pills a little more bearable.