THE BEST LAID PLANS: WICKED STRONG

It is the summer of 1996. I am 42 years old, have a great job as a speech/language pathologist, and a wonderful family.

My summer plans are chalk full…starting a Masters degree, directing two camps for Teen Time (a ranch program for teens), and a family vacation.

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Laurie Harrison is a wife, mom, grandmother and cancer fighter. She is part of the inspiration behind Supporting the Fighters. This is her story.

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Not In My Plans

But…

Why is there always a “but?”

After a routine mammogram, my doctor diagnosed breast cancer. That was not on my list of summer activities. Oh well, I would have the mastectomy, rest for a few days, do my university courses, and still go on holidays.

But…

After the surgery, the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. That meant chemo.

Again, chemo was not in my plans.

Facing Cancer With Friends

I called a friend in Winnipeg who had gone through the same thing several years before. Guess what? She was coming to Edmonton the following week. Coincidence? No way!

She was able to help me be strong and face what was coming as she had been there.

The chemo was scheduled and my colleagues at work, as well as our friends made sure that our family was well fed, and even better, remembered in their prayers. You see, God doesn’t promise that life will be easy…He does promise that He will be with us through everything.  

Many times I listened to the old hymns, with tears streaming down my face. My favorite one was, “I Know The Master of the Wind.”

Yes, I do.

Lemons Into Lemonade

23 years later, I am still here and grateful for everything that I have been through. Several of my colleagues and friends have had similar diagnoses and I have been able to listen, and lend a shoulder to cry on. And pray.

God does turn lemons into lemonade.

A practical suggestion I would like to leave with anyone getting a cancer diagnosis – when your friends or family offer any help at all, just say, “Thank you” and let them love you. 

It is hard for friends or relatives to cope and helping you is something they can do.

APPLICATION

Facing cancer? Know someone who is? You are invited to attend “North Pointe Strong” hosted by Pastor Jocelyn Jones at North Pointe on Saturday June 15th at 10:00am – 11:30am. Sharing / Support / Prayer / Inspiration

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