Legacy

The events of my life have unfolded with such speed and force, I barely have had time to let them settle. I think that this past week it really sank in…I could die. I know my family reading this will wonder about me, and this post… I promise you I am not dwelling on that fact… but it doesn’t erase the fact that it is just that.. A fact. This could take my life.

This week, while laying on the couch, I thought about many things.. my children being the number one thought. Have I lived a life that they would be proud of? Could they look at my life after my death (whenever that may be) and say “My mom was a spectacular person, she taught me so very much. She loved me with a fierce love, a protective love and she pointed to Christ at every opportunity in her life… ” My heart melts for my oldest daughter, Easton. She is such a beautiful child, inside and out. She has been through, in her short 10 years, what many will not experience in a life time. She has been taught many life lessons, and has been dealt such huge blows in her short life, yet she has faced them with tremendous strength and courage. My proudest moment was when Mark led her to the Lord 2 years ago, I saw such a huge difference in her from that moment on. This sunday she will be baptized, my second proudest moment.

Then there is my husband. Its hard for me to truly write what is on my heart concerning him, because I know he reads this (and half of his office!), and I know he will cry. I love you so very much. You have led this family with dignity and power. You have been my strongest supporter, my confidant, my very best friend, yet I feel like I have let you down in some way.. You’ve always given me hope, even before I had cancer, you pointed me in the direction of the cross many times in our journey with Emma Grace. I often wonder if you will be okay if this takes my life, and if it does, I hope that you can say that your wife was an amazing God honoring woman.

I want my life to be a reflection of Christ, I want to point to Him at every opportunity- through the good and the bad. I want to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant” because after all, He is the only one who truly knows my heart.

…..a child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Comments

Note From Heather: All comments are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete at any time. All comments are solely the opinions of the individuals submitting them and the publication of them on this blog does not imply my endorsement or agreement. By posting your comments to the blog you are granting me the right to use them. Your submission of a comment constitutes your acceptance of this comment policy.
In other words: Play Nice

81 Responses to “Legacy”

  1. Kari on June 15th, 2007 6:40 am
    1

    Amen, sister! You have asked the tough questions that most of us don’t think to ask of ourselves until it’s too late to do anything about it. Thank you for your humble honesty, thank you for being real on here so we can know how to lift you up in prayer before our loving heavenly Father. Legacy, that is such an important thing…what IS important in this life? What does God have us here for? Big questions, girl…I pray that our Father reveals these truths to you and blessed you with His peace. Remember, one of the BIG things you are HERE for is to ENJOY YOUR FATHER…how He delights in YOU, His daughter. So, Heather, walk with Him THIS day…today is all any of us have at this moment. Fellowship with Him today, love Him today…the rest will follow.
    Love and prayers…

  2. dcrmom on June 15th, 2007 6:59 am
    2

    I am positive that you will hear those words that you so long to hear. Bless you, Heather, for your raw honesty. I am continually praying for you and your family, and most of all, that God will spare your life for His glory.

  3. Tracey (LWG) on June 15th, 2007 7:02 am
    3

    your legacy is already evident, your candor in sharing your journey and your love of your family….is amazing. I think He’s already singing over you…. well down my daughter…and keep it up!

  4. jessica on June 15th, 2007 7:04 am
    4

    You have been and are a daily source of encouragement to so many! There is no doubt that your children and husband are waking up daily and thanking God for the woman/mother that you are! You are amazing, Heather, and I believe you are going to beat this! Thank you for being so honest with us! I just prayed for you last night that God will help you to endure all the physical and emotional stuff that goes along with this and that you will come out stronger in the end!

  5. donna on June 15th, 2007 7:08 am
    5

    As you share this journey, we all gain a greater insight into what is important in this life here on earth….to point others to Christ, to live for Him, each and every day….you are a beautiful daughter of the King…a loving servant…

    blessings this day
    donna

  6. Ami on June 15th, 2007 7:09 am
    6

    I don’t know if a dry eye will be able to read this post. It’s beautiful. Thank you for being transparent.

  7. Paula on June 15th, 2007 7:11 am
    7

    Heather, you have an incredible spirit… May His grace wrap you in His arms and comfort you. May your vision of purpose be clear. May you be able to enjoy each day, each moment… This is my prayer for you.
    Thank you for your honesty. You are a blessing indeed to me.

    Paula

  8. Marcia on June 15th, 2007 7:13 am
    8

    This is a beautiful post, Heather. This is a question that all of us need to ask ourselves regularly - what kind of legacy am I leaving? Oftentimes we don’t get a chance to prepare for this!

  9. Karen - Changed by Love on June 15th, 2007 7:14 am
    9

    “I want to point to Him at every opportunity- through the good and the bad”
    Honey, this is that point in time. You are pointing to Him - don’t let Satan tell you that just because you had a bad day or have a feeling of un-worthiness, that you are really that, because he is a liar. God knows your every thought and feeling - He created you for this - this day, this time, this very hour. I will continue to pray for God’s ultimate healing and grace on your life. May His strength be what guides you.

  10. Mindy on June 15th, 2007 7:23 am
    10

    I sit here with tears in my eyes. How absolutely wonderful this post is.
    I often sit and think about what sort of legacy I might leave and I echo the thougts you have on beng a Godly woman…..know that I pray for you and your sweet family and that I am blessed by you because girl, you are leaving a legacy that is worth it’s weight in gold!
    In HIM -
    Mindy

  11. Mark George on June 15th, 2007 7:38 am
    11

    You expect me to work after this! just kiddin. love you HD.

  12. Tiany on June 15th, 2007 7:38 am
    12

    Whether we have a terminal illness or not these are the questions that we must ask and areas we should reexamine often. I have been meditating on these very questions lately myself. Thank you for challenging us with your thoughts. We never know when we will take our last breath and we should always live as though today might be our last.

    You are a blessing Heather!!!!

    Praying for you always!

    Tiany

  13. Gina on June 15th, 2007 7:44 am
    13

    I do not know about anyone else crying, but I sure did! You truly are an amazing God-fearing, God-honoring woman and I am sure your family is very proud of you.
    Many prayers!
    Gina

  14. Lisa on June 15th, 2007 7:48 am
    14

    Heather - I am sure it will make him cry cause it has brought tears to my eyes. Let me tell you - As I have read your blog you have pointed to Jesus all along the way. What you are going through is hard - and so it is totally understandable to have bad days and do not feel for one moment that when you share those things that it brings less glory to God. It only tells us you are human and that you are struggling - which in turn, makes the rest of your post so amazing - how you trust in God - no matter what. You have touched so many lives I have no doubt that you have already at this point laid out a wonderful legecy for your family. You have taught me so very much - of the awesome power of God. You have been a wonderful example of the peace that God gives even in the hard time. Keep holding tight to Jesus - you will do amazing things yet!!
    Love,

    Lisa in Texas = )

  15. Beverly on June 15th, 2007 7:55 am
    15

    Your legacy is magnificent! While I truly don’t feel that this tumor will spread and take your life, know that whatever happens tomorrow…you have lived your days in an amazing way, always pointing to God. Always.

    Be sure that the rest of the world is in awe of you.

  16. Tirzah on June 15th, 2007 8:30 am
    16

    From the things you have written, I think you are leaving a wonderful legacy for your family. It is so hard to know if we are each accomplishing what we want to with the things we do! You are definitely focused and doing the best you can for your family! You are an inspiration.

  17. Holly Smith on June 15th, 2007 8:31 am
    17

    A legacy, Heather, that indeed reaches around the globe! I often think of the way you are walking this thing out…and I think how very proud I am of your sincerity, truth and love for the Lord…unashamed love of Jesus. That makes Him grin, I know!

    Our prayers are FOR you, Heather…asking God to heal, asking God to give you a very long life and to be there for even more wonderful moments like seeing your daughter baptized this Sunday…asking for you to see your granddaughter baptized, too!

    With love and much prayer,
    Holly

  18. dawnz on June 15th, 2007 8:37 am
    18

    Heather,
    Thank-you for reminding us what it all really comes down to. You have been given a tremendous gift, the gift of your words spoken on here. May God continue to bless you. And may He continue to soften our hearts through your gentleness of spirit.
    dawnz

  19. Cat on June 15th, 2007 8:37 am
    19

    Okay sis, Thanks for the teary eye’d morning, now I am all stopped up!

    I want you to know that you have made a VERY BIG IMPACT on my life. you have helped me with my Journey with God through your words. I read your blog daily just to learn something new, or for encouragement! I am blessed each and everytime I come here.
    Love you dear sis, and can’t wait to spend some time with you guys!

  20. Lundie on June 15th, 2007 8:45 am
    20

    Bless you for being honest about what you’re going through ((hugs)).

  21. Chandra on June 15th, 2007 8:49 am
    21

    I completely understand what you are saying. That is my goal in life to please GOD with my life now and have a positive impact on the ones I love. I pray that I do this. I have not been reading you for very long (less than 6 months) but I am sure you have been a positve role model for Christ to your children and husband and all of us reading your blog. You have made me think deeper about my relationship with GOD. I don’t know you and you don’t know me but you have encouraged me beyond measure. We may never talk on the phone or meet face to face but thank you for your raw honesty and showing what it trully means to serve a mighty GOD!

  22. Owlhaven on June 15th, 2007 8:50 am
    22

    Hope you don’t get sick of me simply saying ‘I’m praying’ over and over….

    I am

    Mary, mom to many

  23. Karla~Looking Towards Heaven on June 15th, 2007 9:00 am
    23

    lovely.

    (this is one of my very favorite songs)

    blessings,
    Karla

  24. Tammy on June 15th, 2007 9:02 am
    24

    WOW !You are leaving a good legacey.Hope you had a good day with your mom.

  25. Kristy McKinley on June 15th, 2007 9:06 am
    25

    Idon’t leave many comments, but know I am reading every post. I am praying for you and your family.

  26. LaTara Ham-Ying on June 15th, 2007 9:07 am
    26

    My Dear Sister,

    You have already set a spectactular and God glorifying legacy in place.

    Peace to You,
    LaTara Ham-Ying

  27. Debra on June 15th, 2007 9:21 am
    27

    Heather ~ be encouraged that you are not alone. Your thoughts are thoughts that we all should think and dwell on. Your desires are desires that every woman should have. Each of our days are numbered. Not one of us know when God will call us home. Do not fear, your words point to Him. I read your post because it gives me perspective and reminds me to seek His word and be challenged to live a life worthy of the calling. Many are praying boldly for you and your family. ~ Debra

  28. Norma Woodward on June 15th, 2007 9:24 am
    28

    You are truely amazing, Heather. I’m sure your family aren’t the only ones with tears after reading this posting. I know exactly what you are going through at this moment, and you are right, only God knows your heart. Preparing for what might be is the hardest part of this disease, but knowing God makes it easier. Having faith is what you are sharing and I for one need to be reminded that faith is all important in our walk with God. He can do all things!

    I know what you mean about your daughter being baptized being a proud moment. Our grandson is being baptized tomorrow and my heart overflows with love and his decision.

    Have a blessed weekend, Hugs, Norma

  29. Tammy on June 15th, 2007 9:40 am
    29

    Heather… these are questions that should guide our each and every day, whether facing the threat of illness or not. I know I need that reminder often… bless you.

  30. melody on June 15th, 2007 9:50 am
    30

    My prayers continue…your life is all that you speak of…and more.

  31. Kiesha on June 15th, 2007 9:59 am
    31

    Now I’m crying - I’m sure that you’ve had a great impact on many lives, I know you have mine. Your faith is amazing!

  32. Kristy on June 15th, 2007 10:24 am
    32

    This was my prayer this morning in my own life………..
    In Awe ~

    Ps. You are truly beautiful.

  33. Christy on June 15th, 2007 10:33 am
    33

    Wow. I just read this post and I am still blown away. I had cancer in 89 and 90. This was one of the hardest things for me to read. I wasn’t married, didn’t have children and mostly, didn’t live for God. Life is an amazing gift. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to re-evaluate what I am leaving here. My last treatment was in Oct of 1990. I pray blessings and health on you and your family. My husband accepted Jesus in 1996 and I rededicated my life to Him. We are working on being more Jesus to the world. You are an inspiration and encouragement. God Bless you!!! Christy

  34. Darla on June 15th, 2007 11:11 am
    34

    Heather,
    Wow what can I say I have never met you and found your site thru someone else and from what you have posted on your site you life is a reflection of Christ. If God calls you home you will be leaving behind a legacy that will sustain those you love. Praise the Lord on Easton’s up and coming baptism.

  35. Bobbie on June 15th, 2007 11:26 am
    35

    Oh Easton, what a gift you are giving to your mama and daddy this Father’s day. What a gift your mama is. I may not remember the day I was babptised, but it was Mother’s Day when I was 12, almost forty years ago.

    Legacy? You dear Heather have given them Jesus. And beyond that a Legacy of Faith, of fortitude, of Grace and of valor. She has seen what love looks like in the love affair her mother is having with her father. She will seek that out in her own life.

    When you hold your granddaughter on your lap and see the strength your daughter has as a mother (and with all my heart this is my prayer for you) You will see your legacy.

    Because of Jesus, Bobbie

  36. joel on June 15th, 2007 11:31 am
    36

    “I want my life to be a reflection of Christ, I want to point to Him at every opportunity- through the good and the bad.”

    Go dig up some of the posts you made in the days and weeks before your surgery, remembering that they were read by hundreds and thousands of people. There is no question. You have and continue to point everyone to Christ in every step of your journey, and your faithfulness (His strength in you) is inspiring.

  37. Tee on June 15th, 2007 12:31 pm
    37

    Heather, thank you for pointing us to the right questions. We all should be meditating on these questions. The bottom line, how are we living our lives? Are we directing others to Jesus. Thank you again for your honesty, your faith and your love. Continue to pray for you. I John 2

  38. Jeannine on June 15th, 2007 12:33 pm
    38

    Thank you for reminding me of this song. “Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?” So very important. It’s important for all of us, ill or not. What a blessing you are, Heather.

  39. Linds on June 15th, 2007 12:57 pm
    39

    You amaze me, as ever, Heather, and your words are so powerful. I too, keep praying. I am not stopping.

  40. Diane on June 15th, 2007 1:04 pm
    40

    Heather, you have already established an amazing legacy for not only your precious family, but everyone whose heart you have touched through this trial you are going through. My prayer is that you have many, many more years to continue to build the wonderful legacy you have already started.

    God bless you, Heather.

    In His grace,

    Diane

  41. Chris on June 15th, 2007 1:45 pm
    41

    Tears have streaked my face on several different occasions today. I was sitting in Subway having lunch with my 5 year old son and tears were just streaming down my face. I couldn’t get the song or your post out of my thoughts. I took the time right there during rush lunch hour at the Subway to spill my inner thoughts to my son. He rubbed my arm and told me how proud he was of my that I told him I loved him, and he would always remember our lunch.

    You and your story have touched my life in such a way that even those who I have come face to face with have not touched me. You are so right on when you say what have I left….have I made them proud? I am asking myself these same questions. But I can’t honestly say that I did before today. I have never even really taken the time to think of my legacy. Better believe I have now.

    You speak of how you are living a new life now because of your journey. Taking time to just enjoy what days you are given. I did not receive your diagnosis but because of you I have too been given a new respect on life. I look at life through opened eyes on how short all of our lives really are.

    Your legacy has touched more than you know and I am thankful to be able to lift you up before the Lord God because you have given me a reason to try harder on my legacy.

    Praying for you and expecting to see your complete miracle,

    Christi

  42. brenda on June 15th, 2007 1:47 pm
    42

    You have given me something to think about. I KNOW that I want the legacy of this family (my immediate family) to be that of a godly family. My husband’s family, on his dad’s side, has been very different from that. We would like the generations that follow to trace back their faith to us…their great, great, grandparents. It is a testimony to God that he could change an entire family’s legacy. Good things to think about–thank you for always sharing.

  43. Dawn on June 15th, 2007 1:48 pm
    43

    Again, you are an inspiration! And the fact that you want to remembered for knowing Him — shows where your heart is. I’ve missed reading here for a few days and I’m glad to be back. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers. ((( hugs ))) D

  44. Lyric on June 15th, 2007 2:07 pm
    44

    I sit here, weeping. Literally. Speechless.

    Your words, the testimony of your life now and in the past have borne much fruit in my life.

    Praying, continually.

  45. Sprittibee on June 15th, 2007 2:35 pm
    45

    That puts some meat on that song. I hope you know that you truly are leaving a legacy. I think you should consider putting your blog into a book form for your kids… so they can always cherish it. Of course, as long as you are writing it (and hopefully that will be long past the time I have given up blogging and well into our future - like maybe in our 80’s?), we’ll all be checking in on you… and coming away with a renewed sense of faith and strength.

    You can’t see your worth. God can. Others can. Your children can. Your husband can.

  46. Karla on June 15th, 2007 2:59 pm
    46

    This is on my perpetual calendar for today:

    “God has a thousand ways
    where I can see not one;
    When all my means have
    reached their end
    Then His have just begun.” Esther Guyot

    Thought I’d share it with you. :)

  47. bee on June 15th, 2007 3:24 pm
    47

    You know, your husband’s comment was almost as touching as your post! The fact that he could read that & still comment jokingly… that just says a lot about him. And about you… you picked him for your partner after all!

    God bless!

  48. Barb on June 15th, 2007 3:54 pm
    48

    I don’t think that’s going to happen, Heather, but if your family lost you now I have no doubt they’d remember you as strong, courageous, loving and most of all, an excellent example of a woman dedicated to God.

  49. Mark George on June 15th, 2007 4:01 pm
    49

    I’ve needed my sinuses cleared out a few times today. thanks HD, and everyone reading. you can laugh now

  50. Lana G! on June 15th, 2007 4:23 pm
    50

    Proverbs 31:28-29
    28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

    Blessings to you!

  51. Miz Booshay on June 15th, 2007 4:42 pm
    51

    Dear Heather,
    You are.
    You are already.

    God is glorified in you.
    I see it so very clearly every time I come to visit your blog.

    Love and contined prayers from Wisconsin,
    Donna

  52. A Grandmother in Alabama on June 15th, 2007 5:31 pm
    52

    What a wonderful family you have and what a amazing lady you are.
    Bless you always.

  53. Ang on June 15th, 2007 6:32 pm
    53

    I thot of this song when I came across your blog today. God bless you for your faith in Him. May we all learn from your sample of love and dedication to the Lord through these tough times. You are admired and have helped inspire many just through your sample.

    IF WE COULD SEE BEYOND TODAY

    Verse 1
    If we could see beyond today as God does see,
    If all the clouds should roll away, the shadows flee,
    For present griefs we would not fret,
    Each sorrow we would soon forget,
    For many joys are waiting yet for you and me.

    Verse 2
    If we could know beyond today as God doth know,
    Why dearest treasures pass away and tears must flow,
    And why some darkness leads to light,
    Why dreary days will soon grow bright.
    Some day life’s wrongs will be made right,
    Faith tells us so.

    Verse 3
    “If we could see, if we could know,” we of ten say,
    But God, in love, a veil doth throw across our way.
    We cannot see what lies before,
    And so we cling to Him the more.
    He leads us’til this life is o’er,
    Trust and obey.

  54. TaunaLen on June 15th, 2007 6:45 pm
    54

    Heather,
    Thank you for this reminder. It goes straight to my heart.

    “…let me leave that kind of legacy.”

    ~TaunaLen

  55. Dana on June 15th, 2007 7:24 pm
    55

    Heather….I’ve beenon vacation (still am actually) and this is the first I’ve had decent internet access….so I have to catch up on your latest posts. I justs read this one and I’m sittinghere in my hotel room with my family, with tears in my eyes.
    I often think of what legacy I’m leaving for my 12 year old son…I’m a single parent..and a Christian….and you, you have so inspired me - your family, your husband, your faith. What a proud legacy you will leave behind someeday for your family. You point us to God in all you do Heather. My faith has been strengthened through you. Bless you in your continued fight! Love you girl! (even though I don’t know you)
    Sunshine (Dana)

  56. Jenn on June 15th, 2007 8:20 pm
    56

    That was a great post. I got all choked up then I got chills. You are the kind of mother I am aiming to be…it’s hard sometimes, eh? And even harder for you because so much has been put in your path. That’s why I’m so amazed at YOUR faithfulness and MY lack of faith even though I have a life with silly little trials and nothing that compares to what you are going through and some days I can’t even seem to hold it together. You give me lots to strive for and I know that God is using you to get through to many.

    Praying for you and your family.

  57. Linda on June 15th, 2007 8:26 pm
    57

    Sweet Heather,
    I am not surprised that you would be thinking about these things just now. We have been faced with this as well. I love to remember that the Lord has written the story of our lives before we were even born. He knows our days. I think if we were truly wise, we would live each day in such a way that He would be pleased with us. We don’t know - any of us - just how many days we will have.
    I believe you’re going to have the victory over this disease. You now have such wonderful insights. Perhaps you will look back on these days and remember - and be blessed that you lived them well and continue to live each day well. You are a blessing and a testimony of God’s love and grace to all of us - and especially those closest to you.

  58. Sunshine on June 15th, 2007 9:27 pm
    58

    OK my comment sent before I was finished - I just wanted to thank you for your honesty, your faith, and to let you know that this blog is such an amazing way for your kids, your husband, your friends, and your family to see how you have and continue to fight the good fight of faith. When you are weak - He is strong! May God continue to pour Himself into you! Sunshine

  59. Debra on June 15th, 2007 10:08 pm
    59

    These same thoughts I have thought so many times. What legacy will we leave? Isn’t that the most important thing.

    I love your honesty and am enthralled by the legacy you leave on this blog.

  60. grafted branch on June 16th, 2007 1:06 am
    60

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, of course, but as the mother of 3 girls, I also feel for your eldest.

    I’ve sometimes wondered how I would handle such a trial. One thought I had was that I would like to take my girls out for a day of hair (up-do), nails and wedding dress shopping.

    I realize that that sounds weird, but I think I would find some comfort and relief if I knew that on their wedding day, when inevitably looked at their dad and said, “I wish Mom could see me,” he’d be able to say, “Oh, she did.”

    Thanks for helping your readers all around the world relish every minute. God bless you, Heather.

  61. Barb on June 16th, 2007 1:34 am
    61

    Heather, first off, I love your name. I have a 17 year old granddaughter with the name Heather. Heathers are very loving, caring, and compassionate people.

    I found you through a friend who shared your blog with me. I have really been moved by your posts and your courage. I have a sis/i/law who has been going through similar circumstances with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for over 2 years. She is a school teacher, and went back to work this past January. Right now, as far as we know, she’s in full remission, after having undergone her own stem cell replacement surgery. She has held on to her faith and says she is going to live. This has been her testimony from day one.

    Heather, I want you to know that many people are praying for you - probably more than you could ever imagine. Had it not been for my friend, I probably never would have come across your blog. And, I’m sure there are many more out there who have been sent here by others. Just want you to know that we will be lifting you up in prayer, along with your family.

  62. Liza on June 16th, 2007 1:57 am
    62

    The other day I was thinking about life and death. A friend of ours got hit by a car and died. He’s young, he’s healthy. We just never know when our time on earth is up …and it’s a comfort to know that because we know Jesus, we all will be with the Father. In a little while we ALL will be with the Father….

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTsGOeLxnMU

  63. Nancy Jensen on June 16th, 2007 4:02 am
    63

    You already have a wonderful legacy. You are an amazing woman and I can tell that your husband and the rest of your family love you to pieces. You don’t have any worries about how your family will remember you. I hope you will have many years left to work on your legacy. :-)

    But I do understand that you are thinking about it and I hate it when reality reaches up and slaps us in the face. On occasion I will look at my daughter while she is talking to me or even just doing her own thing, and it hits me that someday she won’t be here. She is dying… slowly, (although at times her health will take a nose-dive and then level out at a new low) but she is dying. As I watch her I wonder what her face will look like when she sees the Lord again. I imagine her face lighting up and a huge smile spreading upon her face. She tells me that she will give Jesus a big hug when she sees him again. I believe it. And she deserves it. But just because she is dying doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy today and cherish each moment. We are surprising her and taking her to a stable to see a real live horse up close. She has only seen a pony up close and she has dreamed of seeing a horse. A friend of ours contacted her friend who had to get permission from the stable owner who wants to be there and we have liability papers to sign, etc… so it’s finally all set up for us to go see a real live horse. We have to deal with the oxygen and wheelchair but I have been reassured that they will accommodate whatever Jessica’s needs are. Isn’t it AWESOME?! There are some wonderful people out there. And you are one of the them!

    I just finished reading your last couple of posts and I wanted to reiterate what others said: you are allowed to feel “down”. It’s only normal so please don’t be hard on yourself. My daughter gets discouraged because she can’t do so many things that she wants to do… even things that she used to do. We have a game that we play when she is having a rough time and can’t settle down to go to sleep. The game is that we take turns naming something that we like. It can be something we like to do or like to think about… movies we like to watch or even things we like to daydream about. Sometimes we mentions things that we’ve done in the past or places we have gone. After about 10 - 15 minutes of that Miss Jess and I are both smiling and happy. She is then usually able to go to sleeping dreaming about something that makes her smile. I hope that might work for you, too.

    (((Hugs)))
    from one heart mom to another,
    Nancy

  64. kittyhox on June 16th, 2007 7:46 am
    64

    I have been blessed by you, and I don’t even know you in “real life.” Judging from the impact you’ve had on those who read your blog, I’m sure your family and friends have been immeasurably blessed by God, through you.

    Your older daughter just couldn’t look more like you if she tried. I’ve noticed in her pictures that she has a certain quality that shines through the photos. A radiance. I think you can tell a lot about a person by their countenance in photos. She looks like a lovely young woman filled with the love of Jesus and wise beyond her years. Congratulations to her on her upcoming Baptism.

    Bless you, Heather! I believe our God has already used your life in a powerful and meaningful way and will only continue to do so. He is on your side!

  65. Jenn M. on June 16th, 2007 8:23 am
    65

    You have shown me how to handle disappointment and uncertainty in my own life. I already had a sense of that, but to see it in action, believe me it helped in my shadowed moments. What i have been through isn’t even as dire as what you are battling, yet I found strength in your thoughts. Thank you for that. I don’t know you, yet I will never forget you, even if I never read another blog after today.

    Jenn

  66. Bethany on June 16th, 2007 12:24 pm
    66

    Good morning Heather - once again - you’ve joined me for coffee! :)
    I think it’s important to ask those questions. Too bad we only ask them when we’re faced with stuff like this…
    God Bless you TODAY! hope it’s a happy one…

  67. Dawn on June 16th, 2007 3:29 pm
    67

    These are thoughts it would be good for all of us to ponder, because none of us is exempt from the possibility that our life could end at any moment. You are blessing us with time to do just that. I play organ at many funerals, and every one I have ever played for or attended, I wonder what would be said at mine. If I have had an impact for good that will remain. Billy Graham said, after the speeches at his library dedication last week-end, “Well, I feel like I’m at my own funeral.” What a blessing for him to be able to hear these words before he was gone. But he gave all the glory to Jesus.

  68. michelle on June 16th, 2007 4:16 pm
    68

    You hit the nail on the head! What matters after we are gone is what kind of a legacy did we leave? Something to be proud of or a shambles?

  69. bethy on June 16th, 2007 7:36 pm
    69

    child of mercy and grace who blessed His name? who points to Him? yes, my dear, that is YOU. you make our Savior smile. i hope i can leave that kind of legacy. you inspire me. and many, many others…know that. bless you…you will win.

  70. Just a mom on June 16th, 2007 9:24 pm
    70

    You my dear are such a sweet thing. You are on my thoughts daily and when I think of you I think how brave you are, How God has worked in your life and I thank Him for leading me to your blog. You Heather ispire me so much to look at today and Praise God for the day He has made. You have touched more then you will ever know and in your long years here on earth you, you will be blessed.

    Thank you for sharing with us.

  71. Sarah on June 16th, 2007 9:46 pm
    71

    Heather, I continue to be amazed at how the Lord gives grace and works in your life. After reading your posts, I just become speechless. You are a testimony of strength, and I know it comes from the Lord. May He continue to hold you close, give you grace, guidance and wisdom as you go through this. We can ALL learn from you! Thank you.

  72. DKRaymer on June 16th, 2007 10:01 pm
    72

    I’ve been keeping tabs on you these past few months while going through my own medical adventure. Know that you AND your entire family are in my prayers. Hang tough, and on the days that’s too tough, we are here to hold you up!
    DK

  73. Mandy Hopkins on June 16th, 2007 10:50 pm
    73

    Heather,
    I always enjoy reading your posts and am so inspired by you. I found you through the ninetynineballoons blog and have read your blog for several months now. I just lost my baby daughter last week and am really struggling to find some peace in this trying time. Please pray for my family. We are praying for you and yours.

    Mandy Hopkins
    http://www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

  74. EEEEMommy on June 16th, 2007 11:50 pm
    74

    You do it evertime you post! Especially when you’re posts are full of God’s Word! You are leaving a legacy right now!
    I wanna leave a legacy too!
    Continuing to pray for you,
    Angel

  75. kelli on June 17th, 2007 12:22 am
    75

    Hey sweetie,

    Just wanted to wish Mark a super fabulous Father’s Day.

    Hope it’s fun, relaxing, and totally awesome!

    Love you.

  76. Terry on June 17th, 2007 12:56 am
    76

    Dear Heather…I am just stopping by to wish you a very blessed Sunday!Love Terry

  77. Kathryn Griffiths on June 17th, 2007 2:31 am
    77

    It appears to me that the Lord is speaking to you. I don’t think you have any reason to worry about your legacy. Keep being Heather. The Lord is blessing others through you just as you are. And if we are being blessed, I’m certain your family is being blessed as well. Take one day at a time. God is there at every step. I’m still praying for you!

    Hugs,
    Kate

  78. Especially Heather on June 17th, 2007 5:48 am
    78

    Dear Mandy,
    I am so very sorry for your loss, Madeline was such a miracle… she was beautiful too. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers, thank you for sharing your needs with all of us, it is an honor to pray for you.

    This fathers day, remember this: She is in the arms of her heavenly daddy, complete and whole. And though your heart longs to have her back here, you will see her again…

    Praying for you…
    -H

  79. Jenn on June 17th, 2007 10:04 am
    79

    I think, we all often forget, that even if we are not facing a life threatening problem - there’s nothing telling us that we are promised tomorrow - we are not promised tomorrow, and must remember to live each day like there will be no tomorrow -

    To..Laugh like there’s no one watching,
    To..Dance like your hair’s on fire,
    To..Stand tall like a building that has never felt the crumbling effects of an earth quake,
    To..Love with every piece of your heart,
    To..Live like there IS no tomorrow!

    God Bless, you are an amazing person, mother, wife, and servant to God you are an inspiration, a gift and a true friend!

    Jennifer

  80. Gretchen on June 17th, 2007 5:54 pm
    80

    Heather, I know people see Jesus in your face everytime they meet you face to face, because I hear his gentle whisper everytime I read your blog. His influence upon us through you is like a pebble on the water. The ripples flow out infinitely–with each reader. God bless you. You are an amazing mother and woman of God. No matter when you are called home, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that you will hear a resounding, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well done!”

    Just think–your children have all you and a bag of chips. ;)

  81. Sally on June 18th, 2007 8:33 am
    81

    Heather,

    Not only do your kids think that you are an amazing mom, but all of us do, too! You are a wonderful example for all of us! You are a shining example of what God wants all of us to be!

I would love to hear from you!





Comments will be sent to the moderation queue.

:alien: :angel: :angry: :blink: :blush: :cheerful: :cool: :cwy: :devil: :dizzy: :ermm: :face: :getlost: :biggrin: :happy: :heart: :kissing: :lol: :ninja: :pinch: :pouty: :sad: :shocked: :sick: :sideways: :silly: :sleeping: :smile: :tongue: :unsure: :w00t: :wassat: :whistle: :wink: :wub: