Thanks for the Mammogram!

My title is THE title of a book given to me by one of Mark's cousins. She was so sweet to help us with the girls while we met with the surgeon, and then went above and beyond in sharing this book with me.

By Laura Jensen Walker, "Thanks for the Mammogram" is a humourous reflection on the author's journey with breast cancer. She was diagnosed on her first anniversary, participated in experimental research that meant that she received very heavy doses of the chemotherapy and thus, was VERY sick, and her journey ended with her car being stolen out her driveway while she and her husband attended the very last appointment with the reconstrucive surgeon. With that ending, Laura says she could laugh or cry, and they chose laughter...it was just so absurd.

I enjoyed the book a lot. Laura is very inspiring and her attitude is great! And beyond that, I have to smile at the blessing of God's timing in letting me read this now. Because, yesterday, our car was stolen. JUST KIDDING! But, yesterday, our car did break down. Just three days before we have to drive to Dallas for surgery. Just a few days after I had a meltdown about the price of cancer and the state of the union in our checking account.

So...with God's provision in all things, He armed me with the book, with surprise encouragement (more later about that), and with safety as I was able to get the car (and the girls) within walking distance of campus (Mark's work). We will find out today whether the outcome will mean more stretching of my faith in God's financial provision, and if we will be renting a car to drive to Dallas!

During the whole escapade yesterday, I kept thinking about Laura's story. This is absurd...but I can laugh or cry, and I choose laughter! I choose gratitude (it could have happened miles away from campus, or worse yet, in Dallas.) I choose faith. God will provide.