Reaching a 50th birthday is a milestone to many, but to Kandy and her family, it was cause for a HUGE celebration. When Kandy was born in 1963 with a diagnosis of chromosomal translocation, her family knew her life
It sounds like Darlene has a very positive outlook on life.
Darlene is my friend, fellow teacher and an inspiration. Mary
When people hear what they “can’t” do-some of them accept that and and that becomes the underlying theme of their life. Some people look at that and say “why not? Why can’t I” and learn to OVERCOME what other people are telling them. We are all vastly capable of more than we will (most likely) ever accomplish in this life. God has given us limitless opportunity-what we do with it is up to us. When you face adversity and overcome it-rather than accept it-you learn so much about yourself and the greater lessons on life. 🙂
I had the privilege to work with this great gal!! She is so positive, made me (and the kids) smile! Love you Dar!
Melony – You were one of my very first friends in Georgia oh…not so long ago! 🙂 Thank you for you (and your writings) and sharing Taylor’s story. You are so right that we need to listen more to our teens. They all have a story to share and a lessons we can learn from.
I am happy to read the wonderful story you put together regarding Taylor. Excellent work! I haven’t seen or heard much about you in many, many years and only hope life has been good to you. Thanks again, Rob
Enjoyed, enjoyed and enjoyed. What a Beautiful young women.
I am so glad you shared this story that so many can relate to-my husband being one. He has a form of leukemia where his blood platelets are very low, and I, along with others, are inspired by his positive attitude. I appreciate Taylor’s fighting spirit and her ability to share her positive outlook with others. Thanks, Melony, for your good work!
As a pediatric nurse and now pediatric nurse practitioner there is nothing more daunting than child hood cancer. I don’t think most people realize that the diagnosis of cancer in childhood means that the child’s life comes to a SCREECHING halt. Life that revolved around school, birthday parties, and learning to ride a bike all stops and the focus becomes FIGHTING. It’s all about doctors appointments, treatments, blood counts and just staying ALIVE. Same for the parents, too. To have FOUGHT and WON is not something most adults can get-let alone most teenagers. As teenagers are pretty self centered it does not surprise me that many of Taylor’s friends didn’t get it. But instead of having a bitter pity party-THIS girl took her gift of another shot at life and is using it. A maturity that many adults do not possess. We are all blessed to be alive-took me YEARS to get this. And she gets it now. She will bless many others-of that I have no doubt.
and can I add….I can not even begin to imagine the terror and agony her parents had to have suffered through. I have three kids and three times a day my heart leaves this house and goes out into the world…and that is terrifying enough…
Taylor, You truly are an inspiration. The servant’s heart is the strongest heart there is! God specifically chose you to do His work. WOW! Thank you for sharing your precious gift with the rest of us <3
Taylor, what a beautiful young woman you are! You have taken your diagnosis and turned it into a positive! I can see in your eyes, the spirit of a fighter! There is something to be said of a cancer diagnosis, it changes you for better or for bitter! You have to choose better and it is a choice you have to make every day.I admire that you are giving back to other children with a cancer diagnosis. You may not see what a difference you are making in the lives of these children, however, the money you raise will touch many lives!
I pray that God bless you as continue on your mission to become a oncology specialist! Healthcare definitely needs caring people like you! May all your dreams come true, sweet girl!
Taylor, you are an amazing girl. God has blessed us with you. I pray that you have a full life and are able to fulfill all your dreams. You are as beautiful as you are courageous. Melony, I had no idea that so little money is spent on childhood research. Thank you Taylor and Melony for sharing this breath taking story with us.
Hi Taylor,
Thank you for sharing your story!
Like you I have been through this battle with cancer. In 2003 I went through the Chemo and radiation, two major surgeries and a divorce in 2004 after 29 years, not by choice.
I asked the same question Why Me? Why the cancer, why the divorce? Why did I have to go through all of this? Yet in the midst of all of it, the Lord made it known that He was with me.
One of the things to happen to me as I was going through radiation treatment, as I was sitting, waiting for my turn, a young child, maybe five or six years old, waiting also for treatment, came over to me, simply laid her hand on mine and simply said, “It’s going to be all right!” For me, it was the Father speaking to me, that He was there and it’s going to be ok!
During the chemo and radiation, the surgeries, and the many days spent in the hospital, I had many opportunities to reach out and to touch others, to share hope, both to young and old and to be encouraged myself. That I was to focus on others and that brought healing to me also.
I am on full disability, can’t do some of things I used to, but I can do what I have been called to, to write, to exhort, to encourage others on this path called life, to be an encouragement to others, to share that we are never without hope.
The writing, the columns, the website, and the Coffee Cup Ministry, a ministry of hanging out in coffee shops was born. It is a ministry of listening, of exhorting and encouraging others, to let them know we are not without hope. I have the opportunity to encourage the writers, the musicians, etc in their gifting’s and talents!
I am blessed, I have three awesome children and three great grand kids. They have seen that the events of the last ten years have made me stronger, that the Lord has used all of it. That what was meant to destroy me, did not.
Each day is a gift and opportunity to start fresh and see what is in store for that day. That it is one day at a time, a day to touch others with hope.
Thank you for sharing your story, for the work that you do with Curing Kids Cancer and for sharing with high school students about appreciating life.
I will be praying for you as you continue your volunteering and as you pursue the dream of becoming a Child Life Specialist in Child Oncology. Indeed you would be able to encourage and lift up other children who are fighting cancer. Like me, you will be a able to share, because you have been there and you will be speaking from your heart, not theory.
I will be lifting you in prayer daily Taylor, as well as your family. Again thank you for sharing your story!
Blessings and prayers,
Paul
I remember sooo many people moving to Atlanta, living in school gyms, YMCAs, churches, really nowhere to go…I think we probably have more giant weather events like this around the corner with global warming.
This inspiring story is proof that “we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!”
To God be the glory!! Rochelle, you are my she-ro!
You really never know what type of battles people around you are fighting.
Your story echoes that of so many girls/women in our society. I can’t wait to read the rest of your story to see how you overcame. I teach high school, and see so many girls that are in similar situations. Your list of “reasons” as to why you stay in an abusive relationship seems to reflect so many others. I hope that I can share your success with others. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Melony,
Just finished reading this post and looking forward to reading part two.
I am so glad you are taking the stories of others, of the journeys, of the things that they have gone through and have overcome!
I know your blog is going to touch the lives of many.
I am over in Kennesaw house and pet setting and will take the next couple of days to catch up with the rest of the posts on your website!
Paul aka The Mayor
I think that honestly, a lot of this goes undetected. Law enforcement can only reach so far. People need more of a heart change. They need Jesus. You cannot legislate or regulate morality.
I’ve just read this. This hurts my heart as my daughter was in an abusive relationship for 5 years. I’m very happy you overcame!
You are truly an inspiration! Keep up the good fight Tracie =)
Thanks Stacy!
Great job Melony! Thank you for sharing my journey! I pray my journey will help others!
Very well written Melony. My mom (Tracie) has made our family so proud! If there was anything I could share, I would tell each and every family member of those with cancer the following: When a loved one has cancer, the whole family has cancer. Support each other and remember that God is the Great Healer. Pray unceasingly!
Tracie, We love you and are so proud of you!! You are a wonderful example of Christianity and true friendship. Our family is blessed to call you, Sam and the gang our friends!
Tracie, Sam & their 3 kids lived in my subdivision and our kids grew up together for a lot of years so I’ve had the priviledge of knowing them for over 20 years. This is an amazing family and always have been a blessing to me and our neighborhood! Always thinking about, helping and praying for others. Tracie, you & Sam have been an inspiration to me always!! Even though I knew your story, I loved reading it. I’m getting teary-eyed! I love you guys!
Tracie- thank you for sharing your story.
What an inspiration!!!
Sis (Tracie), you truly are my inspiration. Through you God has shown me your loving spirit, your faith in him, and the faith of a mustard seed that we all should have to know that God will never leave us or forsake us even in the most darkest days. I am so proud of you and know that through placing all our trust in him He stills is alive and has not stopped us in believing in miracles. Love you, sis.
Tracie has a Very supportive family . I have seen Sammy’s attitude and spirit touch a lot of people
Thank you all so much! God bless you!
I like the word “SHHHH” LOL…anyway, my one word is Strength….it takes strength to get through life, problems, situations, and Shawn T Insanity workouts. Strength comes from perserverence.
And perspective comes with time and experience…not something we just wake up with. Wish we could get teenagers to realize that huh?! Strength-perspective-perserverence—a nice little triangle and each angle needs the other to stand.
WAIT. After reading the above my word is WAIT. I should have “Be still and know” tatooed on my arm. I want to move, act, react. And sometimes I need to WAIT and see what God is going to do. He is going to do what He is going to do NO MATTER what I do…so why do I scurry all over? I need to WAIT. Hard for me-especially with my kids. I don’t want to miss an oppoutunity, a chance, or some small kernal that will make a difference for them. They are becoming thier own people-especially my son. God is working in them and I need to WAIT and see what He is going to do. UGH. HARD!! But as I tell my kids-nothing worth doing is easy. And doing what HE wants us to do is ALWAYS worth doing. Love you mel. As usual-you got me !!!
…and is Jeff telling you to shhhh? LOL!! Good luck. I know Shane has been trying to “shhh” me for years!!! HAHAHA!!
Great review! I love this book and have gifted it to family and friends! My One Word is JOURNAL. Journaling a conversation with the Lord forces me to slow down and think my thoughts. I’ve come a long way since January. My One Word (MOW) really works to keep me focused on what I need to do… Which is journal!
Hi Mel! Thanks for the review. I haven’t read this book, but it sounds like a good one. And yes, I can see that Overcomer should be your word this year! Love you!
This is such an encouraging story. It reminds me of the bible story where 2 women both claimed to be the mother of the same baby. The king could determine the real mom by watching to see which woman was willing to give it up. Awesome!
Amy-perfect! I LOVE that story. It’s a parent’s heart at its finest.
I have the awesome privilege of taking care of families who have had the courage and love to adopt a child. I am still amazed at God’s hand in these families as the children almost always resemble one parent. I don’t know why I continue to be amazed by God’s hand in this. He can move any mountain and make a family out of unexpected places any time he chooses. Some say that the child just has mannerisms like one of the parents…nah. It’s God doing what He does best. And the same holds true for children of different races and cultures, too. Just look and you will see God’s work!
Very loving story. God giving us the deisres of our heart rings loudly in this stroy.
I just read this and love that he “looks just like dad”! That’s how God works things out!
It’s amazing to me how we can be so tired, but yet if we force ourselves to exercise, we gain energy. I’ve GOT to get back to it! Thanks for the reminder!
“God freeing her from finding worth in what she did”. This struck me-so many of us struggle with this. I did at one time and then found the purpose in doing what I do and looking at my “career” as an extension of His love in my life and it became so fulfilling. I am going to hit her web site and check it out-stuck and the scale won’t move despite still working out to a frazzle! Can’t lose that belly fat-stress fat.
Changing my diet has been the best thing that I ever decided to do to increase my energy.
Kandy is obviously an inspiration to many. I find it amazing and inspiring that she has so much to offer. It is true, that every person is a gift and each and every person contibutes to our world in their own unique way. Although some not visiable, each person has strenghts and weaknesses. It is how one chooses to use them that makes them a winner. Thanks for sharing and may God continue to use Kandy to bless others.
Shelly
You are so right, Shelly. Kandy certainly does contribute to our world.
Kandy has definitely made a positive influence on so many by using all her talents to the best of her ability. She exudes love to all in her own way.
She definitely shares her love by giving the best hugs!
Happy, happy Birthday Kandy!! God doesn’t make mistakes. Kandy is perfectly and wonderfully made. We should all be such avid servants for The LORD. Thanks for sharing Kandy!
I love your comment about all of us should be avid servants for the LORD. Kandy’s heart for the toddlers is definitely a servant’s heart. I know it makes God smile!
Kandy….Happy Birthday!!!! You are a great inspiration to a lot of people. … Jeff
Kandy, thanks for being a loving, caring human being. God has richly blessed you and mankind for knowing you.
It was so great to meet Kandy and her mom at the Overcomer luncheon. They both are marvelously strong, amazing women!