NEW HAIR DOO

Friday I went to the salon with my two amazing daughters, as it was time to address "the hair". It was beginning to come out and rather than wait til it was "wispy", I decided to clipper it down --not bald, but very close. Was that hard? Well yes, though I am so glad that my girls were there and Brittany and Matt, our family stylists, were and have been over-the-top supportive! I was so grateful. They were all so encouraging, we laughed, chatted and hugged. I'm sure we were all on the verge of tears, but all stayed strong.

Later that night, I stood alone in front of the mirror and cried. Yes, it was hard because until that moment I could look at myself and say -- you're not sick look at you. You're fine. Now I look at the image that stares back. It is so different. I look like I am a cancer patient. It is real.

I've done real before. I've lost my parents, endured my husbands Navy career and of course labored for three wonderful babies -- so Real -- all of it. And since I've gone through those things, I am certain I can do this too.  I can find the joy in the things around me. I can keep perspective and focus on the right things. I've discovered in my life that God strengthened me when I lost my father and again when I lost my mother. He gave me wisdom in my marriage and grace through uncertainties. And amazingly although I didn't think I would make it through childbirth - I did!!!! He helps, He restores, and He will restore me in this too.

Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul...