Serenity and I a few minutes after our cuts.
Our family is pretty big on doing things together. We’ve been known to gather twenty family members in the waiting room when a new baby is born. In the last few years, though, geography has limited some of those interactions. (Baby Violet was sadly lacking in a receiving line this year. We made up for it with group hugs at Christmastime.)
Today we met a different kind of milestone, and we took full advantage of technology to share it. (Thank you very much, Danieljohn!)
In case this is your first visit to Mercy Street, please allow me to summarize: Our daughter, Serenity, is going through her second battle with Synovial Cell Sarcoma – a rare and aggressive cancer. She was cancer-free for about two weeks this summer, which is a HUGE milestone. A miracle, really. And, we were appropriately grateful. Then, two tiny nodules showed up in her lungs.
Now, one huge shark-bite-to-the-shoulder-blade later (sometimes called a thoracotomy) she is cancer-free again. Praise God! However, the doctors all agree she must endure preventative chemotherapy this time. In anticipation of the hair-loss that is pretty much guaranteed, Serenity decided she would cut her thick, beautiful lion’s-mane of hair.
Her sisters and I knew what a big deal this was going to be. So, we joined her. Although we were in two different states, we all went to the salon and had our hair chopped. Then we video conferenced to share our stories and our new looks. Occasionally, we each caught ourselves staring into the camera and adjusting our bangs rather than actually looking at the other people on screen.
But, that’s one of the things we love about each other. We might be trembling on the inside, but by golly we’re going to look good!
Video Reunion
I loved this so much I cried. You have a beautiful family and you’re all in my prayers!
You’re the best, Mama. And my sisters are the best. And I’m so glad we did this. I feel stronger already.
Wow, that is so Kathy Grubbs!! You were always the first to give support to us gals back at Atlanta High. I myself would never think to do it, I”m just not that “smart” of a thinker. I do dearly love my children and would do anything for them, just as you have done here. I hope and pray for only the best for your family and wish I had lived closer to get to know each and everyone of your kiddos. But I remember the great friend you were in high school and I’m sure you are the best mom in the world to your family. Thanks for sharing your stories with us.
You give me way too much credit, Cindy. But I did always try to follow my own mom’s example. We all refer to her as The Nicest Woman in the World. Thanks for your kind words and your encouragement!
Strength comes in numbers…….. Ladies, you are all such strong, beautiful examples that I have always admired. Prayers continue Serenity for your healing. Love/Danette
Wow. I didn’t realize how every one of you has stellar bone structure. The new ‘dos really accentuate those gorgeous faces. And I especially love the bond you all share.
Awe, thanks Cindy. I’ve always thought you and my girls have similar bone structure. And they definitely got theirs from their dad 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today.
Kathy Marlene, you look groovy in your new hairstyle:). Your daughters are beautiful, just like you (and, yes, we have to give their dad a little credit), but all of you just show off your pretty faces even more with the new haircuts. You rock!
Thanks, Judy Coleen!