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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Tue Jan 29th, 2008 08:21 pm |
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hi to all my brothers and sisters. i am typing with one hand because my left is useless, so please overlook all my typos, which i will not try too hard to correct - can you imagine the time it will take?
here is my latest info.
Sun. i took oldest daughter to ER for breast pain and lump. she actually said, i think i have breast cancer. at 15, it is probably some kind of infrection. she has just finished antibiotics for haemopholis - flu to bacteria- but still not feelingg well.
monday night (well tuesday morning) at 4am, i picked up my daughter at friennd's house. can you believe it? and up at 6am to get ready for surgery. let me tell you, for someone who has worked very hard to keep certain parts covered all year, it was lovely to have someone draw all over my breasts and back and learn that i woud have a catheter and be fipped back an forth over and over while my gown kept opening up. I even asked my anesthesiologsts - yes two- not to look. oh well.
i had a entourage of husband, mom,stepmom,dad, big brother, little brother all taking turns visiting me while in pre-op.
i guess the first thing i said after waking up was please put me back under, because i was in so much pain, but god is so merciful to surgery patients, because the only reason i know that is someone told me.
my surgery was apx. 11:30am - 8:30pm. yikes! i had a muscle that runs the length of my back cut apart from my flesh and pushed up through a cavity made under my armpit area and into my newly made breast cavity. so i hurt from the lower part of my left back, to my left side and wrapped around to my front side, and of course the entire area of what i am calling "my left breast thing", to the center of my chest.
all through the first night - tues-, i struggled with horrible pain - but in that weird anesthesia fog which makes it unreal - and nausea, i had a great button - morphine - that helped with pain but kept making me feel nauseated, except the nausea was also from the anesthesia. but i became afraid to push trhe button because i felt sick, until i was in so much pain, i had to push the button, and then i was sick and in pain - so never do that. so there i was around 3-4am, throwing up, hurting, begging for help from all these people who were arond me. it was really very sad. and i kept saying, oh god, oh jesus, and calling on my true healer. and after it passed and everyone left, there was a shadowy person on my left side - my injured side that kind of walked from my head to my hip, all the spacing of my pain, and i thanked jesus for comong to my side to comfort me when i do nothing to deserve his great compassion.
when i woke up on wed. i was able to lift my left hand. that's it, and my silly doctors wanted mt to ROLL OVER to sho them my back. helloooo! towrd afternoon, i could lift most of my left arm and my legs a little, but could not even shift the core of my body. and my poor aid, walter says to me, they are making you get up now. So, i started crying, and that poor man lifted me out of bed while i screamed in his face and cried at the top of my lungs the whole time until he set me in a chair which was literally one inch away - touching th bed! - but it took forever to get there and my poor stpmom had to leave the room while i screamed and cried. and even in all my screaming, i still reminded him to keep me covered - hey priorities! after, my stepmom prayed over me and i could hear her own tears.
and i got better and better from there. I met some nice women. one was on dialisis who said she hates the whole world because of how hard her life has become she said she never prays anynore, but during my first night, she said she had suffered with me, so before she left, i reminded her of that and told her god sufferes with her like that, too. when she left, she said she would pray for me and doesn't do that for anybody eles, so please remember her to the lord. She is in great need of his divine peace. there was a wman who had stomach/colon surgery who has to relearn eatinh habits because she now has instant diahrea and can not absorb butrients. And the last girl, 22, who was hit by a car and while being x-rayed for a broken shoulder the found a hole in her lung, so they have left her shoulder broken all week while they try to figure out her lung, which they stii have not done. she is a beautiful girl who has been suffering drug withdrawals during her stay. my mother and stepmother both comforted her when she was scared and alone. please pray for her. we joked about how we were all so desparate that we didn't mind having a man dress us, and walter said - i don't have eyes. he was so sweet.
as we have all cried, been sick, talked about our pain and shared our visitors, i have come to love these women on a strangley deep level. And though i will never see them again, they are within me.
i came home on sat. the 26th, my middle daughter's 13th birthday.
my oldest's snake died yesterday, and shortly afterward, my nighbor brought over a vase of flowers, with a beautiful card and a note which said that god had told her spirit to give me 100.00. so, i wrappped myself up in a blanket and went and cried my thanks all over her, because now we couod replace daughte'r snake without too much financial trauma. We did ackowledge the irony of jesus helping with the serpent.
my youngest should be at science camp but is home sick. uggg. but, my father is visiting from arrowhead tomorrow, and we have permission to send her up to camp if she is ok. my goodness, life is hectic.
and so, god'sblessings to you all. my pain is normal an bearable. and my gog is good!
love, laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2427 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 29th, 2008 09:23 pm |
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Kind of reminds me of my own experience with surgery back in 1990.
Laura, you are one terrific lady. You can play on my team anytime. Jesus has his arms around you now and won’t let go.
David
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 2227 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Tue Jan 29th, 2008 11:21 pm |
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Hi Laura,
What a story. This quickly puts into perspective whatever "problems" I may think I have in my life. It took guts to tell all that, but I'm glad you did, so that people can show you love and pray for you. Let's hope the worst is over now. Hang in there. Lots of people here are "rootin'" for ya!
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I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2100+ papers & web pages (free) & 17 apologetic books (4 sale: 15 E-Books: $25)
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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CajunRick
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 01:43 am |
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I've already posted my "welcome back" in another thread so I'll just say again how happy we are to have you back.
Isn't God wonderful? He let you be Jesus to all those others in the hospital, and you will carry them with you always. And thank you for sharing them with us.
And Kermie blows kisses...
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tedjenczewski
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| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 358 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, revert Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 02:25 am |
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| Welcome back Laura. I echo Dave's comments. My life is in perspective as a result of your testimony. May almighty God bless you, uphold you, strengthen you and encourage you in every hope through Jesus our Lord.
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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setapart
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| Joined: | Sat Jan 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | Austin, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 266 |
| First Name: | Bill | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Born Catholic, Non-Denominational Charismatic, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 03:14 am |
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Laura,
I am very impressed with how you were still able to care for the others around you in spite of your intense pain. Apparently, God's grace is active in you life.
May God continue to heal and restore you and also continue to use you mightily for His glory.
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But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mal 4:2
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 07:20 am |
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thank you everyone. god has just put my heart right so that in all things, i want people to see his goodness. i know it's his work because i am too weak on my own. thank you so much, though, for showng me that he is working and active in my spirit. sometimes, i can't see the forest for the trees.....
love, laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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CajunRick
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 12:28 pm |
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Truthseeker wrote: sometimes, i can't see the forest for the trees.....
Now I get to go to work wondering if I'm the forrest or the tree.....
God loves you, Laura, and so do we.
Maybe it's a pecan tree and I'm the nut?????
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 09:15 pm |
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had my post op which went well. afterward, out to breakfast. there was one kind of elderly lady in the whole restaurant and we got seated right beside her. why do hostesses do that? well, in today's case, god must have told her so.
her son joined her, and throughout there conversation, kept saying things like, ...i don't need to know what you had for dinner....what does that have to do with the story...you're not listening to me....how is that pertinebt to this conversation....and then his language started getting bad. i felt so bad for her,
i finally turned around - which i never do - and said, excuse me, you're just being very rude to her. couldn't you just have a nice conversation with your mom?
and you know what he did? he apologized to his mother. and before we all left, he apologized to her several more times. i was so inspired by his acceptance of my request, because it seems pride did not raise it's ugly head. i feel priviledged to have been a part of a little god moment.
side notes-
youngest daughter is on her way to san bernadino mountains for science camp. oldest is missing. she was doing so well.
love all,
laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1446 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 10:14 pm |
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Dear Laura,
I see you there on the cross with Christ, offering up sacrifices.
Humbled and silenced by your example, I ask God to let me be like Laura when I "grow up."
XXX OOO XXX OOO
for those who never purchased valentines for little children---
The X's and O's stand for kisses and hugs.
May your birthday tomorrow bring you the peace of Christ and the joy of His grace in your life.
Becky
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Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials. . .the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. . . NAB James 1:2-4,12
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beachmoss
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | Simpsonville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 296 |
| First Name: | Beth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic (raised Baptist) |
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Posted: Thu Jan 31st, 2008 01:12 am |
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Wow, Laura! You are an amazing woman! Your story has really put my "suffering" this week into perspective.
I'm so happy that you are back and seem to be doing so well!!!
God bless you, dear!
Beth
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Thu Jan 31st, 2008 01:13 am |
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you are so sweet. I just told my neighbor (the 100.00 one) that I hope to learn to listen and obey like she does. I guess we all have moments when we inspire and moments when we are inspired. I'm blessed to experience both.
I don't know why, but I am so joyous at the moment - in pain, missing kid, etc, - but just full of joy!!!!
Love, Laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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3John4
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| Joined: | Tue Feb 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 102 |
| First Name: | Dede | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic, Protestant, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jan 31st, 2008 01:36 am |
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Oh Laura, you inspire me so much. I wish you were my next door neighbor.
Actually, since it's below zero here with the wind chill, I'd give ya $200 to be your next door neighbor right now!
Blessings,
Dede
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tedjenczewski
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| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 358 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, revert Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jan 31st, 2008 02:53 am |
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| We take great pride and joy in you Laura.The grace and bounty of our risen Lord is shown forth in you. God bless you.
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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CajunRick
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Posted: Thu Jan 31st, 2008 05:24 am |
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Truthseeker wrote: why do hostesses do that?
Makes it easier on them. They don't have to walk so far.
You're still in our prayers, Laura, and your kids as well.
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Sat Feb 2nd, 2008 05:12 pm |
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hi all-
oldest home again. skipped a bunch of pain meds so i could drive around looking for her in the middle of the night. stupid, i know. but i made up for it later.
apparantly, one of her friends od'd and had to go to ER. then, some people came to her other friend's house to fight with weapons and pepper spray! one girlfriend locked her and bff in the upstairs bathroom so they would be safe. cops were called but still hiding in bathroom, so i finally got her on thurs - my birthday. is that a good present or not? just kidding.
anyway, then i came home and doped up. she's on restriction again. the pattern of our lives here.
love, laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Sat Feb 2nd, 2008 05:23 pm |
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so, i just want to add that oldest missed work program because she couldn't find her shoes and now says she's never going until they just send her to jail, because jail is better then her being in trouble all the time.
is this just frustration? her pleasantness is gone again so there's no way to discuss...i don't know. her dad and i have done soooo much to keep her out of jail, i just don't have anything left to fight with - so if she gets herself jailbound, i do not even have the desire to prtect her from herself
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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setapart
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jan 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | Austin, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 266 |
| First Name: | Bill | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Born Catholic, Non-Denominational Charismatic, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Feb 2nd, 2008 06:00 pm |
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Laura,
Praying for your situation and your daughter.
Psalm 138
1 Of David. I I thank you, LORD, with all my heart; before the gods to you I sing. 2 I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your fidelity and love. For you have exalted over all your name and your promise. 3 When I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit. 4 II All the kings of earth will praise you, LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. 5 They will sing of the ways of the LORD: "How great is the glory of the LORD!" 6 The LORD is on high, but cares for the lowly and knows the proud from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of dangers, you guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out your hand; your right hand saves me. 8 The LORD is with me to the end. LORD, your love endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands! Psalms 138:1-8 (NAB)
Bill
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But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mal 4:2
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2427 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Feb 2nd, 2008 07:11 pm |
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Truthseeker wrote:Oldest… now says she's never going until they just send her to jail, because jail is better then her being in trouble all the time.
Laura, this sounds like despair. No matter where she turns there is conflict and danger, betrayal and suffering. She wants protection but is afraid of punishment, so she evidently prefers the punishment/protection of jail to what she has. Hence the fear and running.
David
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tedjenczewski
Member
| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 358 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, revert Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Feb 2nd, 2008 11:49 pm |
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| Laura, I have a daughter who is deep into addiction. The best thing that happened is when she went to jail, it at least stopped the death spiral and I sleep better knowing she is in a safe place. I actually reported her to the authorities, prefering to see her in jail rather than in the cemetery. All things work for the glory of God. Now we can work on the real problems. I pray for your daughter.
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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Tracy
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| Joined: | Thu Nov 16th, 2006 |
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Posted: Tue Feb 5th, 2008 09:40 pm |
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Laura,
Your faith inspires me, and I am praying for you and your friends from the hospital. I know that they saw Jesus in you. Thank you for so freely sharing your life with us. I pray that when the time comes in my life, I will have half the humility and dignity that you have shown through your health trials. Jesus loves you!
Peace and Love in Jesus,
Tracy
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