October 22 was supposed to be surgery day

As I walked onto the beach this morning, I realized, “The plan was to be in the OR at Duke today, but instead I’m seeing this glorious sunrise.”

Dr. Hillman and I spoke again by phone last night. I am so thankful to have him on my team.

He has talked with Dr. Rossi, and on Friday, Dr. Rossi will call me. We do not have a new surgery date yet, but it looks like I will soon have a full open abdominal procedure (similar to the surgery I had in May 2023), followed by a new drug therapy (the specifics of which are still undecided).

After the last 12 days which were full of uncertainty, this morning I am at peace with what may lie ahead. Although I wish all of this could have moved along a little more quickly, I am thankful that by not rushing to a decision, I’ve had plenty of time to process changing circumstances and prepare my heart, my mind, and my body for the days that are coming.

“I will remain confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13

The wind & waves bring beauty

The last few mornings at the beach have been cold and windy, the waves pounding the shore, leaving very little room to walk on the sand.

I told a friend on Wednesday morning, “Just wait. This is going to bring some great treasures to find soon enough!”

Today I went to the beach filled with expectation, believing I would find something beautiful.

I walked north on Lumina from Johnny Mercer to Access 2. I then went out to the sand to head back, and almost immediately I spotted the first treasure of beauty. I didn’t really even have to search.

It was right there.

And that’s how the rest of the walk went. I saw beautiful treasures all around.

This caused me to think on my own journey over the last year, how at times the circumstances have been cold and unrelenting like the wind has been at the beach this week. And yet, for now, the winds have calmed and I see so much beauty every day. I am not even having to search for it.

It is right there.

Life is so beautiful.