This morning, as I prepare to go visit the radiation oncologist, I'm nervous. I guess one of the main reasons I'm nervous is because of a fear of the unknown. This will be my first experience with actual cancer treatment (other than having my breasts and lymph nodes surgically removed.) I don't know what to expect other than what I've read in books and online. As I thought about being nervous and afraid, God brought to mind several verses of Scripture to comfort me, but He also reminded me that He has put an army of women around me to encourage me. I call them my Ya-Yas. Most of these ladies don't even know I have put them on my team of supporters, but hopefully, after reading this post, they will know how very dear they are to me.
In my group of Ya-Yas, there are a vast array of personalities. Some of the women are boisterous and loud while others are timid and shy. Each one of them ministers to me in her own special way. While there are many, many women in the sisterhood, I'd love to tell you about just a few of them. I won't share their last names, to provide them with some anonymity, but I will use their first names. Hopefully, you will see that God has hand picked them just for me.
The first of my Ya-Yas, is my mother, Anna. God has used her to minister strength and dignity to me not only recently but over all the years of my life. When I found out I had Cancer, my mother called me on the phone and prayed with me immediately. She couldn't be with me in person because she's in a nursing home, but she wanted me to know that she stood with me and would be my prayer warrior.
My daughters are an integral part of my Ya-Yas. The first is my oldest daughter, Erin. Erin has the gift of mercy and makes sure to call me several times a day to check in on me. She always knows when I need an extra dose of encouragement and can hear through the little cracks in my voice when I'm afraid even if I don't say a word to her. She understands me so well. Next comes my daughter, Laura. Laura is always willing to come and go with my to my appointments offering moral support and love. She is practical and strong and helps keep me in check when I seem to get off balance and quickly brings me back to reality. Then there is my youngest daughter, Jamie. Jamie is the first person I talk to each morning and the last person I talk to each night. She makes a point to call me several times a day just to chat, but knows how to "read between the lines" of our conversations. Jamie makes me laugh and helps me learn not to take things so seriously.
Another of my Ya-Yas is a new friend, Karen. Karen is also a breast cancer survivor and God brought her into my life only a month ago. Right after my surgery, Karen made a special point to come and visit me (although we'd only met online in a Breast Cancer support group) and bring some practical aids and helpful advice. Since that day, Karen and I have just clicked. We check in on each other via cellphone and even when we don't talk every day, I know she's thinking of me and wishing the best for me.
There are two more Ya-Yas I need to tell you about. I put these two together because they are very dear friends of one another - Connie and Stephanie. In an unlikely turn of events, God brought them into my life via Facebook. Stephanie is an old high school friend of my husband's and when he mentioned to her that I had breast cancer, she in turn shared it with her friend, Connie, and immediately they came to my side. Connie and Stephanie both love the Lord and it's evident in all they say and do. They both have provided practical and helpful items for me but, most of all, have provided their friendship.
Next comes my friend, Cindy. Cindy is a pastor's wife but is also a very godly woman. Although we haven't known each other a long time, we are sisters in Christ. Cindy sends me encouraging messages when she knows I need them most. She has the gift of mercy and makes sure to share the love of Christ with all she meets. She also must have the gift of prophecy because she makes sure to point others to the truth of God's Word. She is an integral part of my Ya-Ya team.
Two more important Ya-Ya sisters are from my past. We were friends in high school. Way back then we never faced any serious illnesses in our lives. We were more concerned with boys and football games than anything else, but these two ladies and I will be forever friends. The first is Wendy. Wendy and I have known each other for 50 years! We went to first grade together and immediately hit it off. Wendy is introspective and deep. She has a quiet, tender way about her. She knows when I need an encouraging word and I don't have to say a thing. When I least expect it, she sends me a card or a small gift in the mail telling me she's thinking of me and that means more to me than she will ever know. Next up is Kathy. Kathy and I have known each other for about 40 years, I believe. We also went to school together. She and I are very alike and have dealt with a lot of heartache over the years. I think that's why she can understand what I'm going through and have just the perfect words to say. I am thankful for these long time friends.
Another of my Ya-Yas is my friend, Aline. Aline and I have kept in touch since the mid 70's! We were related by marriage and even though that's not the case now, we're sisters forever! She is very talented and uses her talents to bless others. Countless times in my life she has made something and mailed it to me. I am always amazed at her knitting and crocheting skills. God has used her to bless me over and over again. She can make me laugh by things she says and is so open, honest, and real.
Mary is on my team too! Mary and I have known each other since I was 16 and although we haven't seen each other since then, we reconnected on Facebook. She and I just hit it off and are kindred spirits. She is so sweet and unselfish. God has used her to bless me since my cancer journey began and I am so thankful for her.
The last two Ya-Yas I will mention by name are my dear friends and ex coworkers, Margot and Shirley. Margot is the wildest of all my Ya-Ya sisters! She has a wonderfully unique and funny personality. She always finds joy in life even when facing difficulty in her own life. She is a dear friend and prayer partner. God has used her to teach me to look for things to laugh about. Shirley has been my friend for about 7 years. She and I hit it off from day one. Shirley understands me and supports me. She is a loyal and true friend, one who will be around forever.
There are many more Ya-Yas on my team that include women from my family...cousins, aunts, and in laws. There are probably some Ya-Yas I've forgotten to mention in this post, so I'll ask forgiveness now. Each of these ladies are part of the group God has used to show me His love. Each of them is equipped with various gifts and talents. Each of them are part of the body of Christ. I am so thankful for each of my Ya-Yas! I know they have each been hand selected for me by God. I am sure He will bring more Ya-Yas into my team in the days ahead, for only He knows who He will chose to minister to me.
These women may have no idea how much they bless me, but God knew I would need each one of them in my life. He knew exactly what time He would have them enter it and how long they would be part of my life. There is a verse of Scripture found in Proverbs that says "...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." To me, that verse means that often times friends can be more attentive and more loving than even our own family members. My Ya-Yas are prized possessions and I am so very thankful God has given them to me. I am especially thankful for their love and their loyalty during this difficult time in my life. Without them, I don't think I would have been able to fare this journey as well. Thank you, my Ya-Yas, for making my life a little easier! I love you all dearly!!!
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YAYA!!!! -Weez
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