On the 2nd Day of Christmas

This was last year at my house. I remembering thinking days after it was over, that it was a particularly nice Christmas. When we found out that Guen was sick the following month in January, I was reminded of this. She had talked about her upcoming surgery that night as it was really on her mind. Because she was going to a very special doctor, I had no worries for her...convinced she would be all right.

The 12 Days Of Christmas

Guen loved Christmas and planning special dishes. I always looked forward to what she was going to make, because it would be delicious. She was a happy person and always looked forward to the future. Here she is helping to carve the turkey, Thanksgiving 2008.

Abundant Blessings

Praying that your Thanksgiving is filled with God's abundant love, and blessed with all the good things He takes such joy in giving.

This photo has always been my favorite picture of Guen. It captured something special. I don't know if I ever showed it to her. It was taken on Thanksgiving 2003.

Keep Your Fork

Consider the following true story about one dear woman who had followed the Savior and worshiped in the sanctuary of her church for nearly 70 years. She’d been diagnosed with a terminal illness and given only days to live. As she was getting her things "in order," the Pastor was called to her bed to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs and scriptures she wanted at the service and what outfit she wanted to wear.

As the Pastor was leaving, the lady suddenly cried out, "Wait. There's one more little thing. I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The Pastor didn’t know what to say. "So that puzzles you, does it?" the lady asked the Pastor.

Then she explained: "In over 70 years of attending community socials and dinners, church functions and birthday parties, seems like every time some one would tell me, 'Keep your fork.' I liked to hear that because it meant something better was coming, like chocolate cake or pickled pears or pecan pie, something sweet and wonderful. So now I want my friends and family to remember me with a fork in my hand and when they ask, ‘What's with the fork?’ I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.’"

The Pastor became teary eyed as he kissed his dear friend good-bye. He realized that, though he had been trained in theological mysteries, she had a far better grasp of eternity. For though she had lived a fine, long life, she KNEW something better was yet to come.

At the funeral, many, many people walked by the casket, for she was greatly admired in the community. They all saw the fork. Over and over, the Pastor was asked, "Why the fork?" And over and over he only smiled and said, “The best is yet to come.” During his message, he told what the fork had meant to her, and how he couldn’t stop thinking about it, and that now each one in the audience wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about the fork, either. For you who are godly and well loved of the Savior and your neighbor, the best is yet to come.-Author Unknown

CARA Scholarships Awarded

In my May 20th posting I mentioned a CARA scholarship named in my sisters honor. Yesterday, October 23, 2009, The Guenevere T. Molloy scholarship was presented to two recipients. The luncheon and ceremony took place at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Irvine, California, as part of their 16th annual statewide conference.
Guen was a previous treasurer for CARA, and she had a lot of friends in the organization. James, the former president of CARA spoke such kind words about her, along with Kimberley and Christy. My brother-in-law, Dave, spoke as well with loving memories of who his wife was. My mom and I were so honored to be included in such a heartfelt and tearful tribute to our Guenevere. Clearly she had touched and blessed their lives.

James shared a verse,

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This is quoted and thought of often. Many people hold on to it as a life verse. Not coincidentally, last week the verse had a new freshness for me when the word "hope" had jumped off the page. Somehow I had missed that word all these years and just dwelled on the idea of future. We can grasp on to this present hope. Its part of His plan for us. He is truly The Living Word.

Six month Anniversary

Today marks the sixth month since Guen went to be with the Lord. Oh how she loved her dogs over the years. Here she is with Penny. These song lyrics (David Crowder Band) sum up how I feel:

after night
comes the light
dawn is here
it’s a new day

everything will change
things will never be the same
we will never be the same

Guenevere we miss you and will always love you!

For Libby

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is breast cancer awareness month. Evelyn Lauder, daughter-in-law of Estee Lauder,took these pictures as a fundraiser for breast cancer research. They are so sweet and vintage. She founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the highest rated charity of its type. She also developed the pink ribbons that are now ubiquitous. Her website is: http://www.evelynlauder.com/ and http://www.bcrfcure.org/

Fun Coincidence

Well I mentioned last week about "Strictly Ballroom". This week on "Dancing With the Stars", Baz Luhrmann was the guest host! What are the chances? He was really great I thought. The show is an American version of the British "Strictly Come Dancing", which took the name from Guen's favorite movie that Baz wrote and directed.

The second song on the play list is the theme from the movie. Just click on the right arrow on My Playlist to hear it.

"Love is in the Air" is the theme music to Strictly Ballroom, one of Guen's favorite movies. Scott Hastings is a champion caliber ballroom dancer, but much to the chagrin of the Australian ballroom dance community, Scott believes in dancing “his own steps”. Fran is a beginning dancer and a bit of an ugly duckly who has the audacity to ask to be Scott’s partner after his unorthodox style causes his regular partner to dance out of his life. Together, these two misfits try to win the Australian Pan Pacific Championships and show the Ballroom Confederation that they are wrong when they say, “there are no new steps!” This film was one of the first mocumentaries and made by Baz Luhrmann. His other movies include Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and Australia.

A Great Reminder

PAUSE THE MUSIC ON MY PLAYLIST TO HEAR THIS VIDEO.

You Gotta Have Friends

I have been so blest throughout my life to have many amazing friends of all ages. They rallied around me with prayer, kindness, and gifts during Guen's illness. This is another remembrance given to me by a dear friend, Rosemeri. Since plants and flowers obviously die, I am so happy to have treasures that I can keep and show Libby some day.

Thank you Rolling Stones!

Guen would love Susan's new song, "Wild Horses", originally by the Rolling Stones. What a fun success story!

Five Months Ago

I miss you terribly Guen. Oh how I wish things could be different. I take comfort in knowing that you are extremely happy where you are. You dwell in joy now. I still don't understand...maybe I never will. The Holy Spirit continues to act as comforter, just like He said He would. You took so much with you and you left so many wonderful things behind. I ask God all the time to tell you how much I love you and miss you. It could be my imagination but I can hear you in my mind say "I know Noni, I know."

09-09-09

It was a big day today! The famous Libby turned 2. What a precious gift she is. These are some of the gifts she got. Both sets of grandparents popped in to wish Libby a great day.

Color of Hope

Loreal has a cosmetics collection specifically for Ovarian Cancer awareness.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, nearly 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease and during this month, L'Oréal Paris would like to exceed 22,000 visits to the site. When you visit, you're helping to spread awareness. You'll also discover inspiring messages from survivors and L'Oréal Paris spokespeople, along with ways to help support the cause, including the Color of Hope Cosmetics Collections.www.lorealcolorofhope.com.

Nancyslist.org

A lady named Nancy, has miraculously survived Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer, and has been cancer free for 2 years. She started an online community, like a craigslist, to help people with all kinds of cancer. Check out her website:

Nancy’s List is a grassroots movement committed to significantly improving the lives of the many people in our community who are living with cancer and those who love and care for them. The epidemic of cancer demands an innovative response. We cannot rely on the healthcare system to focus on the many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis but we can rely on ourselves and our desire to serve and our generosity of spirit and reach out and support the courage and bravery and resilience of our neighbors. We invite you to open your heart and join us.

Teal Toes

There is a new way to bring Ovarian Cancer awareness. Many people are painting their toe nails in a shade of teal for the month of September. Three nail polish companies are donating proceeds from their teal color. Check out the website for lots more info:

Welcome to Teal Toes!

Our mission is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.

How? By painting your toenails teal, the ovarian cancer color. By getting your friends to paint their toenails teal too, and then by talking with people when they ask about it, to make sure that they know the signs of this whispering killer.

Any time of year is good for teal toes, but we especially recommend September, the ovarian cancer awareness month!

Four Month Anniversary

Today marks the fourth month of my sister's passing. I know she is resting in God's perfect peace. In her honour, I am showing the gift and card she gave my son for his first Easter. This is significant because she died on the morning of Easter Sunday. I am so glad that in my sentimental saving, I have all these treasures to share. The outer envelope is funny.

From Griefshare

Life is marked by losses. Some are life changing, such as leaving home, the effects of natural disasters or war, the death of a loved one, or divorce. Others are subtle, like changing jobs, moving, or a broken friendship. But whether you encounter family, personal, or community disaster, there is always potential for change, growth, and new insight.

QVC

On August 1, 2009, 2 pm Eastern/11 am Pacific, QVC will host Super Saturday Live, a nationally televised sales event featuring designer products in support of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). The net proceeds from this event will be donated to OCRF to advance ovarian cancer research, raise awareness of the disease, and eventually find a cure.

In support of the fight against ovarian cancer, QVC has invited top brand names and companies to donate high-quality apparel, accessories, beauty, jewelry, and home goods at wholesale cost. This merchandise will be sold during the Super Saturday Live event both on QVC's broadcast and QVC.com with all net proceeds benefiting OCRF. In 2007, Super Saturday 10 – which boasted a number of top brand names, media attention, and celebrity attendees – raised over $3.2 million with all proceeds benefiting OCRF. Check out the brands that have partnered with QVC and OCRF this year to make this event a success (this is an abbreviated list):

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Ovarian Cancer 2009

There is no denying that the following statistics are alarming. It is good to have the information if you are at all concerned. My sister recently died from Ovarian Cancer so I went and had as many tests as were recommended. All of my tests came back negative. I took my son to see a Martial Arts expert 2 weeks ago. He happened to mention that his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 8 years ago! I do not know all of her details but he said she was fine now. Some will survive. Here are some basic highlights:

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 21,550 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and an estimated 14,600 will die of the disease in the United States in 2009.

In the U.S., 1 in 71 women are at risk of getting invasive ovarian cancer during their lifetime.

The lifetime risk of developing invasive ovarian cancer and dying from it are 1 in 95.

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer.

The overall five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 46% compared to over 89% for breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer survival rates have not improved as extensively as those of some other cancers that affect primarily women; for example, women diagnosed with breast cancer from 1975 to 1979 experienced a five-year survival rate of 75 percent and today this rate is 89%.

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age and it is primarily diagnosed in post-menopausal women- about two-thirds of women diagnosed with the disease are 55 years or older.

The cause of the disease is unknown and it is often referred to as “the whispering disease” because the signs and symptoms are vague and often mimic other digestive and gastrointestinal disorders.

• Ovarian cancer at its early stage usually has no obvious symptoms or very subtle ones. Symptoms may include:

• persistent bloating or swelling
• pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
• vague but persistent gastrointestinal upset such as indigestion, gas or nausea
• unexplained weight gain or loss, especially weight gain in the abdominal region without an increase in food intake
• feeling of fullness even after a light meal
• unexplained changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• frequency and/or urgency of urination in absence of an infection
• back or leg pain
• pain during intercourse
• menstrual irregularities
• ongoing fatigue
• abnormal post-menopausal vaginal bleeding

O Happy Day

Lyrics to a song we sang in church yesterday made me think of Guen:

When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive

How Am I Doing?

Thanks for the prayers everyone. I appreciate and need them so much.

You never really know how much you love someone until they are gone. Daily I am reminded of this. I keep finding what I call treasures; gifts and cards from her for all different occasions over the years. The daily crying has turned into moments of crying. There are times when I cannot believe what has happened, and other times it is crystal clear what has taken place. Daily obligations propel me into activity, but there are constant reminders. I can tell you that God has a plan and that she is in heaven. We should rejoice in that. I know it is true. On paper it all sounds wonderful. However there is the emotional side of it. The side that also knows that she will not be here for Thanksgiving dinner, for Christmas day, and for her daughters 2nd birthday. The pain can be very intense. I have forced myself not to dwell on it because nothing can change the situation. The days are easy...the moments are hard. I have to do laundry and meals, and take my son to swim lessons. All these things fill a day and the time passes on.

I have lots of support from wonderful family and friends, like you. People want to help so bad, but truthfully all anyone can do is pray. Pray that we don't succumb to the grief, that we can sleep through the night, and help support her husband and daughter.

Obituary

For anyone who did not get to see my sister's obituary (slightly edited):

In Loving Memory GUENEVERE TERESA MOLLOY 02/05/1973 -4/12/2009

Guenevere “Guen” Teresa, 36, of CA went home to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 in CA. She is survived by her husband David, daughter Elizabeth (Libby) , parents, Joseph and Margaret, sister, Veronica, 2 brothers, Kenny and Stephen. Also many aunts, uncles, cousins and family members. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2009 at St. Adelaide Catholic Church, 27457 Baseline, Highland, CA with interment to follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Colton, Ca.

Angel in the Sky

This is sweet Libby, who will be 2 years old on 9-09-09. The painting arrived in the mail a few days ago. It is from a long time friend, Dot, who knew Guen since she was 9. On the back it says "Angel in the Sky for Libby 2009-Remember Guen". The reason this is so special, is like Libby, her mom died when she was a very little girl. She wanted her to know that throughout her life, she felt that her mom was always there, watching over her-especially during the bad times. The angel is leading a choir of angels with one hand, and the other hand is holding a heart with an "L" for Libby. A special thank you to Dot! The thoughtfulness of others continue to touch us.

Do the Next Thing

I went to a conference years ago, and Elizabeth Elliot was the main speaker. When she was young, she told her mother about some huge drama over a boy. Her mom told her to start her chores. She replied "But mother I will just die!" to which her mother responded, "Then iron while you die dear, iron while you die!" When grief or any challenge strikes, just look around...what needs to be done? Do the next thing. She quoted this poem (author unknown):

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

Three Month Anniversary

This weekend I attended my high school reunion. I had been looking forward to it since last year. I let my classmates from the Christian high school know about my sister via email and asked for their prayers when she was diagnosed with the cancer. When I arrived, they all had let me know how much they had prayed for and thought about Guen's plight. I talked to Natalie later in the evening. She lost her little daughter a couple of years ago due to an illness they did not know she had.

I really wanted to know what she had learned from it all. She spoke about having every foundation crumble. All things known about God were questioned and for the first time in her life she was angry with God. A grief support group via GriefShare.com and the book, "Heaven", by Randy Alcorn helped her a lot. She continued to cry daily and her husband got very busy. They eventually adopted a new 6 month baby girl. She struggles with knowing that God heals people everyday and knowing that He chose not to heal her daughter, Savannah.

While I talked with her, Sue was standing there with us. She had been a missionary to China for 13 years. After listening to everything we said, she told us about the suffering that she had witnessed on many levels and that the despair was, at times, overwhelming. Close friends are now in a Chinese jail being tortured for their Christian beliefs. The persecution is so great for believers there (the growing underground church) that she realized over time that these people would have a closeness to the Lord that she would probably never have. Many go through their entire lives with only expected challenges, like the death of an elderly parent. She reminded me about the "Fellowship of the Suffering" talked about in Philippians 3:10, and told Natalie and I, that we are a part of that. The night was wonderful and I had a great time, but talking to these women was really a divine appointment.

Three months have passed since Guen died on April 12th. That is a sentence I wish I never had to write.

What a View

Cool, crisp, air and sunshine. I love when you need a light sweater in July! We were facing the lighthouse. 

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

We stopped in Pescadero, on the way home. This picture is for my brother-in-law, Dave, who loves lighthouses! The 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in America, has been guiding mariners since 1872.  It is still an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation using a 24 inch Aero Beacon. 

A Lucky Find

Back from vacation...we went hiking in the Redwoods and happened upon many patches of shamrocks. I took this picture for Guen.