Update on mama

Hello everyone! I hope this letter finds everyone healthy and blessed. I surely know that my family is truly blessed this week. I wanted to give you an update on Mama's surgery--just a recap on what started our journey of the week. About a month ago Mama was diagnosed with carcinoma cancer in her throat, which turned out to be a very dangerous and fast spreading cancer. What started out as strep throat led into six months of different antibiotics then finally a referral to the ENT. Dr. Wenzel did a couple of biopsies only to find a cancerous tumor on her left tonsil.

On Tuesday the 24th we arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. for a tonsillectomy and a neck dissection. We had so many people praying from churches all over the country that we were very confident that God was going to see us through this trial. We had churches on their knees in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, California, and I know several other states as well. They took her right in for surgery prep and by 7:30 she was in the operating room. The doctor had warned us to expect about five or six hours of surgery time.

The first call came at 9:30 to let us know the tonsil was out and everything in the throat area looked good and her voice box showed no sign of cancer.

The second call came at 11:30. The neck dissection was still going on. A lot of work had to be done on the neck so it would be a little longer.

The third call came at 12:30. The surgery was over and the doctor felt it was a great success. He removed seven lymph nodes and sent them to the pathologist for more testing. While still in surgery Dr. Wenzel called the oncologist and both agreed with the margins and removal of seven lymph nodes. Along with 5 weeks of radiation her recovery outcome was looking really great. Thank you Jesus for your wonderful healing.

Once we got to her room she arrived a few minutes later. As soon as she saw us the tears started. We even had the nurses crying. One nurse said, "I don't know if I can do this patient; it's only been 2 minutes and I am an emotional wreck!" What a wonderful group of nurses we had. They kept us informed on everything and anything. By Day Two Mama was missing her dog so much that I brought her to the hospital so Mama could go to the window and watch her play outside. As I was returning to the hospital I got a phone call that said Mama had became very dizzy and had to be put back to bed. Bring the dog to her room, WHAT?????????? Yes, the head nurse said, as long as she was a small dog we could bring her in the room. Sherry (my sister) met me in the parking lot and covered the dog up with my sweater and off we go in the elevator. 7th floor, room 711, one dog that brought Mama so much happiness and yes, more tears. Lil Girl and Mama played for 20 minutes. They both were so happy to see each other.

Friday they finally let Mama come home. She is still in a lot of pain from the neck dissection. She is having some trouble swallowing but all in all she is on the road to a full recovery. Everyone here is tired even though all we do is watch her sleep and jump every time she moans. We even cry every time she opens her eyes because we realize this could have turned out so differently for us.

So with a full blessed heart I ask each of you to reach out today by phone, e-mail, or in person to your mom, father, wife, children or that special person in your life and let them know you love them with all your heart. Because for the last month I have been scared to death that I was about to lose the greatest woman I have ever known.

To my Mother and My Best Friend: I love you with all my heart and soul. You have always been there for me. You've taught me right from wrong. Most of all, though, you taught me to respect, love and care for those close to my heart. I pray to God that I can be a great example to my family like you have been to us. Words will never be able to explain what my heart holds for you. I love you never seems enough when it comes to you. I hope that my children love me the way I love you. Thank you for being so strong for us. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being you, the greatest woman I will ever know. I love my Mama!!!!!!

Y'all knew good and well I was going to get all sappy and teary eyed before the letter was over. Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts and well wishes . Cancer is hard to deal with by itself but with wonderful family and friends like you, it was made a lot easier.

Welcome Home Michael Thorne

Michael at age 1

Michael now

What a blessing my family received this past Saturday. My brother's oldest son got in touch with our family after 23 years of hoping, praying, crying for his return to our family. Michael was born when I was in the 8th grade, first grandchild born to our family and we spoiled him rotten. I still can remember the day he was born and the cute crew cut hair he had. If I wasn't there when he was born I would have sworn someone shaved his head like a military cut.

Both parents were very young when he was born so he spent a lot of time at our house. Everyone spoiled him rotten. Since I was not the best one to help clean house with mama I always got to take Michael outside to play. It was my duty as a loving Aunt to push this little boy around the yard in the stroller or play in the pool with him. I was a teenager who hated housework, of course I will take care of my nephew. He was the love of our family. Everything in our house revolved around Michael.

When he was two his parents spilt and a custody battle began. My mom had custody for a while then his mom had it and back and forth until he was three at which time his mom was awarded full custody and left for N.Y. We still had visitation but when Christmas came and my brother went to N.Y. to get him, they had moved away and no forwarding address was given. Later we found out he might have been in California.

The next several years were very, very devastating to my family. Life went on but the memory of Michael Thorne was in every heart of everyone in our family. Pictures remained up and we talked about him so that all the new additions to our family knew he was/is part of our family forever. Often we looked him up on the internet or called his family for information but found out nothing until this past Saturday.

We had just returned home from Maggie Valley when I got the call that Michael had called my brother and was on the phone with my mama. Immediately I called mama and all I heard was Darlene and then there was a lot of crying on both sides. All the kids thought something terrible had happened. For the next several hours I sat in front of the computer with a cell phone on each ear: one to my mama in Maggie Valley and one to my sister in Fayetteville, who happened to be at my brothers waiting on pictures of Michael to come in e-mail. Needless to say we are still celebrating and thanking God for answering our prayers.

I spoke with Michael that night. I didn't have a clue what to say I was just overwhelmed that I was actually talking to him. He is living in California with his wife and a son, Michael Lee, and is expecting his second child any day now. Steven is hoping for the 10th so the new baby can share his birthday. We are hoping he can visit after the baby is born since his in-laws actually live in North Carolina, of all places. If not my mom and brother are planning a trip out there ASAP!!!!! What an amazing way to start the NEW YEAR!

So Michael, welcome home my nephew and we love you so much.

Till next time GOD IS LOVE!

I am back with lots of juicy gossip......

OMG! It's been so long since I have written. We have been so busy with the Christmas program at our church since October that there has been no time to write. Sam is going to write about our singing debut. The kids all had great parts in the Christmas play called A Jamaican Christmas. Steven had leading role as a wannabe pirate. Jewel was the one who hated everything dirty and even came out on stage spraying air freshener and constantly washing her hands with sanitizer. Jessica was the new kid in Jamaica. Sage was one of the islander children who got the best line in the play according to all the kids: "My mask was of a wise mon." All three girls had a singing solo in the play and did a wonderful job. Lots of supporters were there. Thank you Grandmama, Grandaddy, Uncle Bill, Aunt Liz, Mia, Jackson and Priscilla (from my work). It was a fun night for all.

Then off we went to Fayetteville North Carolina to spend Christmas with my family. OMG! We travel to Maggie Valley, N.C. every other weekend and it only takes us about three hours. When we go what we call "all the way home" it takes more than six hours. We were some tired folks Sunday night when we got back home to Georgia. But what a wonderful time we had with my brother Edward and his wife Emily. Thank you for letting us stay with you guys. We got to spend Christmas Eve with my grandmother or GRANNY (she hates when I call her that). Granny is half deaf and we love to tease her and have fun with her. She is a great sport. Then my cousin Melissa was there. The twins call her PRETTY WOMAN. Needless to say Sam got to see what the real Darlene was like. A lot of clowning around, old stories, and some tears from laughing so hard. It is always nice to go back home and see family. After five days we were off to South Carolina for a day so the kids could spend time with their dad. He was working a lot over the holiday and had just one day to spend but we took advantage and Sam and I stayed in a hotel while the kids got to have a sleepover with their Dad. Sam, Gracie and I got a hotel and had some quite time.

I must talk about the EX's for a moment. Why do people just assume that because Andy is my ex-husband that Sam hates him. Or the same goes for Sam's ex girlfriend and the mother of his child. Am I supposed to not like her? The day I got my divorce the past was in the past and that is where I want it to stay. Sam finally got to meet Andy for the first time and you would be amazed how excited the kids are that Sam and Daddy got along. Yes, Sam knows the whole story of Andy's and my past but that is where it is. They talked, shook hands, and everything was fine. Steven was so surprised that they talked. He is still talking about it. As far as Sam's ex goes, I actually had a couple of chances to talk to her over the holidays and enjoyed our talks. Why have any hard feelings toward her. It's not about us, it's about Sage. Because there are children involved on both sides anger, hate, and dislike can't be part of our world. Because no matter what we are tied together for the rest of our lives because of our children. But everyone expects you to just hate an EX because they are an EX!!!! It's amazing how much pressure is put on children when there are ex's involved. My kids were always afraid to have their Dad meet Sam and now they are so excited that he did. Steven is already thinking maybe their dad can come to Georgia for a visit and go a Braves game. But remember, it's a visit, not to stay..........we are ex's for a reason........LOL!!!!!!

So on to fun stuff. Today was 75 cent day at the theater and we went to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua and it was so cute and funny. All the kids got $50.00 from Grandmama and Grandaddy plus college fund money and a gift card to Barnes and Noble. Uncle Bill and Aunt Liz came through with Walmart cards so of course we were off to shop after that. Our rule is the kids must spend a portion of their money on clothing or shoes then the rest on whatever they would like. Needless to say everyone was shopped out and ready to go home when I overheard a Sales Associate say we have to mark all these down to $1.00. Well of course I heard that from two aisles over and had to check it out. They were marking down these cool pj pants (they light up!) from $10.00 to $1.00 dollar. The shirts were marked down from $8.00 to $1.00. Yes! $1.00, 4 quarters, 10 dimes, 20 nickels, 100 pennies. If anyone knows me they know I love a bargain so off we went to search for pj's for the girls. Thank you Walmart! Mom and Dad I will send you a detailed list of what the kids all got. It was unbelievable.

It's official. I am back and will start posting more on the life of The Brady, Shirey, and Law Family. We are off to Maggie Valley after New Years for a couple of days. In case I don't get back, Happy New Year to all....................... Til next time, God is love.

Mother-Daughter Banquet

Our church had a mother-daughter banquet Saturday which turned out to be a great night for the entire family. The banquet was for prayer moms and their prayer daughters. My prayer daughter is a beautiful young teenager named Melissa. Over the next year it is my responsibility to pray, listen, guide and be there for Melissa. It's a great program to get all our women and young ladies involved with one another. Jewel's prayer mom is the pastor's wife Ms. Marilyn, Jessica's prayer mom is Ms. Bev, Sage's prayer mom is Ms. Debbie who is the wife of the pastor's son and also has a daughter Sage's age.

Most of these prayer moms send a little card to their prayer daughters saying I am thinking of you, or a small gift just to say I am here if you need me. Most give a word of encouragement every time they see them at church. It's not like we hover over them screaming religion in their ears. We're just letting them know someone else is thinking of them daily and cares about them.

So anyway, the evening started off with a few songs, and a couple of guest speakers. Our own Ms. Bev spoke of being a cancer survior three times, and is fighting another round of cancer, in her liver this time. What a powerful message she gave us. She encouraged us to stay strong in our faith and never give up. Then a guest speaker named Charlon shared with us her times as a Youth Pastor and how we need to keep our children close to God and in church.

As a mom of three kids I get so excited when I see my son on the platform playing drums, or my girls singing in front of the entire church. I have a 13 year son that can't wait to go back to church. I used to think it was because of friends. Recently though I asked him what the pastor talked about and he told me things I did not hear myself and he understood the message. The world is so crazy and has too many bad things to offer our children. I thank God daily that my children want to be at church. I thank God for the wonderful youth program that Alpharetta Church of God has. Thank you Lynn and Brad Anglin for giving so much of yourself to our children.

After our short program we were off to eat a wonderful dinner by candlelight in the fellowship hall. Then a few games and lots of gifts for our prayer daughters and door prizes for everyone. I have to tell you one game we played was to dress up one person in our group with materials given to you in a bag. After everyone taped, toilet papered, stuck, tied beads and cotton balls all over my neighbor Sabrina, she had to walk the runway. Needless to say Ms. Sabrina won the prize of most beautiful. All in all we had a great time. I can't wait till the next banquet.

Till next time GOD IS LOVE!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today is my husband's 39th birthday! Why is it the older we get the less of a birthday we actually get. Think about it: your first birthday everybody and their cousins are there to help you celebrate. Then each year thereafter your birthday seems to go up and down depending on the age and milestone of the age. But by 21 you're like, okay I am legal to drink and now what? Today Sam's birthday was filled with work and dinner out only to rush back home to get everyone in bed on time.

While driving to dinner we had to hear all about Jessica's first day as a camera woman for her school's morning news. Jewel's telling us all about why she is supposed to be in charge at the bus stop in the morning. Steven and his so called girlfriend (a whole 'nother blog entry). I was complaining about my keys that we still can't find. Sam was telling all about his Mountain Dew birthday cake a lady at his office made for him. Then at dinner more of our daily catch up talk and now back home. Sam's birthday is almost over and very little was about him. So I am taking a few minutes to let him know it is all about him everyday.

To my wonderful husband. I don't need a special day to tell you how much I love you and appreciate everything you do for our family. I know our world gets so crazy and upside down trying to keep up with work, school, kids, and church. I am so glad you are here to share with me all the joys, headaches, heartaches, and laughter. Even when you can't make a decision about where to eat or forget to take the trash out I would never trade a minute with you. I think of you often throughout the day wishing I could be with you. Even when you wake me up from a sound sleep, you know the kind where my mouth is open and I am snoring, I still love you. I look at you and I feel the same way I did the first day I laid eyes on you 7 1/2 years ago. In love and determined to make you the happiest man on earth. I love you Baby.

Okay everyone I know enough is enough. You're probably getting nauseous just reading this! But when you have something wonderful in your life you need to shout it from the rooftops! Since I am scared of heights....... from the dining room in our house.....

SAMUEL LEROY BRADY III I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART

Happy 39th Birthday my sexy husband with the cute butt......

God Answers Prayer!

As many of you know Sam was laid off from his job back in May. After 3 months of looking, hoping, and praying our prayers were answered today. Sam has a new job with what seems to be a great company with great benefits. He is so excitied! Our church has been praying with us over the weekend about his interview on Tuesday. The new job is with ZC Sterling in Marietta. Sam orginally interviewed last Thursday for one position, then on Friday had a call back to interview for a different position with the same company on Tuesday. Sam was very interested in this job and really wanted it, so we asked our church to pray and GOD answered our prayers today. Tuesday afternoon he received another offer from a different company, but today he accepted with ZC Sterling. His offical start date is Sept. 2nd.

We just wanted to THANK all of you who gave us encouragment, love, understanding and who prayed for our family during the past couple months. We love you and appreciate all of you. Not only are we thankful for this job but are also very thankful for wonderful family and friends like you.

As life gets back to normal for us we are opening a whole new chapter to our family. The children are really getting involved with our church. Steven went on a camping and rafting trip last weekend and couldn't wait to go back to church tonight. Jewel and Jessica are loving boys and girls club. Sam and I are making some new friends in church. Sage likes Sunday mornings just to see how many people will call her Paprika. All in all life is going great for the Brady Bunch once again, great family, wonderful husband, church and good friends.

Till next time GOD IS LOVE