Update by Kelly:

“When asking for a miracle, you must never be a piker.” - Venerable Fulton Sheen

     Last weekend we were watching homilies and old tv recordings of Fulton Sheen. In one of the shows we watched, he told a story of when he went to Lourdes without a penny in his pocket. He had faith that Our Lady would take care of him along the way. Long story short, he had a marvelous trip and She took care of him the whole time. He started the story saying, “When asking for a miracle, you must never be a piker!” This saying has become our new motto! 

     In some ways, last week was a tough one. I felt pretty good, but we had to postpone chemo. Round number 3 of chemo was supposed to be last Wednesday April 27. When I went to get my blood checked on Monday, my blood counts - specifically my white blood cell and platelet counts - were too low.  I had my blood work done again on Thursday in hopes that I could go for chemo on Friday, but my counts were still too low. I am going again tomorrow (May 2) to get my blood work done. If it’s better, then we’ll head to Nashville for chemo on Tuesday.

    We did, however, find out some really good news this past week! My cancer markers (CA125) have continued to decrease at a miraculous rate. According to my brother-in-law’s calculations, they have dropped 94% since I was diagnosed 2 months ago - with only 2 rounds of chemo! Truly miraculous! We are continuing to thank God for each little miracle we have been given, and this one is no different. 

     Also last Monday, we made a quick trip to Birmingham, AL to the Community of Caritas. This community has dedicated itself to spreading the messages of Our Lady Queen of Peace from Medjugorje.  The 25th is important because this is the date that the Blessed Mother appears to one of the visionaries each month with a message for the world. Our Lady has appeared to one of the visionaries on her trips to Birmingham many times in their field, in the Bedroom of Apparitions, as well as at a cross on top of a mountain located just off the community’s property. We were able to visit the sites around the community to pray for my healing and for those who are also suffering. It was a day full of joy and prayer.

     We appreciate all of your prayers. I feel like I keep saying this, but I have been so humbled and overwhelmed by all of the support, prayers, cards, and well wishes over the last 2 months. I ask that you continue to pray for little and big miracles. In following Fulton Sheen's advice, we will continue to not be pikers in our prayer requests!