So many of you have been so sweet to check in on me and find out what’s happening in the days leading up to my surgery, which is scheduled for May 23rd.  Well, if you are a parent of a school aged child and you’ve lived through the month of May, then you have your answer.  May is to moms as April is to accountants.  BUSY.  And I assume I’m doing what every other mom does towards the end of school.  Enrolling my kids in every single summer camp offered around town.  Seriously, though, I’ve tried to stay busy walking with friends, preparing for Armour Up, and nesting at my house in preparation for hunkering down post surgery.

Originally, I was very hesitant about waiting until May 23rd (first available date) to rid my body of this terrible disease.  However, I have realized that each passing day is a gift as it affords time to wrap my brain around what is about to happen.  Not only to my body, but also to my family.  Something that helped me tremendously with this was meeting last week with a support group for women in their 30’s & 40’s with breast cancer.  Ironically, this group was founded by my friend Jennifer (along with Lezley and some other precious friends) and I’ve heard all about them for years.  And they were just as amazing as she said they were.  What struck me the most was the collective strength in that room.  These women have lived through so much, but every one of them had the most beautiful smile and exuded so much grace & vulnerability.  I will say, however, that this is the only social event where I’ve ever been greeted with, “I’m so sorry you are here.” (In the sweetest way possible, of course).

Being around others has become such a comfort to me.  So much so, that this gal who LOVES to be alone, now never wants to be alone.   Last weekend, my middle son, Hunter, played in a baseball tournament called “Strike Out for Cancer”.  Ouch.  Suddenly those words and that cause hit way to close to home (pun intended).  My parents were planning on coming to Hunter’s second game, but not the first.  Since my sister, Jennifer, lived close to the fields where he was playing, I texted her and asked if she’d like to join me.  She replied that she was going to lunch with friends but would be at the second game also.  An hour or so later, I began to dread sitting in the stands by myself looking around at all of the PINK that teams were sure to be sporting.  (Trevor goes to all the games, but he is notorious for pacing at our kids sporting events).  So, what does the baby of the family and someone used to getting her way do?  Texts her sister back and asks, “Now how important is this lunch with your friends?”

Apparently not as important as being there for your little sister.

It’s a good thing she joined me for moral support because one of the coaches and moms had these stickers made for the boys’ helmets.

Oh how we love our Dallas Tigers family!!  And when Hunter questioned putting this on his helmet because it said “Mrs. Kraus”, we modified his.

So for those wondering how I’m filling my time, I’m “momming” and embracing every minute of it.

That is, of course, until summer camps begin.

Until next time…much love to you all & make every day count!

Jamie

“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10