Monday, August 28, 2006

THE CIRCLE OF PRAYER

Word is spreading like wildfire through the Blog community, that my Niece Kayla will have her surgery on Wednesday to remove her right leg. Many of you reading this already know of her fight with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). I have received many comments and emails from so many of you, with words of encouragement for Kayla. Here she is in a self portrait, that she took on her vacation here last year.

I just got off the phone with her, and she seems to be in a good frame of mind. She has been awaiting this date, and views the surgery in a positive way. Looks at it as ridding her body of the cancer and the start of her recovery. So, even though this is a big deal, she has definitely got her head around it. She couldnt give me an exact time for her surgery, she has just been told Wednesday Morning.

Monica, a very special blog friend, and like many of you, has had Kayla in her thoughts and prayers for months, since we first heard about the diagnosis. She has started a Bloggers’ circle of prayer. Encouraging people to join together in spirit on Wednesday morning to have multiple prayers for Kayla being said while she is on the operating table. I am flabbergasted at the response so far. Other Bloggers are putting up posts in support of Kayla and her family.
I will try to add links here as I become aware of them.
IF YOU ARE VIEWING THESE LINKS AFTER AUGUST 29TH, YOU MAY NEED TO SCROLL DOWN TO AUGUST 29THs POSTS
I will send Kayla the links to all the wonderful posts and comments, I know she will be encouraged. And I know she is so dearly grateful. Your outreach has touched her before and this joint prayer will be sure to give her the strength she needs to continue her fight . If I missed any of your posts regarding her, please email me susanstcyr65@hotmail.com and I can link you.

Christ once said
" Where two or more are gathered together in MY name, there am I in the midst of them" ( Matthew 18:20 ).

To be gathered in his name is to see beyond the illusion of the separate self and realize that deep down, we are not separate but are actually interdependent and interconnected. This realization collapses the boundary between spirit and matter, between the inner and the outer, between the self in here and the world out there. ~ Paul Levy

Although we may not be gathered physically, I feel connected on a meaningful level to so many of my blog friends. Most, if not all of our families have been touched by cancer. There are many sad stories out there, but also many of survival. One common thread through this disease, is how it makes us appreciate the wonder of human kindness. I know this prayer circle can make a difference. And for those who don’t pray, your kind thoughts and positive energy are also felt.
Keith (my HUBS), his Dad, Brother, Sister-in-Law, and two other nieces left here at midnight last night. They have a 14 hour drive, which should be almost done as I write this. They wanted to spend a couple of days with Kayla before the surgery and to be there when she comes out. I wish I could have gone, but i am working and someone has to mind this end of things. I will try to get out to see her again at the end of September. Besides, too many visitors at once would be too much for her just now. I will be working 0700 - 1500 on Wednesday. I will get up early to say prayers before work, and will be constantly thinking of her throughout the day.

I tend to be a bit of a Pollyanna at times. And although this whole experience has been devastating at times, I believe there is always good in everything. Somehow, this will be turned around.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV))

And PEACE is what she and all her family need in the coming days.

Thanks for joining us.
Love and appreciation, from all of the St.Cyr family.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi this is the first time I am here
you have a nice blog
Thanks for sharing
hope things go better for you
Wish you well :) .

sharon said...

I'm so glad there is so much good in the world that so many people are praying for your niece. She sounds like a strong girl that, I have no doubt, will grow into an even stronger woman. I admire her positive attitude and wish her only the best as she comes through this difficult time in her young life.

Monica said...

Thinking of Kayla, and thinking of all of YOU, Susan.

Take care.

Fred said...

I admire Kayla for all she's been through, yet she remains a strong, determined individual.

I'm praying for her.

Dick said...

Our church men's group meets Wed morning at 7 for breakfast. I have printed your post & will take it with me to have Kayla added to all or our prayer lists. She is an amazing young woman.

Karen said...

She amazes me, being in a good frame of mind with all she'll have to go through. I can sure learn a lot from her. I will have my post up in the morning and will not post again (other than updates) until later in the week, in honor of Kayla.

*HUGS* and prayers to you all!

gal artist said...

Kayla has been in my thoughts and prayers all day.

I too will keep my post up until after Wednesday.

We are here for Kayla and for all of you.

May God bless all of you.

Vickie said...

My post is up, to honor Kayla and there will be no other post until I feel it is appropriate. Please if you get a chance check and let me know if there is anything you feel inappropriate there.

She remains on our churchs prayer list as she has been.

This has such an impact on the whold family is there something special that I might could get to send to the other kids I know they are the ones who are feeling lost?
Give it some thought and let me know.

Kathy said...

Sending prayers and love to brave Kayla.

And encouragement to all of you. Here are links to brief stories of kids who were diagnosed with osteosarcoma as children and are doing well as adults:

Joel Alsup
Deidra

Unknown said...

This is my first visit to your blog and I am so pleased I found my way here from Gary/Views from my garden. I saw your comment there and thought to myself that I have not heard anyone say "oopseedaisie" for such a long time. I was born and raised in South Africa and truly thought it was an inherently South African thing. Daisies are also my favorite flower - so my visit was inevitable. I do so believe that there are no coincidences and I am grateful for having come here so as to be able to contribute to the prayers and support for Kayla. Sending you peaceful thoughts for a safe procedure and full recovery.

Trée said...

Thoughts and prayers for Kayla.

Walker said...

Thinking of Kayla and your whole family in this time.
I know she is a fighter

Anonymous said...

I'm doing a post for Kayla and will leave it up until after her surgery on Wednesday. Know that I'm thinking of you and your whole family at this difficult time Susan.

{{{hugs}}}

Anonymous said...

I have posted about Kayla, and prayed for her. I can't figure out how to make the post a sticky post, otherwise I would do so. I will pray for her, and visit your blog often for updates.
I'm not sure if it would be at all helpful, but Heather Mills, the soon to be ex Lady McCartney, lost a leg in an accident and has carried on doing modelling and all sorts of things.
I know she had an accident rather than cancer, but I know she wrote a pre-Beatle autobiography called 'Out on a Limb'. I have a copy of it but haven't read it yet. If you think it would be helpful to Kayla to read, and you can't get hold of it, I would be happy to send you my copy.
You are ALL in my thoughts and prayers.

DBFrank said...

May the Lord grant Kayla healing and love. May He, the Great Physician, do His work by the hand of the doctors here on earth, and through His grace and majesty. May God be glorified by healing this young woman, and may He make His face to shine upon both Kayla and her entire family.
God bless and God speed.

Monica said...

Hi friend, I know you're overwhelmed with everything going on right now...I saw posts today on Karen's and Steel Cowboy's and if I see others I'll let you know, too. Take care. We're thinking of all of you today and tomorrow and praying strong.

Robert said...

very thanful to be able to pray for kayla and your family thank you for your comment you left me May the healking power and grace of the Holy Spirit surround kayla as she prepares for surgery :)

Monica said...

On another note, my daughter Julia goes to a private Christian school and is having prayers said today and tomorrow for Kayla during the morning assembly...I appreciated those prayers when Joshua was in Iraq and Vickie appreciated them when they prayed for her and just wanted you to know a school of young children were praying for Kayla here, too.

Karen said...

It is my honor to share my prayers and love for your family and Kayla. My post is up and I've noticed Bobbie, SteelCowboy, and Annie as well.

itisi said...

I am here via Walker's blog. I have read about Kayla on Monica's and Deni's blog. I will pray for her. She is a strong girl with a positive attitude. She is definitely not going to let this get her down. She is a fighter that is for sure! God bless you, Kayla. You are a unique person to handle this the way you are. We all will be praying for you and watching the blog world for updates. We all will be here to cheer for you as you recover!!

Monogram Queen said...

I am sending positive and healing vibes to Kayla and her loved ones. I cannot even imagine what you all are going through but I am in awe of this young ladies bravery. Go fight the good fight Kayla!
*I came via Walker's Blog

EMOB said...

As always, my thoughts and prayers are with Kayla. She has so much courage and grace and I greatly admire her for that. Tell her to hang in there and that we're all rooting for her!

jel said...

Hi,
I just read about Kayla , over at Texasoceanlovers,blog

just want to say that I will be thinking and praying for her, and her family!

God bless you all!

(((( huggs))))

Lois Lane said...

Best of luck and love to Kayla. And lots of healing vibes to you all.

Remarkably You!! said...

I often call events like these - gifts in the ugly wrapping paper! We don't like to wrapping one bit, but God is always good and has something special inside. I can see the love in just all of the posts and support of those directing us here - thanks, Walker!

Prayers for Healing,
Gloria

Anonymous said...

God bless Kayla, and all of your family. I pray for success!

Anonymous said...

Best wishes for Kayla! So big a decision for so young a person. I bet she'll be just fine after the surgery. :)

AlmaMother said...

My thoughts and prayers will be with Kayla and her family as she goes through her surgery. As a cancer survivor myself, I know how important prayers and a positive attitude are to the healing process.

MAY God bless you all.

Outhouse Capital of Canada said...

Hi Susan

The book "out on a limb" by amputee Heather Mills is published in North Amerca under the title "A Single Step" and a used copy can be bought for around $15.00 on line through www.addall.com this is a web site that searches all the book sellers

the following is a write up on that book from the website

S Hardcover, Fine in Fine dust jacket. New York: Warner Books, 2002. Marfree, acidfree 1st US Ed 16 glossy pp of pics, gift qual; not written-in, underlined, clearance or discard. Usually ships within 12 hours, full buyer protection, refund -- our business is founded on your satisfaction. ; 1.20 x 9.32 x 6.28; 327 pages; From Publishers Weekly: First published in England in 1995 under the title Out On A Limb, this autobiography shows a rosy-cheeked, optimistic McCartney recounting her life from troubled childhood to storybook romance with Paul McCartney. The author spent her childhood and teens bouncing from home to home, evading the blows of her abusive father. At 13, she ran away to work at a street fair and eventually found herself living, "old and stiff inside my Pampers box, " under a bridge. After a car accident interrupted her modeling career and left her with a partially amputated leg, McCartney determined that "something good is going to come out of this accident. " She started her own non-profit organization to benefit amputee victims worldwide and eventually gained enough media attention to join forces with the UN-endorsed Adopt-a-Minefield. Her up-by-the-bootstraps tale ends with an update on her courtship to Paul, and after 37 houses in 34 years, one can hardly blame her for settling down a bit and taking a few vacations to the beach (which, incidentally, is probably the best place to read this breezy look at one of England"s most-discussed new celebrities) . Copyright 2002 Reed. About the Author: PAMELA COCKERILL, who assisted Heather Mills McCartney in the writing of A SINGLE STEP, has collaborated with the subjects of many successful autobiographies, including Marion Sherwood (The Miracle of the Cards) , Virginia Williams (A Different Kind of Life) , and Jenny Pitman (The Autobiography) . She lives in Yorkshire. #Book Description: Heather Mills was already a recognized leading land mine activist and a successful model and businesswoman when she and Paul McCartney fell in loveand made headlines all over the world. Her story is extraordinary by any standards, a rags-to-riches account of a remarkable young woman with unusual strength and courage, compassion and humanity. #When her left leg was amputated just below the knee in an accident with a police motorcycle in 1993, it would have been tragic under any circumstancesbut was doubly cruel for a professional model whose livelihood depended on her looks. #But Heather Mills had come too far, and worked too hard, to let becoming an amputee wreck her life. Years of setbacks and traumas had given her the drive and determination needed to cope with this disaster too. Before she turned sixteen she had been arrested, run away from a broken home, joined a carnival, and held down a succession of menial jobs in London. Dealing with losing her leg was merely a new challenge for her. #In A SINGLE STEP Heather Mills McCartney speaks about her commitment to medical relief work, describing her travels and the moving encounters she has had with others who have lost limbs. She also tells of her first convoy of artificial limbs to amputees in Croatia, which she organized in 1994, and the foundation she created that brings life-changing prostheses to men, women, and children in war zones around the world. To date over 27, 000 people have been helped. #Told in a wonderfully vivacious, candid voice and illustrated with sixteen pages of personal photographs, A SINGLE STEP is the story of a remarkable woman who proves that adversity can help a person grow in surprising and rewarding ways. And that love can come when least expected to change both destinies and hearts.. 0446531650.

onedayatatime said...

Kayla will be in my prayers, as well as her family and extended family. God is SO awesome and is the GREAT healer :)I've posted a link to your website, on my website, asking people to pray for Kayla. The power of prayer is amazing. I have felt it,going thru my own surgery 5 days ago. I know that so many people are praying for me as well, and that's why I am doing so well.

Anonymous said...

I will be praying with the rest of you. She will have a complete recovery and she'll never have to deal with cancer again. God will heal her once and for all. Be Blessed. Remember what ever the circumstances might be when we have faith in God and the good book. Great things will happen.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Here by way of Dick. :-)

I'll be praying for Kayla, bless her heart. May God bless you all. :-)

Me said...

I will be praying for Kayla. tomorrow is the day..praying for her to have strength to face her ordeal. Also my prayers go out to her parents and all her family to give them acceptance and peace of mind. she is such a courageous young woman and i am sure she will be just fine. Kayla has been in my thoughts all this week and she will stay in my thoughts all throughout her surgery. best wishes for a full recovery soon and please keep us posted. thanks

Politically Homeless said...

My prayers are for Kayla. I admire her tremendously, just from the way you have written about her.

I wrote a short letter to her as today's post on my blog.

God bless her and your family.

BarbaraMG said...

Praying for you Kayla! (((hugs))) from Vancouver Island. :)

MysticSpirit (Sass) said...

came from Walker's place...

I know this demon well and send much energy your way for niece Kayla and for you.

jen said...

WOW. that is all I can think of to say. What some have to go through. I have known many people with cancer and although it is terrible each and every time, it is that much more difficult when it attacks someone so young.
I certainly hope it goes well tomorrow and will be praying for Kayla. She sounds like a strong young lady and is very lucky to have such a great supportive family.

Dotm said...

God Bless Kayla and her Family. My heart goes out to her with all she is going thru. Am also saying a Prayer for her that everything goes well with the operation. So sad a thing to be going thru. I wish her the best. She has some real cute children who need her so much. Prayers fot her and also for her Family who are also going thru so much right now.

mrhaney said...

i got a message tonight from my friend miss vickie and my friend walker and they asked me to do them a favor. my wife is in clyde missouri and she is at the monastery there as a volunteer for 6 weeks. they asked me if i would ask her to ask the nuns to say prayers for kayla. i already knew about kayla because i read your blog the other day. i said i would try to call my wife but every time i have called the nuns they can not seem to tranfer me to her. i said if she calls me though i would ask her. well it was getting late and she had not called so i said a prayer to my LORD to let me get though just this one time and i called and got a nun and she said she would try to transfer my call. well i got right in to her room for the first time since she has been gone. she said she would ask the nuns to say prayers for kayla in the morning. my prayers go with you and kayla tomorrow along with my wife and the benedictine sisters in clyde. i have also left a message on my blog for other to join us in prayer. i love to see it when all the bloggers can unit in a common cause and do what is right for another person. we all need to stick together and support each other.

Trée said...

Post up on Decadent Tranquility. Been thinking of Kayla all day long and sending as much positive energy her way as I can.

Raggedy said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you.