(tortured with patio furniture shopping)
It's summer! After the longest winter of my life I feel like my body can't repair itself fast enough with good fresh fruit and vegetables, and sunshine and warmth and love.I am on the mend but much more importantly cancer-free and looking forward to the gains I am making in getting my ordinary days back-a "new normal"-sort of like after we have babies and we know nothing will really be the same again but soon enough the discomfort of getting used to change feels ordinary. I've realized that I am not very good at "doing change"-whether it's what cancer does to a person, or children leaving the nest. I am hoping to get better at embracing it all, knowing the constant is the family that we have created and the home that we all love, but as you all know, a mother's life requires that we embrace the ebbs and flows.
I hope and pray and am so eager to leave the nightmare of cancer behind me. It really feels like a new world and I don't know if I am ready to talk about it all yet or ever. I just want to hold my family close and soak up the sunshine and lazy days of summer with my husband and children next to me.
Thank you so so much for all your lovely comments, emails and prayers, they mean so much to me.
I've read a few good books I wanted to share-these are light summer reads (it is hard for me to concentrate on anything more-I have to grow some new brain cells!) that have happy endings. That's what suits me right now, and if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.
I went on a Meg Mitchell Moore kick-I love how she weaves normal family life and circumstances into her writing.
Grown children come home unexpectedly, some with children in tow, and the parents find their empty nest full once more-I love this because parenting never really ends-and home is a place for refuge.
(I've read this a couple or more years ago but re-read it again.)
(I've read this a couple or more years ago but re-read it again.)
A high school girl succumbs to the pressure and competition of being admitted to an Ivy League college, and her family life unravels.
When her father is injured in a boating accident, his daughter returns to a life she left long ago, replaced by busy motherhood and "country club" existence.
This is one of those very very original books, where you think the author has to be a creative genius.
It's about a very odd woman, who figures out 'life' while eventually dealing with horrors of her past.
It's sad but funny and warm and uplifting and I couldn't put it down.
I've come back regularly to check for an update so I am thrilled, thrilled thrilled to hear that you are cancer free. God bless!
ReplyDeleteDearest Sarah,
ReplyDeleteAmen!
So thankful thankful thankful to hear you are cancer free!!!
I check here regularly, and continue to pray for you and your lovely family. Just tonight I offered my Holy Eucharist for your healing.
Enjoy the beauty of summer!
Hugs!!!!
So glad to hear you are cancer free!!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news! Enjoy summer and all that it entails. Emma xx
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear this news. I have been hoping to open my blog feed with a post from you saying you are cancer free. Wishing many more ordinary days ahead for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so, So, SO happy to hear that you are doing better! I LOVE your blog, I LOVE hearing your voice in defense (or just talking about it matter of factly) all things mother, family, and home. Your voice is NEEDED in this world. I hope Heavenly Father gives you many, many more years to keep talking.
ReplyDeleteGlory to God. Prayers for you all.
ReplyDeleteI am so very happy to hear you are doing well and are enjoying summer with your family! I have loved your blog for years. Your words are so encouraging and your perspective on family and motherhood is refreshing. I always appreciate your book recommendations. Have you read anything by Sarah Addison Allen? Her southern fiction hits the spot when I am looking for a lighter read. I suggest starting with Gardenspells. I hope you have a wonderful summer!
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy surprise tonight to see your blog post. Best wishes for continued good health. Thanks for the book recommendations! (Happy endings are the best!!) Take care :)
ReplyDeleteSo GREAT to see you here again. Prayers continue!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the lazy days of summer!! Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for you & your family. I pray for you & your family every night.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you - Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news! Praising God with you. Enjoy a quiet and lovely summer with your sweet family. (And thank you for your book suggestions too!)
ReplyDeleteSo, so happy to get your blog post in my inbox! Funny thing is that I was just talking about your blog today and about how much I missed it. Whenever it appeared in my inbox, it was like a little gift to me. I am happy to hear that you are cancer free and I continue to pray for you and your family. And, thanks for the book recommendations -- I welcome some happy endings!
ReplyDeleteI loved Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. So happy to hear that you are cancer free and figuring out your new normal. Sending cheers and hugs from AZ!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see your post in my inbox tonight! I’ve been praying and thinking of you regularly. Everyone is right - your voice on motherhood and life in general is needed. So happy to hear you are cancer free. I will continue to pray it stays away for good!
ReplyDeleteSarah, it's so good to see your post, and I'm so happy for your good news! As you seek your new normal, you might like a book called This Blessed Mess (Finding Hope in Life's Chaos) by Patricia Livingston. She's a Catholic author, and I've been re-reading this book as I'm facing a bit of chaos in my own life right now.
ReplyDeleteOh happy day!
ReplyDeleteSO good to hear that you are cancer-free! Enjoy your well-earned summer and best wishes for continued good health. Keep blogging! :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear from you and that you are doing better. Wishing a happy, carefree summer for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteAnd... she’s back!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear you are cancer free. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. So happy for the "Normal" days to come again!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! When I read the words "cancer-free" I started to cry! BIG, HAPPY TEARS!! Amen!! I am so happy for you and your family! I will continue to pray that you can enjoy a long lifetime full of ordinary days!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI've read your blog for years, really enjoying your take on life and mothering. First time commenting now... so so happy to hear you are cancer free! Yes, enjoy this summer with your family!
ReplyDeleteOh praise the Lord....you're are back and cancer-free. That makes my heart so happy right now.
ReplyDeleteI think about you all the time and wonder how you are feeling and coping.
So thrilled you are back....Have a blessed day!!!
Oh yes! Praise the Lord! Very happy for you. Graças te dou, visto que por modo assombrosamente maravilhoso me formaste; as tuas obras são admiráveis, e a minha alma o sabe muito bem;
ReplyDeleteSalmos 139:14 ARA
https://bible.com/bible/1608/psa.139.14.ARA
So happy you are back and healthy! Your last post seemed like a goodbye to blogging but I would check your blog every day just in case. Just know that we are all happy to read whatever you want to write about.
ReplyDeleteSuch happy news! Enjoy your summer with your family.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news!! Thank you God!
ReplyDeleteYeah Sarah! So happy to see you writing again!
ReplyDeleteBeth
So happy for you being able to leave cancer in your last! You are an incredible woman and I love reading your blog. The U.S. for the book recommendations! I've been needing a good book to read. Now I have a few!
ReplyDeleteI burst into happy tears when I read this! Praise, Jesus! Enjoy your summer, Sarah, "hold your family close and soak up the sunshine." Me, I'm going to pick up "The Arrivals" with a full heart today knowing you're on the mend!
ReplyDeleteLike so many others, have been reading your blog for years and felt so heavy hearted knowing that you were battling cancer. I am thrilled to see this wonderful post! You are an inspiration and a wonderful light! I have often turned to your words of encouragement to slow down and enjoy my calling as a mother. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, not only about motherhood, but concerning books and toys and such. My heart is happy today! (And a light-hearted series that I have loved... The Mitford Series by Jan Karon)
ReplyDeleteSarah..this is such great news and we are all so happy!!
ReplyDeleteI second the Mitford Series as well.
So glad to hear your good news, Sarah! Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteOh, it is soooo great to read an update!! I have been thinking about you so much!! God bless you and I hope you are back to normal really soon!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news! You’v been in my thoughts these past few months. Wishing you a joyous summer with your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteHooray!! I think about you every day, Sarah!! I will keep holding you in my heart. <3 <3
ReplyDeleteHave been thinking about you often Sarah. SO happy you can get back to some new normal days, and summer too! Enjoy your family. Thanks for the happy book recommendations. Jenny Colgan writes easy and light books. I’ve read several of hers - The Bookshop on the Corner was sweet.
ReplyDeleteI’m currently on book 4 of the Poldark series. I know you liked the pbs series. I’m going to try to watch that next. The books are very good!!
So very wonderful to hear a little update and know you are healing. Much love and prayers always to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah! I thought you weren’t blogging anymore. I haven’t checked here since Christmas, so today, since I just made your banana muffins (I add chocolate chips) I decided to see if you have written anything. I’m so sorry to hear about what you have been going through, but also so very happy you are now cancer free!!!! Don’t give up blogging. I learn too much from you.
ReplyDeleteSeeing you wrote a new post and reading that you are intent to enjoy the summer just completely made my whole day. Thank you for posting this, my heart has been so worried for you and your family. Please keep posting as you feel up to it!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you're back and doing better! I am a long time reader, first time commenter, but have been wondering how you were doing!
ReplyDeleteYou have always been such an inspiration for me, first as a new mother and now as a soon to be mother of four (one named Isaac!). Prayers for a restorative summer!
It is SO wonderful to see you back and doing well. You are a blessing to many.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see this post! I hope you have the most amazing summer! ❤️
ReplyDeleteYes!!!! I am so grateful you are well! That's wonderful news. I hope you continue to share you insights and perspective on life...I have missed your voice!
ReplyDeletePRAISE GOD! Yay. You will come back from all of this. Love the book recommendations, thank you. I read Eleanor Oliphant and loved it.
ReplyDeleteWas lying here in bed for the night and started thinking about you. So glad I checked your blog and saw this update. I am so happy to hear you are cancer free and enjoying your summer. God Bless You!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear this. I have been praying for you. So so happy for this news for you and your family.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord! So happy to read this news. I've missed my little doses of cloverlane. Big hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI've never been more glad to read a blog post. . .I'm so thankful you are better and getting back to life!
ReplyDeleteI'm just so happy to see this new post from you! Your hopefulness shines through in your writing. I hope this summer is just what your body and soul need to heal. Thank you for the book recommendations-- always on the hunt for new authors of this genre.
ReplyDeleteSarah! This is such wonderful news! I just did a little happy dance :)
ReplyDeleteThe books sound like fun summer reads. Have you ever read anything by Fannie Flagg? I like her style of writing and especially like "Standing in the Rainbow." It's a thick book, but an easy and enjoyable read.
You and your family have been on my mind so much lately - I am SO relieved to see your recent post - it is an answer to prayer that you are getting healthy, your children are safe and happy and not worried as much about their Mom...... Thanks for the book ideas. I have recently gotten several from Mix & Match Mama's blog, and her recent book review link has links to her top favorites of previous years - a fast way to find many... Visit mixandmatchmama.com/2018/05/may-2018-book-review/
ReplyDeleteSeeing this post makes my heart so happy. Thank you for giving us all this update. I look forward to any and all of your (hopefully) future posts. Congrats on being cancer free!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear this Sarah. I can only imagine how much happier your family are and how they have rallied around you the last few months. We your readers love you and need your words!
ReplyDeleteSarah i have been regularily checking back hoping for an update. I'm so happy for you that you are cancer free!! Such amazing news! I have been praying for you. Thanks for the book recs! I loved Elinor Oliphant! I will have to check out the other three. Enjoy your summer with your family!!!
ReplyDeleteWell that is wonderful news! I'm so happy and relieved that you are on the mend. Thank you for updating all of us. Enjoy your summer!! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteMe too - i check in every now and then and here you are! Thank you for being a strength to us all. I read your words and was so relieved, what a trial. None of us will ever know what it must have been like and still. Thankful that you are back here xx
ReplyDeleteI have been checking back for an update - so happy to read this and know you are cancer free. I have been enjoying your blog for many years and so glad you have a beautiful summer ahead to enjoy your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear from you! You have been on my heart and mind:-) So thankful for your return to "normal"... and your very accurate description that it is always evolving- but good! Enjoy summer and sunshine!
ReplyDeleteSo relieved and happy to read this update! Thank you also for the book recommendations!
ReplyDeleteSo thankful to hear your wonderful update!!!! I hope you get to enjoy a lot of happiness now! Take care.:)
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm so happy and relieved to hear that you are on the mend. What a terrible ordeal you've been through. I've thought of you so often, and intended to write something when I saw your last post, but wasn't sure if I could come up with the right words, and I kept putting it off. A few weeks ago I overheard the tune from The Gift of an Ordinary Day. (I forget what the music's actually called.) It was through you that I found that video, and I must have watched it literally 50 times, and I've forwarded it on to so many of my friends. As soon as I heard the music, I started to think of you, and I found myself tearing up. I can't imagine what you and your family have gone through these past few months, but I was so pleased to see your new post. Take care, and thank you for all your blog posts. I've so enjoyed them, and your wonderful recipes. All the best.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to read your thoughts and perspectives once again. Thank you for sharing. Praise God for your healing!!
ReplyDeletePraising God with you at the news that you're cancer free!! So thankful that you're experiencing some "normal" days and enjoying your beautiful family.
ReplyDelete❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteSo very, very happy for you! Your great news brought me to tears for you and for your family. Enjoy the heck out of this summer and celebrate in the quietest ways possible. Praise God for cancer free.
ReplyDeleteI came back to read your thoughts on potty training - because I always come back for your great advice. So happy to read this which a bazillion times better than potty training. Seriously though happy tears. Not today cancer- not today!
ReplyDeletePraise God! I don't know you but am so happy to hear this good news & am happy I may be able to glean more from your wisdom!! Take good care!
ReplyDeleteSarah-
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to see this blog post. You have helped me to appreciate the ordinary days in my life-even when, as you said, the ordinary is a new kind of ordinary. Love that you are cancer free-you have had a lot of prayers said for you and your family from your readers. More good thoughts are coming your way!
So good to hear from you. Enjoy your ordinary summer days!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see your post, you and your family have been in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers for a peaceful and relaxing summer for you and your loved ones. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThankful to see this post and to hear you are cancer free. I started reading your blog way back before Patrick was born and have shared with so many other new moms I meet because of all the wisdom you share. Enjoy the sunshine!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see this post and so very happy for you!!!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I am so excited to read the words "cancer free"!!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful news. I have been praying for you and your sweet family. Also, thank you for all the wisdom and encouragement you provide on this blog. I found your blog while I was pregnant with my now 8 year old daughter. It has been a pleasure and a blessing to read your posts for the past 9 years.
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah!! I’ve missed you so much and have thought of you often!!! I’m so happy to hear you are cancer free and on a new path! I love your book recommendations and have missed them. In fact I’ve missed everything about what you write about in this space!! Nothing like health issues to renew our motivation and inspire us to take better care of our bodies. I hope you continue to get better and better and flourish in the “new normal”! I love you!😘❤️
ReplyDeleteSo glad the cancer is gone and you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI have never read anything by Moore ( I will check her out) but did read your last pick and it was very good.
Have a wonderful summer!
I am so happy to read that you are cancer free! I have been reading your blog since my first was a new baby, and now I have three. I love your perspective and advice. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. I hope that you find some time to relax!
ReplyDeleteAfter "checking in" regularly what a blessing to read your update! May you continue to find strength and healing. Enjoy your summer!
ReplyDeleteI continue to pray and believe in your full recovery and that you will be BETTER than BEFORE!! God's promise!!
ReplyDeleteSarah!!!! I’m so grateful you are on the mend!! I could not get you off my mind!! Love little updates from you.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers for you and your beautiful family!
Xoxo
Amy Wiginton
Sarah-
ReplyDeleteSo thankful to hear that you are cancer free! I have been praying for you and your family since your last post. Thanks for your book suggestions- I just requested The Admissions from my library and am looking forward to reading it! I just finished reading "Something other than God" by Jennifer Fulwiler. Have you read it? It's about an atheist who converted to Catholicism. Its a fantastic book and I think you would really enjoy it! Hope you have a great summer!
I have prayed for you often since your last blog post! So happy to see this update!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have made such an impact on my life especially as a virtual mentor mother! Many prayers for you to have the best summer ever!
So wonderful! I've been praying for you and your family and will continue to do so :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear a positive update! Congratulations and hope for a beautiful summer for you!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about you, and I'm so glad to hear the good news! Praise to the Lord, the Almighty!
ReplyDeleteSo crazy happy to hear you are cancer free and recovering! Wishing you a beautiful healing summer full of everyday joys with your family x
ReplyDeleteI am so happy and grateful to read this post.
ReplyDeleteI've walked the cancer walk but not with children (all prechildren).
Since I read your update, I've prayed for you and for your family.
God bless you all.
So happy to hear that you are on the mend ! Enjoy the sunshine and lazy summer days and thank you for the book recommendations ! I am always looking for new authors to read and suggest at the library !
ReplyDeleteI’m so grateful for this positive update! I’ve been praying for you since I saw your last post. Your blog and motherhood advice got me through the baby/toddler years. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life experiences with me and helping me better appreciate my kids while they’re young.
ReplyDeleteSending much love as you soak up the summer days with your family. I am SO happy that the winter is behind you and that you are healing. You bring so much goodness and light to this world
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your cancer scare. Thanks for all your advice about cancer. Praying you will stay cancer free.
ReplyDeleteI love you and your family.
I am so very happy and grateful you are cancer free! I have been praying for you long before you mentioned on here you had cancer- I just had a feeling with your absence something was wrong.
ReplyDeleteI have had some of my own health struggles the past 2 years and can only read light, happy, easy-to-follow books myself. 2 that I just finished last month: {Hattie Big Sky}, and The Royal Nanny. Both so very good.
I’m so happy to hear this wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful news. I'm so glad you're starting to feel better, and above all, that the cancer is gone. I hope you and your family are able to take the summer to heal, not only from the physical illness but from all the fear and stress. May your new normal be lovely and uneventful!
ReplyDeleteYay!! So glad your back!!! Thrilled to hear you are on the mend!
ReplyDelete