*19*

So you all have been following me on my journey...but I also share MANY "life" events...I can't go without sharing this...my heart is so heavy tonight and  I feel it's blog-worthy. 

 

For those of you that know me...I have been around the fire service even before I was born. My Dad was a volunteer fire-fighter...until he made the ranks of Fire Chief.  I guess you can call me an adrenaline junkie...I LOVED going on 9-11 calls with him...whether it be a 962 (wreck with injuries),

a fire, just your typical injury call.  I would go with him night after night...excited to help with the next one...waiting for the "Big" one. I was 19 years old when he encouraged me to go ahead and get my EMT-certification. If I was going to be on the "call"...I seriously should make good use out of myself. So being around the fire service from a baby to adult...I know how important "FAMILY"

truly is.  Being a part of the fire service...you are a FAMILY and are there for each other in good times and in bad. So here's to those lives that were lost on 6.30.2013-Yarnell Fire

 

 

Graphics above were created by me...it' the least I could do to show my support for those affected by the fire...if you would like to...copy and paste it on your instagram...or face book pages to support YARNELL and all those affected.-Jamie

 

 

19

(Written by: Jamie Daniels...straight from the heart)

Sunday 6.30.2013 was probably just like any other ordinary-typical day,

The Granite-Mountain hot-shot crew was there to do their job and didn't know what else to say.

They could see the flames from miles and miles away,

but didn't realize how fast the winds would begin to sway.

They cut and sawed the brush that they could.

They walked and talked trying to control the mighty beast,

Praying that the wind would die, and the flames would calm down to say the least.

They had flashbacks of what they were doing the night before.

Were they with their loved ones...or being summoned to the fire before they could shut their door.

So many young lives were put on the line,

but knowing that is what they do the best as they shine. 

Did they have kids or a spouse that was waiting for their arrival,

Or could they see the ultimate fight was up for their survival. 

There are so many questions as our state mourns and our hearts will ache as we wonder why

But their memories must never die.

They didn't know that their life would soon be shattered

instead they did all they could...and that is what mattered.

To the 19 lives that have been lost you no longer have to roam...

For you now have been called home.

 

 

 

 

19 fire fighters lost their lives in the Yarnell (Arizona) Fire.  It is such a shock...from one night seeing my cousin post pictures of a "small" brush fire his department was fighting...to over night the winds shifting and causing such tragedy for a small Arizona community.  Please keep the fire fighter's families in your prayers. Pray for containment on this fire...pray for the firefighters still having to fight this beast...and keep those that have lost their homes or have been evacuated in your prayers.



Squashin' "It"

Well its funny how people will "assume" the worst or hear false information about me and my health and think the WORST...so I am here to clear the rumor mill about MY health. Contrary to what one might be saying or thinking...I am ALIVE...and I am doing GOOD!   I haven't been blogging lately...and realized that I need to more often.  Blogging is my way of coping with this whole ordeal...and if I can make a difference in at least one person's life...then I have accomplished something positive. 

Lately I have had a lot of time to sit and think about this last year of my life.  I have had my plate over filled with tragedy and heart-ache...from marriage issues/troubles, withdrawing from school (not by my choice), having to move twice, to being diagnosed with Pan Can...I still try to keep a smile on my face and keep striving forward...

On the other hand it is sad that some people continue to live for the negative things in life...but unless you are willing to change...nothing is going to be any different.  Ask yourself this...do I treat others how I would want to be treated???....if there was any hesitation that possibly you don't treat others right...then make the change. Do something...talking about it is one thing...but actually doing it is another.  Live by the "Golden Rule"...you just might be surprised! :)

So with that being said...stay POSITIVE (Keep smiling...it keeps people wondering)...THINK about others...and do the RIGHT thing!

MY HEALTH:  Today I had chemo #7...I have said this once...I will say it again.  I have already beat the odds as far as my doctors are concerned...they continue to be amazed with my progress and my spirit.  I will go tomorrow for my Neulasta injection (that is the only thing that has been giving me issues lately...severe headache, nausea, and low-grade fever)...but I have coped with it and overcome the horrible 3-5 days that it gives me. 

I am not willing to listen to ANYTHING negative ANYMORE about my diagnosis from anyone...I am going to beat this and I know my doctors have Faith in me that I will! They have the Faith in me...because I have Faith in my Heavenly Father...who has given me the strength each and everyday to keep fighting.  I not only want to just keep fighting...but striving to make a difference and to teach my girls so much more about life-about keeping the Faith, Trusting, and Believing that there are good things in life...not everything has to be a tragedy. There is good sometimes that comes out of bad situations.  This I know...there are times that I have to remind myself of this. 

There...I "squashed" the rumor that  I am "not" doing well. Thanks to those (sarcastic laugh-inserted here) that give me the will to keep fighting even harder than I already am.


Here are some recent pictures of yours truly...not bad for someone kicking cancer's booty...just to show you that I am alive, well, and still HERE!

June 2,2013



June 22,2013


Thanks for following along with my journey. It hasn't been the smoothest one...there have been many bumps along the way...but its MY story and I appreciate those that have stuck with me and supported me!

Thank you for you continued support, love and prayers...My girls and I truly appreciate it!!!

I think the Alicia Keys-"Girl on Fire" suits me.  Yes I have had a LOT of catastrophe in my life-past and lately...yes it can be a lonely world...but... "She's got her head in the clouds and she's not backing down"...I am on FIRE...ready to conquer what comes my way.

Until next time...Peace, love, and blessings!

The 3-G Lesson: Reality Check

So this is probably going to be my 1st "negative" or should I say "straight-forward" blog to some...to others sorry if it offends you...and to the "others" you know what I mean!

We live in a world that everything seems to revolve around the social-networking sites...we are all either on Face book, instagram, or snooping on others blogs...that is the truth, right!?!  Well I seriously get tired of logging onto face book and day after day its the same people or subjects that I read. 

Negativity...people complaining about one thing or another...It's too hot, my house isn't big enough, my car isn't new enough,  I'm not happy so I'll go play elsewhere. Blah...blah...blah!

It is amazing how I think to myself...you have all these "unhappy" individuals...complaining over THINGS that really don't matter. Think about it...I am over here just praying to get through my next few chemo treatments and wondering when my next PET scan will be.  (Don't insert pity here...its just reality...think about it! )

I NEVER see the Mom that has watched her little boy fight cancer, or the single dad raising his 3 children after his wife took her life,  or the young wife who is watching her husband fight for his life after serving in Iraq COMPLAIN...NOPE...instead I see it from people who haven't gone through "tragedy" or life changing events and its day after day of them complaining. 

Maybe the reason or cause of the situation is them...maybe they should change instead of being "so" miserable.

So after reading more of the nonsense today...I have come to the conclusion here is a lesson for these "negative" people.  I think I will call it the 3-G Lesson...

1. GROW UP...the "thing" you complain about are just THINGS...
2. Get God...if you are unable to change things...turn it to God...Prayer is powerful
3. Get Movin'...if you are so miserable...then maybe you should change your ways or your way of thinkin.

Before you start to complain about some"thing" that is so ridiculously non-important...remember the person next to you is probably fighting a much greater battle...than your "so-called" one.

Until next time...do something to change. Make a difference!

"If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have time to do something about it."-Anthony J. D'Angelo

Its been a little while...

Its been a little while since my last post. I had #6 of Gemzar (Chemo) on Monday and Neulasta injection yesterday.  So far so good minus the bone pain from neulasta and the nausea...but I am alive...so I can't complain :)  God is good! He has given me the strength and determination to fight this battle. I plan on blogging more after next week when I meet with Dr. O to see if I will have 8 treatments of 12...really hope its only 8...but we will see. 

For those of you that are new to my blog-Hello! Don't forget if you are on facebook...like my prayer page @ : lifting Jamie in prayer

Thank you for you continued PRAYERS, LOVE and SUPPORT!

Is this a sign...or is "Jesus Calling" ???

Well I have wanted to blog about this letter we had received months ago and it seems as though I have had many other "circumstances" that it comes right back to this little book...that was mentioned in "the" letter.

As most of you are aware...I lost my "Daddy" (yes forever a Daddy's girl) 10  years ago. Feb.5th, 2003 to be exact. He was the Chief of the Buckeye Valley Fire District at the time of his passing.  He was headed to home meet up with us for dinner...while riding his bright-red fire engine red "FF edition" Harley.  I don't think I have ever accepted the fact that he has gone...but then there are days that I remember he is ALWAYS with me. HE saved my life!!! (his white t-shirt...blood stain...=I find out I had breast cancer-remember that post?)

Well one year to the day of his passing...many members from his department drove up Vulture Mine Rd just south of Wickenburg, AZ to put up a tribute for ALL to see.  Mind you...for those of you that have not seen this road-side memorial...it is like NO other.  It is HUGE about 6 feet tall give or take Maltese-cross with a simple cross in the middle of it. It is red...it is beautiful and people from around the USA have either blogged about it...mentioned it to family members or have written us letters...

So here is where "the letter" comes into this blog...

For those of you that know about The Meadows in Wickenburg...it is a rehabilitation facility where many people have come for help. Many ordinary individuals to super-stars trying to get clean and off their addictions. 

So months ago...we were called to the fire station to pick up a letter that this gentleman tracked down the fire department address from my Dad's cross and wanted to share some touching information with us.   

We will call him Fred...He had been a patient at the Meadows...and had gone back to visit with old acquaintances that wanted to reunite and look at the progression they had made.  Fred had decided that he was going to go for a run or hike...didn't know exactly where...but knew he was going to accomplish that. 

So Fred set out and drove down Vulture Mine Rd...he had told his friends that he was going to run/hike I believe it was 6 miles.  As he got a few miles into it...something came over him and he turned into the opposite direction and started hiking up a hill...something kept pushing him...and he kept trekking on harder.  He then came to this beautiful "RED" cross.  He read my Daddy's name...and it was there that he prayed. 


Fred continued on to say that he hadn't been leading the best life...his wife and him weren't on the exact page...and it was there at "the" cross that he said his FIRST prayer ever!  He knew from that day forward that he had to change...turn his life around and do good.  He began to share God's word.  He then mentioned how he has passed out the devotional book "Jesus Calling" to lots of people.  He has a twitter account were he has shared his story/God's word with thousands. 

Now to some of you this may not seem like a BIG deal...to my family...it was just another reassurance that God is in control. My Daddy was a man of God...who touched so many peoples lives...he believed in making a difference and trusting in God...with his FAVORITE Bible verse being "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." So although he left 10 years ago...he is still making a BIG difference in complete random strangers lives...

So as my Mama read me this letter...we cried and we almost couldn't speak...for it was days earlier that I was dealing with some issues in life that she had gotten the girls each copies of  "Jesus Calling" and a sweet-dear neighbor had dropped a copy off for me at my Mama's house. 

Since that time...I have had SEVERAL others mention "Jesus Calling"...and most recently I just received a word of encouragement from another fellow Pan-Can fighter...she closed the letter by encouraging me to read "Jesus Calling"...

Is this all a sign...maybe?!  But I do believe Jesus is Calling me to not give-up...to remember who is in control.  "He" is only going to give me what I can handle...I've come this far and I look forward to see what "He" has in store for my future.
Until next time...here's to more days with trusting in HIM!

If you are wanting to know more info:
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Enjoying-Peace-Presence/dp/1591451884#_

My Daddy:
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/46leg/1r/bills/hcr2035p.htm

http://www.local4371.org/Tribute.html

Today...We WILL fight

Today was like any ordinary day that I have had lately...take my girls to school...deal with a bit of nausea and the bone pain from Neulasta. But as like most days I am able to for the most part...ignore the minor glitches and look for the positives in my day.  So onto today...I must back up to yesterday. 

After I received my Neulasta injection...I headed to Sprouts to get some veggies, and such.  As I thought about leaving out of the "left" exit (which I was parked closet to)...I chose to walk out of the "right" exit. Something caught my eye...a FREE magazine for all to read that had Jessica Alba on the cover.  It wasn't just the fact that I enjoyed reading her story about "clean" eating...more so the article in there about a cancer SURVIVOR. He also blogs :)  I couldn't get enough of reading it...instead of napping before I got the girls...I jumped up and started juicing like a crazy girl.  I have been juicing as I have mentioned before...but WOW! I was on a roll.  I usually just juice enough for that particular moment...instead I juiced enough for a few days.

Long story short...he had stage 3 colon cancer...was told he had to do chemo-he said NO!!! And instead changed his lifestyle and went to juicing and eating healthy.  That was 10 years ago...he is now healthy and happy-married with 2 kiddos.  What an inspiration! Check out his blog if you so wish to @: www.chrisbeatcancer.com  I hope that I inspire people...like he has me!

So onto TODAY- I passed on the info I read to not one...but 2 who have been recently diagnosed and are in a fight for their life.  One I got the opportunity to chat with via Face book...the other one is a VERY dear friend's cousin...hope I didn't talk your ear off M.

I don't claim to be a preacher, doctor, or expert...just a girl who has beat cancer once...and is beating it AGAIN!

My little tidbit...ATTITUDE...you MUST remain POSITIVE. If there is negativity...get rid of it! Your own mind has a LOT to do with your overall well being. 
FAITH...whether you believe in GOD or not...that is between you and yours...but have FAITH in YOURSELF too!!!
Keep FIGHTING...Don't give up...Don't think about tomorrow...live for TODAY! Yes...be "organized"(if you want to be proactive and your own advocate)...but don't worry about the little things...JUICE...LOVE...LAUGH...and remember what is IMPORTANT!

So here's wishing M and C the strength to FIGHT ON...YOU can and YOU will do this! Attitude is EVERYTHING! (or at least a BIG part of fighting the fight)

I'm seriously thinking about riding my bike up to the top of the "hill" here and shouting-
Here's to LOTS more juicing...and LESS "C"

Gemzar Number 4

Hello! Just woke up from about a 3 hour nap...ugh chemo!
Just wanted to say I HEART my week off of NO chemo...then days like today come around and I've got to remember I am FIGHTING...and beating this...one day at a time. Trying to keep my eye on the prize of being done with chemo and trying to live the "normal" life.  September will not get here fast enough...but that doesn't matter...we are enjoying every day to the fullest.

Last week was a busy week for the girls and I...besides the normal school routine, and trying to practice lines for a play for Taryn's class and working on Greek/Roman art for Maesyn's class...we had a day of "fittings" for a fashion show...a night of dress rehearsal...and then Saturday mid morning they had the honor of walking down the "runway" for the PANDA (excellent organization) Fashion Show Luncheon.  The money raised goes to research to treat childhood diseases and such. I was such a proud Mama to be able to watch my girls as they were the very 1st ones out of 64 models to come out and show the gigantic ballroom filled with people their outfits. Thank you to some VERY special people for making that day happen for not only my girls...but me too! They will NEVER forget that day or the experience that they had. Thank you PANDA for doing what you have done for I believe the last 14 years...




Then moving onto Saturday night...the girls along with cousins and friends took part in the 2nd Annual Neon Splash Dash. Thank you K for making that a reality also for my girls. They were some of the cutest dressed little girls there that ran their little hearts out with all that they had. The best/most special part of the whole "Dash" event...money raised goes to Camp Kesem. What is a this camp you may ask? Well it is a special camp for kids that have parent(s) going through or have gone through cancer. It doesn't "dwell" on cancer...instead gives kids the opportunity to meet others and have a week long escape away from the reality of what they are going through or have been through.  I am still debating on sending the girls this year...they are wanting to...but scared of not being with me for a whole week. We shall see...but I do know other kids in their coping class who are going...so I am grateful for those that participated in the race to give these kids this opportunity. 




Then yesterday was mother's day...no gifts, or fancy cards...just spent time with my girls.  That is all that I need!!! I am here to celebrate another "holiday" with them and that is all that matters. I love these 2 with all that I have and they are what keep me going. 

I was trying to add pictures to this post...but no luck right now...next time! :)

Until next time...I  am fightin' on! Keep the prayers coming!!!

For those of you that are wondering about my Mama...we are just waiting on scans/results still...until we know what the game plan will be. For those of you that have been through a "battle" know its the hurry up and wait game a lot of times...we have to remain patient as patients and know that God is in control!