Hello




Hello dear, sweet, caring friends.  I have a spare moment and clarity all at the same time so I thought I could check in and just say hi.  Things around here have been hectic as would be expected.  It's daily radiation and chemo and then every 14 days a chemo infusion.  It is a grueling schedule for L both physically and mentally and quite frankly I could not do it.  He is brave beyond words.

I'm hoping to start blogging again because I think it would be good for me.  I've been able to get out into the garden and that has been heavenly.  I will start taking photos again soon.  We both appreciate every single comment left and I'm sorry if I have not responded to your emails or comments directly.

There is so much going on that I want to fight but I know that acceptance is the answer to all my problems.  I hope this post finds you all well.  Much love from the both of us.  xoxo

75 comments

  1. Janet!!!! Seeing your lovely face in my reader made my day. Heaps of good vibes and healing thoughts to you and to Larry. xxoo jane

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  2. I miss you. But I understand your worry too. Be well, be safe, and take good care of yourself.

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  3. So good to hear from you. I check everyday. xo

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  4. You have a radiant soul. Thinking of you and wishing you all the best.

    As a practical matter, having been through a lot of medical stuff for my mother, I hope you have good medical insurance. If you do not, and the cost of this becomes a burden, I hope you would not hesitate to ask for support via GoFundMe etc. Sorry if that's an intrusive statement, I do not mean it to be so, am speaking bluntly only in hopes of being useful.

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    1. I thought about the GoFundMe when Janet first posted that Larry was sick. But I felt it was too soon to approach the topic. Hopefully Janet you would not hesitate if you need some support...I know that so many would contribute. You and Larry are in my thoughts every day and you have handled this life challenge with so much grace. Hugs, Linda

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  5. Just wanted to say I've been thinking of you and hoping for the best for you both. You must do what feels right. Sending a virtual hug. Xx

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  6. I check everyday as Dianne. You are a friend to me so I really appreciate the updates on Larry - another friend of mine :) I'm glad he is so strong and hanging in there. That is how he'll get through this. He also has the most perfect wife to keep him grounded and keep things organized and "simple" so he can concentrate on healing. My love to you both!
    Jennifer

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  7. Sending lots of prayers with warm cozy hugs to help you endure the storm. So glad to hear the garden is bringing you some comfort, dear Janet. God bless you both!
    xoxo Deni

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  8. Dear Janet,

    I discovered your blog three years ago while caring for my beloved as his life was drawing to a close. Amid my grief and despair, your knack for zooming in on the small enchantments of every day life helped me keep one foot on the shore.

    For a bowl of soup, thoughtfully prepared and thankfully eaten; the comfort of a bedtime routine (and well-made bed!); a plant that thrives in an unexpected place; the raptures of chinoiserie; the way sunlight illuminates a corner of a room...thank you.

    Amid all the stress and distress on the road you now travel, I wish you every small pebble of comfort.

    Judith

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  9. Good to hear your "voice" Janet and you have been uppermost in my thoughts of late...
    gardening, enjoying the fresh air and flowers, blogging can be very therapuetic and acceptance all sound like healthy choices. Regards to Larry
    XO

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  10. Dear Ones,

    From a fellow cancer fighter, I wish you a good, strong fight.

    ",,,Be strong, be courageous. Don't be afraid; don't be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

    I am now entering the 16 month of this journey, and I know for certain that God has walked with me in its entirety. I'm still vertical, Janet! Yesterday, was our first sunny day here after a long winter. Just feeling the sun on my face was a gift. I'm always trusting in the Lord Jesus. It's who I am! Prayers for you and your beloved as you walk this path before you and then come out to that place of healing and renewal.

    Isabella

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  11. Dear Janet,
    You have given us all so much through this delightful blog so now it's our turn to give you daily thoughts, prayers, and cyber strength. The fight is quite an exhausting slog for Larry and for you. Don't hesitate to reach out and just say, "Hey guys, just checking in and need a hug." We'll rally and quickly. Wishing you the best.
    Jeanne

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  12. How wonderful to see this post, Janet! I think of you often and wonder how things are going. I hope you find a way to surround yourself with some peace and tranquility as you and Larry navigate this challenging treatment regimen. If anyone can, you can. Continued prayers for healing.

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  13. Much love to the both of you also. Thank you for checking in and updating us. I have noted down your sentence "I want to fight but I know acceptance is the answer", I want to remember that. I want to be reminded that sometimes that is best.
    Rondi

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  14. Hi Janet, I haven't commented in a long time but I just want to let you know you both will get through this. I had a run-in with pre-cancer, twice (breast and cervical), and even though it was "pre" it was still scary. I had never had any health problems until then (this happened 2 years ago) and all of a sudden I had to have three surgeries! Following the surgeries I underwent radiation treatment every day for six weeks. It was surreal, and I still can't believe it happened to me. So many things went through my mind and I went through every emotion, mostly anger. I was so mad, my daughter was still in high school and I didn't want to leave her too soon. All I could think of was the "what ifs." Be sure to get help to deal with the emotions, both his and yours. Take care.

    D.

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  15. I’m glad to see you again, you’ve been on my mind. My prayers are with you and your husband. You’re very wise to understand acceptance.

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  16. I think of you and Larry often knowing what you are dealing with. Keep up the good fight.

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  17. Dear Janet and Larry, wishing you all the best on this journey. Janet, thank you for thinking of us, it's clear that you are in our thoughts too. I hope that the many comments do help you in some way.

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  18. I'm so glad to see your face on my blog reader! I check on you daily. Praying for strength and a rose bloom that beats the band, just for comfort.

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  19. Dear Janet -
    So wonderful to hear from you today!
    I never commented on your last post, but I want to let you know that I have been praying for you and Larry every day in my Morning Offering.
    Peace and blessings to you both -
    Teresa

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  20. Think of you often and your words are welcome. Many of us are members of the same “club” and reading your words are healing. Paula

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  21. Clarity & Peace is my prayer over your thoughts and mind... so glad you could work in your beautiful garden a little...

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  22. Think about you & Larry often. Sending prayers.
    Linda

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  23. It's so good to hear from you, Janet; you and Larry continue to be in my prayers. Radical acceptance--I'm working on that one too. It's not easy, but if anyone can embrace it it's you.

    Lauren

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  24. Writing from my husband's hospital room...prayers for you and your husband...
    Lord, please provide wisdom, knowledge, discernment for doctors and healing, rest, and peace for our husbands and ourselves. Amen.
    Charlene H

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  25. So good to hear from you today. You have given me so much in the years I have been following you. You are a breath of fresh air in this crazy , often broken world. continued prayers for you and Larry.
    Darby

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  26. holding you and your beloved L right here in my heart AJJ.
    i have wept at the great outpouring of love here. and it's real. there is no such thing as 'virtual.' it is simply love.
    and we love you. be strong my girl. and as the marine brother of mine would say HOLD THE LINE! and as i would say... find peace in where this journey takes you. and since it's never over til the fat lady sings i promise i will not sing a note until he's well! XOXO

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  27. Hello back.
    Stay strong, believe in what is possible!
    Suzana from Australia xxx

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  28. Dear Janet my spirits instantly lifted when I saw that you had posted. Sending you and Larry lots of love and healing thoughts. Xx

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  29. Dear Janet,
    I was so glad to hear your clear voice again. Like many others here, I think of you both often and hope that you can draw strength from the caring and support you receive here. You are wise to focus on acceptance. I think that energy given to fighting should be used only when there is no better option. You are both very brave.
    Georgia

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  30. Janet I'm so happy to see you today. I've been thinking of you so much and almost emailed you again but I don't want you to feel you have to answer me. I just want you and Larry to know I'm thinking of you both.
    Clearly Larry is an example to us all! Sending my biggest hug and smile to you both.
    By the way I think time in your garden is a really excellent idea, what could be more soothing to the soul, even a tired one, maybe especially a tired one. Hang in there dear Janet. XOX

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  31. What a beautiful picture of you. Sounds like you're both staying as strong as you can and being a good source of support for each other. Please know, no one expects you to answer all the comments that you have received. Just take them in and use them as a another source of support without feeling any obligation to answer. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  32. Still sending the most positive thoughts your way, very best wishes to you both xxx

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  33. Janet you both remain in my thoughts daily. I hope throughout everything you can continue to find some comfort knowing that there are people you wouldn't even know if you sat next to them that are holding you both in their thoughts and offering prayers of wellbeing.

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  34. Janet, how wonderful to read a post from you. It sounds like your husband is a very strong man. With a combination of great medical care & his positive attitude, along with your loving support, hopefully, he will beat this. I am keeping both of you in my thoughts & prayers. Sending much love to both of you! Please take care & know that there are so many of us out here rooting for you both! Kathy Bunge

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  35. Holding you in the light. Please know how much it means that you are sharing your story. It is brave. Sending only thoughts of light and peace to you both from a little town in Vermont.

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  36. Your courage, dignity and strength are torch lights for showing us all how to navigate through life's uncertainties. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
    Sending love and prayers, Jan-Leanne

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  37. Thanks so much for the update. You both continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. That is grueling!!!! I fear I wouldn’t be handling it quite as graceful as you are. I certainly hope if I’m ever in the same situation either as the patient or the caregiver I cope with it as you both are. Now go garden and renew your spirit! ❤️
    Kathy
    Kcarracher instagram

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  38. Thanks for the update. You could do it you know- because you are brave and stoic and have guts. Sending you and Larry love and courage. x

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  39. I’ve walked the very same path you are on now with Larry. It is grueling and exhausting. But I know you can do it! Glad to hear you are getting out into the garden, etc. The one mistake I made was not taking care of myself during that time, so I encourage you to do so. You’re both in my prayers! Best wishes from a long time reader and first time commenter, Jane❤️

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  40. It is so nice to hear from you Janet, I think about you both everyday ❤️

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  41. So nice to hear from you! Continuing prayers for Larry and you. 💖

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  42. I was looking through Country Living's Mini-Makeover Book yesterday and saw one of your beautiful rooms. It was a sweet reminder to pray for you and your husband.

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  43. I think or you and your husband quite often. And hope you are hanging in there. It can be a daunting journey and so tiring. So know you have lots of love and support behind all these names with no faces. Take care of yourself and take pleasure in the moments where you can.

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  44. I checked as i got in bed and was happy to see your post. Praying Larry does well with his treatments. I know It's hard on both of you. Enjoy every minute together and know all of us that read your blog love you❤

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  45. So glad to see your post. Thinking of you and your husband. Love your blog. You have a way with words, even during tough times. Debby

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  46. Praying for you and Larry. I appreciate your positive attitudes, and YES to acceptance. Hugs from Italia, Robin

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  47. Hugs. So many hugs for you guys. So many.

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  48. Thank you for checking in with us. I've been thinking of you two a lot lately. Praying for your strength. A garden is such a lovely soul healing place....so happy you were able to enjoy it. XO
    Renee in Northern California

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  49. So happy to see this post! I think of you often and appreciate the update. Such trying, emotional times. You have a lovely and loving point of view that is heart warming. Gather up all the love and support you can.

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  50. I know that the phrase, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you," can seem trite. But I mean it sincerely. As a cancer survivor, I appreciate what you are facing. Be well.

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  51. endurance. courage. strength. resolution. patience. peace. all to you and L. Be well and thrive.

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  52. Lovely to see your photo and hear the update on your journey with Larry. Garden, take in others' supportive words, eat well, all of it...as the caregiver it's so easy to lose track on oneself! Lots of support to ya'll from Austin!

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  53. Sending a message of positive energy from the southwest. All will be well. Hang in there.

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  54. Janet, never think you must reply to comments . . . you always are most kind to those who follow you but now for a little bit while you and Larry must focus upon his care and your wellness, too, the rules have changed. Bless you for letting us know of your present circumstances. Cheers for Larry and his determination and for you to know the best and convenient retreat at the moment - your garden.
    May my encouragement and those of your many followers give you both a boost.

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  55. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you are both taking care of each other during this stressful time. Kisses and hugs ;)

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  56. Thank you so much for checking in and keeping us all posted. Stay strong! Prayers for you both!

    Lisa in Fort Worth

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  57. Good to hear you're coping. I think of you often. xo

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  58. I've been away from blogland for quite a while, caring for my elders to their end(s). Your blog has always been an inspiration & a ray of sunshine for me. Reading your news just now about Larry and your battle with the "c" feels like I was just gut-punched...I can only imagine how it feels,for the two of you. I worked several years in oncology...it was a privilege to meet & serve so many courageous souls! You both will be in my continuing thoughts and prayers. Carpe diem!

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  59. Have missed your beautiful words and photos. Glad that in this challenging time you are taking time to do things you enjoy. I believe in modern medicine, but also in the invincible healing power of love (and broccoli). Kudos to you both for your strength and positive attitudes. Joining your other readers in sending healing thoughts.

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  60. How beautiful and sweet you look in that picture. We're all so happy to receive this post from you. Your decision to work w/your flowers is perfect. Flowers have healing and comforting powers there's no doubt! Janet, please give your beloved warrior Larry a group hug from all of us and tell him we love him. Kay xo

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  61. I was just thinking of y'all and stopped by to say hi. Glad to see you had a moment of clarity and clam in the midst of your battle. Prayers for you and your dear hubby. ~Miranda

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  62. There is life after chemo and radiation. Years of life. It's not the end.
    I've witnessed it. Lots of love and light. I've been reading your blog for years but we don't know each other.

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  63. I think the GARDEN and THE BLOG will HELP both of YOU!Things to SHARE about the DAY..........
    Big HUG.
    XO

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  64. its nice to read you are turning to blogging for some sort of comfort or familiar place to be...We welcome your post and always find them inspiring. I pray the beauty in your garden soothes you and adds a bit of quiet with this awful fight, (Cancer) I continue to make mention of your husbands big battle and fight. Praying and counting on a complete healing trusting that God has this handled.

    xx
    Dore

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  65. Janet, long time reader who does not comment often. Just want to let you know that I've been thinking about you and Larry and your family daily. He is strong, you are too.

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  66. No great words of wisdom...one of my good friend's husband is fighting cancer now, too. And I've had friends and relatives go through this as well...it is grueling and exhausting and just plain sucks. I am so sorry your husband is going through this - and you, too. My friend tells me how exhausted it is being the caretaker, too. Big hugs and lots of love to both of you.

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  67. Have thought of you both so much over the weeks. I'm glad you have each other. I'm glad we live in these times of amazing medical care. I'm glad you have your garden and that you can use it to all best advantage. Wonderful to see your post; I'd wondered if maybe blogging could be a way to get some stuff out 'on paper' and out of your head; after all, blogging started out as journaling, and journaling is always a great way (I think so anyway) to corral what's buzzing inside your brain. Love back to both you and Larry, Janet. You have friends out here, dear.

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  68. Blessings and courage!

    Kathy L.

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  69. Dear Janet, I too am a long time reader of your blog, stopping every now and then for my dose of peace, style, garden and grace. I’ve always looked out for the subtle mention of your dear Larry here and there, imagining him to be handy, stylish of course and very patient! I will now add courageous and cherished. Prayers and hugs of friendship to you both on this next walk together.

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  70. Check in on your blog every so often. I always hope to hear good news from you. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts

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  71. I have found that writing is powerful therapy and so hope you will post now and then. Your writing is utterly compelling in its brevity and directness. It is your voice, spare yet powerful, honest, that inspires everyone who reads your words. And the garden... there could be nothing more healing. To continue life's patterns, to simply carry on can be so hard, but in doing so there comes a strengthening of the spirit. Prayers, sent on the wings of angels, are all around you...

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  72. there is never obligation to respond,
    especially considering the challenge your husband
    (and thus..you!) are journeying through.
    how very lovely though to see you sharing a blog
    post. ♥ i'm keeping the two of you in thought,
    heart, and prayer.

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  73. So good to hear from you again. I have you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. Getting out in the fresh air and gardens is the best therapy ever.

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  74. Dear Janet-How did I miss this post? I think of you both often!
    Love.
    Annie

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kindness is never out of style.

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