We received some very heartbreaking news this weekend. Ryan's Aunt Becky, who had been in remission from breast cancer for a year and a half, has found out she has Stage 4 liver, rib and lung cancer. Her bloodtests in January were fine so this is obviously an aggressive, fast moving cancer. Her biopsy is tomorrow but the prognosis is poor, regardless of type of cancer. Depending on type of cancer, they will either treat in an effort to prolong her life or treat to keep her as pain-free as possible.
This family is the same who lost Grandpa suddenly in November from a ruptured aneurysm, which is also the last time we saw Aunt Becky, as she lives in North Carolina. Rather than talk about how this will affect the family, I'd much rather tell you little bit about Becky and ask for your prayers for her and her family as they face the news.
First of all, Aunt Becky is probably my favorite in-law. I say that here because I know that no family members on that side of the family read this blog. She is such a genuinely nice person who is honestly interested in every single word you have to say. She is a very special person, who happens to give the tightest, longest hugs in the history of mankind. And to watch her love on my children, oh, there's just nothing better. She's the one who introduced me to "getting their sugar" by feasting on their little necks, which is one of our favorite things to do. I had never heard that term until Aunt Becky came to town.
Aunt Becky is in her forties with three children, Brandon, Lindsey and Nicholas. Lindsey had a birth injury which resulted in Cerebral Palsy. Lindsey is in her twenties now, is non-functioning and requires 24 hour care. Becky is the perfect mother for Lindsey and her challenges and needs. She has devoted her life to her family and has taken a backseat to everybody without complaint. She only started working outside of the home about five years ago.
Aunt Becky, Grandma, and now my Mother-in-Law (Terry) are going on a cruise the first week of May. Originally, it was just going to be Grandma and Becky to celebrate Becky's remission but with the recent development, Terry will be joining them. Becky's oncologist advised Becky to go on the cruise, which to me was very telling of the prognosis.
I am heartbroken for the entire family, in many ways Becky is the breath of fresh air that everyone on that side of the family needs. She's the one who always thinks positively, whereas everyone else can have Doom & Gloom personalities. I am heartbroken for Becky, as a mom I just don't know how you prepare to say goodbye to your children who are so young still. I am heartbroken for Grandma and Terry who have suffered so much since Grandpa died. I'm not sure Grandma will be able to function with this stress as she has many health issues herself.
I would ask you to cover this family in prayers, they all need strength and comfort in the following days, weeks, or months. Please also pray for all of us who will have to make the horribly painful goodbye phone call. Pray that we will find the words we need to say and that they will bring Becky comfort and peace.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Can I Get An AMEN?
April's book (that I actually read in March) was Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. It is half nutritional information/half cookbook. It has so much information, in fact, that I am having to re-read it because the first time around I went on brain overload.
This book completely sums up why America is fat and sick, why our grocery store food is so unhealthy (even our fruits and vegetables!), and how scary our basic survival is becoming given the poor state of the foods made available to us. Our food is soaked with pesticides, has been genetically engineered, is injected with antibiotics or given hormones (and really, this list could go on and on) and we all need to be made aware of what is happening. Just look at cancer statistics from 100 years ago, compared to now. Our food is killing us, people, and unless we force change to happen it's only going to get worse!
As a (basically) single income household, we simply cannot afford to eat 100% organic. I wish that we could, but it's just not possible right now. We do have plans in the next few years to have a 3 acre organic farm, but for the right here, right now, I just cannot shop 100% organic. But I do the best I can and I do a fairly good job of it.
For anyone local, here are some great resources for local and sustainable farming, as well as reasonable packaged goods:
Faye Farms, Udall, KS. This is where I buy our raw milk, local honey, farm fresh eggs and some fabulous smelling handmade soaps. She also offers frozen pork, chickens and ground beef. You may call her to set up a farm tour where she will show you around and show you her sales room, which is an "on your honor" system. You can find her on Facebook under Faye Farms or you can just call her at (620)782-3840.
Schenker Family Farms, McCune, KS. Although this is definitely not super local, they do deliver to the area. They offer all kinds of meat products and jams/jellies! You can find them on Facebook under Schenker Family Farms or visit www.schenkerfarms.com. They do provide grass fed ground beef at Kountry Kupboard (see next listing).
Kountry Kupboard, Rose Hill, KS.A small shop just outside of Rose Hill, Bonnie stocks everything from vitamins, gluten-free products, bulk grains, skincare, green cleaning products...you name it, she either has it or can get it for you. And her prices ROCK! Think Green Acres, but much smaller and much less expensive! She's a little off the beaten path, but so worth it! She only accepts cash or check, so be aware of that when you go. She is not on Facebook but you can visit her website at www.kountrykupboard.net or call at (316)733-2544.
Back to the book....
This book can be a great resource for anyone wanting to take baby steps to boost their family's nutrition. You will also learn a lot about things you may be feeding your family that are unhealthy and perhaps even dangerous. I know a lot about nutrition (remember, I am the nerd who reads for information, not pleasure), probably more than the average person and I learned so much from reading this book! Highly recommended if you want to change some things in your life!
This book completely sums up why America is fat and sick, why our grocery store food is so unhealthy (even our fruits and vegetables!), and how scary our basic survival is becoming given the poor state of the foods made available to us. Our food is soaked with pesticides, has been genetically engineered, is injected with antibiotics or given hormones (and really, this list could go on and on) and we all need to be made aware of what is happening. Just look at cancer statistics from 100 years ago, compared to now. Our food is killing us, people, and unless we force change to happen it's only going to get worse!
As a (basically) single income household, we simply cannot afford to eat 100% organic. I wish that we could, but it's just not possible right now. We do have plans in the next few years to have a 3 acre organic farm, but for the right here, right now, I just cannot shop 100% organic. But I do the best I can and I do a fairly good job of it.
For anyone local, here are some great resources for local and sustainable farming, as well as reasonable packaged goods:
Faye Farms, Udall, KS. This is where I buy our raw milk, local honey, farm fresh eggs and some fabulous smelling handmade soaps. She also offers frozen pork, chickens and ground beef. You may call her to set up a farm tour where she will show you around and show you her sales room, which is an "on your honor" system. You can find her on Facebook under Faye Farms or you can just call her at (620)782-3840.
Schenker Family Farms, McCune, KS. Although this is definitely not super local, they do deliver to the area. They offer all kinds of meat products and jams/jellies! You can find them on Facebook under Schenker Family Farms or visit www.schenkerfarms.com. They do provide grass fed ground beef at Kountry Kupboard (see next listing).
Kountry Kupboard, Rose Hill, KS.A small shop just outside of Rose Hill, Bonnie stocks everything from vitamins, gluten-free products, bulk grains, skincare, green cleaning products...you name it, she either has it or can get it for you. And her prices ROCK! Think Green Acres, but much smaller and much less expensive! She's a little off the beaten path, but so worth it! She only accepts cash or check, so be aware of that when you go. She is not on Facebook but you can visit her website at www.kountrykupboard.net or call at (316)733-2544.
Back to the book....
This book can be a great resource for anyone wanting to take baby steps to boost their family's nutrition. You will also learn a lot about things you may be feeding your family that are unhealthy and perhaps even dangerous. I know a lot about nutrition (remember, I am the nerd who reads for information, not pleasure), probably more than the average person and I learned so much from reading this book! Highly recommended if you want to change some things in your life!
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