Today I turn 32.
Some dread birthdays; others embrace them with open arms. For me, it always seems to turn me introspective, thinking about the year gone by and looking ahead to what the next trip around the sun will hold.
If the first part of my 32nd year were fairly status quo, the last has been anything but. You might or might not know that behind the scenes here for the last few months have been a whirlwind of challenges and changes. We received news in May that our family would be relocating to Texas, and within a month, our crew of six (and a beagle!) had moved from Nashville into a tiny 2-bedroom apartment in Austin, excited and anxious to begin this new phase of our lives. The search commenced for a new home, a new school, a new church. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to live closer to family, something we have prayed for for many years!
And then, in the midst of our cross-country move, a phone call of the type that makes the world stop spinning on its axis.
My Dad: “Amy, I have cancer.”
If you have ever experienced that type of call, you know what it means. That one 6-letter word changes your entire perspective; the moment it comes into play, the rule book is erased, and a new chapter begins.
For the last weeks, the challenges of establishing a new life in a new city have been compounded with the stress and fear of potentially losing someone I love to an insidious, ruthless disease. As my husband and I have searched for a new home here in Texas, walking through houses and poring over their rooms and features to determine if that will be the place we choose to settle down and raise our not-so-little family, I have been agonizing over not being able to simultaneously be with Dad and Mom as they have endured countless tests, innumerable sleepless nights, and the surgery and radiation therapy that we pray will save my father’s life.
I have always heard the saying that God never gives us more than we can handle. One thing I have learned quickly over the course of the last months, though, is that saying couldn’t possibly be further from the truth.
Friends, it isn’t about what we can handle ourselves, but what God can handle for us.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
As I blow out my candles tonight, my wishes will be quite different from years past.
I will wish for my dad to be completely healed. For my mom’s continued strength. For my family to settle into a new home we will love even more than the one we’ve left behind.
But, more than anything, I will wish for the peace that comes in knowing that those wishes, those prayers, are already in the loving hands of the One who has already overcome the problems of the world for all of us.
Happy birthday, indeed!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Amy, thank you for sharing something so transparent. I firmly believe He often gives us more so that we have no choice but to lean on Him. I will join you in your wish and prayers for your family. Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Mandy! It means so much.
That was an amazing story. Same thing happened to me this year only it was my husband.
Sending you prayers and Birthday wishes.
Blessings and prayers to you, Patti. I pray your husband makes a full recovery.
Amy, Happy Birthday! I can understand what you are going through. I had to tell my Mom, sisters and children that I had cancer. That was hard. I got thru it. My brand new husband was diagnosed with Prostate cancer right after me. I have been down quite a road. It does make you stronger, believe me.
My story is long but it is life. That road is full of bumps and detours. May your road be freshly paved and your parents strength hold true. You will all learn so much from this horrible disease.
My absolute very best to you and your entire family. Truly.
Thank you for sharing.
Alison 🙂
You are so strong and inspiring, Alison! Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I’m very sorry to hear your news, and know just how hard that phone call is. My brother was recently diagnosed with cancer, and I keep replaying that moment the word ‘cancer’ came out of his mouth on the phone that day. Stay strong!
I am so sorry for your brother, Beth. I will keep your family in my prayers!
Those in my family know two of those wishes all too well. I will keep your family in my heart. In moments like these, all we can do is trust that He’s got this. The call you received is one I got from my mother mid year, last. She is still fighting. He gives amazing strength to those fighting. I will pray for your father as we pray for my mother; that if it is His will, they will be cured of this terrible affliction of cancer.
Happy Birthday. My wish or prayer for you for this year will be for peace.
Thank you so much, Lyn. That peace is what is getting us through this!
Happy Birthday, Amy….wishing you and your family peace, hope, and healing during this time. Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
Thank you so much, Cathy!
Oh goodness, Amy, I had no idea about your dad. Wishing your wish comes true. *hugs*
Thank you, sweet MIchele!
Wishing you a wonderful birthday year and good health to your dad.
Thank you so much, Jill!
I know that feeling of that phone call about that 6 letter word. I was sitting at my bfs when my mom called me to tell me that my Grandma (Dads Mom) had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, my world stopped turning, I couldnt imagine my life without my Grandmothers in it after losing both my Granddads. She recently had the cancerous tumor removed and just got home yesterday, hoping she kicked Cancers butt. I hope your Dad beats it as well. Wishing you all the best <3
Thank you for sharing your story, Ashley. I pray your grandma makes a full recovery, too!
I’ve been thinking of you often, praying for you, your family and your Dad. This will all make you an even stronger woman, Amy!
Love to you and all!
~Liz
Thank you so much, Liz! Your friendship is such a gift to me!
Having walked this road with my Dad, I will add you to my prayers, trusting that the Great Physician will hold your family in His loving arms as you share this journey with your Dad.
Hugs ~ Mary <3
Thank you for your prayers, Mary!
I heard those same words 15 years ago, so I am with you, praying that your birthday wishes come true this year!!
Thank you, sweet Keri!
Happy Birthday Amy! And I hope your wishes DO come true. Thoughts and healing prayers go out to you and your father. (hugs)
Thank you so much, Kim! I so appreciate your prayers.
There are too many of us that have been in similar shoes. Happy Birthday and may all your wishes come true.
Thank you, Suzanne!
Happy Birthday to you and many blessings for the new year to come for your Dad and for you getting settled in Texas!
I’m just down the road in San Antonio so welcome to the Hill Country-you’re going to love it. Love your blog and all of your creative ideas.
Thank you, Jennifer! San Antonio is where my husband and I honeymooned, so it is very near to our hearts. 🙂
1. Sending you birthday wishes, that they come true
2. You are not alone. My husband (twice) and step-daughter (four times) AND daughter-in-law (three times) have been fighting the fight
3. Praying for your family, your Dad and Mom
Oh, Netta. Prayers for your family, as well!
Happy Birthday, Amy, and what a wonderful thing to spend your wish on. I will be wishing and praying for your parents and your whole family tonight as well. Thinking of you!
Your prayers mean so much, Natalie. Thank you!
Sending you heartfelt hugs and a very happy birthday!
Thank you, Denise!
I am sorry to hear about your dad, prayers for his speedy recovery. I did not realize you moved to Austin. Austin is full of bloggers (including me…) Hope your family made your day very special.
~Jamie
Thank you for your prayers, Jamie! And yes – I am becoming aware that Austin is a wonderful place to be as a blogger! I am very excited.
happy birthday sweet friend. I hope your wish comes true too!
Thank you, Kim!
Beautiful post. There is NOTHING that God does not control. His overwhelming love and compassion will carry you through even when your wishes don’t come true. His blessings will astound you in this time of uncertainty. Happy Birthday. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Thank you so much, Jo.
Bon anniversaire et que tes voeux se réalisent !
Merci beaucoup, Lili!
Amy, I appreciate your outlook on life and all that it brings. It’s not always things that we make us happy. Giving those situations over to God is the best we can do…and that is what He wants us to do!
This reminds me of a saying I try to remember in tough times:
“God doesn’t give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what we are given.”
Happy Birthday to you!
I love that saying, Kathy. Thank you so much!
Amy, I am sorry that your birthday is not as carefree as some have been in the past. Life is certainly a journey that does not go in a straight line. I absolutely believe we are here to learn and become closer to God. That said, you are a fast learner! You are a wonderful wife and mother, a caring and loving daughter, and a generous mentor to all of us who follow your blog. Your challenges,at the moment are many. Take care of, and meet the ones you are able to,and give the rest to God. He will hold you all dear to His heart.
May all your birthday wishes come true…Happy Birthday
Liz, your words have made my day! Thank you so much.
Happy birthday and many prayers and good wishes to your family.
As for the move welcome to Austin. Feel free to ask me any questions if you have them. I have lived here for years and adore your blog.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Michelle. And thank you for your warm Austin welcome!
Amy thank you for sharing. I received the same call 4 1/2 ago just a few months after my youngest was born. It’s terrifying. I wish your dad a remission diagnosis and your mom to have peace and beable to breathe with out fear. For You, I wish the stress, the fear, and helpleness to be lifted.
Lastly I wish I had some sage advice, but in the end we are not in control. We have to live the day each day and treasure each memory, each moment, and each smile.
Do not let a heavy heart dampen your birthday. Live it up and celebrate. 🙂
Truly, knowing that I am not in control in one thing that has given me peace at this time. I can’t handle it, but God can! Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Happy Birthday Strength for the coming period Always take the hand He gives to you
Thank you so much.
Amen! You are right on with this post. He never gives us or allows us to face more than HE can handle.
Happy birthday to you, sweet Amy. May your 33rd year be blessed beyond compare. I pray with you for your dad’s complete healing.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Richella!
Happy Birthday! I just celebrated my 34th in June. Went thru a lot after 30, that’s a story for another time. It’s been 9yrs since i said goodbye to my daddy, cause of that cursed 6 letter word. May the Master Jesus be revealed in your heart as your Prince of Peace and Comfort to your family as you walk thru this season. May His resurrection life be encountered in Healing of your Papa’s body. I bless you in Jesus name with Healing. Cancer is a defeated enemy. Jesus wins. Every time. Bless you! Isaiah 58 may his healing spring up quickly.
Thank you so very much, Joy, for sharing your story. Blessings to you!
First, happy birthday to you, Amy! I’ve been through this and I know that every day and every birthday is to be cherished. Gray hair, wrinkles, extra pounds, etc., bring it on; many do not have the privilege of another birthday. So, celebrate your day. Your dad knows he’s loved, and his family will support him through this. What a gift. I wish you and your family strength and love as you continue on your journey. Thinking of you all.