My Story

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My name is Shelley and I converted to Catholicism when I was 9 years old. I guess you could say I was pretty determined. During my teenage years and early twenties, I drifted away from the Church.

I met my husband who is a wonderful and supportive man! Anyway, since my husband is a "Cradle Catholic", we started to go back to Church. At first, we just went back for the holidays. One Christmas, the Church bulletin had a greeting card in it. The card said....."Welcome Home". How true those two words sounded....we felt like we were finally home.

In 1995, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. (See Lupus Foundation of America's Home Site for more information.) Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which can present itself in many ways. Some people only have mild symptoms; while others have life threatening organ damage. I was informed in 1996 that I had central nervous system involvement. I had to undergo six months of chemotherapy and have been on steroid treatment for over five years.

Some marriages can not survive the disease or the treatment. However, Tom and I both feel that my illness has helped bring us even closer together. We both have taken our marriage vows seriously...for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. My friends and family also have been very supportive! Plus, I think my strong faith in God has helped. I just take one day at a time and try to enjoy every single moment of every precious day!

Since then, I have been diagnosed with diabetes, Fibromyalgia & endometriosis. Chronic pain is now a part of life. However, it is my faith in God that keeps me going each day...truly..without God in my life..I would not be here..there is NO doubt in my mind...

Tom & I recently renewed our vows in the Church. We have also made a strong commitment to prayer. When we are in Church, we both feel at peace. It feels like HEAVEN! Without having Jesus Christ in our lives, I really don't know where we would be right now...it's a scary thought, though!

Recently, my grandparents both passed away within about six weeks of one another. My grandmother and I tried to talk on the phone about once a week and we had a lot in common. We both loved to read, watch birds, and write letters.

I was given a very special gift to remember my Grandmother. She was a very spiritual person and she not only read her bible...she highlighted it and wrote down her thoughts on the passages. My aunts and my mom all agreed that I should have her bible. It is truly a wonderful gift which reminds me daily of her spirit. I just remembered that my Grandmother gave me my first bible (which I still use to this day!!) and now I have her bible!

My Grandmother taught me so many things. She taught my mother (and then me) how to pray, taught me about angels, made me appreciate the bible. My Grandmother had a beautiful voice and sang in the Choir. Although she was a different religion then we are, my grandparents attended Mass one Christmas with Tom and me and she sang so beautifully...it was like hearing an angel sing! These are memories that I will cherish forever! My Grandfather, too, believed in angels and was very spiritual as well. I miss them very much but I believe that they are up in heaven...and I think that they are watching over me!

http://catholicgal.diaryland.com

The old entries have been archived at Diaryland. (I am not sure yet if I am going to use "Blogger" long term yet...so please bear with any duplicate "current" entries :)

A Prayer in Time of Need

O Loving Lord, these days I often think of your words: "ASK, and you shall receive; Seek, and you shall fine; Knock , and it shall be opened to you."(John 11:9).

In illness and pain, during moments of anxiety, weakness, and discouragement, I turn to You, Helper of the helpless. You know my every need, but since You said to Ask, Seek, and Knock, I beg You for these very special graces;

Patience to endure suffering,

Courage to accept whatever comes today,

Peace of mind and heart,

Trust in your loving care and those who minister for you,

Gratitude for the gift of Your love and compassion,

Wisdom to use these days of illness to come closer to You who suffered.

Comfort in the knowledge that I am not alone ;You are with me.

In the end we shall all be taken up from Death into Life--- From sickness into Strength, from Weakness into Glory, From the narrow bands of Time, into the wide freedom of Eternity.

St. Cyril of Alexandria - quoted in Special Prayers

Please sign my guestbook if you haven't already....

I would like to know you were here..and I always return a guestbook visit :)

If you would rather, send an email.......

This passage from The Velveteen Rabbit helped me during my chemo.

"What is real? Generally, by the time you are REAL most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are REAL, you can't be ugly except to people who don't understand....but once you are REAL you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always."

The Velveteen Rabbit

Margery Williams

Choice, not chance, determines destiny

-Author Unknown

.....choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve....as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15 NIV

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.

Almost, despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, truly blessed.

-Author UnKnown

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...animated gif (C)Kitty Roach