Grandma Wednesday

BE the person that, no matter where you go or where you are, always ADDS value to the lives of those around you.

DAN WAGNER, HAZEL, HENRY, FELIX, ELLEN, QUINN, SIMON, EMILY, TESS, MAVIS, HUGO IN FRONT.
MICHIGAN.

Simple Sunday

The greatest joy in life is a love note. Especially the one found under your pillow at bedtime.

LOVE, HAZEL LOVE FELIX.

Mighty Monday

"A morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”
Especially when you spot your granddaughter in the park, playing with her school friends.

QUINN LOUISE and GRANDMA. LINCOLN PARK PREP

Congratulations!

Today is my one-year cancerversary.  On May 13th, 2021, my husband took me to the ER with severe abdominal pain.  By 3:00 am, I was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer.  My world changed that day.

I am ready to look back at the last year and process this nightmare.  I pulled out my 2021 calendar and poured through every day and every appointment.  I looked at all my photos, read every note I had written in the margins, and re-read my calendar like a best seller book.  

Last year tested me, tested all of us.  In this challenging time, my family's strength has proven just how powerful love is.   I learned when someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves you has it too. Fighting cancer was not easy, but we did it.  We have rallied, and this fight has made us an even tighter team.  I learned how to pray in a new way and be brave.  I learned how to ask for prayers and how to pray for others.  I know that God works miracles because I am His miracle.  

On April 11th, my doctors told me that I was in remission.  

Happy first Cancerversary! 

HUSBAND. photo by Ellen.

My Hero.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
Isaiah 43:


In Life, my husband takes me by the hand and tells me-
"We are in this together."
So far, cancer has been the most challenging thing we have ever had to face, and he never left my side. I have always believed that God blessed me with my husband, but I learned that he is one of God's angels through fighting cancer. He has a kind heart, strong hands, and a positive mind. I have always loved this man, but cancer showed me a more profound love that I didn't know was possible. I thank God for him every day.

Happy Birthday sweet husband. I cherish sharing this life with you.

THOMAS JAMES AFRICANO, MY HUSBAND.

Mighty Monday

Mavis spotted the daffodils on our walk through the woods, and she was immediately drawn to them; we sat awhile. Then, in deep thought, Mavis said I wish I knew her.

We shared stories about their other grandma and reminded them that she walks beside us every day. Her light and her daffodils still shine brightly!

MAVIS B and QUINN LOUSIE. GRANDMA BARB’S GRANDDAUGHTERS.

Holy Wednesday

Let everything be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

GRANDMA, HAZEL, QUINN, FELIX, BOOM, MAVIS, HUGO. LAKEHOUSE

LOVE.

My Hazel. Eleven years old today. The moment I laid eyes on her, I fell hopelessly in love. This little girl changed my life without even trying.

HAZEL JANE HOTZ. MY GRANDDAUGHTER

On cloud #9

I became well acquainted with my CA 125 number during cancer. My first CA number came back a 458; my doctors and I had some work to do! After almost a year of chemo, surgeries, and prayer. I left the hospital with a CA number of 9. Yesterday I had more labs drawn for a current reading; I received my results today; I am a 9.

I have prayed for this low number, and He has answered me. I am on my knees in thankfulness. Through cancer, I have learned that we only have today, and today, I live with a low CA125 number.

All the Glory to God.

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO HOSPITAL

Mighty Monday.

Home from Disney World!


There should be sympathy cards for going back to work after vacation.

QUINN. 2 YEARS OLD.