How do you begin a journey that you didn't sign up for or ever dreamed of taking?????????
Well..... We were given our travel passports on Sunday, April 22, 2012. We not only traveled locally but out of town. My darling husband and I packed our bags on Sunday in the dark of night and headed out for an unknown adventure. Although we didn't see this in the travel brochure, our 4 day trip included roller coasters, fine dining, out of the ordinary accommodations, travel guests and a crash course in a foreign language. Yes, our journey was unplanned, spontaneous and ready for us even though we were not ready for it. There was no turning back because our road wouldn't allow it. We were not given an opportunity for a U-turn to go back to the life that we were so comfortable with. Our journey began with a ticket for 2...nonstop....to an unknown land. Our ticket was upgraded very quickly to include our 2 boys and their girls. We were given unlimited admittance tickets for ALL those family and friends that wanted to be in on this journey with us. It was a package deal unlike one we've ever seen before. So, the journey begins.
On Monday, April 23rd, a 1.8 centimeter mass was found in my pancreas. This mass is Pancreatic Cancer.
Although I'm the one with the unwanted "thing" growing in my body, it has immediately changed all of our lives. The most important element of this journey is that I am NOT alone. My husband, together as we have been for 38 years, our two grown sons and their girls, my siblings, and unbelievable friends are in this for the long haul. Yes, it will be a long haul, but one that we will take TOGETHER. I am undoubtedly THE luckiest person in the world to have the support system that I have and so many caring family and friends willing to take this trip with us.
This blog will begin the journey to keep my family and friends updated on what is going on but more importantly, it will be where I can try to understand what this "thing" is doing to me. Those of you who know me well, I hate using the word "thing" because as a speech pathologist, it is a word that is a nonspecific reference to a label. I can assure you that I will be using the word "thing" a lot because that is what it is to me.
For those of you reading my blog, thank you for grabbing the free admittance ticket that will be my support system. Our journey begins.
17 comments:
Sharon, I am in absolute awe. Only you could speak so eloquently about something so difficult. But you are right that you are not alone. EVERYONE at Catoctin loves you! I pray everyday for your health and strength. God bless.
Hugs,
Caitlin
You took the words right out of my mouth, Caitlin!
Sharon, please know that your Catoctin family extends outside the walls of the school and includes ALL those who know and work with you in many different capacities. My prayers and those of my family are with you and your family. Think Shrink!!
Kristin McGraw
Sharon-- I got on this ride with you. You are an amazing lady! My continued prayers and hugs coming your way. Thank you for keep us posted. You are loved!!
Lu
Sharon- I know how scary things are right now but remember that you will get through it and be stronger because of it. Just remember to enjoy those who love you and keep a sense of humor. Sometimes humor is all that you have to get you through. Call me anytime day or night. I will e-mail you my numbers. Love you, Priscilla
Sharon,
I am so glad that you created this place for all of us who want to journey with you and help carry the load. Know that you have touched many people's lives - more than you would possible ever know! Praying for you and your family.
Much love,
Rosemary
My dearest friend,
Add to your many talents, (Writer). You will beat this THING, that is temporaily inside your body. THIS thing doesn't know Sharon Ann Funk and what she is capable of. I have never met a more determined human being that meets challenges, sets goals and accomplishes whatever needs to get done. Not only is this THING going to shrink,80%+ it is going to dissolve and lose all momentum. Twenty years from now you will be telling your grandbabies how you beat this THING. All of us that deeply love you, choose HOPE!
"Once you choose hope, anything's possible".~Christopher Reeve
Forever in my heart,
Nancella
Dear Mrs. Funk,
I know I've only met you a few times over the past few years when you have been gracious enough to host a wonderful pool party for Greg and Lorens friends but you have always been such a wonderful and kind person each time Ive been in your presence so I felt the need to comment on your current experience.
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I can relate to what you and your family are going through due to going through it presently with my own father. However, I wanted to let you know you are an inspiration to all of us and if anything is to beat this "thing" its the beautiful workings of our Lord and a positive attitude! If there is one thing I have learned through my personal experience with my father, it's that attitude and faith are EVERYTHING! You're also wonderfully blessed with all the support that surrounds you and your family so continue to lean on them during this time. God Bless you & your family, and stay positive!
Kim Gochenour
Mrs. Sharon,
We as a family owe so much to you for your support for us through difficult times and for the educational improvements our daughter, Hayley, has received. We are here for you and your family with anything you might need. Sending much love and prayers your way. God Bless!
The Sutton Family
Sharon,
Please hurry up and get better:) I miss our jam sessions and am planning on being at CAT next year. Praying for you since you have been the answer to so many student's prayers.
Jordan
What a beautiful blog from a very special lady!
For years and years, you have given so much of yourself, including your time, talent, creativity, energy, love and support to make a difference in the lives of Catoctin's students - now it's time for US to be there for YOU, doing all we can to support and rally around you, Butch and the boys.
Thinking of you, praying for you and sending lots of love your way!
Kelli T.
Dear Sharon
There is a Danish proverb my mom uses a lot and it is "Take a child by the hand and you take a mother by the heart." I didn't fully understand that one until I became a mom myself. It is so true. Now imagine what happens when you meet someone who takes your child and teaches him to express himself to the world with pride and perseverance and the resilience to get past blank looks or repeated "I don't understand you" comments. And you do this with your trademark playful spirit and cheerful attitude. Every single time I come away from a meeting with you I have always wished I could be more like you. This blog blows me away - you are still taking care of us! Thank you for inviting me to join you. I am confident every single parent whose child has been in your care feels very much like I do. You are our Ms. Sharon and we are with you in heart and spirit for this crazy ride. Positive spirit + resilience + LOVE = Win. You got this.
Sharon,
We your blog was forwarded to me by a colleague I thought, "Awesome! What creative endeavor is Sharon up to now?" Your name is synonymous in my mind with creativity, innovation, and what I like to call "git r' done"ness. Then, I read the blog post.
Thank you for choosing to share your experiences with the world. I'm sure you'll find it therapeutic, but this way, we all benefit from your caring and passion!
All the best,
Chris
I remember our first day as "new" teachers at Catoctin. We gravitated towards each other and that grew into an amazing friendship. Your blog is outstanding, almost as great as your word perfect IEP's and progress reports! Your words are eloquent and powerful in the face of adversity. You continue to give to us, your friends, as you begin this journey. We are right there with you.
You are amazing. When we were both "new" teachers to Catoctin we connected right away. How lucky am I! Your words are so eloquent and powerful-an inspiration to all of us on this journey with you.
Sharon,
Pam told me about this blog and I would like to say Thank You for allowing all of us to travel with you on this journey. You are one amazing lady that I have enjoyed being around when you did stampin up. I would like you to know that I will have you and your family and friends in my prayers. May God be with you all and know in you heart that you can beat this.
I love and miss you so much. I can't believe that today marks a year since your diagnosis. You gave it your best fight. You are still with us in so many ways. I think of you and your family every day, but you know that. <3
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