#amillionformegan FUND RAISER

I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all who had anything to do with Megan's fundraiser today:

Amber and Beth are at the top of the list.  The hall looked beautiful, the food was great, the and cheerleaders that were helping were a very friendly and hard working group!!!

Szegeti's  Catering
The Yost Family
Canfield Center


I would also like to say thank you to all those who donated silent auction items, raffle items,  and bake sale items.

A huge thank you to all who attended the Mass that was prayed for Megan before the fundraiser and to Fr. Jim for celebrating the Mass and for offering a beautiful blessing at the dinner.

And the biggest thank you to the over 400 people who came to eat, socialize, hug, and support Megan and her family.

All the photos were taken from Facebook.  I can't label them because I don't know all of the people in them but thanks for sharing!!

From my brother:

I would personally like to thank everyone for showing up to pray for Megan and my family. The amazing gifts of all of the hard work and cards, expressions of love. My prayers are offered up for each of you.


www.thatslife12.blogspot.com

#amillionformegan UPDATE

Today I witnessed a beautiful, overwhelming outpouring of love for my dear niece, Megan.

That's the next blog.

This blog is just an update about what has been going on.

Megan went through several rounds of chemo and then had a scan to determine if the chemo therapy is working.

This is the outcome of the follow-up doctor's appointment, in Megan's words:

Treatment Update:

Today my doctors decided that the chemo was not doing enough. While the tumor is softer, growing slower, and I am no longer in any pain, it is still slowly growing. At this point, the doctors believe our best bet is to stop chemotherapy and schedule surgery to remove the tumor. On March 24, my doctors will try to remove the tumor completely. Based on imaging, the tumor does not look to be connected to or intruding any of my organs or blood vessels, but we will have 6 other specialized surgical teams available just in the event of any worst case scenarios. At this point, the imaging also shows that the cancer has not spread anywhere else in my body, is clear of my lymph nodes, and I am otherwise very healthy! Hopefully after surgery and some possible post-operation chemotherapy/radiation this wild ride will be just another crazy and rare medical story in the Schroeder family past. Thank you all for the prayers and helping my family and myself during this time. I'm blessed to have such a strong community and support group. I can't imagine having to do this on my own and I'm so grateful to have you all to lean on.

I feel that the timing of this surgery, Holy Thursday, is no accident.  We will be in the midst of the holiest week of the year.  God is in control, and there are way more than 15,000 of you praying for Megan.

Please keep them coming.  She needs everyone and every one!!! 

www.thatslife12.blogspot.com

The Back of the Cross

While on my Bitter Sweet Retreat, the priest leading the retreat talked about gazing on the crucifix and contemplating Christ's love for us.

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As He hung in His bitter agony, each one of us was on His mind.  That is what kept Him alive for three long hours hanging between heaven and earth: us.  That is Love. 

Father encouraged us to also look at the back of the crucifix.  

What do you see?  Empty space. 

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He suggested that the empty space is for us.  

When we are suffering, we can place ourselves up on that cross and share our suffering with Christ.  

Suffering differs for each person experiencing it, but it is always a gateway to grace, if we allow it to be.

Jesus has His arms outstretched for two reasons I believe.  The first is that they are open to God's will for Him.  He did not die curled up in a ball, hiding His face.  He died, arms outstretched, saying here I Am,  Father, doing Your will. 

The second being that when we are suffering and in our own agony, if we place ourselves on the back of the cross, Jesus' arms are outstretched in a defensive position. 

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I like this image;  a crossing guard standing on the corner, arms outstretched, keeping the school kids from walking into traffic. 

So don't worry:  HE'S GOT YOUR BACK.  

Call on Him.  Let Him protect you from despair, anger, depression and the desire to give up.  Give Him your suffering and let Him give you His love. 

www.thatslife12.blogspot.com

So Grateful

How do I say "thank you" to over 14,000 people who have viewed this blog, shared it, and prayed for my niece Megan?

How do I say "thank you" for the retweets of #amillionformegan?

Your prayers, your shares, your cares mean so much to my whole family and we are so grateful for each and everyone of you.

We are also grateful for the people you've asked to pray who do not show up in the count.  Because, every prayer helps.

The road has begun.

I'm told it will be a long journey.  I have no doubt.

However, with each prayer prayed, with each Mass offered, with each thought of Megan, we are all uplifted and made stronger.

Our faith is strong and will remain so.

Megan has created prayer warriors--over 14,000 strong!

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The only appropriate way to say thank you is for me to now pray for you.  I will add your intentions to my daily Mass intentions.  May God bless you all abundantly for your efforts and love.




www.thatslife.blogspot.com