Yes, things have been rather quiet lately on the blog-front. Many of you have asked for updates, and I apologise for my lack of communication. I am so grateful for your interest, your encouragement, your support, your care and your prayers. You are making a big difference for me and for our family, and we continue to be very grateful.
Here is a brief update …
I had a chest x-ray and saw my oncologist this week. It’s hard to tell, but looks like things are pretty much the same, or perhaps a bit worse than they were last month. I am coughing more, which is discouraging. Another CT scan and appointment in about a month …
My feet are still fairly numb, but increasingly I’m starting to feel things, like the tickle of sheets against my toes, or painful burning (which I imagine means the nerves are healing). Feeling also seems to be returning to my fingers. I’m thankful!
I’m loving being out in the beautiful weather. I’ve been gardening with the kids and walking, including some nordic walking. Some days are better than others, and I occasionally overdo it (can you imagine!), then pay the price for a couple of days afterwards. I continue to eat loads of fruit and veg, and do the exercises my physio gave me. Overall, I’m feeling stronger, more energetic and able to do things.
I am very grateful for each day, for the faithful love of God, for conversations, for the moments with my kids … Life is a gift!
I read a quote by the phenomenal Dr. Maya Angelou the other day, which captured my imagination and got me thinking about calling.
“Nothing so frightens me as writing, but nothing so satisfies me. It’s like a swimmer in the [English] Channel: you face the stingrays and waves and cold and grease, and finally you reach the other shore, and you put your foot on the ground.” – Maya Angelou, 1989
What frightens you? What satisfies you? What is your calling? Don’t let fear hold you back: go for it!
Through the Valley 
Thanks Jill. You are so wonderfully encouraging:)
Thanks for giving us a shout out, Jill. I am disappointed that the results of the scan were not more encouraging but delighted that you are revelling in life. Good news about the reawakening nerves in feet and fingers. Glorious shots of your spring garden.
I am always pondering my calling. Where best to put my limited energy, boundless ideas and passions? Not too much frightens me (except for death by fire), but I live with plenty of frustrations. Focussing on service to others has always brought me the greatest satisfaction . . . time well spent. xoxo
Dear Jill, Have been praying for you during this time.. My mom and dad go to St. Pauls and have been avid supporters of you at IV for a long time. Mom gets prayer chain updates and keeps me posted. Was so glad to here that you had some wonderful holiday time with your kids.. So important.. all these beautiful but real life moments.. They are but whispers of our heavenly time which must abound in amazingly rich love and joy… Lifting you to Jesus many times. Jennifer Titley
Dear Jill thanks for the update.
We are praying on for healing and health and strength.
Love to you and all.greg and pandy
Isn’t thank wonderful Jill how the simple things are so greatly appreciated in times of difficulty, enjoy those moments and hope your next scans are better. Go well, Merrixx