Who am I?

Yes, that's a big question. So far in my life, I have enjoyed different titles and surroundings that labeled who I was.
As most of you know, growing up I was pretty much a pampered little girl who liked to sleep with her grandmother instead of my own comfortable bed. I always felt so protected when sleeping with her - being alone was scary. By the time I turned 11 though, I was sleeping in my own bed alone and seemed to manage alright. Besides, before I knew it I was a teenager who really didn't need my parents hovering over me all the time and especially not my grandmother!
So, then while still in those teen years I met the love of my life and we got married at the age of 18. I then acquired the title of Mrs. Ronnie Smith. I was a wife! ( Then I was back to sharing my bed with someone and feeling protected and not scared.)
Then, after about 3 years , I gained another monumental title , Mother. Amy was born! What a thrilling time. And a full time job! Then 3 1/2 years later , Starla was born and a different title - mother of 2. Then 3 1/2 later , Brandon was born and a couple of new titles - mother of 3 and mother of a boy! And life was good and past so fast!
I really hadn't planned in all this happy home life that I would get a full-time job, but it happened! After Brandon started to school, I started working for Kerri full time and got my next title - Interior Designer. And yes, I even had an official card from the state of Texas telling me that is what I was!
Of course, with children growing up and starting their own lives , different titles came for me. The next new title was when Starla got married - I then became mother-in-law. And no, I didn't become the nosy kind(I don't think). And so it continued with Amy and Brandon marrying also.
Of course, my prize title is Mimi. With my 4 precious grandchildren, Gracie,Lily,Riley and Dakota, that is the title that makes me smile and beam with pride! They are so precious.
The next title is the scariest one I've ever known. Cancer Survivor! I'm still not sure what God has planned for me to do with this title, but I know he will reveal it's purpose to me. I am sure that God loves me and has a plan for me. Pray for me to have my brain open to his message, my ears open to His whispers!
As of this past Monday, I have finished my radiation and now in the game of waiting for either something to feel different or just waiting for a check-up every 3 months.
Meanwhile, my new title seems to be RETIRED. I can't wait for the flowers to start blooming!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yes, that's right. Tomorrow I will celebrate my 56th birthday! Wow, how time flies. I does seem ,though, that the older I get the more I forget. Does that sound familiar to anyone but me? I am learning though to enjoy life and appreciate every day that God is giving me. I just pray that I am showing His glory through the trials I have gone through. I know that God is holding me in the palm of His hand and getting me through each and every day. I just don't want to be missing the opportunities He is giving me.
My radiation is going very well. I still go every day - usually at 2:45. It only takes 5 to 8 minutes for the treatment unless it's the day that they take x-rays. That day takes probably 15 minutes! The drive there is 45 minutes there then 45 minutes back home. I've got the routine down now. I do see the dr. every Tuesday also. He said last week that everything seemed to be going as he planned. I think the only side effect I feel is tiredness. My skin has not started looking sun-burned yet. I am half-way through now, so that's usually when things start happening. I am able to drive myself in , thank goodness.
Ronnie and I just got back from a few days of staying in the travel trailer. Don and Shara are building a little house in Hico and Ronnie and Kenneth are using their talents there. Gwen and Kenneth take their trailer too, so we set us up a little home away from home! This time we got there on Wednesday and came home today(Sunday). Gwen rode with me into Ft.Worth on Thursday and Friday so I could get my treatments. It took us about 2 hours to get there then 2 hours back. It is a nice scenic drive, though and she is a good traveling buddy!
Oh, yes, before I forget - remember that I have told you before that Michelle is soooo smart? Well, she is and she has passed all 4 parts of the C.P.A. exam! She is extremely happy to have all that test studying and test taking behind her! She has literally been doing some kind of school-work and studying for the last 21 years! It has paid off now. She says that she is tired of studying and not planning on taking any test if she can help it.
The Relay for Life is getting all planned. Joyce's Journey has enough people to have 2 teams. Yeah! We have organized and have given responsibilities to different people so just one person won't be overwhelmed. We are not going overboard anyhow - we just want to make a little money for the American Cancer Society and mostly have a fun-filled time together!
Here's a couple of updates - Janice came through her surgery very well and is home recuperating. The biopsy came back begign! Yeah!
Calva is still getting her radiation to her head and spine. Unfortunately, hers is making her nauseated. Boo. She knows that she will make it through it and the nausea is only temporary. Keep praying for all of us.
Love you all!