The STRONG Box
The STRONG Box is reserved for any personal messages for Barb to reflect on when things get tough. Only the best nuggets of motivation, inspiration, and perspective go here. Please share any meaningful Quotes, Prayers, and Anecdotes to support our Living…Fighting…Believing motto.
Barb — I LOVE this blog!!! I’m so happy to be able to read it and to see your beautiful face! Thank you, thank you — for sharing. I’ll be so anxious to keep up with your progress…and while I know there are going to be tough days, I also can sense such strength within you that I’m sure you’re going to be a warrior and win this battle! (remember, those odds are for ALL kinds of situations and all kinds of women — you’re so lucky you’re healthy and intelligent, etc, etc!) I’ve already told you my sis’s main mantra, “Find the good in EVERY day”, and I know you’ll try hard to do that. But another thing that she used to say that I know you’ll appreciate is that “you have to life the life that you’re trying so hard to save”…and what she meant by that is to do just as you’re doing — keep fighting for time with your kids and with Sal, and with your friends, and other family members — live your LIFE and tell that cancer to take a back seat. Occasionally Kim would be asked to go to chemo when she had already scheduled something with the kids, or a short vacation, and while she NEVER missed a treatment or was defiant with her docs, she also didn’t let her treatments interfere with those things that she was determined to do. She just gently asked for a different time or a day different from what they wanted so she could “live the life she was trying so hard to save”. All my best to you…and all my prayers for you. -Becca
Wait — there’s a typo :)!! The quote is “LIVE the life you’re trying so hard to save”!! (not life the life…geeeezzzzz)
This blog rocks. See you tomorrow peeps! Mary freaking poppins is coming to town!
If you think you’re beaten you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you say you can, but think you can’t, it’s almost a cinch you won’t.
Life’s little battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man,
For sooner or later the one who wins is the one who thinks he can.
What the mind believes the body achieves.
You are one tough lady. Believe in yourself every step of the way, the mind and body are amazingly powerful and resilient. You are surround by so much love, you have no choice but to win. Let’s go.
Barb, your strength & courage is an inspiration to all of us. I’m so proud to hear my daughter speak your name. You are surrounded by so much love & support.
BARBSTRONG!
Barb- I think this is such a great idea!!!! It helps give you a positive focus during this time. You’re positive thinking will help you tremendously through this. Pat and I are praying for you daily and we know you will get through this!!
Mere
Hi Aunt Barb
I hope you feel better soon & I love you very much!
Julia
You are a strong and beautiful person and this blog is wonderful. Thank you for sharing this journey with us and know that we are all here loving, supporting, and praying for you…always!
Barb,
You are truly an inspiration. Stay strong and fight hard! We maybe miles away but you and Sal are in our prayers.
Love,
Beth & Frank
Barb,
You are such a strong individual. You are going to beat this ! You are an amazing person and all of our positive energies and yours are going to get you through this ! You are going to come out on top ! we all love you !
Maria
Dear Barb,
As you know, I have Lollie’s chain and holy metals that she wore every day of her life and I want to gives these to you. The time has come to pass these onto our godchild and Lollie’s first grandchild. Please keep the holy metals as a keepsake of her love for you. I know she by your side in spirit and watching over you as you begin your treatments and road to recovery. Be assured that you are loved by so many especially me and Aunt Tina.
I noticed on the container that held Lollie’s holy metals that I took from her bedroom, the following Irish Blessing, “May the Saddest Day of the future Be No Worse Than the Happiest Day of your past”. You are a very determined young lady with great faith and I know through the grace of God you are going to overcome this disease and everything is going to be just fine.
Remember, “one day at a time” you have helped me live by this rule the past twelve years of my life and without your and Aunt Tina’s love and support, I would not be in a good place today.
Much love,
Uncle Paddy and Aunt Tina
Barb,
I have this quote posted where I can see it every day. You are in our prayers…(positively positive thoughts and prayers!)
LIVE YOUR LIFE IN SUCH A WAY THAT WHEN YOUR FEET TOUCH THE FLOOR IN THE MORNING, SATAN SHUDDERS AND SAYS….
“Oh shit…..she’s awake!!”
(substitute cancer for Satan)
love, Suzanne and John Joseph
Barb,
I love Suzanne & John’s note above. I thought it was great and wanted to comment on it. My feelings are the same and along the same lines only my words to you are “LIVE BARB STRONG”, yesterday is over, tomorrow will be better. With Sal by your side, your Doctors, and your treatments, that big “C” will be reduced to LITTLE “c” and ultimately go full circle to “0”. So with that said, when your feet hit that floor in the morn, “C” is going to BREAK DOWN and say, “Oh no…not HER again!!”
Love always,
Hil (your favorite mother-in-law)
P.S. Remember when you were the high school mascot and you had to get the fans to respond to your suggestions? Well, I think it went something like, “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, LET’S GO TEAM, WIN, WIN, WIN”.
Hi Barb!! I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you everyday!!! You CAN and you WILL beat this!!! I have had enough sickeness in my own family to know that prayers work and God does listen! You may have cancer but cancer doesn’t have you so kick it’s butt!! Praying for you and your family everyday! God bless all of you!
Jen
P.S. If you are serious about wanting to be full serviced during your treatment with a manicure and a pedicure, well I’m your girl!!! If you want one I would be there in a heartbeat!!! We can paint them PINK 😉
Barb,
Words cannot express how special you are or what a blessing you have been and continue to be in my life. Even though too many miles separate us, many things remind me of you each and every day. Most of the time, these memories and reminders of you make me laugh hysterically. At the very least, they always bring a smile to my face. You are the best friend a girl could ask for. Please know that I’m sending you my love at all times. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sal, and the kids always. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. The collective “force” of love that surrounds you will surely carry you through this fight.
LOVE and HEALING,
Lindsay
Barb,
I love the idea of the blog, I’ve been keeping Gram up to date as well. I just found the strong box and wanted to let you know that a day never goes by that we don’t think about you and our prayers are always with you. There is nothing I can say that hasn’t been said already, just keep believing, because I know that the mind can do wonderful things. I love you Barb, Sal, James, Chase and Cameron. God Bless you all!
Love,
Aunt Mair
I will never consider defeat
and I will remove from my vocabulary such words
and phrases as quit, cannot,unable, impossible,
out of the question, improbable, failure,
unworkable, hopeless, and retreat;
for they are words of fools.
I will avoid despair,
but if this disease of the mind
should infect me,
then I will work on in despair.
I will toil and I will endure.
I will ignore the obstacles at my feet
and keep my eyes on the goals
above my head,
for I know that where dry desert ends,
green grass grows.
~ Og Mandino
Barb,
Let me start by saying that this blog is amazing. Anything that showcases even the smallest amount of your strength is okay in my book.
I know this “strong box” is for positivity and to share some memories that are favorites. I have an innumerable amount of those, as you well know. One of my most cherished memories; however, is when you gave me the journal to recall my memories when I began traveling. You wrote such a wonderful note to me and I reread it often. It always keeps you close to my heart. Out of all of the beautiful words that you wrote to me, I would like to write a few of your own words back to you, because, frankly, my words don’t even come close to expressing what I feel at this moment in time:
“You and I have learned the true meaning of life changing in an instant.” Yet, Barb, here we are again. Life changing circumstances requiring incredible strength and the bond that you and I cherish as sisters to power us through.
“You, more than anyone I know, deserve the best that life has to offer.” Truer words have never been spoken and accurately reflect what a great and kind-hearted person you are.
“Just remember: I am only a phone call, email, or plane ride away if you should ever need anything.” Pretty self explanatory, don’t you think?
All that being said is still only a small account of how much love, admiration, and adoration I have for you, Barb. You are the strongest and most determined person I have ever met. Mom always said that when you were a little kid, Lollie would tell her, “That kid is going to get whatever she wants.” This cancer diagnosis is no different. You want to be cancer free and bottom line is that you will be.
There is an Irish blessing that touched me in relation to this situation. “May God grant you many years to live, for sure he must be knowing. The Earth has angels all too few and heaven is overflowing.”
Now, in the words of KC & the Sunshine Band…let’s put on our “boogie shoes” and stomp cancer out of you, Barb.
I will be standing in your corner throughout this journey for whatever you may need. Your husband is not a brother-in-law to me, but a father figure and one of the best men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Your children are like my own. I adore them in a way that no person could possibly understand. You, Barb, you are my best friend. You are the one person that loves me unconditionally, through everything. You allow me to have my faults, cheer my successes, and pick me up after my failures. Could I ask for more? Yes, actually. Forgive me for being so selfish but you should be used to it. BEAT CANCER and let’s have cocktails to celebrate! Deal?
All my love and support,
Ann
Barb! I’m so sorry that it’s taken these circumstances for me to get an update on how you’re doing! I am thinking of you and I’m totally inspired by your spirit!! I too am obsessed with HIMYM so if you want to chat about any episodes please feel free to email me! Perhaps we can start a “Bro-Code” book dedicated to the rules of how to beat cancer. You’re family is absolutely gorgeous…inside and out!!!
anna
A SABBATH PRAYER
We cannot merely pray to you, O God,
to end war;
For we know that You have made the world in a way
That man must find his own path to peace
Within himself and with his neighbor.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to end starvation;
For You have already given us the resources
With which to feed the entire world,
If we would only use them wisely.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to root out prejudice;
For You have already given us eyes
With which to see the good in all men,
If we would only use them rightly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to end despair;
For You have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope,
If we would only use our power justly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God,
to end disease;
For You have already given us great minds
With which to search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.
Therefore we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination and will power,
To do instead of just pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.
Jack Riemer
Likrat Shabbat
If I could make a wish for you, I’d wish that all the things you have done for others will come home to you. Every smile, every kind deed,every word of comfort, and every act of love. Then I’d wish with all my heart that every day will be a better day.
Barb,
I love this blog! You are inspiring. You are strong! Keep up the great attitude.
Connie Paradis
Hi Barb,
This is not the ideal circumstance to get in touch with you after so many years. This page is great and you are a beautiful, strong woman, and have great support behind you. You know they always say God will only give you as much as you can handle and I always joke and say then why does he trust me so much. I have battled a terminal illness since 3 months old. As long as you keep fighting, no one can stop you. I wish you the best and if you ever need to talk I am always here. Keep your head up and the days you feel down and out even though its so hard, just say to yourself this is horrible but I know that there is always worse. By the looks of this page your attitude and spirits are wonderful. Good luck and I look forward to your happy posts because I know you will keep up the fight. xoxo
Hi Barb-
Just heard the news and am trying to play catch-up with everything that has happened.
I have to say that your strength and spirit are truly inspiring!! Please know that my thoughts are with you, Sal and the kids. I will be following and thinking about you as you continue your journey.
Keep fighting girl, you can do this….you WILL do this!!!
xoxo,
Shea (Sartin) Riley 🙂
Hi Barb!
I will admit that yours is the only blog I have ever looked at…and it is amazing! You are doing SO well! I wish we were closer so I could physically be there to help. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful support system. Keep up your positivity and enjoying all those precious moments You have everyday with your children, friends and family.
On a light note, at least there is a new season of shows to watch! Modern family cracks me up…and the office seems like it may be better this season ;). With the baby and 2 kids, you may be trying to get all the sleep you can!
Love, Nancy
Barb, your blog is so inspirational. Your outlook on everything is so amazing and it takes someone so strong to have that mindset. we are all so blessed to have you in our lives and you have showed everyone how strong one person can be for yourself, your family, and your friends. I have no doubt that you will.. pardon my french… kick cancers ass. Just know that you, sal, and those three beautiful children are in my prayers everyday! I love you and keep going strong! if you ever need anything, please dont hesitate to ask! <3
barb, you are just awesome.
Barb,”May God grant you always A sunbeam to warm you,A moonbeam to charm you,A sheltering angel so nothing can harm you,Laughter to cheer you,Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray,Heaven to hear you”
We believe in the healing power of laughter,of love,and prayer and today we are hoping you’ll be able to relax and feel all the love,comfort and strength within you and around you. You and your family are in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers. You have a lot of angels watching over you both in heaven and on earth. You will BEAT this! Love and Prayers, Aunt Mary,Sis,& Mike
just to remind you again…you are so awesome
Hi Barb
It sounds like u had a wonderful Christmas with your family.I wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year. May all your wishes come true this year.Sending Love and prayers your way.
Love Nacole
xoxo
I suggested on Facebook PA Class of 1996 that we wear pink of Feb. 1 to show our support! Spreading the word on here, too!
I totally found an awesome pink shirt with red hearts for Friday! I’ll be thinking of you when I “Think Pink for Barb”. Seriously, Facebook is loving the “Think Pink for Barb” stuff. Alot of 1996ers and friends are participating. We’ve got your back!
i’m a Wyoming Area class of 96er and will be wearing pink on Friday too! LOVE IT!! i’m going to wear my walk shirt and my BS ribbon. only you would end up with BS as your initials 🙂
Just checking in. I hope you’re ok and just too busy to post!