Saturday, July 4, 2009

A new era



Today begins a new era in my life...
Two days ago I finished my to do list (at work only...the "at home" to do list is still quite long!), packed up my desk, hugged all my coworkers, and walked out of my office. Not for the last time, but for a long time. On my final day, I received such an incredible send-off of cupcakes, cards, laughs, hugs and generosity from all of my coworkers. My coworkers, who are really not simply coworkers, but rather a family of folks who come together day after day, for hours on end...they are the ones I share such a huge piece of my life with...they are my work family. And on Thursday, they made me feel very special and very loved. I am monumentally blessed to work where I do, with each of them...whether or not they are in the same office as me...whether or not I have even ever met them face to face.
Yesterday, I moved my best friend Sherri into my home. It is now "our" home. With the help of many enthusiastic and highly organized friends, Sherri and I packed up her little apartment in Youngstown and relocated her things into the small guest room in my house...and into a small niche in the attic as well. She has decided to move in with me to take care of me when I return home from the hospital in October. Together, she and my mom will provide the round-the-clock care that the doctor has said that I will require for around 2-3 months. Sherri selflessly has decided to give up so much in her life - her independence, her time, her address - to relocate and be here for me. Again, I am a very blessed girl!!

This Friday, less than a week away, Sherri and I will hop a plane to Athens, Greece, where we will begin a six-week adventure backpacking through six European countries. Following Greece, we will visit Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. My mom, Erika and Jen will meet up with Sherri and I in Germany, and together the five of us will explore Germany and Italy, visiting the places of my mom's childhood. It will be the adventure of a lifetime, and my last hurrah before embarking on another adventure of a different flavor, my donor stem cell transplant. I have so many to thank for making this trip even a possibility, from the doctor, who gave me his blessing to go and enjoy life, to my work family, who so generously provided the time off and the funds to take the trip, to my loving big sister, who immediately offered to pitch in all that she could to help fund this trip as well...
I don't think I can say enough how immeasurably, abundantly blessed I am. And how overwhelmingly grateful I am to everyone who made this dream come true. If you are one of those ones reading this right now, Thank you, Gracias, Merci, Danke and Grazie! I hope to be in touch again soon!

13 comments:

Rosie said...

Thank you Amy for allowing me to be a part of your life. You are a gifted young lady:) and a fabulous writer. I look forward to traveling to Europe with you and Sherri as well as your medical adventure here at home. You are a treasure. Love, Rosie

Tim, Pam, Aaron and Emily said...

Love you Amy......You will continue to be in our prayers! Have a safe and glorious trip, can't wait to read the updates!!
Our love and blessings to Sherri and your family, as well.
With Much Love, Tim and Pam Beebe

Unknown said...

Amy, I am so sorry I missed your Bon Voyage on Thursday but I am here and reading your adventures! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your faith with me! It truly has lifted me! Go forth and enjoy! Remember we will all be here when you return home from your trip and also to help out along the next journey into the unknown.
With tons of love and faith, Debbie Morrow

Julie Lytle said...

Have a great time! So looking forward to seeing and hearing about the places you girls will see!
Gods blessings to you!
Julie Lytle

Unknown said...

Amy & Sherri - We love you both & will be praying for the blessings and adventure of a lifetime!!!
We are so looking forward to hearing about all of the fun you have, and how you will soon know how to speak all of those languages :) Enjoy!!! Bless you & be safe!
Dr. gus & me. (donna)

MS said...

I am so proud of both of you ladies. You will have a wonderful adventure with so many memories that you will treasure throughout your life. I have traveled most of those countries and you will love them. Don't let them keep you. I love you both and may you blessed in ways you never dreamed.

P. Marcia

Unknown said...

have a great adventure! i cant wait to hear stories.will be following right behind you. be safe, please be careful!
BLESSINGS, BLESSINGS and MORE BLESSINGS
I LOVE YOU BOTH and will miss you sooooooooooo
much!
peggy

Anonymous said...

Thank you guys for allowing us to experience your adventure with you! What a GREAT idea! I will be checking in on you faithfully and praying for you both as you travel. God has a plan and purpose for each of you and this is just the beginning of a destiny He has written out centuries ago. How exciting it is to watch it unfold before our eyes now. Just remember... He who BEGAN a good work in you is faithful to COMPLETE it! And it's by His stripes that we were healed! :) Yeah God!

Brenda & Joe

Love you both!
Brenda

Cindy said...

I am so proud of you both and so excited for the adventures and encounters that God has for you. I will continue to pray for you. I believe.
Blessings & favor!
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Anticipation is building here at the office as we watch Sherri make ready too. What a great idea of allowing so many that love you both to be a part of the "journey" and to hear about all that the Lord will allow you both to experience along the way! Praying that you get to see His favor all around you!

Love Pab & Vic

Anonymous said...

We are so happy that you are taking us on this adventure with you! How blessed those you encounter along the way are going to be. Praying many blessings for you, too.
Gesù ti ama.
Jesus liebt Sie.
Jésus aime vous.
Jesús a querer.
Love,
Geno and Vicki

Anonymous said...

Dearest Sherri & Amy,
So glad we were able to be home and see you before you took off for one of the greatest adventures of your lives!

Know that you two will have a sense of being carried by Him and covered by His glory as you travel from place to place and meet many of His loved ones in far away places!

Also know that you will grow in spirit, mind and strength as you draw on His grace and are led by His Spirit daily!

Can only imagine what beauty and adventure awaits you two (Three!). Our thoughts are towards you and our love surrounds you!

Ken and Pat
Shang Di Ai Nimen!
Shang Di zhu fu nimen!
Jesu Ai Nimen!
Sheng Ling yong yuan cun zai nimen!

Anonymous said...

Hello Amy and Sherri,Aunt Carol here...I am totally blown away of the things you are doing..I envy every minute of all the beauty you get to see,something you will be able to hold in your hearts forever...well just saying hi thoughts and prayers are with you..Love Aunt Carol