Getting to know Alice

I first got to know my friend Alice on the Alzheimer's message board back in 2005 when we were both caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. We bonded immediately, primarily because we share a strong faith that no matter what is going on in our lives, God is by our side, guiding and directing; supporting us; and sending His earthly angels to care for us.

Secondly we are both cancer survivors from multiple occasions so we spoke the same language. So, in spite of life's challenges and heartaches (both of us having since lost our parents), we knew that our faith would get us through the current crisis.

Alice had to place her dear, sweet Mama in a nursing home when she went through chemo in 2005 and just didn't have the physical strength to care for her. It was during that time that we began to take our relationship a step closer with phone calls and emails. I told her I would set my cell phone alarm to play Amazing Grace at noon, my time, everyday and that I would stop and pray for her at that time. She found great comfort in that knowledge and it brought us even closer together.


Last year, spring of 2008, I decided it was past time for Alice and I to meet in person so I included a day-long visit with her in my trip to Texas. This picture was taken at the Wildseed Farms, where we could enjoy our mutual love of flowers and butterflies! We had a grand day and promised to keep in touch, which we did.

After much arm twisting and insistance, Alice came to visit. I had continued to pray for her daily and by now I had introduced my grandson to the idea that when Nana's phone played that certain song, we would stop whatever we were doing and pray for Alice. Here's a picture Alice took while she was visiting of just such an occassion. We had walked down to the nearby creek and while Colin threw stones in the creek, Alice marveled at the fall colors.

We had a great time during her visit. We did some sightseeing and playing with grandchildren. We enjoyed long talks and she grew to love and be loved by my church family. Here she is in the midst of the Bishop's Garden at the Washington National Cathedral, one of our favorite places.

Now Alice has an uphill fight against cancer again. After consultation at M.D. Anderson, it has been decided that she will begin chemo, again, on Tues., March 24, to try and shrink her numerous tumors. After each round, she will be reevaluated at M.D. Anderson with the anticipation of surgery this summer.

Please join me in praying for Alice, a woman of strong faith, a celebrator of life, a wonderful friend and a very special lady.