Recently I attended a baby shower for my friend Maureen’s daughter Ashley.  When I arrived, I realized that I didn’t know anyone.  I decided to do what makes me the most comfortable; I started taking pictures of all the adorable details of the shower.  I eventually grabbed a plate of some of the delicious food and sat at one of the last seats at a table.  As I started eating, I noticed the women sitting across from me and realized that I did know someone.

It was Karyn, a good friend of Maureen’s and also the person that helped me shop for decorations for my daughter Lauren’s wedding.  We started chatting, and I noticed that Karyn had a scarf around her head.  I knew this was usually something women did when they were going through cancer treatments.  I was bold and asked her if she had cancer.   She wasn’t bothered and openly shared some of her journey over the past three years.  

She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer three years ago and had been battling it on and off since then. 

She’s had times where everything seemed clear, only to have it resurface again.  I commented that this all looked so hard.  She proceeded to share what a blessing it had been.  She explained that she had learned things that would have never been possible without going through her cancer journey.

I wanted to know what she had learned.  She shared that one of the biggest things she had learned was how to be a receiver.  She explained that throughout her life, she had been someone to give and to serve.  She’d never been all that great at letting people do the same for her.  It was never easy to be on the receiving end of things.  She had to let her pride go, and allow others to serve and care for her.

One of the sweetest things her friends had done was to purchase some beautiful wigs; She said it was humbling and so kind to feel their love in such a generous way.  The hair was incredibly expensive, and it made her feel so cared for.  She expressed that she had to let her pride go and allow others to serve and love her.

I also asked how she was able to get through it all.  She said family, friends, her faith and trust in God had helped her.  She says it better than I ever could: 

“The word Joy has been my go-to since I started my cancer journey and some don’t understand how I can feel joy during such dark times. Well, besides all these amazing things God has blessed me with the most powerful is the joy that is a gift from the Holy Spirit. That joy is not dependent on health or circumstances. It never changes. I have bad moments and bad days, but the joy of the Lord does not. So, when I say “It is Well,” this is what I am referring to. Joy exists simultaneously with sorrow and pain. It’s not one or the other. It’s my choice each day, each moment, which to choose. I choose to accept God’s gift of JOY. I hope you do too.”

“My trust in God’s plan hasn’t changed, and I fully trust Him even though I don’t like it or understand it.”

I knew after chatting with Karyn that I needed to share her light with you all.  She has graciously allowed me to take pictures of her and to share a small part of her story.  I love how she put her life mantra on the wall, as well as on a bracelet, “It is well.”

Thanks, Karyn for teaching this incredible lesson, that all will be well when we turn our hearts over to God.