I’m a wife, mother, writer, photographer, and trauma survivor. I’m passionate about sharing my recovery from PTSD, major depression, and addiction.
My blog was originally about my past recovery. But now, in addition to the miraculous healing God has done in my life, I also share my raw and painful journey through my mom’s brain cancer. From her diagnosis in October, 2012 to the ongoing stages of grief since her death in January 2013, here you’ll find my very raw and personal passage through the most sorrowful time in my life.
If someone would have told me some of the chief blessings of my life would be found as a result of my mom’s terminal diagnosis, I would have thought they were crazy and morbid. But, it’s true. And I want to share all the hope, wisdom, and joy I continue to discover in the dark places of grief and horror.
As I wrestled with God and begged him to save my mom, with his gentle grace, he began teaching me what it means to pray, “Thy will be done.” I have come to know first-hand the incomparable gifts and blessings that accompany that prayer, especially his peace that passes understanding.
I’m living proof that God can redeem our greatest pain and worst failures. He’s powerful enough to heal our hurts, and if we’ll let him, he’ll turn our biggest losses into a ministry of hope and healing for others, which heals us even more. His love is too big for us to imagine, and I want to spend the rest of my life discovering that which I can’t imagine.
The journey of faith, from head knowledge to heart-claimed experience, is the most sacred, painful, and beautiful process a person can go through. And sharing our journeys with each other is what life is all about. I hope you’ll join me…
Hi there thanks for the message. Great to connect to new people. Following you now and will read some of your blog too
I’m so glad we connected again. I changed my name from Jumpingonclouds to Lorilara.
Ahh thanks for the heads up, thought something felt familiar.
Hi Lori. I’m sorry for the lost of your mother. Reading your About Page, you are in good hands, that is God’s hand. Take care.
Thank you…Yes, I’m in good hands. Glad we’re connected.
I love what you are “About”
I couldn’t help but think of the song “Blessings” by Laura Story while I was reading this. May He continue to hold you and bless you on your journey.
Thank you. When I get a moment later, I’ll be sure to check out that song. Thank you for your prayer…
Dear Lori, First of all, let me congratulate you. Here on this orb, we are all strugglers. Some hide it better than others. Secondly, I want to congratulate you for your poetic quote on your masthead (oh, I don’t know what it’s called, the top part). It appears clear to me that you are destined to help many, many people.
Thank you for reminding me that this is a struggler’s world. And thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them very much. I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Hey, it’s one thing to read my blog, but reading my mind is not permitted!! How did you know my next post was going to be about being strugglers????
I’m using it in my next post (inspired by you) so you can hear it there
I will look forward to reading your post and listening to the song.
Lori, thank you so much for visiting and following my blog. We are all ‘works-in-progress’ aren’t we? If we have open hearts and minds, we can learn so much from each other.
I completely agree, Ruth. I’m enjoying your blog.
Everything you have written here I feel. My dad’s death to GBM has been the most tragic thing in my life, but has also been the most spiritual. Your feelings on loss and those last days mirror mine. I so want to move on and focus on the rest of my life, my kids, my husband. How grief sneaks up surprises me everyday. Thank you for sharing and also for commenting on my blog. I have been amazed at how many people are touched by this horrible disease, and how many beautiful stories that have come from them. Wishing you peace and comfort. ~Heather
Heather, I’m so sorry about your dad.
I found your blog before my mom died and my heart broke with yours as I followed your journey. It was painful but very healing to read about your very personal process through all of it. Thank you for being so open. I hope we can stay connected as we make our way through the grief. How’s your family doing?
Hi Lori! Thank you for liking and leaving a comment on my blog post “We’re All Broken, You and I.”
You have a pretty interesting blog too. Keep it up, stay inspired and God bless you more!
Hi Lori, I nominated you for the Reality Blog Award. http://adelineohvelarde.wordpress/2013/04/16/the-reality-blog-award/
Congratulations!
I Lori…in case you haven’t been back by, you won the Literary Bits first-ever writing contest. Congratulations! To claim your prize, just let me know your shipping instructions and I’ll send out your new Moleskine notebook. Hope you’re doing well!
Thanks, Julia. I’m honored that you picked my entry for your contest.
I sent my mailing address to you via your contact page.
Thanks again…
Hi, you were one of the first 15 people to speak to me when I joined Word Press.
I hope you are keeping well, and please accept this award below:
Very Inspiring Blogger Award
http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/very-inspiring-blogger-award-7/
Thank you
Shaun
Thanks, Shaun. So, one of the first 15? I’m glad we connected so early in the blogging journey.
Thanks for the award. I appreciate your kindness.
Hey
Thank you for the reply, I am still here and LOVING blogging, it helps me a lot.
So again, thank you for being there at the start.
Shaun x
Shaun – I just realized I hadn’t clicked follow on your blog! Wow, I wondered where you went. Glad to be connected again.
LOL!! Thank you…I hadn’t noticed, so thank you..
Look forward to talking rubbish and having fun..
Shaun
Thank you for being such an encouragement to me through your honesty and vulnerability. I’m nominating you for http://adelineohvelarde.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/wordpress-family-award/
Wow. What a blessing. Thank you!