Such.Amazing.News.

People, we have some seriously big news. Seriously, seriously big. But first, an apology: I got sucked into the vortex that is the Christmas week--Eve, Day, Day the sequel with family, and then my daughter's birthday and all of us being sick, and another party the day after Abby's birthday...the introvert in me is on tilt! And because of it all, I never did get around to sorting things out on GiveForward.com so I could pull that last Amazon card winner and the ACFW conference registration winner. BUT I've recovered enough to finally get to untangling the GiveForward confusion I was facing after the fundraiser officially ended, and I just figured out how to access the info I needed, and so now, finally, I bring you...

the last winners! (And this is not the big news I was referring to. Keep reading to get to that.)

Of the last $50 Amazon card, donated by Jim Turner, we have...

Amy Bordoni!!! Congratulations, Amy! Have fun shopping in the new year. :)

And the great big ACFW registration fee prize goes to....

 Sarah Forgrave!!! Have fun at the conference, Sarah!

But now, that really big news I mentioned at the beginning. You're gonna want to sit for this, maybe get a tissue if you're anything like me. Because yesterday, I got this message from Sandi:

We got the PET scan results yesterday, and the doc said there was no cancer to be found: not in the scan and not in my blood work. It was NOT TO BE FOUND and therefore I’m in REMISSION!

She said the pain I have in my back is from a fractured rib because of the cancer and then radiation (it broke when I was coughing; I’ll never forget it, ouch!). It will take some time, but it will heal! Thank You, Lord, for my fractured rib! LOL We thought for sure it was cancer!

Both my husband and I were so shocked, we could hardly believe what she was telling us. We’re still having a hard time fathoming the wonderful news. I can’t tell you how GOOD it was to tell our kids this! It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

Thank You, God! Thank You so much!!

The doc is still going to keep a close eye on me, and I’m still pretty weak. At least, one more treatment from Dr. Brown (the Naturopathic doc in AZ) will be good for me. All the fundraisers have made it possible for me to see him again. Thank you to all who helped with that!!!

Again, thank You God!!!

I’m just so happy I can barely type. My hands are trembling and tears are flowing. A part of me is almost afraid to be happy. Ya know? We just kept getting slammed with bad news, over and over again. How can this truly be real?

All I know is, I’ll take what I can get! And I thank God for saying “yes” to all the prayers that have gone up on my behalf! Thank you all for praying. Thank you!!! I just pray that God will allow this remission to last for a good long time. I want to be here for my kids, no matter how old they are. I know how much I love having my own mother in my life, and I want my kids to have the same. Praise God for whatever He decides is best.

Thank You Lord, my Holy precious Savior. Praise You and thank You!

I tried not to use all caps too often so you all wouldn’t feel like I was yelling, but honestly, all those exclamation points are shouts of joy!

I’m on my knees thanking my heavenly Father, kissing His feet. Thank You for giving me and my family this time of joy.

Love,

Sandi xxx

What an absolutely amazing way to launch into a new year!!

Thank you, God, for healing Sandi. Thank you for bringing her family such an astounding gift. We pray that the money we raised, along with the other fundraisers that have been held for her, will bring her family another dose of joy and relief, knowing they can pay off medical bills, continue taking trips to Arizona for treatments from Dr. Brown, and if she doesn't need as many treatments as she'd anticipated, maybe even taking a little vacation to help shrug off the weight and shadows of the last year. We praise your name and your power, Lord, and we thank you for healing our friend. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!!!!