It was just a few months ago that Kip and I were on our way back from a trip of a lifetime. We had been on an eight week RV trip with the sole purpose of seeing the fall colors as they changed before our very eyes. We thought we had gotten away too late, but we couldn’t have timed it better. The only thing that could have added to the spectacular scenery and sites we saw, not to mention time spent with good friends, would have been just a few more days here or a couple of more weeks there. We always hate to see our trips come to an end, but it’s always good to catch up with friends and family at home, too.
These pictures were taken at the end of our trip that took us into parts of twenty-one states. We traveled at our own pace and took the time to spend with friends and relatives who showed us some beautiful places.
This was our fourth long trip, lasting around two months. We’ve also taken several long weekends with friends or just the two of us and our more than willing travelling menagerie.. We drive a 38′ 2002 class A motor home and tow my 2015 jeep…both have logged a lot of miles.
It’s a wonderful way to see the history and the beauty of our country. We’ve spent much more time with family and friends than we otherwise would have.
We arrived back in Mabank, TX in time for our Church’s Lord’s Acre Celebration and of course Thanksgiving and Christmas. My Dad, Gus, from California was here and stayed to help us welcome in the New Year.
In January, my Doctor convinced me to catch up on some tests I had gotten behind on, so she scheduled a colonoscopy and a mammogram. Both tests revealed cancer and I have now had a partial colectomy of the ascending colon and most recently, a bilateral mastectomy. The latter was just a week ago, so I’m still in the throws of healing from that one.
I’m going to be fine. I have a wonderful supportive group of family, extended family, and friends who have amazed me with their unfailing offers to help with anything we might need. I have never in my life experienced such truly loving, generosity and straight from the heart to God’s ears, earnest, prayers from our wonderful Pastor Dan and a church family who cares for the needs of everyone.
God gave me a husband who has shown his strength, patience, unending love and support. Our four children and their families have been pretty amazing, too. Most of you know our daughter Heidi has not hesitated to make sure I have received the absolute best of care at UTSW where she has been employed for eighteen years. My Daughter-in-law, Amy, has sent me daily motivational devotionals. and she’s also a nurse which helps to keep me informed.
Our Daughter, Heather, spent most of the night with me trying to keep me comfortable the night of the surgery after Kip and our friend, Pat finally went home after a long, long, day. I have been so loved and cared for.
My other daughter-in-law, April has spent the last three years fighting her own battle with cancer. Thanks be to God, she is currently cancer free.
Food, cards, boxes of goodies, flowers, special prayer blankets with unique appliques lovingly sewn on them, have all been made with loving hands.
I have not done one single thing to deserve any of these gifts of love, but I have learned that is the kind of love that beats inside the hearts of true and joyful believers.
I wish I could find better words. I wish you could see inside my heart, because then you would know how you have each touched it in such a personal way.
I love you all so much and I will strive to be a witness to God’s love that I have seen so bright and beautifully.
All is well, all is well, with my soul…
Those 70ish Girls 
praying for your full recovery daily. You are a warrior!
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Reading your post and the replies of your friends really warms my heart, Mary Francis. Your love and joy of life and the beauty around you, indeed, is spread far and wide. I am sure, without a doubt, that love and joy will bring you comfort and healing. ❤️
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So happy to read this. Agree with Cuz Bobby.
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Scober beat me to the punch by saying exactly what I was going to say. I, too, didn’t know you were scheduled for the surgery so quickly. Did you ever get the fancy crown I pointed out to you? I see it is still on sale. Nothing like a new crown to make a girl feel in the pink. Take care of yourself, Mary. Hope one day you can visit me down here. xooxo
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Cousin Mary-You are awesome
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Cimosabe,
You hold a special place in my heart, but I have to tell you how much I have been loving your beautiful birds. I don’t always get my fingers to comment, but I spend lots of time looking at them. Thank you!
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Cimosabe 🧡
You have always encouraged me to the best that I can be at whatever path I take when it comes to my photos, weather that be sunrise, sunset, landscape, birds or people. Each photo I take, I think how would this be best viewed. You have opened my eyes to so much beauty through your travels. At first I was envious of your being able to travel to all those places but then God told me not to be as I was surrounded by His beauty everyday, all I had to do was seek it. You made me realize that and for that I will be eternally grateful. I’m not sure what Gods plan is for my journey but He has sure made yours clear to you. You are a wonderful writer and He wants you to continue! I am so grateful He made you a part of my life. Rest and heal my dear friend, the world, your family, your friends in Christ we all need you in our life.
Love,
Cimosabe 💜
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Your writing is as creative and inspirational as your photographs. Shoot for the stars my friend! You have the enthusiasm, talent, and now all you need is a vision. I love you and know how amazing you are. Your challenge will be to slow down as God enlightens you. Does that make sense?
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You have always been a witness to Gods love Cimosabe, He loves you so much! As do I. Gods Peace to you and my love 💜
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I had no idea you had had the surgery yet, Mary. I’m so happy to hear of all the support you’ve had and am hoping you have a speedy recovery. Your positive attitude helps immeasurably, I’m sure
Lots of hugs,
Patti
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Thank you, Patti. This 2nd one has been rough, but I’m starting to see signs of improvement.
Love having you and Judy in my life,
Mary
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I am only a B+ student but I’ve figured you out. That reason you have so many great friends is because you are such a great friend!! Best wishes in your healing MG. You are in my prayers as well.
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