Medals

When I was first diagnosed, in April of 2010, I received an outpouring of support, cards, emails, holy water and other inspirational presents.  I have never felt so loved!  I have a big Nordstrom box of cards, notes and pictures that were sent to me throughout this journey.  Because, a Nordstrom box always holds something good! Here is a picture.....

Among those gifts and treasures, were two medals.  My Aunt Aggie sent me a miraculous medal, and my cousin Eve sent me a St. Perigrine medal.  He is the parton saint of cancer patients. (Now, I'm pulling a Jay... if you want to learn more, here is a link http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/peregrine.htm ) 

Very soon after receiving them, I put them both on a chain and began wearing them.  I wore them 24/7, unless I was recieving a test or procedure that I couldn't have it on. 

A few weeks ago I woke up and as I was getting ready, I realized that my miraculous medal has fallen off.  I was pretty upset and looked all around for it but couldn't find it.  I looked all over my bedroom, my bathroom and in the closet where I had put my laundry.  Nowhere to be found. I went on with my day and
I even told my mom that I had lost my medal and I was upset.  She immediately said that weekend at church she would ask her priest for a replacement one.  I thought that was ok, but I still was very upset that I had lost my original one that had been with me through treatment, late night worry sessions, prayers and more.  Well, imagine my surprise when I walked into my room a few days later and there, on the floor was my lost medal!  Right in front of the dresser, completely in line with my containers of holy water that have sat there for months.  I couldn't believe it.  I look at that spot on the floor a million times a day.  I pass by it a zillion times, on the way to the phone, put laundry away, put jewelry on and off.... it just appeared there.  I was so happy to get it back!  In the meantime, between losing it and finding it, my mom had lunch with a childhood friend, Rita, and was sharing how I was upset about losing the medal.  Rita said that she thought it had fallen off since I no longer needed it.  I felt like that was exactly it.  I had received my miracle, I didn't need it anymore.  It further cemented this feeling when I realized that the week before I had found a penny in the exact same spot.  (The penny is a whole other story, here is the short version: when I was growing up and I would find a penny my Grandma Krupa would say it was a penny from heaven.  Now whenever my cousins and I find pennies, we think our grandmother is talking to us.  And I really have to say, I find pennies at the most needed times....) Anyway, this really may be a story for a few, but I truly believe that I have been given a miracle and I am so happy for the support from friends, family and strangers alike!