Oxygen Mask

This last week of October 2025 begins a busy week before my surgery in November. I think of the  commercial where the oxygen masks come down and the message is that we can't take care of others if we don't take care of ourselves first.

These past months have certainly opened my eyes that when I'm chasing my own tail with medical tests and treatment I'm certainly not able to focus on much else.  I wish it weren't so but I'm learning to ask for help and accept help a bit more graciously. 

When I have listened to the still, small voice that speaks to me those pieces of the puzzle have been falling into place. It is a huge puzzle but I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had to traverse huge situations in life.

So, I will be out of commission in November for some weeks because of surgery and plan to get back to you later in winter after some recovery time.  I have appreciated all your support, kind words and prayers.  Continue to follow my updates on Caringbridge/MollyLafond (no spaces).  Thank you and God bless you!

UPDATE

 Today I completed  5 1/2 weeks of radiation, in case you did not keep up with details on caring bridge.  There will be several weeks to allow my insides to rest before surgery in November.  That will be done in Milwaukee Froedtert hospital.  There are many logistical parts to getting ready for it but things are falling into place. I am calm, confident and couldn't be in better hands. It will be a huge abdominal surgery, involving many organs.  My surgical oncologist is the best! I will let you know more on this site after the dust settles.  Thank you for your continued prayers!!

Another One!

 Another one!! Two childen killed, seventeen injured inside a Catholic church.  Besides being sick, again, that this happened one more time; we have let it happen again! It makes me mad, and I have written my comments, to the local gun club, asking why there has never been an admonishment from the NRA that the Second Amendment is one way that guns were never meant to be used this way!!

Yes, we extend our prayers and condolences  but we need more than wordswe need action. WE, the people, need to take contact and demand action from our elected officials.  This is not about Democrat vs. Republican nor about transgender.  It is much broader that these issues. 

We need talk on the local level, in our churches and businesses to maintain safety. One church not far from here locks the doors 5 minutes after a service begins.  

So, now what? Change the channel, write the representatives, ask you church & business leaders for a protocol...we can do more...we must do more! Put your prayers into your feet!

Lightening

 When I drove to Ohio in May I was bucking a storm near Fort Wayne; lightening was flashing in a distance.  It was 1145 pm and as I looked up at the sky I wondered if it was a storm. The moon was peeking over a thick bank of clouds.  Then, within seconds, the moon almost disappeared into those clouds...almost like it was playing peak-a-boo! 

All of a sudden it hit me!  Have we ever been in a really severe storm of life that made it challenging to see God's presence,  sometimes even getting sidetracked because of circumstances, emotions and details of what was happening...challenging to see that God is really there?

I was positive it was the moon and for people of faith we know God is really there, but sometimes we just have to sort things out to really see Him, to feel Him or to know that He's not far from us. Have you ever been through something huge in your life and was left with a sense of awe?  I certainly have!!

So, the next time you see lightening up ahead, and you wonder if a storm is coming, perhaps those clouds will inspire you like they did me! It's amazing how nature can speak to us sometimes louder than words!

Courtesy of Pixabay

HEARTWRENCHING

 I feel so sad to have to need to inform you of my stuff when the horrendous flood in Texas has devoured, unexpectantly, so many folks.  That does not minimize what the area of Los Angeles has gone through with massive fires.

The main thing I think about is that so many of us have a "story"...not good, bad, better or worse but each one is heavy, heartbreaking and enough that these stories could get us down. 

What keeps me going is the thought that only one person thoroughly understands how heavy that load is, often falling himself under that load.  To all others, yes, we can say, "but you don't understand."  But to Him, nope, he does understand. 

And there are even the least likely who come forward and say, "If you need anything...." And they mean it! 

Texas is reeling from the floods, not knowing if our dear president will help with disaster relief, FEMA relief or what, so each of us need to do what we can to help each other in any way we can. I just pray that a lot of "Simons" will help carry this natural disaster cross that so many are affected by!  

And, yes, Jesus does understand! We cry to Him to help us all carry our crosses, sending those who can to help, in any way they can! 

Health News!

I have some health news to share with you that you will want to know.  Instead of detailing it here I invite you to go to my Caring Bridge page that has been started in order to keep you updated, rather than me trying to get to everyone individually!  I ask for your prayers and support.  If you have access to any prayer support groups or church lists, please feel free to put me on them.  I know prayer works!  

Here is the link:

https://www.caringbridge.org/site/8cff63ff-58ec-11f0-a6a8-d7ab5bf3632a?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page

or CaringBridge/MollyLaFond    No Spaces

THE DOTS

Do you or have you ever "wondered" what God wants of you? Ever have someone say something to you that was already on your mind? Ever challenged connecting the dots? I have. Some previous intentions got waylayed the past couple of years because of surgeries...then today, while at a funeral visitation a person there told me she/they were waiting for me to come and volunteer yet! (Is that a hint from God?) 

Even my speaking engagements, that I had done several years ago,  as well as another venture, had taken a lull but this week I was asked to give a presentation in Lakewood this summer! 

Also, weeks ago the deacon at church asked if I would consider being spiritual director for the womens' CEW (Christian Experience Weekend) in November!  I had expressed my availability many years ago to no avail. 

Now, months ago I began back lectoring and being a Eucharistic minister.  I had had a little chat with God after being told that "we are Jesus to others." I took it to heart and gave up some resentments and it just feels like God was waiting for me to let go of those things.  My heart says God now is showing me the way, putting opportunities in front of me for my consideration. 

There were times in my life that all I saw were isolated incidents until a retreat master pointed out a bigger picture. I began to see a bigger picture with my life. Yes, there has been a lull in several details in my life but then again I hear words of a friend telling me, "God has you right where He wants you!" 

So, do you ever wonder about your life? Maybe those possibilities ahead can be a bit unnerving with no specific answers but where is faith? Maybe too, God has you right where He wants you, also! Perhaps there are dots that can be connected.  Look at all the dots and try to see a bigger picture!  

Courtesy of Pixabay