God Has Smiled on Me

Last night I came across a youtube video clip of gospel artist Marion Williams singing at the Montreaux Jazz Festival around 1970. Her velvety Mahalia sounding voice reaffirmed over and over again: "God Has Smiled on Me."

I hadn't heard that song in eons. Memories of not only the past year but all the years past rushed to the present moment. My heart quickly filled with joy at the realization that God has certainly smiled on me and my family.

This time last year we were preparing for Sir's colorectal surgery. He had undergone 6 straight weeks of chemotherapy and radiation therapy simultaneously and was only starting to regain his strength knowing that he had to face major surgery on November 21st (i.e., 2 days before Thanksgiving).

I kept rewinding the video clip as the words permeated my soul because of a complete knowing "God Has Smiled on Me."

I can't recall at this moment if I have shared in previous writings that during Sir's cancer journey we still planned celebrations -- even in the midst of his journey it was important to surround ourselves with loved ones. The weekend prior to his surgery we had a Fish Fry and invited family and his close friends. The house was filled with nothing but love. You can catch a glimpse of the celebrations on video clips in November 2006 on his imonchemo website.

It was important for us to celebrate life even in the midst of cancer because we are a family that celebrates holidays, birthdays and special milestones. Sir's spirits soared before surgery to have everyone "show-up" to show their support. No one really had to wish him well because their presence at the Fish Fry said it all.

I know that many people have heard that saying "God Is Good!" and that expected response "All the Time!" Well, it takes on new meaning for me! When I speak those words now days, you can bet I mean it...I feel it...I sense it though every bone in my body.

God Has Smiled on me....

pEaCe and bLesSings