Nearly three weeks ago, I ventured out to get my annual mammogram. Really, no big deal people. It's not that bad. Except this time, as the technician was manipulating and stretching and poking on the left side, I began to feel distinctly uneasy.
I brushed it off and went on my way, feeling smug for checking off the necessary evil for again another year.
Then two days later, the phone call. I needed to go back for another check, on the left side, plus an additional ultrasound. Earliest available appointment, ten days away.
My heart stopped. Tears flowed. A frantic call to my mother, and my aunt, who is a breast cancer survivor. (don't we always think the worst!!!)
Sorry kids, I didn't tell you. This is the first time most of them are hearing about this.
After the panic subsided, I listened to my inner voice......
It said, "it's probably ok, but if there is something there, it isn't going to go away and it won't do you any good to fuss over it."
So I listened. I lived my life but I asked my husband and son to give me a blessing the day before. How grateful I am for worthy men in my life!
The time arrived. The technician was compassionate. She explained that the earlier xray had not been clear. The tissue was "wadded up" and she needed a little more detailed look for the radiologist. If the first xray was good, then I wouldn't need the ultrasound.
Burden slightly lighter.
Why didn't they tell me on the phone in the first place? It would have saved some unnecessary worrying....
Xray completed and I shuffle off to wait in a tiny room while the dr. looks at the xray. I can go if all is well.
Three minutes later, the welcome words, "you're good to go! It's all normal tissue."
The air whooses out of my lungs. My burden is lifted.
Listen to your inner voice.
My voice was "uneasy" during the first xray. The technician wasn't as careful as she should have been. My inner voice later assured me that all would be well.
Listen to your inner voice, or by whatever name you may call it....The Holy Spirit, The Holy Ghost, your conscious........
It will guide you. It has guided me many, many, many times......
It is a gift from God.
That inner voice.
Delicious spread....a new addition....green beans & bacon. ANYTHING tastes great with bacon! I also changed our chiffon pumpkin pie crust to a graham cracker/gingersnap combination. DELISH! Definitely a keeper. Thanks Aunt M and Mom!
We missed our cousins this year, but had a great time playing wii.
TWO babies to hold and kiss!
Fresh celery stalks from my garden to put in the stuffing! Yumminess! They are small, but packed with celery flavor. 
Black Friday strategizing.
Rip-roaring game of Mexican train, including the cheating Elder on my right!
And plenty of sleeping.
The 327 ice chests that we have collected over the years....
The saddles for the horses that we have not had for well over 20 years...
The organized tool wall, which only took me three years of nagging to accomplish. Doesn't it look nice?
Important stuff.
And the sacred toolbelt, which is always strapped on prior to any "honeydo" jobs.
I poured it over chicken and served it over pasta.
