The Joy Journey of Patricia Barnes
About this joy journey:
Patricia, the site’s namesake, battled breast cancer for almost 9 years during which she developed “awe-inspiring” coping skills and, by her example, taught those around her to live each day to the fullest. She found purpose and took comfort in actively acknowledging life’s simple, daily pleasures, as she dealt with the challenges presented by her disease. This “record of joy” was an intimate way for her family to view her life, separate from her diesease, and to view the family’s lives through her eyes. Journal content was woven into Christmas letters, health updates and e-mails. Patricia talked about her journal writing at support groups and functions. She inspired others to keep records of their own joys, and her story reached many in the breast-cancer community. Her first journal entry reads, “This is a very special journal because it is a record of the many blessings the Lord has generously given me at all times and in all circumstances. Anyone has my permission to read this journal. It is an account of joy!”
Jan 31
- Finding a radio station that Kelly liked during our car trip - listening to her beautiful voice
- Story of her interview experience for Governor's School (art) - wants to live in Paris, join the Navy, be a missionary to poor and have a husband who is a gourmet cook
- Stewart is a polite young man - gave tip at restaurant
- Bill is still excited about becoming a doctor of osteopathy (bone manipulation)
- Mary hugged me and said, "I love you"
- Becky's 12th Birthday party at our house a sleepover for 10 girls - Bob hung a piñata
- Attending church and Sunday school with Bob - so many people came up to us to say they would pray about my eye and for a fun trip to Hawaii
- Jean sent a wonderful Christmas CD
Jan 28
- Singing Happy Birthday to Becky yesterday morning
- Bob missed saying evening prayers with me while I was at Nan's
- Shopping with Mom and BJ
- Watching Becky rip into her Birthday gifts
- Resting my head against Bob's shoulder
- Kim putting out a kitchen fire by remembering my advice
- Kim - highest grade in Chem. class - 97 Friends think she is a geek??? No!
- Loving hugs and kissed from Kelly at bedtime no matter how much snapping during the day
- Kelly's chemistry teacher at conferences - "You take good care of that girl, I love her."
- All Kelly's teachers praised her as a very nice person and a good student
Jan 26
- Another effortless 1 mile walk with Nan
- Butch (Nan's pug) tried to climb in my suitcase and followed me around
- Eva gave up her bedroom
- BJ visited while I unpacked from trip to Nan's - had raspberry tea
- Snuggling Kara before school
- Wearing make-up again
- The family liked their gifts - Adventure Bible for Kara, T-shirt for Kelly and 2 Hawaiian (one velour) shirts for Bob