Friday, July 27, 2007

Oprah

Hi Everyone- Sorry it has taken me awhile to get another blog out. I went to see Don Piper of the book "90 minutes in Heaven" on Wednesday night. I needed a bit of time to think about what all he said and absorb it. I also spoke with my counselor about my thoughts. See, I have struggled with what I believe. I am working on my spiritual journey and have so many questions and am trying to understand and learn. Don Piper had a vision of Heaven, and for me it was hard to understand that vision. It seemed so unreal to me. But he was great in the fact that he talked about the "new normal" which I am trying to figure out in myself. He also talked about how God IS in the miracle business, that was good to hear!!! It was also a church service and they had everyone who had a "burden" who wanted to, come up so they could pray with us. My mom and sister went up with me, it was a good experience. I am very glad I went. Thank you Julie, Julie's mother, Barbara, Brandi, Kelly, Andrea and my mom for going with me. I wanted to invite any of you who are interested to read this book, "90 minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper. Maybe in the next couple of weeks, we can have some type of book club through the blog to get feedback and opinions of what everyone thinks about it. I am going to see if Doug can possibly put up a chat area, such as Chris and Jennifer Ireland habe on their blog so maybe I can set a date and we can all chat about it. If you are interested let me know. I hope it will change lives. Oprah, this book is a good one for your book club too, hehe. (Because I am sure she reads my blog every day, I am sure she has the time, ha)

I want to thank you all for sending your letters in to Oprah. I have heard about so many connections, that I have a good feeling that my dream of going or being on Oprah will come true! I talked to my neighbor and friend, Brandi, who actually taped a show, paused it at the end when the credits were rolling to get a producers name. She then proceeded to call Harpo productions and left messages for 2 assistants. Much to our surprise, she got a phone call yesterday from one of those assistants, Megan. She told Brandi that they have been on hiatus for the past couple of months so they are just getting back to work. She told her that the best thing to do was continue to inundate them with emails to them. So, keep up the good work. Brandi also suggested sending letters through the topics that Oprah has for her shows.... "Are you on a spiritual journey" and ugh, I can't remember the other one, I will find out though. So, I think if we keep at it, she will just want us to stop hounding her, she will have to respond, right?

Well, I got all my testing done so I can start the new study and new medication. I had another CAT scan this morning as well as bloodwork and an EKG this afternoon. I have officially become a pin cushion. As my friend Sara said this morning, you didn't even flinch, Shawndra, when they started the IV. It doesn't even phase me anymore. I should be starting the chemo next Wednesday. Again, I am a bit nervous, for the side effects (hair loss, facial acne-like rash, nausea, vomiting, fatigue). I will learn more about them next Monday. I can only imagine, I will finally get on Oprah and I will have this horrible acne rash and no hair, oivay. anyway I will show my true beauty, my beauty within. I will let that shine and nobody will even notice the external blemishes.
I want to thank my friend Sara who is here with me this weekend. She is a great friend from college who brings so much happiness into my life! I want to thank my mom, I can't thank her enough for all she does for me. I want her to know that I cherish her, each and every day. I rely on her so much and I don't want it to go unnoticed. She is truly an angel to me as she is to everyone around her. I hope I am like her, I want to be like her!! I love you Mom. You are probably wondering how Ella is, I haven't talked about her much lately. She is as fun as ever. She is still going peepee in the potty once in awhile. She is putting her shoes and socks on, but always the shoes are on the wrong foot. It is so funny, you would think she would get it right at least 50% of the time. She is talking so much and so well. I am impressed that she now says "thank you or chank chu" on her own once in awhile without me prompting her. She is so kind and sweet, I want to teach her to be kind as she grows up. That, I believe is so important. I don't doubt that she will be, her personality shines and she is kind hearted.
I am spending the weekend with my friend Sara, yaa! We are just going to hang out like old college days. I hope you all have a terrific weekend. Gotta go get Ella who is talking up a storm in her bed, naptime is over. Time for the poo (pool). love, shawndra

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I believe you will get on Oprah. I went to a taping of one of the shows several years ago with some girlfriends. The show itself wasn't very interesting (no favorite things for us) but it was very fun being there. When she walked in the room the first time you knew she "Was Somebody". Not in the sense that she demanded something, just in the sense that she had accomplished things. I am anxious as well for you and your new treatments. I will focus on the positive effects, not the negetives. I am also glad to hear that the speaker was a good experience and glad to hear you had such a support group there with you, it is alot to process. Have a great weekend with your friend and I will again send off hounding requests to convince Oprah that you really need to meet her and get your story told! Oh yea, your Mom is a great person, we've been lucky enough to experience that first hand as well.

Anonymous said...

Hey there.. Shawndra Warriors.
Ok, here is what we need to do.

Go to Oprah.com

Go to "Be on the show" and click on "share your story"

On the the right side under "Upcoming Shows" click on "Are you on a spiritual journey"

Fill in all fields. In the *"tell us your story" have the first sentence read "SHAWNDRA TURNER: AN ANGEL AMONG US. GUIDING US ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY"

then proceed to tell them how and why she has made such an impact on your life spiritually.

Don't forget to include her blog address @ shawndraturner.blogspot.com

Click on Send and keep your fingers crossed.

The other feature we can try is on the left side under "Regualar Features"

Click on "are you needing a HARPO HOOKUP?"

First sentence to read "SHAWNDRA TURNER: NOT A DYING WISH...BUT A LIFE LONG DREAM"

Proceed to tell them how she wants to educate, inform and save the lives of others from this horrible disease.

When I spoke to Megan at Harpo, she said for us to all be consistent and suggested that our first sentences all be the same so it will catch the attention of the producer.

So.. let's see what we can do!!

Good luck

Brandi

Sunshine said...

Hey can I suggest the name of an awesome study? It is by Jennifer Kennedy Dean and it is called Live a Praying Life - it is so amazing and based completely on the Word of God. Cling to Jesus - cry out to Him - He will meet where you are. He promises in the Word of God that if we seek Him He will be found. I love this verse from Isaiah 40 (vs 11) - it says that

He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.

He will gently lead you. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Sunshine

Anonymous said...

shawndra- hi! i was checking in tonight and saw that sara was visiting, i can just picture you guys hanging out and laughing! hope you have a great weekend!! know that i am ALWAYS thinking of you and praying for you. hi to sara, hope we can all get together some time soon. love- becca

Anonymous said...

Shawny-
I was recently thinking that we should start a bible study with some of the family/friends nearby - say once a week or every 2 weeks. The study that was mentioned by "Sunshine" would be awesome! If anyone in Shawndra's neighborhood or nearby would be interested - and if Shawndra is as well- I'd love to organize it. Just email me - Andrea, Shawndra's sister, at: dreskates@earthlink.net
Maybe we could really get a good prayer group and bible study going to help us all with our own "walk with Christ" and journey through this life. Glad Sara is here to cheer you up - relive the good times out at the lake!! Looking forward to seeing you soon.
All my love,
Dre

Anonymous said...

I have read that Don Piper book and absolutely enjoyed hearing his story. I will wait to hear for the date you will be on OPRAH! It can be done.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, I hope and pray this new chemo regemin, the power of prayer, and your strong spirit will give us the miracle we have all been praying for. I feel Oprah will be calling you anyday so you can share your journey with America and continue to change even more lives.
Thank you for touching my life in such a positive way, Julie

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
I read your blog often, especially after a difficult day with the kids. Your positive outlook on life is SUCH an inspiration. I believe good things happen to good people, so I am sure the Oprah thing will come your way. Just keep believing. I am so impressed with your sense of humor about the new treatment. I have lost my hair due to alopecia and realize your concerns. I will wish the best for you in your new treatment. God is for sure watching you!
God bless!!

Anonymous said...

I'm yet another lurker who found your blog via Jennifer's but never posted before. Shawndra, you are such an inspiration! And your ability to keep your sense of humor intact -- you make me smile :)

I'm going to email Oprah, but was wondering -- has anyone contacted the radio stations here in KC with your story? I remember reading the responses on Jennifer's blog from the many many people who first heard about her on the radio ... maybe if you did that more and more people would write Oprah too!

Thoughts and prayers are with you -