“Hold it right there!” was like the starting pistol for the race to get out of the stadium.
We had just watched an evening Royals game and the challenge that stared us in the face was to get into Arrowhead Stadium, since it was right there. We were athletic teens and hopping a tall fence was no problem. So we did. We were innocent in our intentions. Once on the field we fantasized about catching the winning pass. We ran pass patterns on the turf. We were amazed at the crown of the field; how much it sloped to all sides. I stood at midfield and looked up to see the names on the ring of honor and felt I was treading on holy ground.
Really, what did we think would happen? We didn’t and it did. The chase was good but only lasted a few minutes. We spent the next few hours in a holding cell with nothing but cold concrete walls and conversation about what would happen next.
Running is not an option. Oh, trust me! We have thought about it. If we could see another way out we would go for it. But this thing now is about the fight. When cancer said “Hold it right there!” Tara showed me the other side of ‘fight or flight’. She turned to face it. Now she is more like running right at it. She has embraced this temporary new life; baldness, skinniness, sluggishness, etc. and has done it with joy. Take a look at that picture. That is not a woman who is running from it. She is a woman who finds joy.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Those who look to Him are radiant. Radiant. From heaven The Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth- he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all it’s strength it cannot save. BUT the eyes of The Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for The Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us O lord, even as we put our hope in you. My own words- Tara is the most radiant woman I have seen and the motorcycle/dirt bike behind is a symbol of courage and determination. Awesome.
You are beautiful Tara! Keep up the good fight. The battle belongs to the Lord, and you are His impressive warrior!
That was a powerful blog. Tara you look beautiful. Always praying Beverly Rains
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Tara, you are more beautiful than ever. Nan tells me you may possibly be here in August…hope to share a laugh and a hug. Hope I don’t crush you!:)
You go girl! Love the photo…..
OK…..so you are meant to laugh at this….but I “lit a candle” for you at Sacre Coeur today! I smiled as I placed it down and I thought, “I’m going to tell Tara so she knows that in the middle of Paris, I was praying for her!” Yeah….and it cost me 2 euros as well! Last of the big spenders! Hehehehehe
Beautiful!
Beautiful!!! We’re with you, Tara….
You are beautiful!
Truly beautiful! Love you, Aunt Barb
Tara what a beautiful SMILE!! You are an extraordinary woman! I am so thankful that your CA number is going in the right direction but so sorry you must continue with the chemo.What a blessing you live in Rochester! Many prayers and much love continue daily from CL. Continue this fight Tara.You Go Girl!! You are loved by MANY.Aunt Cathy & Uncle Mike
When I saw this picture it made my heart glow with joy you are one awesome special friend love being included with your family god bless you
Tara, it was sooooooo wonderful to see you in Rochester when we all got together for lunch! I am so amazed on how you are such a positive light in everyones life! You give me and everyone around you more strength for their lives, and I want to thank you for that. You really look amazing, and I love how we all laughed when we were together, thank you for that!! I am going to make a print of that picture that was taken of us when we got together, and I will look at that and smile. Yes, you are a fighter, and you just keep going girl! God bless you and your family.