why i don’t want you to feel sorry for me on mother’s day, my first without mom.

May 13, 2017May 14, 2017 Ally Velsor1 Comment

I understand being sensitive towards someone you know might be going through it, but I implore you to stop falling into the cracks of political correctness. I’ve been skeptical about writing this post because the last thing I want is to bring someone down who is already grieving. But let me be clear, this post is mostly directed towards you who are not.

If you can take anything from reading this, I want you to go all out and celebrate with the loudest bells and whistles you could find! I know I would if mom was still here and my only hope this year is for you to have that moment with yours. We don’t know the day of our departure, so I implore you, celebrate like it’s the last Mother’s Day you’ll have with her.

#WriteHopeFWD · cancer · easter · faith · family · fear · God · Grief · hope · legacy · Memorial · mom · Nostalgia · Ovarian Cancer

This Easter 2017: When Death Defers Hope, Remember He is the Resurrection & the Life

April 16, 2017April 16, 2017 Ally VelsorLeave a comment

Last year’s April 16th wasn’t Easter or any major holiday, it was just an ordinary Saturday. Before that day, there were plenty of other days, ordinary days, I chose not to think about death. Every time I did think about death, fear would invade every aspect of my life. Whenever I think about death, it becomes an obsession. The what, when, where, why, how questions would flood my brain to the point of keeping me idle and isolated as to avoid anything that could possibly kill me. So, I did my best and I deferred.

But April 16, 2016 was one of those days I didn’t think I’d remember, but one picture brings a plethora of memories and emotions.

Because for the first time in my mother’s diagnosis, I thought of death. Her death.

cancer · faith · family · fear · Forgiveness · God · Grief · humility · inspiration · legacy · Love · mom · Nostalgia · Ovarian Cancer · pride · redemption · Resilience · this is us · wisdom

Dr. K’s Best Medicine: Take Your Own Advice & Make Lemonade

January 19, 2017January 19, 2017 Ally VelsorLeave a comment

NBC’s This is Us has been renewed for two more seasons! (Yippee!). But there’s a reason why this show has captivated the hearts of many, including my own. Here’s my take on the latest episode “The Big Day,” although I really missed the grown up Big Three, this prequel to the pilot episode gave us a window to peek into the depth of Dr. K’s grief over the death of his beloved while further explaining to us his “when life gives you the sourest lemon” philosophy.
**Spoiler Alert** Don’t read if you haven’t watched the episode and don’t want to know what happens!**

cancer · Cruise · faith · family · food · Forgiveness · God · godliness · Grief · mom · Ovarian Cancer · Switchfoot · Travel · vacation · Where The Light Shines Through · wisdom

How to Travel Light in a Heavy World: Wisdom is Free

September 9, 2016September 11, 2016 Ally Velsor3 Comments

As a self-proclaimed foodie, one of my preferred ways to travel is on a large and luxurious cruise ship because we consume all of this “free food.” I mean, who doesn’t love a free frozen treat after a long day spent exploring the hot and humid Caribbean islands? Then there’s the hard-working crew who are often the friendliest and sweetest people you will ever meet. They will make you feel like royalty for every dinner, particularly on those nights we get to wear our formal attire.

cancer · faith · family · God · Grief · Live It Well · Switchfoot · Where The Light Shines Through

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: The Day(s) I Found God

September 2, 2016September 11, 2016 Ally VelsorLeave a comment

There are dates in our lifetime we will never be able to re-live or erase as much as we wish and as hard as we pray to God. Today is the second day of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, I now live knowing this horrendous disease takes wives from their husbands and mothers from their children with no sense of compassion.

When a loved one is battling cancer, she is not alone. We battle together.

cancer · faith · family · genuine · God · Grief · Switchfoot · Where The Light Shines Through

Oh, Grief is Where The Light Shines Through

August 16, 2016September 11, 2016 Ally Velsor2 Comments

Oh grief, do not consume me. I fear to stop grieving because I simply don’t want to forget her, but at the same time, I’m tired of answering everyone’s questions on how we are doing. You’ve become a slow, calculated, and nagging process; but then you wonder why most choose to skip you. Running away from you was enticing, but choosing you was the most reasonable option. You promise faster healing and relief, while running away from you would have led me bitterly back to you anyway.

cancer · discipline · faith · family · God · Grief · mom · Ovarian Cancer · Switchfoot · Where The Light Shines Through · work

Let It Burn

August 2, 2016August 2, 2016 Ally VelsorLeave a comment

If your house burns down today, what will be the one item (or person) you will grab on your way out to safety? Who or/and what fulfills us? Most importantly, are we willing to sacrifice ourselves to ensure someone else’s safety? All these questions have been invading my mind in the last few weeks because what I thought mattered most doesn’t anymore.

cancer · Eulogy · family · friends · Live It Well · Memorial · mom · Ovarian Cancer · Switchfoot · Where The Light Shines Through

Sonia, A Life Lived Well

July 2, 2016September 11, 2016 Ally VelsorLeave a comment

I am my mother’s daughter.

My mom didn’t lose her battle to cancer and we didn’t lose her. Loss describes defeat and misplacement. Ovarian Cancer did not defeat her and she isn’t misplaced. My mom won the prize of Heaven, which she didn’t deserve through her own deeds, but was given to her graciously through the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through the reassurance of her own faith, we know she’s in Heaven. Ovarian Cancer may have taken her body, but it did not take her spirit.

cancer · faith · family · God · mom · Ovarian Cancer

others

August 23, 2013September 11, 2016 Ally VelsorLeave a comment

A good reminder is to always find that “peace that surpasses all understanding” in the discomfort we may be feeling to understand that we are not the only ones suffering, but to look at our surroundings and comfort those who are also in this struggle of life. To find joy in the trials and afflictions by appreciating how good and faithful our Lord is in other areas of our lives. To find empathy and consideration for others is what Jesus constantly practiced as He lived among us, but now as He resides in our hearts, may that be our expression to others: His unconditional love!

cancer · legacy · mom

her legacy

August 17, 2013September 11, 2016 Ally VelsorLeave a comment

About two weeks ago, I received some serious news. After a long day at work on a Saturday night, my mother called me to let me know she’s on her way to the emergency room. I didn’t think it’d be anything to be concerned about because she’s a strong and healthy woman. I look at her and I still see her in her 30’s, raising me and protecting me from evil. The next day, I had a conversation on the phone with my father. In tears, he informed me that my mother might have pelvic cancer. My mom? Cancer?

Ally Velsor

Proclaiming God's promises in our lives together, FOR HE IS FAITHFUL!

Category: cancer