Will There be Cows in Heaven?
Finding the "ancer" in cancer
To survive cancer is a miracle in and of itself. To endure and survive it with hope and humility like the people in this book illustrate so courageously is a feat almost beyond comprehension.
In May of 1996, author Mary Matthias began a journey that would forever change the landscape of her life after being diagnosed with stage III endometrial ovarian cancer. After undergoing extensive surgery and chemotherapy, Mary’s cancer continued its insidious spread through her internal organs. Following a second surgery, Mary was told that nothing else could be done, and that her time left on this earth was very limited. However, despite preparations for leaving behind her family and loved ones, Mary is given the encouragement and support to sustain her instinct for survival; and with continued chemotherapy treatment, she was able to beat the tremendous odds for going into remission.
Will There Be Cows In Heaven? is a compilation of stories that the author has accumulated over the years with the unique dual perspective of being both a patient and a nurse with her local cancer care center. With a thoughtful and compelling narrative, the book shares insights and personal experiences that are laced with understanding, encouragement, and inspiration. Using language that is filled with humor and a familiarity that makes you feel as if you know each person as intimately as Mary does, Will There Be Cows In Heaven? will have you laughing, crying, and most of all rejoicing in the strength and wonder of the human spirit that refuses to give up—no matter what obstacles are put before it.
“The weight of this book is not measured in ounces but in wisdom. It is heavily laden with Mary’s insights, her reflections, and her spirituality, which will highlight those very gifts that can come to you or someone else in the darkest hours.”
H. Marshall Matthews, M.D. ~~ as taken from Foreword
“Mary’s stories often lift off the page and drift into spaces in your being that need filling. In this book Mary shares with us many thoughtfully-selected and carefully- nurtured stories that not only entertain but teach, inspire, and heal. Each story, presented in a gentle manner by a tender-hearted storyteller, offers the reader a warm invitation into the story and a unique opportunity to develop and discover his or her own meaningful place in a greater universal story of which we are all part of.”
Tim E. Renzelmann ~~ Patient Advocate/Cancer Coach of Matthews Oncology Associates / Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists
“Mary’s inspirational stories, so beautifully conveyed in her book, are a treasure! Although our life paths intertwine in several ways professionally and personally, my closest and most valued relationship with Mary is as a friend. She has the gift of seeing beyond what is visible ~ of delving deeper into the heart of the matter. Whether it is to comfort or confide, to strengthen or share, to laugh or cry, Mary pulls the essence of each story into a beautiful bouquet for all to breathe in and grow from.”
Marcia L. Donlon ~~ RN, BSN, MS
Vice President Medical Center and Chief Nursing Officer ~ Holy Family Memorial
