Food, Furniture, Fun & Family!

Now this blog was originally started to chronicle my journey through dad's battle with the C-word...cancer!  And while most of my posts to date have been a little more on the serious side I think it should be noted that my family also uses humor to cope with the situation.  My sister, Amy Lou-Who as I refer to her these days, termed some of my dad's funnier moments as 'Tumor Humor'.  So I'll share a few tidbits that I personally have found a little funny as we embark on dad's third hospital tour for Chemo treatment. 

First, there is Food!  Anyone that knows my mom knows that she is the ultimate hostess.  She will always have refreshments to offer if you visit her house and rest assured there has not been an individual yet to leave her house hungry!  Lest ye be hungry when you visit the hospital she has prepared her own traveling pantry to make sure that you do not go without food or drink!  No need to grab change for the vending machine...just check out the nightstand for a variety of stashed goodies! 

Speaking of nightstands....it appears that the hospital is putting some of their annual budget to good use and will be replacing furniture!  They removed the night stand today to bring in a new one....or maybe that was done under false pretense so they could check out the goody stash!  Nah...it was legit furniture replacement.  They also brought in new chairs!  Finally a decent reclining chair that mom can use to kick back and get her snooze on!  Though I did hear some begging and pleading had to be done in order to get an extra visitor chair...don't those people know that Pop is a popular man who has a traveling entourage!  Someone usually ends up sitting at the end of his bed....the bed that breathes!  I'm not sure why it's called a mattress because it is anything but cushy...just ask dad...he will tell you.  He will tell you loudly, repeatedly and frankly just how uncomfortable that piece of, I mean that mattress is!  At least he has the love and presence of his family to keep him happy while there...and the nurses and techs LOVE us, we make their jobs much easier! 

Nurse Amy Lou-Who has been with him this week while she is out of school and will be taking on the night shift tonight.  I'm so thankful she can be there this week.  She serves as company for mom, support for dad and ears for what the doctors have to say.  Of course she is also racking up the favorite daughter points too!  LOL!  We have joked forever about being the 'favorite daughter'.  Now she appears to be gunning for my favorite daughter status!  Seriously, she totally threw me under the bus by telling him I dropped the ball with not bringing him Nilla Wafers.  What??  Since I was told only to pick some up IF I got out and that he still had a half a box I thought I was safe in getting them later.  It was certainly safe to other shoppers who I promise would not have wanted to see me minus make-up that particular day!  Alas, we both know who the favorite daughter is...whoever is with him at the moment.  :)   In all seriousness we love our mom and dad and they love us and that is all that matters! 

So as we continue on this journey you can be sure there will be plenty of FOOD..food to be shared if you need a little snack to hold you over until dinner, there will be FURNITURE...maybe not the most comfortable ever made but a place to rest his head (or your bottom), FUN...trying to find the positive in every situation and FAMILY...we will always have each other!  And most importantly our FAITH to carry us through!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Decorations and Declarations.....

From the time he was a small child my youngest son was fascinated with snow globes at Christmastime.  Even now a snow globe is one of the must have decorations that can be found in his room.  Life can sometimes be like that little snow globe.  Sitting still upon the shelf just looking pretty until some  little hands come along and turn it upside down and throw in a few extra shakes for good measure!  What follows the shaking however is the beautiful snow falling and bringing the snow globe and its contents to life.  Our faith can sometimes be like that little snow globe....shaken! But if we take the time to be still and watch we will see that blessings will fall all around us just like the snow in the globe.  Our family has had our 'snow globe' shaken this year but not our faith.  As we celebrate Christmas we will declare our thanks for the many blessings that have fallen around us....family, friends, love and our time together!   From our family to yours a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

JOY to the World!

One of the favorite memories I have of my grandmother's house was a plaque that hung in her kitchen for years. 
On the plaque was:
J - Jesus First
O - Others Next
Y - Yourself Last
Such a simple concept when you think about it.  What a different place this world might be if more people lived this way!   At Christmas time especially we should be filled with love and joy.  Jesus is the reason for the season, it's a time to think of others...those that may be less fortunate or experienicing difficult times, and considering ourselves after all others.  This holiday season has had it's share of less than joyful news for our family.  However we are reminded to put Jesus first and where to place our faith.  We each put others next...often each other when needed.  Happily I will put myself last to see the needs of others met.  So as my favorite day approaches I will take joy knowing that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ who ultimately died for our sins so that we may have the gift of eternal life.  I will take joy in the fact that my family will celebrate another Christmas together and I will take joy in knowing that wherever that plaque ended up, it made a lasting impression on a little girl who still carries the special message in her heart. 

To my dear friends and family may Christmas be filled with much love and JOY!

Season of Miracles!

Season for Miracles!

What a journey it has been so far!  It was only a little over four weeks ago that our lives were changed dramatically with news of dad’s inoperable brain tumor.  Our family rallied together to face our biggest fight yet….brain cancer!  As we began this journey we knew we were going to need another miracle to bring us through.  Immediately the requests for prayers were sent out.  Our family and friends were so very gracious in keeping dad and our family lifted up during this stressful time.  From the very beginning, my personal prayer request was for peace.  Wrestling with the unknown and uncertainties was not an option.  I needed peace.  I wanted peace.  I prayed for peace. And I believed in it.  Only like our wonderful Jesus can do, it was given!  I wish I could find the words to adequately explain, but all I can say is that it was definitely a peace that passed understanding.  Even with doubts, fears and concerns at seemingly every turn I have held tightly to this gift of inner peace.   What a gift it has been!  And now an even greater gift has been bestowed upon our family!  The oncologist delivered wonderful news in regards to dad’s MRI results this morning.  After only one chemo treatment there is ‘dramatic tumor regression’.  Sweet, sweet words to our ears!  Answer to our prayers! Answer to our friends’ and families’ prayers.  Chemo will continue but dad will get to be at home for Christmas!  As a matter of fact he will get to be at home for TWO whole weeks before he has to go back to the hospital.   You hear that Santa?  I already got what I want for Christmas this year so you can cross me off your list!  As for anyone else who may be reading this, the only gift that I would request from you is your continued prayers.  Prayers for wisdom of the doctors.  Prayers for the caregivers.  Prayers for complete healing!  This cancer is not supposed to be curable…only treatable.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to experience another miracle?!    That is what I will be praying for...a MIRACLE!

One more reassurance received today….coincidence?  I think not!  My scripture on my daily calendar for today:     

   When a believing person prays, great things happen!  JAMES  5:16

Thank you to my heavenly father for hearing our prayers!  I BELIEVE!