It was a good dreary day to drive my sweetness to the hospital at 6:45 this morning for the routine exam we "mature" adults SO look forward to! NOT! After drinking his "special" gallon beverage and having smoothies for ALL meals yesterday, he came out of the procedure with a big smile on his face!
No polyps-everything looks great! These are very sweet words to hear, following three previous procedures requiring removal of several polyps. We are once again full of gratitude. And, also, once again we were placed in one of those "small world" situations as one nurse was originally from the Bismarck, ND area. The surgery nurse was one of those amazing "Angel on Earth" kind of person.
She had a cute turban cap covering her head and wore a sparkly cross necklace, and somehow the conversation led to her sharing that she had had breast cancer. As her story unraveled, so did my heart and tears, (of course-thanks Grandma Rode). She had her final chemo treatment one month ago, had a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery---the whole bit. AND….was diagnosed 2 months after her 30 year old daughter with two small children had been diagnosed with bc! She was one of the most upbeat, personable people I've met, and totally in love with her job of caring for others! It was a humbling time for both Jack and me. I felt as though my journey with cancer was a walk in the park compared to hers. I didn't realize I had actually said the words out loud, until she responded by saying, "I don't think any cancer of any kind or level is a walk in the park." She's right. Doesn't matter to what degree or what type. Just having to say the word: cancer….erases the beauty of the park! Thank God, those feelings don't overtake a persons mind and soul-or at least that was obviously the case with this dear lady. Cancer changes lives-forever-no doubt, but as she and I shared this morning; in our cases, it changed our lives for the better. I think that is often the case. A person's thinking drastically changes from even short spurts of negativism to everyday-sometimes every second gratitude. All the pain, the worry, and the heartache, through treatment dissipates over time…kind of like childbirth. I guess that's a pretty fair analogy, when one thinks of the new birth of a sweet baby after long, painful labor. Cancer survivors are gifted with new birth as well, after enduring the painful-both physical and emotional-time of diagnosis and treatment. With all of that said….I am once again humbled and so very full of gratitude for my life.
You know, when I began this blog-actually my daughter, Jill, set it up for me to help me journal about the whole process, to help me through it-little did I know how right she was! Each time I write, I feel good and right with the world. Journaling is such a valuable tool for life. It helps in so many ways….whether we express our thoughts through words, pictures, voice, or other forms of art, it most always proves to be healing, cleansing, and empowering. I hope if you don't already do so, you will consider picking up a pen. It's simple. It's good. So….(pardon the warn out ad) - JUST DO IT!
Wow! Had no idea THAT was all going to transpire! I had actually just finished talking to the "GARDEN GURU", Ike Carpenter, about my seedlings. (As you can see-I'm a bit concerned with "Jack" living in our home and these beanstalks!!!)
The advice I received was to get them in the ground asap. Spokane natives are adamant about not planting anything until the snow is gone off MT Spokane.
…..sooooo….as you can see, I am in a quandary. I guess I'll take the second bit of advice, and simply plant them soon and if they make it, great-if not, replant. (hmmmm…wonder if Armtech insurance will cover??)
Meanwhile, rather than watch my beanstalks grow to the giant's house, I'll get back to the retreat prep work. Here are the fruits of my labor thus far:
There are still a few spots open, so you're not too late to sign up! AND…the "early birds" get green smoothies!
PRAYER WARRIORS: Please pray for all of those struggling with cancer and other debilitating illnesses, young couples wishing to start a family, parents, so many first responders, police officers, firemen/women, and others who put themselves in harms way to help others, for all the military people; especially our Veterans, for all who are suffering heartache from loss of loved ones, devastating diagnosis, or hard times financially.
Dad's birthday is in 4 days. Even though he died 16 months ago; I miss him every day. Even though I didn't see him often when he was here on Earth; I miss him every day. Even though we didn't talk often on the phone because we both were hard of hearing; I miss him every day. Even though he lived a long, full life for 92 days; I miss him every day. It doesn't matter the age, it doesn't matter how tragic a person's death is, it doesn't matter that one may have had time together at the end; we miss our loved ones every day. I've known since I was a young girl-the value of those we love-I think I was 8 years old when my Grandma Anna died. With each passing day, however, the meaning of treasuring those we love seems to grow stronger and more powerful. It is vital to our spiritual/mental well-being to tell those we care for how much we love them. Often. Always. Every Day. Phone calls are free for most now, with cellphones. And even if they're not, a $2.00 call can be worth more than $1,000,000 to the person on the receiving end.
It's April, the month of Dad's birthday-the 28th, (also my big brother, Harlan's-yesterday) and every year around this time, Dad would bring Mom the first bouquet of crocuses. They are one of my favorite flowers to this day because of that simple, sweet, loving, gesture from my Dad. (He brought smaller bouquets for my sis and me, too) Last Fall I re-connected with an old 4th grade student, Megan Smelser Pennington. Megan (a brand new mommy, I might add!) has small business: Megan's Red Barn Gifts and Backyard Photography. I ordered a calendar from her, and this is the picture that appeared on the month of April.
I had no idea what was in the calendar-actually thought it was old barns (which I love).
What an amazing bitter/sweet surprise this was! My brother, Harlan, read Paul Harvey's poem "And God Made A Farmer" at my Dad's service.
Amazing little "God-Wink" here, for sure!
Megan is an outstanding, gifted young woman-I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished. If you're in the Keene, ND area, make sure you look her up and check out all she has to offer!
Guess it's time to close-until next week. Happy Birthday, Daddy. Miss you.
"Love Each Other As I Have Loved You." John 15:12
