Howard had patted his tummy about a week ago and remarked: "It's all going right here," referring to some newly acquired weight. "That's NOT where I wanted it!" Paula told him she thought it was actually quite beautiful, our children applauded and added that we'd take it anywhere we could get it, pointing out the newly forming but definite small "love handles." When we arrived at the Center for the fourth chemotherapy session he couldn't wait to get to the scales., He'd worn the same amount of clothes and shoes as to the last visit, just to be sure the weight gain would be accurate.
When he stepped on the digital scale, hoping for at least four pounds more, the 
happy squeals and clapping began. Howard stepped back, took a deep breath, and smiled broadly. Not just the four pounds hoped for, but an additional beautiful new six pounds had been gained. We advised everyone to buy stock in Ensure and Boost which surely had helped in the campaign waged to put on pounds. "Boogity, boogity" as our Cheri can say when the race is on.
happy squeals and clapping began. Howard stepped back, took a deep breath, and smiled broadly. Not just the four pounds hoped for, but an additional beautiful new six pounds had been gained. We advised everyone to buy stock in Ensure and Boost which surely had helped in the campaign waged to put on pounds. "Boogity, boogity" as our Cheri can say when the race is on.From the reading of the scale to the visit with Gretchen (Dr. Hendrick's Assistant) to the results of the blood tests, including white blood count, kidney function, etc. things went the smoothest to date. Another THANK YOU GOD moment. We needed the positive results of this visit more than ever....earlier in the week we had received some of the saddest news we felt we could endure....a valued friend and neighbor had died as the result of a tragic automobile accident.
We realized again in yet another brand new way our vulnerability as human beings to the fragility of life here on Planet Earth. That we must never let the sun go down without expressing our LOVE and APPRECIATION of the irreplaceable people in our lives. And that being 5l years of age as was our friend, is no guarantee that when we leave home in the morning we will be home for dinner. Nor that being 76 and receiving state of the art chemotherapy treatments for lung cancer will bring us extended years. It is the chance we take....a part of the human condition....lessons in learning to LIVE AND LOVE in the moment.
Peace and Love to All
Before our next visit in the next two weeks with Dr. Hendricks herself an additional CT Scan will possibly be scheduled for determining Howard's progress to date.Please, continue, Dear Friends to hold us close in thought and prayer....as do we you. And as the song reminds us, you have truly been "the wind beneath our wings."
YEAH!!!!!!! WHAT GOOD NEWS HOWARD! CONNER
ReplyDeleteWell, Katie finally went to sleep and I got some valuable time with Jeffie before his trip to Las Vegas tomorrow. I know what it is to appreciate it while its here in all things. You have taught me that from even when things seemed routine in just raising kids and eating. For all who read this be sure and take the time to say thank you to a soldier, hug your children, kiss your spouse, and just breath in the air of the day as ALL is precious. Mostly, dont hesitate to pick up the phone when you get the urge to just say hello to someone or say I love you to your parents. Life offers no guarantees, and yet we have so much promise in our lives. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all part of how it fits together to be appreciative of the BEST things in life. Sometimes LIFE is what we treasure most and it gives so much back. Say, THANK YOU. Momma, Thank you for the tender care you give and have taught me all my life. Daddy, Thank you for the thirst for life through sports, motors, and family. You two are thanked silently every day by me for adopting me. My life is better every day for being your daughter; your baby girl. Austin and Katie send love and want to see you all, Spring Break is coming, would love to come visit. Have an uneventfull day, and restfull nights sleep. I will call tomorrow and check on you. LOVE LOVE LOVE ttfn. cheri.
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