Andy…On Friendship

“You can tell a great deal about a man by the company he keeps.” This proverb may be somewhat clichéd, but it certainly contains a good measure of truth. Mom and Dad have asked to meet several of my friends this evening. I wish it were feasible to flood their home with 100+ guests. I think they would like to place some faces with the many names I speak of regularly. I believe they also see an opportunity to learn a little something about me through the company that I keep (I hope they don’t learn too much!).

I make friends rather easily. Judging from experience and the many comments on this blog, this is a trait I have inherited from my parents. I am extremely grateful for this inheritance. There is little that is more significant in our lives than shared experiences with friends and family. I have come to realize that it is easy, natural even, to be someone’s “Good Time Buddy”. I have had the pleasure of knowing many who are well schooled in the art of having a good time. We all seek out persons who help us enjoy our time here, and those friendships and acquaintances are to be appreciated and cherished. There are those, however, that are there when you really need them. Sometimes, without even being aware, they are lifting your spirits when you are down. This is the “Tough Time Crew”. As was written above, I wish the whole crew could be with us tonight. You’ll be there in spirit and in our thoughts and hearts…just as you always are.

AE

The fitting

Mike had another MRI this morning and then went to the radiation oncology unit to have another mask made to fit not only his head, but his shoulders. We had a bit of an anxious night as we anticipated today's procedures. Mike is such a trooper. He just does what has to be done. Today it was so wonderful to see him emerge through the doors into the waiting area of the cancer center. He looked so great in his bright red shirt with his smile that went all the way around and buttoned in back! It was obvious he was happy that things were finished for today.

We were able to visit and compare notes with our friends who are going through similar trials. We all agreed that we are in the fight together. We pray for each other.

Mike is planning on an afternoon of work. We are so grateful today's procedures are over. We are continually amazed at the way our lives are being blessed every with step. Thanks for your prayers in our behalf.

Rainbows...

In Albuquerque there is almost always a rainbow when it rains. It rained here last night and I caught myself looking to the east for a rainbow against the mountains. There wasn't a rainbow (or mountains for that matter). I think for the last few week's it has been raining at my parents house and they haven't had the sunshine to see the rainbows. Yesterday after dad's surgery the rainbows came back (perhaps there is some sort of reflection off of the gold beads). We had a good afternoon yesterday, and have had a good morning this morning.

Dad went to work this morning after eating organic cinnamon rolls, which are so good he didn't even miss not having frosting. Mom and I got up, ate cinnamon rolls, and walked down to Nana's for banana bread and a good visit.

The kind gestures of family and friends over the past few days have brought the rainbows back to my parents house. We again have things to look forward to doing, and are again ready to combat rainy days with sunshine. Thank you for all of your sunshine... Keep it coming.

Hannah

The Gold Beads...

Mike is home and ready to eat after not having food since last night. A bison burger is on the way. The procedure went very quickly and smoothly this a.m. We left the hospital with Mike walking to the car. Today's difficulty will be trying to keep Mike from working :)

After speaking with the radiation oncologist this morning, we know the radiation treatment is definitely the direction we need to take at this point. The doctors are very hopeful that this treatment will shrink the tumors and Mike will be back in the saddle very soon after the radiation. On Thursday he will have an MRI with a physicist present and Mike will then be fitted for another mask (this one will cover his head and shoulders.) The exacting of the treatment will be figured out and then the actual radiation will take place at the beginning of next week.

Yesterday Mike received a "prayer shawl" which was specifically made for him. It is beautiful and a beautiful sentiment. The note with the shawl said "Shawls...made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusivee, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles..." It is with extreme gratitude that we accept this gift.

We also were participant in a healing meditation with some good friends yesterday. our positive energy was directed at Mike. We were deeply touched by the sentiment of our friends who initiated this exercise with us.

Our optimism is in place. Again you have lifted our arms when they have hung low. We are walking by faith at this point. We will face the next hurdle when it comes. God is good. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.

This morning I read these words to the hymn, "Master the Tempest is Raging"...
Master the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o-er shadowed with blackness. No shelter or help is nigh.
Carest thou not that we perish? How canst thou lie asleep?
When each moment so madly is threatning A grave in the angry deep?
Master, with anguish of spirit, I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled. Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o'er my sinking soul,
And I perish, I perish, dear Master. Oh, hasten and take control!
Master, the torrent is over. The elements sweetly rest.
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven's with in my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer Leave me alone no more,
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor and rest on the peaceful shore.

The winds and the waves shall obey thy will: PEACE BE STILL.
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea, or demons or men or whatever it be, No waters can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and sky. They all shall sweetly obey thy will: PEACE BE STILL, peace be still. They all shall sweetly obey thy will, PEACE, PEACE BE STILL.

We are being peacefully still, trusting in the will of our Heavenly Father.

We are ready to fight!

We are starting a new week. The troops are rallying. (Hannah is traveling from the airport as I write.) We are ready for the little surgery Mike will have on Tuesday and we are ready to radiate those tumors with all we can give them! Mike has a lot to do... and by radiating the tumors he is going to get things done!

Our good friends from Florida stopped by today and will stop by again tomorrow. It was wonderful seeing them and sharing experiences. Mike went to a meeting tonight but wants to be texted when Hannah arrives so he can come home. I even made chocolate chip cookies today... That's a first in 3 months!

We hope you will rally with us this week and pray for a great outcome from this treatment. Your prayers have strengthened us beyond imagination. We are not finished...

We are home from a trip to the lake with some of our friends. It was good to be away from home for a day and night... Mike got to see beautiful Camp Crosley from the water as we boated around the lake. He was pleased to see the new deck which had been built there. We have such great memories of Camp Crosley. From the water we couldn't see the day lillies or the hostas that we helped plant last year, but I am sure they are lovely this year.

Mike slept almost the entire way home this evening. It was nice for me to drive and think with him at my side snoring ever so slightly. We are both tired from the trip, but look forward to the Sabbath day tomorrow. Know of our deep and abiding love for all of you.

Mike spoke in his Rotary Meeting this morning and did a very nice job. He told his cancer story along with speaking about some Rotary projects which he has a passion for in Africa and Mexico. The talk was about adversity.

We hope for a bit of a reprieve from stress and worry this week end. We are all doing well. Hannah is coming home on Sunday. We are looking forward to spending time with her.

Again, the outpouring of your love and support is very humbling and overwhelming. I am thinking there are some thank you notes that I have not sent out... Do you all know how grateful we are for your amazing help and support? I sure hope so. God bless each of you.