a deef grief-overwhelming at times, isn't it?

The funeral service is done. What can I say about it? It was beautiful. The video that Kelly had put together played numerous times before the service, and it reminded us of precious memories of Kate. The service had alot of music/singing which Kate loved. Tributes were sung and read.
Now's the hard part. How do you move beyond the busy-ness of planning the events that were done, and deal with the actual loss of a loved one. A deep aching sadness just overtakes. Last night Del, I and the boys went to a friends house to spend time together. I looked at pictures that had been taken yesterday, and it really hit me of all the precious people and precious time we're given. I really grieve for the immediate family in the loss of a daughter and a sister. Bethany's best friend is not there to laugh or talk to, Tyrone and Kelly will plan a wedding and future family and Auntie Kate will not be their "right hand man", Nathan will not have his big sister cheering on his favorite sports with him, and Rog & Anita, well, they will have to lay their dreams to rest that Kate had so much potential and promise for. Yes, they can focus on precious memories, but it's so sad and difficult for me to imagine moving beyond and coping with this. They will, I know that. But, in the mean time, how do you put your feet forward and keep moving?
Thanks to my friends who tolerated me last night. Friends are amazing. Del and my boys are amazing. I have a great support system. They have put up with and helped with arrangements. They've tolerated the disaster in our house so we could help someone in need. Kyle had a birthday on Tuesday, and we did not get to spend it with him, but he knows that was necessary. We certainly appreciated Rol, Laureen, and their kids for making the day special for him. Thank you!
Yesterday also reminded me of 3 years ago when we came so close to losing Jayde. A miracle is what saved Jayde that day, and we are so thankful for that. To lose a child-I can't imagine anything worse. I can't imagine picking up and carrying on having lost him. Our boys are so precious!! It also makes me wonder why Roger and Anita weren't granted that miracle as well. If only we could give that to them.

Yeah, my heart aches for them.

Funeral Date Change

Wednesday, July 30

Funeral Schedule Change

Tuesday, July 29/08

Private family viewing @ 10 am

Public funeral @ 3 pm with public viewing prior to the service-hall

Burial to follow-church cemetary

if I could turn back time.........

Kelly, Tyrone, Nathan, Bethany, Katelyn, Roger & Anita
Katelyn, Nathan, Kelly, Tyrone, Bethany
Katelyn at her summer job at Hecla Provincial Park

Thursday night we settled into our campsite. Friday morning the phone rang and my brother Roland informed me that my niece, Katelyn, Roger's oldest daughter, had passed away in a car accident that morning. A quick pack up and we were on our 4 hr ride home. Feels like forever when you'd like to be there with your family.

What can we say at a time like this? Words cannot describe the deep loss of a child. For my brother and his wife, there will never be a way to make up for the loss of their oldest daughter. For her brothers Tyrone and Nathan, and her sister, Bethany, this will be such a huge loss. They were such a close knit family. Katelyn was the easy going, vivacious, smiling young woman, who touched everyones lives she had contact with. She made you feel like you were the most special person in the world. Her eyes connected with yours, she had a genuine smile, and she really cared about how you were, and what you said. At her young age of 18, she has impacted the people she connected with. Kelly, her sister-in-law to be, will miss out on the upcoming 'sister' moments. What a blessing to have made the most of the time had together.

An informal viewing service will be held on Tuesday evening, with the funeral to be held on Wednesday afternoon, in the local town hall.

Can you ever prepare yourself for coping with a loss such as this?? I don't think so. Yes, a very tragic loss. It's so difficult to say good-bye. Yes, she's in a much better place-we wouldn't want to take her away from Jesus' side. But, we loved her so much-we don't willingly give up a loved one. Our tears are for our loss, our inability to see us live without our loved one. We grieve for the loss of a special life, full of promise and potential. Yet, we have joy in the knowledge she is with Jesus, smiling, being with other loved ones.

Oh, to be able to turn back the clock and start over. Thursday night could be done again. If only..................

Remember the blessings we have........... remember and focus on the times together.................... be so grateful for the family time together 10 days ago....................... thankful for the pictures and video taken on our family weekend.....................

Hug the people around you. Be grateful for friends and family. Appreciate and value family and friends.

Hold your kids extra tight tonight!!

vacation-here we come!

Yay! a week of vacation! We are getting ready to head out for a 3 night holiday. We are going to camp this weekend and attend a small town rodeo and fair. We've wanted to do this forever, and the time has come to finally do it! Quick update of our lives.......
Last Saturday I completed the last night of three at work. What a relief. On Sunday I was a lazy bum. I couldn't get enough sleep. I slept till noon, and was up for a few hours, then napped again. Del & the boys had a relaxing day with me. I did get up though and Del & I went for a bike ride around the section in the evening. Then Del & I went for a ride, checking out the fields. The water had certainly done it damage. I was worried I wouldn't be able to sleep that night, but no problem there!
Monday, was catch up at home. Did laundry, cleaning, weeded the garden........ even did some farm book work. Tuesday, completed a bunch of odd jobs at home. Tuesday was our 19th Wedding Anniversary. Wow, that time has gone quickly! Del & I went to the city for supper and went shopping. Groceries, and such. I love shopping with Del. I don't get to do it enough any more.
Wednesday, back to work for a 12 hour day. Had a busy day at work, so 12 hours went by fast. It looked like it would be overtime in the evening, but that last hour we worked like crazy and caught up. Our hospital has 16 beds in total, as well as an Emergency Room. There is an adjacent 40 bed Personal Care Home, as well as a Medical Clinic, which has 3 doctors at present. Our staff at the hospital is 1 RN &1 LPN at all times, and a health care aide from 7-3 on Monday to Friday. This is sufficent when all is calm and the hospital isn't full. But you add a busy ER, high in patient numbers, and heavy care in patients, and it adds up to some very crazy days!
This morning, Thursday, I had my turn in taking my mom for radiation. It actually is a special time with her. She either wants to talk, or sit quietly. Either one is fine. She is holding up quite well. Shes coughing a bit more the last few days, which seems to be effects of the radiation. We went shopping for some groceries for her, and she wanted to look for some plants. Thats a good sign when she wants to look for plants. She's actually developing a plan for their yard. A month ago, she would not even consider anything regarding the house or yard. 5 more treatments to go and then she gets a bit of a break.
Alright, we're off.......Have a great, safe weekend everyone!

One to go....

Good afternoon. I am on a stretch of 3 nights at work. Night shift is my least favorite shift, and I'm working 3! A friend of mine worked some shifts for me a couple of weeks ago, and now its time to work it back. Nights are the worst for me cuz usually I can't sleep during the day. If I get 3 hours of sleep, I call it a bonus. Well, after the last 2 nights, I have slept 5 1/2 hours and today, 6 hours. Miracle! I don't know what happened! But, I'll take it. So, one more to go and I'm good for nights for a couple of weeks.
Del tried to bale last night and today. What a mess. The field is wet and so the hay laying on top is not drying too fast. Should be some real good quality hay! Not! Everyone is in the same boat-literally. Poor cattle, they get stuck eating whatever is given them.
Just talked to my dad and mom, and they're pretty excited their house in Steinbach is probably sold. They have been a little anxious about getting rid of the house, and it would be a huge relief to them to get rid of that.
I'm cooking pizza on the BBQ tonight. My imagination is running a little dry, and thats as far as its going. Pizza, bread sticks, and pineapple. Yum, the pineapple is awesome!
Thats it for my note today. Got to get ready for night shift.......

My big brother, Roland
My other big brother, but not quite as ___-Roger
Mom and Dad's 'new' house
The Friesen pedicure-Michelle got to do Grandma's feet
Del 'enjoying' the water in our front yard-last Saturday-post truck pull

My sis , Vicky, and her kids
My brother, Roland,his wife Laureen, and their family
My brother, Roger, his wife Anita, and their family
Our boys, Jayde & Kyle
Del & I relaxing!

Back to everyday life......this has been a quiet week of sorts. I've been cleaning up from the weekend. Sleeping....coping with the everyday rain. You'd think we live on the coast!

Monday I was at home I think. Tuesday, I took my parents to Winnipeg. Mom had three appointments. 1) radiation 2) counsellor 3) mammogram. Did some quick basic grocery pickups and developed the weekend pictures. I even made enlargements for my living room already. Tuesday evening, Andrea had us over for supper. She is amazing! Great supper and even better relaxing evening. Wednesday-I spent an hour on the phone getting my internet going again. Then I spent 4 hours trying to hook up and cable up my laptop/home computer/anything, to try and get the videos from the weekend onto DVD's. Oh I wish I was a little more intelligent regarding computers. So, finally last night, I got a hookup onto a DVD recorder in my bedroom and made 1 DVD. Wouldn't you know it, the video was 2 minutes longer than the DVD had room for. And yeah, I could cut it off, but it was a really good song at the end! So, today, I bought more DVD's, and I tried to get it going again, but its not working. I guess it needs specific DVD's, and I didn't buy the right ones! UGH! This morning I did a quick trip to town and brought Del lunch-along with his boss and other workers-and then I came home to nap. Yes, I'm back at work tonight. I am starting 3 twelve hour nights. On a summer weekend. Maybe there will be a blessing with the rain.

Mom is half done with the radiation. Shes holding up quite well.

I'm running out of projects for the boys. I think I'm gonna get them started on cleaning out our bush. I'm not comfortable giving them a chain saw quite yet, when I'm not around. So, maybe I'll have them pull out deadfall and they can cut it up when I'm home. I don't know.

Alright, I'm off to dream up a supper thats fit for this family. Do you think grilled cheese will do?? :-)

Friesen family weekend together

Saturday afternoon-due to the weather, alternate plans took over, and the females in the group did pedicures......
The men went for a ride to see where mom and dad lived originally, and then they did a 'truck' pull-chevy vs. ford-
As you can see, the rain settled in our yard. Del tried to do some 4x4ing, but could not get stuck. I think he was hoping Rol would have to get his vehicle dirty and pull him out!
Some of the men were man enough to get their feet done as well.
After supper, Rol and Laureen arranged indoor activities for the family. In this one, the two teams had to replicate a photo of mom and dads farm. It was a relay where each person had 30 seconds to add to the picture. Mom was to decide who the winner was, but of course, she called it a tie.

Vicky and her kids
Roger, Anita, and their kids
Del & I, and our boys
Roland, Laureen, and their family
My mom and dad with their original 4

My mom and dad with the 50 beautiful roses the Friesen family in BC sent them!
Mom and Dad with their children and spouses.
The anniversary couple
The whole family!
Yeah, the family made the original six sing. Dad made it through....

So, yes, the Friesen family had a great weekend. Hopefully the above pictures give you a window into our good times. The weather definetly wreaked havoc with our organized plan of outdoor activities and mosquito war. But, then we had no option but spending time together inside, in close quarters. We spent alot of time listening to old music, looking at old pictures, played games, doing hair, feet, and nails, and of course, eating. Lots of good food! Sunday morning was our version of church. Started with singing, and then everyone could add whatever they wanted. Justin played/sang a song he wrote for the occasion. Alyssa, Michelle, Stacey, and Keith's wife-Stacey J-, sang a song. I presented flowers to mom and dad from his brother and his family. I was supposed to read a poem they'd sent, and of course, wimpy me took over, and Roger had to take over. Then someone had a bright idea and suggested my sister and I should sing. It wasn't the time to say no, so we tried, and did it. Then it wouldn't stop. My parents got called up and the original family had to sing. My dad was the strong one and actually finished the song. (I guess having a hearing problem is a good thing sometimes!) For those of you who are wondering why all this was done, our family grew up singing together. I remember when I was little, we would sit almost every evening, and play music and sing together. Then when the boys had left home, my sister and I sang together. Alot. Church events and such. So this was a walk down memory lane. Rol would play guitar, Rog would play accordian or guitar, and we'd all sing. Those were the days.......

Yes, it was an emotional 'service', but I guess its important to have those moments. Yes, we were celebrating a special occasion-50 years-, but it was also a time of togetherness working through the grief that cancer sends our way. I know everyone was thinking 'is this the last time we're together?' -and that is natural to think this way. It's good to realize that time together is important, and to savor it. It's too bad it takes an illness to remind us of the value of family and friends.

So we capped off Sunday by Roger playing the accordian, after I begged him. That turned into a sing song of sorts. Roland's new deck was awesome. We got to relax outdoors, listen and sing together, and enjoy the beautiful evening. Clean up was done, and everyone went home.

We then went for a crop checking ride and picked wild flowers. Great way to end an awesome weekend. And as my boys said last night, why don't we do this every year???? Good question!

summer days....

Oh, the lazy days of summer..........who wants that anyway?? I think they must be overrated! Not! Maybe next year.
We had a great time camping last weekend. I'm embarrassed to admit that we didn't even go to the beach at the campground. We played cards, read, slept, biked, ......but did not go to the beach. We had planned on going on Sunday, but the sun was hiding behind the clouds, and it was windy, so it was easiest to relax by the camper. It was still good.
We got home fairly early on Sunday evening, so it was nice to bring everything in from the camper. Then Del & I went for a ride to check all the crops. Some look better that others, and some, well, don't look as 'hot'. When we got back home, I went and sprayed some Roundup to try and take care of some of those weeds that are growing like crazy after all the rain!
Monday, I think the boys & I were at home, while Del went to work. It rained off and on all day, so we did some inside work, and eventually we went outside in the drizzle to set up some lights. Then we filled in the big holes Del had dug out for draining the front yard. I think I made more of a mess than anything. Del is so much better at maneuvering with the tractor and bucket. We were almost finished filling in the dirt when it started to rain again. I went inside to phone our local councillor to inquire if there was any decision regarding making a ditch on our side of the road. He wasn't in, but he did call back when Del got home, and told Del the work would start as soon as permits were issued. I can hardly wait. It will be a mess, but the outcome will be worth it! I even made a real supper on Monday-wareneki & vorscht. Perogies and sausage. My families favorite meal.
Tuesday morning was an early start for me as I got to take mom and dad to the city. I flushed dads ears before we went as his hearing aid is on the fritz, and he doesn't hear much of anything without it. What a day for it not to work! 9 am at Cancer CAre. And my siblings did me proud! They were all there, with their spouses. Then the waiting game started. I expect alot of waiting when we go to specialists, but it still makes it hard when you have 10 people with you, all with places to go! First mom seen the nurse, then the resident, then the oncologist-who ordered a chest xray-then to xray, back to cancer care to see the oncologist and resident, then off to lunch for 45 min, then back to see the radiation specialist. Left at 215, to return at 350 to see the radiation people for radiation simulation. Left the hospital at 430. What an excellent group of people! The people in this field are so calm and gentle. It felt like they actually cared about their patients. So the good news was that the bone scan and brain scan did not find any cancer. Then the decision was made to start with radiation as the lymph nodes at the middle of the lt lung needed to be shrunk, to relieve irritation prior to chemo. mom is scheduled for 3 weeks of radiation-every day, mon-fri-for a total of 15 treatments. This will be followed by a 2 week rest, and then a form of chemo. Decisions regarding which chemo, will be made following the stint of radiation. Prognosis is not good, but the treatment will focus on relief of symptoms, not a cure. So, Anita took the first trip with mom yesterday, and Laureen will go today. 15 minutes in radiation and they're out of there.
Today, I have a long list of stuff to do. Hopefully we can cover ground here. Cut grass-if the mower ever shows up-, whipper snip, haul garbage, bake, hoe the flower beds, set up volleyball net, laundry, wash Jayde's hockey equipment........should have done that a few weeks ago! have to get my boys out of bed, and then we are going to work like a well oiled machine!
Tomorrow is Friday, and the weekend begins. I am looking forward to having family over this weekend. I'm hoping we have alot of fun together, focusing on good memories.
Del has been cutting hay the last couple of evenings. I think he's planning on finishing the field tonight, and then dry baling it whenever its dry. Probably Saturday afternoon. Thats just not something that can wait for a convenient time. Thats life. Make hay when the sun shines. We're just hoping the sun will shine.
My nephew, Tyrone, popped the big question on Tuesday. Ty & Kelly are engaged. Haven't heard when they're planning the big day. I'm so excited for them. This will be such a positive thing to focus on this weekend!
Got to get my camera and video camera ready for this weekend. We're planning 'Friesen church' for Sunday. My dad is really set on regular church services, so we've decided to do our version of church on sunday. My family has historically at all family gatherings, taken time to sing together. As a family, we've sang together since we were all little-every evening when we lived at home. So we're planning to do alot of singing together. Then, Alyssa has put in alot of time in preparing a video of 'thru the years' for us. We'll do this, and whatever anyone else wants to say or do. I'm planning to video tape the singing portion. I have a couple aunts who will appreciate this, and Mom & dad will be able to watch it later as well. Now, its no more planning, its just time to have fun and do it.
I missed Wednesday in my list of what we've done. I got to go to work yesterday. Busy, but good. Worked with a good group of people and that makes it so much easier to go to work.
I'm off to get my day started........

Quick note

I'm going to work in a few minutes, so a quick line regarding my mom. I'll get into other details in my next entry, but here's yesterday in a nutshell-
-bone scan is clean
-brain CT show no cancer
-3 weeks of radiation starts today, followed by a 2 week rest, and then chemo
-had a great time shopping for groceries for this weekend with my mom

Adios-I'm off-Have a great day!
p.s.-thanks for the prayers of support and encouragement!

alternative medicine-no, I don't want your remedies

Getting right to it today. It's been on my mind, and coming out of my mouth. Now it's time to put it in words.
Alternative medicine. Someone has a cure for everything it seems. And everyone seems to have a different solution for ills. What the heck is going on? Is it a big money maker, a scam of the mind, an ego trip, a control thing????? Maybe I should develop some wonderful concoction and market it; i may be able to quit farming!!! :-) No, I'm not a believer in all this stuff. Yes, I'm a medical professional, so I'm trained to think that way. But I do have a mind of my own, and I do try to use it to think outside of the box. Like who doesn't want a fix to all their problems?? Miracle in a box? Yeah, we all want a quick fix to solve and take away all our issues. Not just medical ones. We are truly a selfish society. We expect the world to revolve around us, and NOW!!! But, who are we to play God's role in what happens to us medically. I don't mean to be lazy or an idiot about medical care. You have to be responsible with the body you have. But didn't God give medical personnel minds and wisdom to use to our benefits? And when you have the facts and research data in front of you, isn't that the easiest way to approach the situation? Our country has a wonderful medical system. Yes, some days it sucks in administration and wait times, and lack of beds, but in quality of care, we are on top!! No, I haven't checked out the competition, but I've worked with enough transplanted medical personnel to have listened to the stories from other countries. Then check out the bios of some of the professionals in their fields of expertise-amazing, really!! Who can mess with the history, research, proof, and experience of the people in these fields??!! Okay, you say, I'm ignoring all the 'proof' and 'research' of traditional alternative therapies. I admit, I'm not very educated about the specifics of alternative medicine. And, Yes, I will buy a book next week to study up on it so I know what I'm talking about. But, to take a 'quick fix', or a 'miracle cure', which is most likely expensive, unresearched, unproven, and takes people away from their families, well, it makes me ill to think of who is taking advantage of the people who are struggling with dealing with grief. I don't want to come off sounding sick or full of myself-but, I 'enjoy' working with cancer and Palliative Care nursing. It's a special science. It's about preserving dignity, respect, and taking the most courageous route in one of the important, but sad, passages in life. It's very difficult. People don't want to say good-bye. Who wants to say, I want to let go of my loved one?? People don't want to live with guilt over making end of life decisions, and having to take responsibility for this. But, reality is, we all have to go at some time. When the odds are against you, you look at the diagnoses, the test results, the patient/person/family member in front of you-the pros and cons need to be weighed. It takes a courageous person to come to grips with quality end of life. Not everyone comes to the same conclusion, and certainly the time frame for everyone to work through this issue, is very different. Just because my friend can do it in one day, doesn't mean that my struggling can't take a week! Respect, dignity, acceptance, .........and more of the same. That brings me back to alternative modes of treatment. I do have a problem with people offering all different forms of 'healing'. Do simple conversations have to turn into modes of treatment? Just a kind listening ear, and a simple "is there anything we can do for you", would be sufficient.
I had a visit with a friend yesterday, who has had cancer, received treatments-chemo & radiation-, and is now 'cancer-free'. Rumor had it that this person had dabbled in alternative medicine. I didn't think this had happened and had to clarify my take on the situation. They suggested they had tried a 2 week period of a herbal concoction, just to satisfy family members, and then had stopped. Due to feeling ill from the concoction, angry at the pressure from the people selling the stuff, and a general waste of money. ( a great deal of money)!
It concerns me that the search for a cure takes people on a journey-emotional, and sometimes, physical-that will take them away from their loved ones during a time which should/could be dedicated to quality time together.

End of sermon!! :-) P.S.-I don't disrespect anyone wanting to try or is using alternative treatment, but please be wary of why you are involved. And to take vitamin supplements, (approved), and to eat well, by all means, should be done anyway! Healthy living is always a good thing.

You may get the drift from the above rant that my mom is on her death bed. No, she's up and coping. She is scheduled to have her 'big' oncology consult on Tuesday morning. 9 am. I have asked all the siblings to be present at this pow-wow. I think it would be good for everyone to hear all information first hand, and be able to ask questions, and discuss this with the professionals. My parents need the support as well. So, it will be a time of bonding, I'm sure.
I spent the afternoon with my parents at the docs yesterday. That was quality bonding!! Oh, to have the patience to deal with families, eh? We don't pay our docs enough!! (had to throw that in) My mom came home on Wednesday evening. She is coping with her illness as best as can be expected. I've been so proud of her. She is being very strong. Yes, she's dreading Tuesday. who wouldn't?? But, it's part of the course, and I truly believe she's ready to hear what will be said. Decisions will need to be made regarding treatment. I believe chemo will be offered, and maybe radiation as well. I guess it might make a difference what the scan reports will show.

Yesterday morning, I spent time doing paperwork, laundry, house cleaning, and tried to increase the efficiency of the computers internet issues. Went town in the afternoon, was going to clean out stuff in the garage at my parents, but that kind of got way laid by other stuff. Got home at 530, and cleaned up another pail of strawberries. Oh, yeah. when I got home from the city on Wednesday after bringing home my mom, i got to go pick up 7 pails of strawberries from my inlaws. They have a large strawberry patch which they pick and sell strawberries from. I went to pick up my berries, and lucky me, got to pick the greens off all evening. and watched TV while I did that. So, Yesterday, I cleaned the last pail, and made 2 strawberry pies/cakes. Took one to Garvis & Andreas for supper. She was such a sweetheart and had us over for supper last night. MMMMMmmmm, it was wonderful. Chicken, chips, roasted potatoes and veggies, and fresh rye bread.
I know this is a terribly long post, but I have to add one more item. If you've read till here, you are to be commended. I have to brag about my boys. They are not perfect, and they have their moments where they don't get along as well, but they are wonderful. I have made them lists of jobs this week, and they have done them, while I've been away. Here's some of their list-wash windows, cut grass, clean out garage, sweep floors, whipper-snip long weeds, fill drain holes with dirt (in the lawn), set up pool, maintain flowers...... And they have not complained. Del and I are so blessed.
We are leaving for a short 2 nights of camping today when Del gets home from work. I can hardly wait! Enjoy the wonderful summer weekend!

Be positive!

What beautiful summer weather we are having!! I love the blue skies and sunshine! The breeze is an added bonus. I'm not a typical 'hot' person. I don't relish being in the heat and humidity. It seems to drain the life right out of me. So, if we get a breeze with the heat, that makes it wonderful! And how about those mosquitos! Last evening, I was outside pulling weeds, and all was going well. Then like someone flicked a switch, and the beasts descended! Anyone have a solution for a large farmyard taken over by swarms of mosquitos? A couple citronella candles just doesn't seem to do enough! :-)
Monday morning we enjoyed our sleep-in at the campground. Then we packed up and were home by 2. Quick unload for me, while the kids did the rest. I hit the bed for a little nap before heading to work. Had a quiet 12 hr night. You never know on those nice summer nights, especially surrounding the holidays. We hear the emergency services pager/dispatch for the region, and the other facilities were not having a quiet night like we were. We count our blessings, cuz it usually comes to get us sometime.
Tuesday morning, I tried to nap between the ringing phone, and Del went to work. No, the farmers don't take off July 1, like everyone else. They still need to purchase chemical. He had Monday off in leu of Tuesday. Garvis picked up the boys to do the local fishing derby. They had a great time. I met Garvis at 1 to pick up the boys. What a great deal. For a cheap registration fee, everyone gets to fish, free hot dog and drink, and take home a prize. (regardless if you've caught a fish!) Jayde picked a fishing net, and Kyle chose a NHL sleeping bag. Great prizes! I'm not sure who donates or buys the prizes, but it sure is a hit! 120 registered fishers! (terrible english, I know!) The event is sponsored by the Elks, so maybe they donate it all, I don't know. The local Elks group does a fair bit of fund-raising/sponsorship in the area. So nice to see a group like that make things work!
Tuesday afternoon, I felt so lazy. Between the heat and lack of sleep, it was hard to motivate me out of the house. But eventually I did, and we set up the pool, cut some grass, did laundry, weeded the flower beds, and cleaned the kitchen. Then in the evening, Del and I went for a 'short' bike ride to Rol's house, for a visit. We just invite ourselves over, unannounced, and take over their kitchen table. They're never honest enough to say they're going away, so they're stuck visiting with us!! Had a wonderful visit, and even planned our Friesen family anniversary weekend-its coming in 10 days!!
Today, I am going for a massage this morning, (a quick one! :-() and then I'm off to the city with my dad to hopefully bring home mom. She had her surgery on Monday to evacuate her pleural fluid and inject the powder to seal off the pleural area. They have to keep her chest tube in until it stops draining. I haven't heard it confirmed but we're thinking the tube will come out today and she'll be able to come home. I'm picking up my dad to either pick her up, or we'll visit her if she has to stay longer. He didn't want to go earlier to day as he needs to do some catch up in their yard. He was in the city from Monday morning until last night. My wonderful niece, Alyssa, 'volunteered' to take them in (thanks, lyss!), and they stayed overnight at her house to save a trip back yesterday. My dad doesn't do hospitals very well. He also doesn't do patience very well! So that combination makes it interesting.
The boys are staying home today to cut grass and wash windows. No, my boys aren't perfect, and they love to goof off, but they are wonderful helpers!!
Yes, we're hanging in there! Those of you wondering about our mental status, we are still one foot out the admitting door. I think. People hanging around us might wonder some days. It doesn't do any good to worry about tomorrow. Prepared for tomorrow maybe, but not worry about it. EAsier said than done, tho!
We are planning a short camping trip this weekend, and that helps to focus us for today. Got to get it done, so we can go away. Then its onward to next weekend. What a relief to not have a 400 people party, but it would be such a relief to have to worry about a big party instead of dealing with the BIG C! Cancer takes its toll on way too many people. Everyone gets touched by it. I can't think of anyone who hasn't had to deal with someone with the disease. And if you haven't, count yourself among the fortunate few! But, its not a death sentence the way it used to be. There is always hope, and that has to be the focus of anyone diagnosed with the dreadful disease. Fight hard, and fight positive!!
Enjoy another summer day!