July 5, 2010

Happy Independence Day! We had a busy weekend filled with cookouts, fireworks, movies, family, and friends. On Friday we met with Dr. Torres before infusion. The nurses have been having a difficult time getting Mom's IVs to take for the treatments so she's ready to have a port put in. We've spoken with Dr. Torres about this and he believes it is a good idea, as well. Hopefully, we'll get an appointment with the surgeon soon to get things moving. Our appointment with Dr. Torres was wonderful, as usual. He's an amazing man and an amazing doctor. He sat down and visited with us briefly and asked about the trip to UPMC. We asked questions and he took the time to answer them all thoroughly. Each time we meet with him I like him more. During the appointment he told us that he prays that he will know the right things to do and find the correct answers in regards to Mom's care. I find it very comforting to know that we have a doctor who not only prays for guidance, but is willing to admit it to his patient. We have been blessed in having such a kind and knowledgeable doctor. Friday's treatment went just fine but Mom has been very tired since then. She missed VBS on Friday to rest and has had a couple naps here and there since then.

Sunday evening our church had a picnic and Becky & Gary Benson were there. Becky was diagnosed with leukemia in June just before Mom and has been undergoing treatments, as well. In December she has a bone marrow transplant and told that the graft took 100%. She is doing very well and looked wonderful last night. It was nice to talk with her and for her and Mom to share their stories. It seems we're building a little support group within our community and everyone can contribute to help pull someone else through a similar situation. I'm sure it's comforting to talk with someone else who truly understands what you are going through and I'm thankful that Mom has people who can relate on levels that the rest of us cannot.

We're getting ready to make a trip to Clarksburg today to meet up with Justin and Allison. It's always nice to get to spend time with them. The time we've shared together since Mom's diagnosis a year ago has become more meaningful. We don't get to see them as often as we'd like, but we all certainly make a greater effort in making time to get together whenever we can. I was talking with a friend recently while painting my bedroom and we were discussing how our family has really "lived" each moment the past year. She mentioned that so often we just let our days or years pass by and do not take the time to really be thankful for what we have. I must say that in the last year, amongst hard times and sadness, we have been blessed with good times and laughter. Things that may otherwise have gone unnoticed, we recognized and were grateful for. I encourage each of you to reflect each day on the blessings that you've been given and to be thankful for them. Be gracious to your friends and co-workers. Cherish the time you have with your family. Make spending time with friends a priority. Thank God every day for another opportunity to be a better person.