August 1, 2016

owen2 Today we begin counting backwards. I have slowly been counting up to six treatments. Now I get to start counting down as we move towards my twelfth and final initial treatment.

There was a discussion in my home last night. Can I, can dad, can Dan drive himself to and from treatment? There were two people in my household who were very strong advocates of taking away my freedom and right to drive. The truth is that if they were the ones sharing this story they would say they were strong advocates of caring for me and looking out for my health and well being. In the end I saw the care and compassion in their motives. I allowed Rayann to drive me to treatment this morning. She is a much more confident and capable driver than she was just a few short months ago. I enjoyed sitting in the passenger seat, eating my bagel and watching the world go by.

I was relaxing so much that I almost missed the fact that we were no longer headed toward the oncologists. Rayann has taken me to appointments before. I had just assumed she knew where she was going. When I raised an objection and questioned where we were headed she said, “Well, this is the way to the Vets.” “To the Vets!” “I am on my way to get chemo and you think it is a good idea to bypass my oncologist and take me to Owen’s doctor?”

We both started laughing and she quickly changed course and got me where I needed to be.

Rayann dropped me at the door and was off to enjoy her day while I went in to my appointment. As I was checking in I shared my mornings experience with some of the staff in the office. They got a good laugh and soon it was time for my chemo to begin. A short while later I realized I forgot my sweatshirt. I get cold as they give me chemo. Rayann was kind enough to go get it for me…even though I may be a little “needy” these days. As she came into the office to drop off my sweater the staff encouraged her to bring me here and NOT to the Vets for future appointments! That could not have worked any better if I had planned it.

As Rayann came back into the chemo delivery room she was still laughing. “I can’t believe you told them.” Life may not be easy right now…but you can still find things to celebrate and smile about.

May I always be able to see the good and smile no matter what the future holds.

canstockphoto5122750 God is Good All the Time…All the Time God is Good…God is Always Good!

Saturday was Family Fun Day at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square. Plans had been made, publicity was sent to the public, church family, VBS participants and JAM daycare families. Food had been purchased. We had arranged for a mini zoo complete with pony and horse rides. Our praise team was set up and ready to play. The bounce house was all set and ready to go. Everything was in place for a great day of Family Fun…and then it rained…and then it poured. When I say it poured I mean it turned the parking lot into a river and the street below looked like a raging river. What was amazing to watch was that nobody complained. People adjusted plans and went about having a great time in a slightly different way. At one point I was giving some of the children rides up and down the sanctuary aisle on a hand truck. Listening to the laughter and looking at the smiles you would have thought they were in the bounce house or riding a pony across the church lawn.

The weather may not have been what any of us would have chosen if something like the weather was within our control…but we had a great day.

God is Good All the Time…All the Time God is Good [Read more…]