Race for the Cure

Today was the Race for the Cure event downtown. My thrid time particpating. What made this year special was my mom participating too. It is such a moving experience and to be there with a survior makes it even more special. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Good News!

A dear friend of Gary's was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer (early 40's). He had surgery on Thursday and I am happy to report that he is doing well. Please continue to say a prayer for him as he recovers over the next month.

Komen for the Cure

Elijah and I headed downtown early this morning to participate in Komen for the Cure. It was a great experience for Elijah. I have participated before, but it has been a long time. Thank you to those who made donations for our walk.

I'm still sick and now it's in my chest. Needless to say between that and the heat, I was pretty wore out when we got home.

Enjoy your weekend.

One year later

It was a year ago that my sister-in-law lost her battle with breast cancer. Although we were not close when she passed, we have a long history together that dates back to junior high school (most now call it middle school). I wish we could have had that last conversation, but I will always remember what a great time we had at a fellow classmate's wedding reception. I found this poem on the Internet. The home page indicates: "There are over 1500 poems here, many written for special occasions, which you are free to use for any personal or non-commercial purpose."

One Year Ago You Died, and Still We Mourn by Ludwig Senfl
One year ago you died, and still we mourn,
Nor will our mourning end till it be night,
Even as time turns our tears to light
Years hence, when this may be more easily borne.
Each moment of your passion and delight,
As clear as sunshine, bountiful and bright,
Remains our fortune now that you are gone.

When Will It End?

I saw my friend Kevin just before the holidays and it looked like he was doing well. This morning I got a call that he was back in the hospital and has had complications and infection. The details are gross, so I'll spare you, but if you would please continue to pray for him.

Another Update

I went to see Kevin last night in the hospital. He's in a lot of pain, which I am not surprised considering the type of surgery he had. What surprises me is that normally this type of surgery is outpatient and they send you home that day. However, there were apparently some complications during surgery and his heart stopped twice and he stopped breathing once . . . WHAT! No one mentioned it to him or anyone else until hours later when they were admitting him. The marks on his chest from the paddles just went away. His dad told him it must not have been his time. I told him it better not be!

The plan is to release him today, but not for sure. I'll keep you posted. Please keep him in your prayers. I've known him since I was four years old and he is a brother to me. He had helped me through some of the toughest times of my life and he has been with me through the happiest. I don't know what I would do without him.

Kevin Update

My friend Kevin had surgery today. They had to remove "the other one" because of the cancer. He came through surgery fine, but is in a lot of pain. Once the lab reports come back, we'll know if he needs chemo and/or radiation. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Help

First off, I found out that my aunt has colon cancer. She's having surgery on October 30. The doctor says they will need to remove half of her colon. Please pray for her. This C word: cancer, is really bringing me down.

Second, I have some loved ones that are still going through a rough time. They could use your prayers as well. I'm sorry I cannot tell you more, but I wouldn't ask you to pray for them if it weren't important.

When it rains

It Pours!

Well, my mom had surgery on Friday. She's doing very well by the way. Yesterday my dad calls and says he isn't coming over because he doesn't feel well. Next thing I know, he's off to the hospital. He has a major ear infection which was causing him other problems. I bailed him out today and he has to follow up with a specialist.

Some of you may remember, when my mom had her breast cancer surgery almost two years ago, my dad collapsed about two days after and ended up with a pacemaker!

Too much drama!

Race for the Cure

Although my schedule has not permitted me to participate, today is Detroit's Race for the Cure. It's a great cause and has become very dear to my heart over the last six years. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation also has items for purchase. If you are looking for a place to donate to, look no further!

More Prayers Needed

My friend Kevin is back in the hospital. He's having complications from the surgery. They also took some lower lymph nodes to test for cancer, so he's in bad shape all the way around. He could use some prayers if you could say one for him. Thank you.

Prayer Request

On another note, my oldest dearest friend Kevin had surgery today. It looks like his testicular cancer is back. I spoke with him briefly and he is in a lot of pain. I don't know what the results of the surgery were and what the course of treatment is from here, but if you would please say a prayer for him, I would appreciate it. He has been through so much over the last year that he could really use some good news these days! Thank you!

Thank You

Let's see how may titles I can pull from Led Zeppelin songs . . . LOL

Today I received my annual review. It was awesome! I cannot tell you how different it was from last year. I am so grateful for having a boss that truly appreciates hard work. The way I feel about my job today is a complete 180 degree turn from last year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I also wanted to share a story from the past. It is in memory of my sister-in-law who passed away. She battled breast cancer for almost two years. Long before she was my sister-in-law, she was my friend from junior high school. There was this time that I stayed over night at her house. We managed to sneak out . . . We thought we were slick. So, we get out of the house and you would think we have some big plans, right? No, we end up walking around and hanging out in a parking lot! Back then, though, we thought we were something! Climbing back in that window was a $&%#@, but we did it! The really funny thing is that a couple of weeks later, she snuck out, but since no one was staying over, her mom came to see what all the noise was a caught her! I really gave her heck about that!