Hello All

Oh my gosh!!!!! I just had this whole long post and it is gone! I saved it and it is gone. Okay, I want to cry, but instead, I will try to reproduce it. It has been a while since I posted, so it was long. We had a good couple of days last weekend and are already into mid week with chemo #7 starting today.

Saturday was crazy. I had talked myself out of softball games because Hawley was just a little far. Soooo, when they changed to Haskell, I got the kids up and dressed and got on the road, only to get to Haskell and find out it was moved to Hamlin. Now, I am already as far as Haskell, so you know I am not going to turn around. So we drove a long way and we froze our rears, but it was worth it. The girls played great ball, very fun to watch. This group of girls has been carrying a heavy weight with the loss of a good friend and teammate. They recently experienced what an impact this kind of mental and emotional stress can have and how it can eventually manifest itself. It was a huge reminder that we are all human. While many of us have strong minds, and others are great athletes and still others have the biggest hearts - none of us can acheive alone. We cannot carry the weight of the world inside of us and think we will not stumble. We have to give it up to God and know that he will carry it for us. This is a great group of girls and we are so proud of all of their accomplishments. No matter how far softball takes them, they are #1. Good luck to both the girls softball and boys baseball teams from Windthorst on their playoff run.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Austin. Where has the time gone? Where did my little 4 and 1/2 pound peanut go? Only a couple of more weeks and I will have a child in high school!. It can't be. We enjoyed a great family day on Sunday to celebrate his birthday.

Mark's chemo last time was pretty uneventful. I was convinced they had changed his dosing, but I was wrong. Just his lucky week I guess. Today started #7 and he is already a little drained. His potassium is low again and he just got over another bout of thrush. Just a constant "fixing" of all the little things. Again just little things in the grand scheme of it all.

I just have to put in an extra little note for a special prayer for my friend. I was crushed recently to find out about a friend who was diagnosed with cancer. Melissa and her husband Jeremy are a young couple in their 20's with 2 young children. She has had surgery and is scheduled for more surgery tomorrow and will follow with chemo and radiation. I know how strong this young family is. Both of Jeremy and Melissa's children were born with congenital heart disease. They have both undergone multiple surgeries with anticipation of more and ongoing monitoring. I have seen them rise up to this challenge with amazing faith and strength. I know that right now, this whole new occurence of events seems unthinkable. I just pray, pray, pray for her and her family during this difficult time.

Much love to all, I must get back to work. Missy