It's funny how during the month I think...that was cool, I'll post that on my next blog. Then I sit down to share and I think, what should be the focus of my topic this time and what did I try to remember to share? I'll start with the kids: Kyle is still working during this summer, airsofting, and just enjoying the summer before his senior year. Cody is in Football camp this week, U of M football camp, and I hope he's enjoying it while learning from some pretty impressive coaches. He comes home tomorrow so we'll see how awesome it was! :) Katie is in basketball camp, AquatiCats swimming program and has her first meet tomorrow (thanks Grandpa and Grandma for getting her there). They are all enjoying some hazy lazy days of summer. Our family has been working very hard on the yard and getting the pool in. Tom is not up to vacationing and I love to soak up the sun. The kids love to float and swim so Merry Christmas Andrews family our vacation in our own backyard!
Tom is slowly going downhill. He is still struggling to take his Potassium. We've tried the liquid, the powder, and the pill forms. He sometimes can get the pill down, but the other two he can't swallow down due to the nasty taste. Some days he has an appetite, but many days he lives on soups, cereal, or just a few bites of his dinner. He mentioned that he needs more protein drinks for those nauseated days. When Tom was in Detroit last they mentioned that the trial will most likely be extended for another year. He was disappointed as he still would like to move his care back here to our side of the state. I try not to let him get too down. As he told his friend from Ohio, "I start to become a grumpy cancer patient until Val gives me a kick and tells me to straighten up" I just mention to him that life could be much different and that we make of it what we want.
A couple of weeks ago I was talking with a coworker who was having a bad day. Her husband has health issues and her mother is elderly and also needs care. She was feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. I remember tell her that I didn't have great words of wisdom but could only say....You can't be everything to everyone or even someone. I can only hope that when I look back at my life I can say that I did the best that I could. That I have no guilt for what I did and did not do. She said Valerie, that's the best advice and I needed to hear that today.
We need to hold each other up and be understanding with one another during our struggles in life. We all live in precious moments and we don't always "get" what others are going through. I am still so very grateful for so many people that have walked with us these years. I can't thank my prayer warriors enough for what they helped me through. Our road has not always been easy and I'm not sure it will get any easier with this disease and its painful side effects of the drug. But I do know that when I wake up in the morning I am so glad that I have this day (this present) and am determined to make the most of it.
James 3:16-18 "For wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness."
