I realized this morning that yesterday and today are the first days I've been alone with my kids since all of this surgery stuff began the middle of December. Frankly, they wear me right out! But isn't it amazing how the people around me have rallied and provided so much support to me and my family?!? I'm so grateful for each of you, you have each touched our lives in your own ways. Our miracles have come in the form of prayers, hugs, dinners, regular deliveries of homemade bread, laundry service, cards in the mail, daily help with the kids, sharing your insights and inspirations, rides to the doctor, books and movies for distractions, house cleaning . . . I'm sure I'm not remembering everything. Mat just told me that he received a couple of envelopes today from other choir teachers in the school district. The envelopes contained ideas for lesson plans, in case he needs to plan something quick and miss a day of school for me. He doesn't know for sure, but I have a feeling I know who sent that e-mail out to all the other choir teachers in the district (Laurie!). I want you all to know that we feel very blessed!
This morning, I called the nurse at Dr. Prystas' office to ask her some questions. I was thinking that I needed to get some prescriptions filled before I go in for my first chemo treatment on Monday. She was very nice and told me to just show up and they will give me everything I need. I've been pretty emotional today, that phone call made it "real". Since all of this started, I've been recovering from surgery, so in my mind chemo would start sometime in the future. But it's time to move on to the next step. My plan is to let my kids shave my head Monday night. I'm going to pull it up into ponytails all over my head, let them go at them with scissors and then get out the buzzers. The thought freaks me out a little, OK . . . a lot. My hair is who I am, it will be hard to have people look at me and not quite recognize me. I'll post an "after" picture after the deed is done.
We had the viewing for my dad tonight. My brother, Jeff and his wife Jeri are here from Washington, so my entire family was there tonight and throughout this last week getting everything planned and taken care of. AWESOME!!! I couldn't believe how many people came to give Mom and us love and support! I saw people tonight that I haven't seen in decades, people from Huntsville I knew in my early childhood, extended family members I haven't seen for a long time, and old friends. It was so cool! Dad looked so peaceful and calm. What I noticed most of all was his face. He looked so relaxed, no worrying anywhere in it. I noticed that in the few days before he died, everything was peaceful. It was a very nice event, we're grateful to have so many people rally around and come and support us right now! THANK YOU!
3 comments:
good luck with the funeral today and all the accompanying emotions. *hugs*
Hi Kim - even though I usually don't comment, I appreciate being able to keep up with you and what you're going through. Wow, I can't even imagine. I think you're handling the "losing the hair" thing pretty awesome - and you know, there are some darling hats and beanies out there! So, we think of you often, and pray for you.
We are thankful your dear father is out of pain now. We wish so much we could be there for the funeral but it just isn't possible. Maybe if you could, could you let your mother know how deeply my mom (and dad) are mourning the loss of their brother-in-law and friend. I don't think Mama will ever get over having to miss being with your family for the funeral, and being stuck here with all her complications now! Mama's doing much better, is home now, but has quite a recover now ahead of her.
We love you!
Catherine and Steve
Catherine,
It is so good to hear from you! I wish we lived closer so we could visit more often. Thanks for your encouraging words. This cancer stuff is really overwhelming. I've planned on chemo and baldness for 2 months, but somehow that doesn't make it easier knowing it will happen on Monday. I have always planned on shaving my head before the hair starts to fall out. I want to donate it to Locks of Love, and it is one thing I have control of. I get to decide how and when it comes off!!
I'm glad your mom is doing better! I have always loved your parents and love to visit their house! We wish her the very best recovery, she is in our prayers!
The funeral was a great tribute to my dad, I'll post the specifics on the blog a little later. : ) We are all exhausted, but feeling a great deal of peace at how everything turned out. And, of course, that dad doesn't have to suffer any longer. He is in a much better place!
We love you guys! Hope everything is going well for you and your family!
Kim
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