Back on track....

I have had a heck of a month which explains why I haven't posted in awhile. After my last treatment three weeks ago, I got the full fledged vomiting/scoots/and terrible stomach ache for about 5-6 days....then I woke up after I thought it had ended (this is the beginning of week 2) with a slight sore throat and just a funny feeling in my chest. So, at 8:05 am, I call Dr.Houston's office (still in my jammies with first cup of coffee in hand) and they ask if I can be there at 8:30. We are about 8 minutes from his office on a good day, so I jumped up, got dressed, forgot fluffy and out the door I went. It usually wouldn't be such a big deal to get there but I knew the good doc was getting ready to leave for vacation. After getting some med scripts filled, I went home to rest....and rest some more. The next Monday came (chemo day) and I was feeling about 85% normal for a dying person, so I was kinda sure I'd get my chemo. NOPE!  White cells were way too low and he sent me on my way and scheduled me for today (a week later). All my numbers were WAY up from white cells to platelets to hemoglobin. So, I got my poison administered and was on my way home about 1. BUT...as we just got unhooked from the needles, Neimerg's brought in two fruit pies and two coconut cream pies...so we decided to stay and have a piece of pie. A lady who worked at Neimergs had her husband get chemo from Crossroads in Effingham and she every once in awhile shows up with fresh pies. This lady is paying it forward!! I will thank God tonight (in my silent time after going to bed) for her kindness and ask him to bless her!!
I have been going to bed around 7, just to lay there and have that extra time to talk to God, really think about what I pray for, give thanks for, and praise Him for this life so far. Then I might shed a few tears to think I might not see all of those grand moments a parent or grandparent should get to see or to travel the world since my husband retired almost two years ago.....and something stopped me last night as I laid there feeling that pity and something inside my head said....you are NOT dying yet so STOP the pity party (That would be Jenn with her tough love speaking to me :-) ...or was it God?  It occurred to me I do not have an expiration date stamped on the bottom of my feet, so I will give thanks every day I am able to breathe that cool crisp air.....sip on my latte (being babied by my husband) and eating Chessman cookies. I give thanks for every day I can still go to work, to eat lunch with my grandchildren, to finally get that mother's dress bought for Leslie's wedding. God is giving me the strength to live and I have faith he will give me many more days before I turn to dust.
I give many thanks to God that when I sit at Mass and listen to Fr. Jerry, that I get it.....I FINALLY GET IT! I always end with thanking God for being there on this journey with me.
WHEW......I will stop for now.

Italian Beef Sandwich with a side of chips and pepperoncini for $6.00 is THIS Thursday at
The Gypsy. The snow should be over by then and roads are clear. No excuses to NOT come out and support our Relay for Life team. We have to-go containers if you want to call ahead. Starts at 4:30 to 7:30.  If you can't come, we take donations :-)   We are also having a Thirty One Party later in March but we might have a few books at The Italian Beef night just in case you want to browse or order from it.

God Bless each and every one of you and take time for some silence in your life.

Pay it Forward~~

HUGS!!
Patty

Events Coming Up

The following are fundraisers that our Relay For Life team is doing. All proceeds from the fundraisers benefit the American Cancer Society and the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. Please come out and support us!! I know mom would love to see you!!

ITALIAN BEEF NIGHT
Thursday, February 28, 2013
4:30pm - 7:30pm
The Gypsy in Olney, IL
Serving homemade shredded Italian beef on 6 inch hoagie bun with swiss cheese, pepperoncini peppers, and a side of chips. Carry out is available!!
Cost is $6

THIRTY-ONE PARTY
Saturday, March 9, 2013
9am - 11am
Bart & Jenn Zuber's House in Claremont, IL (Call one of us for directions.)
The customer special for the month of March is awesome! Go to mythirtyone.com/tiffanygrove.

Thank you and please plan to attend at least one, if not both of these great events!!

Written/Posted by Amy Rusk