Monday, October 5, 2009

Monday....October 5th....2009

My heart is full so I am writing the blog. I am late doing it as I had a problem getting back on the internet after we left Eugene.

We had a wonderful couples seminar, and I did a good job getting rest when needed, so I am not overly tired as a result. We helped eight couples work together through their issues and learn a lot of tools for communicating. Dave and I were participants in this seminar twenty years ago shortly after we lost our ten year old son, and it was such a help to us that we volunteer to help other couples through the seminar whenever we are able.

I loved getting to know the couples, some from as far away as Connecticut and Alaska, and I hated seeing the seminar coming to an end and saying good-bye. Most to them came up to me to tell me what an inspiration I was personally and Dave and I as a couple. I wish every couple could have the great relationship that we have, and my cancer has only brought us closer. Who would think something as ugly as cancer could have so many gifts in it?

Sadly we got word today that Dave's step sister might have liver, brain and esophagus cancer. They are doing the biopsies now. She is known as "Lil' Sis" on the blog. She lives in California, but hope she feels our love and prayers from afar.

Love and gratitude.....Linda


Dave's Piece:

Tomorrow we start seeing the "Doc's".......first...my "mouth doc"....everything should be fine as the swelling has gone way down.....the incision has scarred over.....the antibiotics seem to be working.... then Wednesday we see Linda's Oncologist to start a Folic acid and B12 regimen in preparation for next week's infusion...he should also finalize plans for this next sequence with us.....then Dave's personal physician to see how his blood and cholesterol counts are doing....and then, finally, the foot and ankle specialist to examine a reoccurring ankle problem Dave has.

Then the start planning for the Florida trip.....

We used the Josh Groban song for Listening Heart....unbelievable.....

Lyrics to Awake by Josh Groban:

A beautiful and blinding morning
The world outside begins to breathe
See the clouds arriving without warning
I need you here to shelter me
And I know that only time will tell us how
To carry on without each other
So keep me awake to memorize you
Give me more time to feel this way
We can't stay like this forever
But I can have you next to me today
If I could make these moments endless
If I could stop the winds of change
If we just keep our eyes wide open
Then everything would stay the same
And I know that only time will tell me how
We'll carry on without each other
So keep me awake for every moment
Give us more time to be this way
We can't stay like this forever
But I can have you next to me today
We'll let tomorrow wait, you're here, right now, with me
All my fears just fall away, when you are all I see
We can't stay like this forever
But I have you here today
And I will remember
Oh, I will remember
Remember all the love we shared today

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

You two are amazing people, and we are blessed to have met you. :) So... now that everything went smoothly with the seminar, you need to keep it that way with all the upcoming doctors' appointments too, okay?! :)

Our thoughts and prayers are with "Lil Sis"... please keep us posted.

Take care, and have a great rest of the week!

Hugs,
Jim and Swee

Anonymous said...

Everyone has a prayer garden where the prayers sent up on their behalf take root and grow with the nourishment of other prayers on top of them. Yours has to be one of the largest I know. Many, many "helping" prayers for you on your "Doctor Day" and I'll plant a new row for Li'l Sis.

Marjorie

Anonymous said...

So good to hear from the both of you. There are so many lives that the two of you have touched, including ours. I will be forever greatful for what we have learned from you-working together in the Champ Car world and through the blog.
John and I just celebrated annother anniversary with gratitude that we found eachother when we did.
Thinking of you often.
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave and Linda,

Sounds like Listening Heart was wonderful for you. Im so glad. That is my favorite seminar. Hope you are nice in cozy in Florida while we freeze here. When can we come? Thanks again for the great dinner and cards. We had fun. You look great Linda and you are definately an inspiration to us all.

Love, Deb

Anonymous said...

Dave and Linda,

Also I am so sorry to here about Lil Sis. I will keep her in my prayers.

Love, Deb

Anonymous said...

If it wasn't for doctor appointments you two would have nothing to do - ha!!! At least they are taking care of everything so that you will be able to get to sunny Florida and heal in the sunshine instead of the cold in Oregon! Looking forward to seeing you in Florida!

Mindy

Jennifer Saucy said...

Glad to hear you both are feeling good. Did you get any snow?? I heard they had a few inches in Bend.
So sorry to hear about "Lil Sis". I will keep her in my thoughts as well.
I'm sure you're both looking forward to Florida. I'm sure the sunshine will help.
Dave, we need to talk about the ski out. I would love to see you and the kids ski in honor of Linda. I will get you info on it. You need to have a team of 5.
My love to you both.

Julie Miles said...

Ray would love to ski in the ski out as well if you need him on your team... He loves Skiing:)