Dad Update: 5/5/2014

"What I've learned from life is that for every inch of sadness lies a foot of happiness ahead. I've learned that the simplest of times brings the grandest of pleasures and that the hardest goodbyes often lead to the best hellos. I've learned that crazy chances guide us to unexpected discoveries and that tough times unveil the sincerity of people. I've learned that you have to hold onto your smile everyday and free yourself of that frown."

I would have never imagined my life would involve normal discussions about Social Security disability, chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatment or numerous types of medication and what they are used for. I would have never imagined this would all be part of my new normal- a life that involves scheduling doctor appointments with Oncologists, a life that involves talking with others about cancer and their treatment options, and a life- that throughout all the mess- is the most perfect life I could ever ask for. 

It's probably a bit weird to say that my life is perfect, as many people would find caring for someone you love with cancer is far from perfect, but what a gift it's all been. Very few people see the world the way I do it now- I don't take little things for granted, I cherish each and every moment with those I love, and I've learned that sometimes you just have to let go and let God. 

I've learned to appreciate the little things in life, I've learned that life is short (way too short) to be anything but happy, and I've learned that sometimes a few beers and good friends is all you need to have the perfect weekend. 

Dad was busy this weekend, which although made him extremely tired, it was so good for him to be out and see friends and family- friends and family that have been with us every step of the way. I came home Saturday to my Mom with tears in her eyes. She and Dad had just returned from one of Dad's co-workers daughter's wedding and I feared that something happened or Dad wasn't feeling well again. She said that the wedding was nice and everyone was so nice to Dad, especially Dad's co-worker. She said how he made it a point to see Dad, and was sincerely happy that they made it out to the wedding, and how (even at the wedding for his daughter) was wearing Dad's gray bracelet. Sometimes the toughest moments in life really do unveil the sincerity of people. It was just another reminder of how blessed we've been throughout this journey with such amazing people with us every step of the way. 

Dad also made a trip to College Station to watch the Figthin' Texas Aggies take on LSU, and with a win for the Aggies it was a great day for Dad. I'm thinking the Aggies might want to invite Dad to every upcoming game, since clearly he was the Aggies' good luck charm. 

I was stopped so many times and asked how Dad was doing, and I truly mean it when I thank people for asking about him. It never gets old to hear that someone is thinking about him or that someone is praying for him, so it never gets old to me to tell you how things are going and what treatment Dad is going through. I've always wanted people to know exactly what was going on, so they knew exactly what to pray for. 

My response to those who asked was, "He's had a really good week." And that's exactly how we take it all, one week at a time, sometimes one day at a time, and other times just one minute at a time. The cancer is not gone, Dad is not considered to be in remission, but there was no more growth and Dad hasn't felt this good since his surgery, and for that we are blessed.

Life is filled with unexpected moments, and I'm slowly learning and grasping that life should be lived from intention and less from habit. 

Keep praying and we will keep fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer.

#GoGrayInMay #MyGrayDay #BTHOBrainCancer