Enjoying The Rain. Dad Update 12/17/2014

The scripture says, "Rain falls on the just AND the unjust." Even when you have faith, you'll still have difficulties, but when the storms come, you will not be defeated. 

The rain has fallen hard on our lives these last 14 months. Much harder than I ever imaged it would fall, although we've learned how to weather the storm, we've learned to not be defeated, and we've learned to enjoy the rain. 

This weekend I completed my first half-marathon. 
I ran a total of 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Around mile 11, I realized that I was truly crazy.

But, I was running with a purpose. That morning I made sure to wear my "THINK GREY" shirt and a hot pink head band, all to honor a few people in my life who are fighting to BTHO Cancer. And as my legs started to hurt, and my mind was telling me that I needed to stop, I kept focusing on these individuals and continued to grab my two bracelets- one that read 'No One Fights Alone' and the other that read 'Running For Lar'. It reminded me that as I was fighting to BTHO 13.1 miles, as many others were fighting to BTHO Cancer- and that gave me the strength and determination to finish the run. 

I ended the weekend on an unbelievable high, as I was so incredibly proud of myself for setting a goal and completing my first half-marathon. And the good news and smiles continued, as Dad had another great appointment with his Oncologist, Dr. Fleener, yesterday.

We scheduled our next treatment and MRI, which will take place after Christmas and decided to really focus on the Christmas holiday surrounded by friends and family, and not focus on the upcoming scan results. We decided that we would instead, enjoy the our time in the rain.

We also had the chance yesterday to give something back to the Cancer Clinic, to all the nurses and staff who have answered our numerous phone calls about Dad's treatment, who have helped me in filing appeals and fighting insurance claims, and who have comforted us during our treatment sessions. I remember walking back to the chemo center for the first time after Dad's tumor showed progression, and I was in tears. And then I remember one of the nurses coming up to me, giving me a hug and telling me that they were going to take great care of my Dad. It didn't make the tears completely stop, but it gave me comfort in knowing someone truly cared about my Dad and was going to help take care of him. We aren't a number at the Cancer Clinic, we are The Glenz Family, and for that I am so incredibly thankful. 

We handed out Christmas wine glasses to each person at the Cancer Clinic, and we received so many hugs and smiles in return. It was an amazing feeling.

As we finished up the last decorations in the house, and wrapped up the remaining gifts for loved ones, we can't help but look back at this last year and give thanks for the rain. 

Because of the rain we appreciate the holiday season more than we could have ever imagined. Because of the rain we appreciate one another more than we could have ever imagined. And because of the rain, we've learned to find the good in the storm, and we've learned to dance throughout it all. 

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, and asking for continued prayers as we fight to BTHO Brain Cancer!