Ralph, out standing in his field

Here's Ralph at the community garden in Granville, Ohio. My mom and dad really enjoy their time in the garden. My dad is especially pleased with his sweet corn crop. He visits the garden at least three times a day. It's a short walk from their condo.

Dublin, OH reunion

My mom and dad recently joined long-time friends from Illinois at a golf tournament in Dublin, OH. They spent the weekend watching golf, dining at some terrific restaurants, visiting by the pool and shopping.

Pictured in the front: Jim, Norma, Andi
In back: Ralph, Dixie, Vickie

You're always hearing from me, so this time, I'm including comments from Dixie and Vicky.

From Dixie: I was thrilled to see your mom at dad in Ohio this past week. We (her friends in Illinois) have been so worried, but seeing your mom looking so well and sensing her strength as we talked gave renewed hope. She and your dad are inspirations.

I had assumed Norma might tire easily, and since I was recovering from a fractured knee and was wearing a leg brace, I thought my slower speed would match Norma's. I was so wrong! As I couldn't keep up with her, she kindly adjusted her pace to match mine. We enjoyed short shopping excursions, pleasant dinners and plenty of time chatting and relaxing by the pool. All of these were things we have done many times in the past, but this time the memories will be even more special because they were highlighted by hope.

From Vickie:I had such a great time and really got to relax on this golf trip. I loved spending time with Norma and Ralph and feel so much better that I got to see them.

Life can only be understood backwards.
It must be lived foarwards.

-- Soren Kierkegaard

This quote seemed fitting to me today. There are days when too many un-answerable questions enter my mind. Big questions. This little quote brings me back to the present. My mom likes it too.

Norma was scheduled to have chemo round 4 this week, but her white blood count was too low. Maybe next week. She was fine about it because it meant she got to play bridge with her buddies and attend grandson Paul's event at school without being nauseous and tired.

Thanks everybody for continuing to send cards and letters to my mom. They brighten her days. And her and my dad enjoy the gift of a meal from time to time; such a nice treat for them. There's nothing like a home-cooked dinner. They are truly grateful for each and every one.

Memorial Day/Indy 500

My mom and dad enjoyed a Memorial Day gathering at Ralph and Charla Divine's farm. Sounds like they had a feast and my mom was grateful to have a good appetite.

This weekend we made our annual family pilgrimage to the Indy 500, a race my dad has attended since 1966. My mom insisted we keep the tradition, so we did. Family gathered from Illinois, St. Louis, Wisconsin and Ohio. We raised a glass in Norma's honor. She missed seeing everyone, but was happy to stay back in Ohio with Emily and Paul.

We also had a feast, topped by my Aunt Kathy's homemade peach pie. My mom prepared her famous macaroni salad and sent it with Ralph. She brings it every year. Some things never change.

Mother's Day

A gorgeous Mother's Day in Ohio, and we spent it outside. My parents have two gardens -- a flower bed at their condo and a community vegetable garden at a nearby park, just a short walk from their condo. We planted hosta, astilbe, coral bells, peony, annuals for all of my mom's pots, and tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, and sweet corn. You'd never know my mom has cancer. We all needed a nap afterwards and she kept going strong.

In my previous post, you'll see my dad grilling our Mother's Day lunch. It was delicious.

My mom finished round three of her chemo treatments this week. Except for a little nausea yesterday, she's been able to have a fairly productive week. Productivity is how my mom measure's a day well spent.

Thanks everybody for your powerful healing presence in my mom's life.

Ralph's Famous Ribs

Dad made his famous, secret-recipe ribs for Mother's Day. "The secret's in the sauce," says Ralph. That, along with his special two-step cooking process. The ribs were accompanied by roasted veggies, Aunt Lois' baked beans, cole slaw made Brian's way, a strawberry-rhubarb pie and a 3-layer cake made by Norma and Emily. We had a wonderful Sunday lunch at Lisa and Brian's house.

Looking good. Feeling good.

My mom continues to feel really good. Her oncologist is really pleased with her response to the
chemotherapy treatment. Last Monday, most of her blood counts were where they needed to be,
or at least heading in the right direction. Her white blood cell count was a bit low, but she had no other signs of infection. This suggests that her body is fighting and since she's had no fever, it's most likely fighting the cancer. The intense pain she was experiencing in her right leg has diminished greatly. Chemotherapy round 3 is planned for Monday.

In the mean time, my mom is enjoying watching Paul and Emily's games, playing bridge on Tuesdays, and enjoying visits from her friends. She and my dad take daily walks to the community garden near their condo. Ralph is excited about growing sweet corn this year. Lettuce and radishes are sprouting, and Emily has planted about a dozen other things.

I'll be in Ohio this weekend for not only Mother's Day, but also to celebrate Lisa (pictured) and Ralph's birthdays.

Have a great weekend everybody. Your good wishes, kind thoughts and powerful prayers are much appreciated and making a difference.