First time Grandma!!!

Now that my daughter has officially announced, I can too. I am now a grandma! It was such an honor to be there for the birth of my first grandchild, Melanie Lynne. Adrienne never ceases to amaze me with her strength and grace. And Jon was so loving and encouraging to her. I wondered if it would be hard to become a grandparent without my husband, but all I have felt today is peace. I am so grateful for my growing family and the close relationship I have with each of them. Melanie Lynne, born at 2:17, 8 lbs 1oz and 20 inches long.

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Joseph Is 11!

Happy birthday to my sweet not so little Joseph! 11 years old today! Love you so much!

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Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa

Happy birthday Dad! We got dinner from Cold Stone in remembrance of you! Miss you!

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Chemo Fog

My kids love my chemo brain. Every day we play a verbal charades of sorts. "Can you....ummmm...bring me that thing. ...unmmm, its red, its round, (pointing) no, behind that other thing that's, ummmm, blue, no.....green. " kids: hahahahaha, you want this ball? We laugh, but my brain feels like molasses!

The Blues

Just spent the morning hanging out at the cancer clinic cause I can't stay away. This round has really done a number on me, so I am getting rehydrated and hope that helps bring down my heart rate. My white blood cells are very low. I have to say, this is really hard. I am feeling at the end of my rope. But there always seems to be more, right?

Are we there yet?

Well the chemo treatment is over. I want to jump back into life and thrive! But the miserable effects of treatment are not over yet. I find myself mildly frustrated that sleep is what I need, and a deep understanding that the things that are most important to me can wait, just a bit longer while my body heals. This means lots of rest and a respect for what my poor body has survived, from this cancer diagnosis, and accompanying surgeries and treatments, to back last year when I lost my husband. My mind, body and heart have been through so much. But I know without a doubt I will come out of this a stronger, more compassionate person. And for this I am so grateful! Over the years I have learned from so many of you how to really be there for someone. I love you my friends. I am here for you if you need me.

Final Chemo

Finishing up my last chemo treatment! I did not get to ring a bell, because the staff worries about those who will never get to ring the bell. And that, I understand. I am still so grateful to have this treatment behind me. Looking forward to good health and more energy! I am grateful for modern medicine, wonderful health care providers and sweet friends and family who have been by my side, both literally and figuratively!