A Thanksgiving Toast

My cousin Bill, suggested that I read the New York Times editorial on Thanksgiving day. I am glad that I did. It held a lot of meaning for me and was read to our guests before we dug into our turkey dinner. You can read the entire essay online, but I especially liked the last few sentences:

" Most of what life contains comes to us unexpectedly after all. It is our job to welcome it and give it meaning. So let us toast what we cannot know and could not have guessed, and to the unexpected ways our lives will merge in Thanksgivings to come. "

Yes, we faced the unexpected this Thanksgiving, and by being together somehow it all had meaning. Our family was together at Penny's house, Pam had a gathering of family and friends, and Pat was in Chicago with her husband's family. We were spread out, but definitely bound in spirit.

Next week we face the cancer again. Monday brings more blood tests for Mom, and then another round of chemo on Tuesday. I know she dreads it all, but is facing it with spunk and

wit. This treatment is number 4..which means that she has 2 to go after this. That is good and offers some hope on this long journey.

Whatever you do to reach your higher power, be it praying, chanting, dancing, meditating, or a quiet walk in nature, send love and power moms way next week. It matters.

Link to NY times editorial is on this blog under "Helpful Links"

Who Needs Hair!

Half way done! Last week Betty finished her third chemotherapy treatment. She has done much better this

time and had a lot less discomfort and nausea.

Her spirits are great thanks to her wonderful support network, which by the way has been found to be one of

the most important aids in healing.

Yes, her hair is now gone..but not to worry. She has been supplied with many groovy hats. This one even matches her carpet! It is soft and fuzzy and is up there as a favorite hat. She also has a bamboo hat she loves. Who has heard of bamboo yarn?

Pat is visiting mom this weekend. She got to watch grandson Justin quarterback his high school team to a victory. Mom was there in spirit.

Pat knows all about losing hair to chemotherapy as you can tell from this picture.

Tom..his hair loss is just..hmmm...well life. But I still think he is cute.

Still..we smile and we laugh and enjoy each moment we have together. And as we approach the season of Thanksgiving we have a lot to be grateful for.

Flying by with news...

Just flying by to let you know what has been happening with Mom.

• She now has two chemo treatments under her belt


• Once again..she felt crummmmmmmmmy after the treatment.


• She has felt really good the past four days..so we hope she keeps on feeling spunky. (at least until her next chemo in a few weeks)


• Her hair all fell out..but she is keeping warm with some nice warm hats.


• Penny is keeping her stocked with meals.


• Annie is visiting daily and brings sweets.


• Vito still bringing her the newspaper daily and her mail.


• She appreciates all of your calls, cards and visits.