Triumphant Return to the Courts

A few months ago, right before Dad's surgery, we played racquetball with him one last time.  (We aren't professional but we sure have fun playing!).  I had to hold my tears back that day as I assumed that it would likely be the last time I played with him or at least last time for a very long time.  A week and a half ago, Dad was back on the court!!  Still gaining strength, agility and willingness to move from one spot, but nevertheless back on the court.

Pardon the pictures... I took these on my cell phone and it kept focusing on the glass wall instead of the players (who are from left to right... Evan, Dad, Pat and Mom).

It must be said that cancer is a pretty scary thing.  The thing that we don't always realize is the broad spectrum of outcomes that come from it.  I now know that all of the forums, internet research and websites are mostly filled with people who are or have a family member who are recently diagnosed or they are having complications and reach out for help online.  So, what ends up happening is that these newly diagnosed patients and their families are terrified because they are reading about everything that could possibly go wrong!!  I fell into the terrified category, that is for sure.  I should have known better.

Mostly I should have known better because I didn't look in the right place for the answers and comfort I was looking for.  I should have also known better because I am pretty sure almost everyone around me was in tune enough to realize that things would work out as they should even though I wasn't so sure.  I'm kind of dumb like that though... I am the type that has to do things the hard way to learn my lesson.  I have lived a life where the evidence that there is a God and He watches over me and all of us.  He knows us, is patient with us, heals us and teaches us.  A life like ours wouldn't make sense if He didn't exist.  All that being said, sometimes we (meaning me) need to reach beyond ourselves for answers and comfort.  It's there, waiting for us to ask.

---I don't usually get that personal on here, but it needed to be said.

Dad is doing so awesome.  Miraculous.  He eats like crazy (just smaller more frequent meals).  His biggest adjustment has just been realizing what is too much.  He says that he doesn't imagine it feels any different than if he were to have gastric bypass or something.

My parents went out and bought one of those posture-pedic (sp?) beds that both sides move up and down like a hospital bed.  Dad was told that he would always need to sleep elevated.  Dad told me a couple weeks ago that the bed is now laying almost flat when he sleeps.  So, I guess the bed will be most useful to incline while watching television I guess.  Dad has some gnarly scars-- I think I have expressed how cool I think those are already.

Next week Dad officially goes back to work.  It's time.  Last week when I took some girls from our church to camp he came up to visit with goody bags... Dad doesn't usually make goody bags and that is how I know for certain that he needs to go back to work. 

Life doesn't stop when life changing things happen in our lives.  I don't understand why as it is really frustrating to keep going on while you are in the thick of it all.  But I'm grateful life goes on and that we are now going to begin to return to a life of normalcy. 

Dad gets a scan done in August I think.  This type of cancer has a higher than average chance of coming back, but we are all feeling at peace and confident in what lies ahead.-- You know, for now. :)

In other news, my brother, Evan, joined the Navy.  Evan thought it was great when the people down at the recruitment center kissed up to Dad.  I think Dad enjoyed it too.  Nice to be respected, Dad doesn't get much respect from us kids :).