New York State of Mind

I'm ready to take Manhattan! God is still proving himself present and active in my life, and I have been scheduled for an appointment at Sloan-Kettering on Tuesday, February 12. Originally, they told me they could not fit me in until February 28, which my oncologist said would be putting off my chemotherapy too long. They told me they would put me on the cancellation list for Sloan-Kettering, but I shouldn't count on getting that call since most appointments are cancelled with short notice and I live too far to be able to fill the empty time slot. We were redirecting our focus to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, which also had no room for me next week, when I received a call from Sloan-Kettering. Dr. Oettgen, the lung cancer specialist, had told his employees to fit me in Tuesday. Lori, the scheduler I spoke to, said she could not imagine why he wanted to fit me in next week, but he did, so she would get me an appointment as he had requested. It is amazing to see God take specific interest in my life. I am so grateful! So Bob, Mackenzie, and I will fly to New York on Monday and return at the end of the week, hopefully after seeing "Jersey Boys" and "Mary Poppins" on Broadway!

I found myself crying the other day after a call from Bryan and Norma, but they were tears of joy and appreciation for these good people in my life. They called just to remind me of their love and ask my plans for my upcoming birthday. (Don't worry, you'll receive many more reminders before the big day!) God has blessed many of you with enormous hearts for compassion and friendship, and your selflessness brings me to tears. I feel so blessed by the outpouring of kindness I receive from all of you. Please continue your prayers for me and my family as I continue to thank God for your support.

We are having a big farewell dinner at Bonefish Grill tonight because Steve, Dawn, and Emma have to head back to Virginia tomorrow. I have loved having them here, and watching my three granddaughters interact. Annabelle is 4, Emma is 19 months, and Addison is 16 months. The differences are endless! Addison is just pure trouble, and it keeps me entertained. She doesn't say many words beyond, "Mama," "book," and "ball," but she communicates plenty. She purposely makes sure she has the attention of the room before she does something naughty like turn off the TV program we're watching, or grab one of Grandma's nice things and run from the adults. Emma is 19 months going on 20 years. She has a vocabulary far beyond most kids her age, and is the most polite baby I've ever seen. She just runs around the house on her tip toes, giggling, and saying "please" and "thank you" for everything. Annabelle has grown into a very sweet little girl. She cares deeply for me and is trying hard to understand why all the children's books in the house now have bald grandmas on the cover. Please include her in your prayers as we try to explain the journey of cancer to her.

Thank you for all your comments and care. God bless!