Reasons to Celebrate

I'm hoping it's true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder, because if it is, you are all probably completely infatuated with me after this three month hiatus! I have again learned that preparing for a wedding is no romantic undertaking. It is a full-time, unpaid job, which gives real meaning to the phrase "a LABOR of love." But all of our earnest planning produced an extraordinarily beautiful and memorable day. Mackenzie and Aaron's wedding was perfect. And I was able to take a week off from chemo and get some extra rest so that I could really cut a rug all night at the reception. I had no inhibitions on the dance floor because when you've got cancer, no one makes fun of your moves even if you look more pitiful than Elaine from "Seinfeld!" I honestly wish I could have invited everyone we know to come and enjoy the celebration, but our checkbook had no compassion for my wish. But of course, I've included pictures of the wedding so you can get a taste of the experience. If you'd like to see the professionals, go to munozphotographyonline.com, click on online ordering, and type in the password 7511.

It was wonderful to be surrounded with family and friends! I especially love the occasions that bring all my children together. There is a fifteen year span in ages between them so there were only a few short years when I had all of them living under the same roof with me. Since then, there has always been one or more away at college or working in a different town, state, or even country. But the love between us all is exceptionally strong and I know they cherish the moments we are able to spend together as much as I do. I was so proud and blessed to again see the way my kids adore one another and share in each other's joys during the week of the wedding.

And now we've returned to our everyday life. I underwent another PET scan and brain scan which showed no significant change in my condition since March, which is great news! In fact, Dr. Segota said the scans showed slightly less cancer in my brain than in previous tests! She and her staff acknowledged the role of God in my journey as I have now well outlived the typical prognosis of patients with stage 4 lung cancer. Thank you for remembering me in your prayers!

Since I am doing so well, Bob and I decided to celebrate by doing something we weren't sure would be possible until we heard these good medical reports. We booked our plane tickets to go see Chief Steve, Dawn, and Emma in Washington, DC, and then drive down to visit the newlyweds Aaron and Mackenzie in Chapel Hill, NC. I haven't taken a trip in over a year and I'm so excited to see my darlings!

Annabelle was over for a sleepover last week where we went to the movie Ice Age, ate popcorn and sour gummy worms, gave ourselves manicures, and painted with water colors. She is really an accomplished painter. I take a lot of pride in her gift for artistry because I can't help but think it's a gene I passed down to her which makes her a literal part of myself.

I hope there are a few of you out there who are still checking in on this blog every now and again, and if you are, please let me know! I'd love to see a comment from you so I can know who is praying for me and can thank God for each of you, and pray for you in return!