A PERIOD OF CALM IN THE STORM

For the most part we seem to be in a bit of a lull for now. Nothing too alarming has happened recently. Well, the wind has been blowing quite strongly and clearing the trees of deadwood by strewing it across the lawns. All the leaves of last fall which did not yield to autumn days of raking have come out of hiding and are now waist deep against the mid-lawn chain-link fence. All the friends who have visited over the past couple of weeks have been mellow and enjoyable, both those from out-of-town and the local folk. My papa used to say, "Things are goin' swimmingly".

Betty’s bouts of tummy purging have been infrequent and mostly more like minor spit-ups than gushers (except for the one coming home from the doctor’s office. The floor mats are still drying from that one.). The one major change in our ongoing combination of efforts to deal with her cancer is that Betty’s oncologist has decided that the infusions every four weeks to keep the available calcium fixed in her bone is not necessary based on the testing done prior to each session. His medical position seems to be that it may be counterproductive to administer treatments of any sort for which there is no evident need and for which there are no observable benefits. He does not want to stress her body’s limited capacity to deal on its own with whatever the cancer may be doing at present. Otherwise, all we have to report at present is that pain is successfully under control, nausea is mostly managed; however, her appetite is completely gone and her naps are both longer and more frequent. When she can't or won't eat its harder to get the daily regimine of pills into her on time. That's probably our biggest challenge for now.

Betty has carefully managed her energies in order to be able to continue attending at least the worship portion of the Sunday morning assembly of our congregation. Only once recently, when she was racked with coughing driven by bronchitis, has she been unable to manage the round trip and the ninety minutes she loves of songs, prayers, and communion. Her decision to continue this much of her contact with the church is based upon her conviction that gathering with other believers is a God given mandate and blessing. From the comments I have heard from many of our precious Christian friends, Betty has no idea of how inspiring her effort and example is being to others. Her desire, of course, is primarily to praise God, but she does derive a great deal of encouragement and support from the many who love her and who make a point of sharing their affection in hugs and sweet words. So many gather around her after the dismissal that some don’t even get a chance to speak with her and have to leave their comments and greetings with me. Later, as she carefully reviews the brief visit with each friend and recalls each individual conversation she again benefits and not only is physically strengthened by remembering the conversations but is again uplifted by the tender expressions of love and whatever news was shared.

Thank you to those who continue to pass along bits of your lives and activities in the steady flow of cards and phone calls. These always brighten Betty’s day. In fact, checking the mail has always been one of the highest priorities of any day as long as I have known her, but it has never been more important than it is now. We have noticed that several dear individuals have been faithful to correspond regularly since the beginning of this journey. There will be a special place in Glory for anyone who writes notes of encouragement which arrive dependably every week. You are earning bright stars in your crowns, to be sure! Keep those cards and letters a-coming, folks!

Finally for this post, I must mention the cadre of close friends that are willing to come at short notice to help out or to visit with Betty while I run errands or just get out for a short break. Each of these sisters (and an occasional brother) is/are deeply appreciated for their love and support and the time they are willing to invest to bring us some flexibility and relief. Most valuable and diligent among this group, of course, has been Patty (virtually every day) and her brothers (David and Geoffrey) when they can manage to be in town. Patty checks in frequently, comes almost daily, and often bears a meal or a gift or a movie to share. These all lighten the passing of time and lighten our mood. Even the kid’s spouses and families have been exceptionally involved and supportive. My personal deep thanks to each one of you. Your caring and sharing is a blessing to us.