Taxi Please...!

A common bugle heard throughout big cities around the world... Taxi Please!!! What would we do without them? I know we would be in a world of hurt, and I would have to take a lot of vacation time to shuttle Carol to and from her appointments.

So... thanks everyone for volunteering to help take Carol to her appointments. We're close to getting all the slots filled -- just a few more, so feel free to take one if you can fit it into your schedule.

I'll encourage Carol to email out the dates that are available and see if we can fill each slot. Ginsu knives are all gone by the way... we didn't realize we would have so many takers. We're working on some other enticers, so stay tune! :-)

Until our next post, a word a thanks goes out to all the good cooks in Central Indiana. We've been well fed of recent, and very grateful indeed. Some wonderful flowers arrived today to provide a hint of Spring in a rather dreary and chilly day outside ~ thank you you know who ;-)

Be well, God bless you... and may He shine His divine providence upon each of you wonderful kind folks! - Eric

Calling All Cars... Calling All Cars...

Well okay, it's not a police show I'm reminiscing about... but we do need volunteers! First, I need to say ~ SORRY! I know, I know... no post, and no Carol or Eric. Dang, no good excuse either except really nice weather and plenty of yard work to say the least. My Bad... as our daughters would say!

Now that is out of the way, back to our need... Carol has seven more chemo treatments each and every Friday (except the last one is a Thursday June 12Th). Unfortunately, she is out of volunteer drivers. She is not allowed to drive home because she's "DRUGGED UP" big time!

Any takers? It is somewhat of a long day, but you'll get to experience what a chemo treatment consist of, free conversations with Carol while she's under the influence of some really cool and relaxing medications (now's your time to ask some really fun questions...he he), and walk away with the sense that you, yes you... really participated in our journey of healing for Carol! Oh I almost forgot... if you are the first of 10 email'ers we will throw in a set of Ginsu knives for only $19.95, yes only $19.95... but you need to be one of the first email'ers to get a set :-)

All kidding aside, we do need your help and would appreciate any time you could spare. we appreciate each and every meal we get, every walk Chester has been taken, every time our kids are taken somewhere for us, and each and every Blog Comment (hint hint), and every wonderful card that Carol receives! We really do appreciate each and every one of you and feel very blessed to know that you are giving a part of your time, and your life for us -- THANK YOU, AND BLESS YOU!

In closing, some short notes: Yes, we made the entire walk at the Susan G. Komen Fight for Breast Cancer along with many family and friends. We persevered even when it rained, and took a really good nap when we got home (as I'm sure those who walked did as well).

Carol is doing fine (all things considered). Plenty of bone pain, and an upset stomach (more acid reflux than anything) but thanks to the modern miracles of pharmaceuticals she's handling those issues pretty good. Mary and Anna are doing okay as well. Me, well... what can I say! Pleasant, cranky, funny, and tired... many times, and some of the time, but all-in-all I'm doing just fine.

Lastly, we celebrated 15 years of marriage on April 24, 2008! Yep, can you believe it... she's put up with me... a Geek, Redneck, and goofball all rolled in one! She's a saint in my eyes, and I'm looking forward to many years of happy marriage to come.

Since I'm still sitting here in my camo outfit from this mornings turkey hunting event I'll say... GOOD NIGHT YAWL! - Eric

Walking Tall

Pretty much a normal Tuesday here in our family. Nice to see the sun come out and the sky all blue. Carol is dealing with the side-effects of her chemo treatments as best as she can. She has a nice distraction going on right now.

We're going for a walk this Saturday as a family. Our nephew Jake has coordinated a team named; "We Love Carol" and is comprised of friends and family. It's the Susan G. Komen Walk For The Cure! We are getting excited about it, and hope the weather will be nice. She took the dogs on two walks today and is now "dog tired" sorry... just had to say it. She passed out about an hour ago and I'm on my way to visit Mr. Sandman myself.

Both of our daughters are walking as well and I'm it will bring new meaning to helping their mother get well. It is my prayer that they will see all the survivors, and see all of the family members band together in a march motivated by love, hope, and the fighting spirit that makes us become one to conquer such a life changing disease. Yes, you guessed it... I'm excited too!

Until we walk, we're going to keep practicing by taking trips around the hood, and getting our bodies and spirits in shape. Wish us luck, and a prayer wouldn't hurt as well. I'm praying Carol's 4th treatment goes so well she'll be more than ready to make the walk with a big ol' Carol smile on her face! - Eric

Spring Break!

Yep, hence the reason for no posting of recent. We've been on spring break and loving every minute of it. By the grace of Carol, her mother and Tamara the girls were taken care of while I went to Texas for a much needed break from the action. I went down with two wonderful friends to meet two others (ranch owner and son). We hunted for Rio Grand Turkey's and Wild boar (ferrel hogs). I came home empty handed but with a head full of wonderful memories, and very VERY relaxed. Thanks ladies for giving me a break! Thanks Wayne and Brad for another terrific visit to the Stewart Ranch!

Since I came home Monday the girls and I have been playing, doing some honey do's and just plain goofing off. Carol went to Church for the first time in a long time, and took Mary shopping. Anna, her friend (and friend's father) and I caught a whole mess of fish. We cleaned them, and had them for supper last night with both families at the dinner table enjoying a wonderful feast.

Carol is now resting from her 3rd chemo treatment (the new chemicals where she gets 12 treatments total) she received today... still the same symptoms; mild fatigue, bone pain, dry eyes, and other smaller symptoms but she's persevering. She'll lay low this weekend and it looks like it's a good one to do that. Rain is on it's way big time and our tempurature is suppose to drop some 25 degrees!

I'm off to plant some grass seed so the rain can help it take hold... pick up the "doggy land-mines" and button down the yard for a cold blast.

Thanks Heather for supper tonight, and all the yummies... it's truely appreciated. Be well all, and PLEASE don't forget to keep praying for Carol and us. - Eric

Living Within The Shadows...

Carol's new regime of chemo was pretty uneventful for the most part. She felt a little bad last Saturday, but was up and around with family most of the day. She even went to a couples shower with me that evening (and I must say looked very radiant indeed). Sunday was similar, though she did nap more. Her biggest complaint is bone pain early one, which has now subsided.

We're striving to operate a normal (okay, what is normal) family life in our household. Carol strives to keep a scarf on her head when the doorbell rings. Mary & Anna strive to be the typical 11 and 9 year old you would expect, and I... I try to be the husband, and father I'm expected to be during times like this.

Knowing we all have certain expectations in and out of the household - I must say we are really beginning to "get" the routine on the most part. The girls still beg their mom to do things for them when they are more than capable of doing it themselves. I guess hard habits are hard to break when you've been spoiled so long like we have. Carol's learning to say "no" a lot more which is a big step in the right direction for her... since you all know she has a terrific servant heart.

Matter of fact, I think the routine is almost too boring in some sense. It's allowing her to focus on the disease more, the limitations it presents, and how she's not like everyone else right now. I sense some boredom mixed with a little sadness, or depression maybe...knowing the journey ahead.

I'm hoping and praying as the weather breaks the sun will lift her spirits, and she can do a little gardening outside. I'm sure the invites to the ladies gathering will begin to increase as the word gets out that she's allowed to emerge from solitude and be around others.

What you discover on these journey's of healing is... in the beginning you are so loved, cared for and embraced by such giving and grace... that in times "chaos of life" tempers your mind wonders if anyone still knows your sick; "do they know I want to chat, or an invite me to anywhere?" Of course we all know those random thoughts are coming from the solitude and normalcy that begins to envelope around a long-term process to heal. But one can't help but wonder... and ponder, and wonder some more until healthy distractions arrive.

Though this is my interpretation as a husband, and Chief Care Giver of one who is fully engaged in this journey hour-by-hour, day-by-day... it has prompted me to to be alert and very cautious of routine. Routine can breed normalcy and that brings a sense that all is well, and no special attention is needed. I am reminding myself daily that there is someone in my life who needs that extra "hello how are you?" hug, encouraging word and to be brought back into the chaos we call life.

I believe I have wrapped my dear wife in a package labeled, "Handle With Care" which means to be set aside and left alone instead of letting her express her wants, desires and expectations. The kids are afraid to touch, family is uncertain and friends are wondering as well. Can we, will we, is it okay? All these questions come to mind when you see a dear person in your life go through such a harsh and nearly unbearable journey towards healing.

Therefore I'm closing with this... I am removing the label, allowing the package to unwrap itself and be who she wants to be, and when she wants to be our Carol. I know she's standing right now in the kitchen with her arms open desiring a hug, a genuine conversation, and a general feeling of hey... I'm one of the gang again.

I love you Carol... you're one of my gang, the anchor to our clan... the keeper of all that is important to our family. I promise I'll do better at letting you be you - and will guard myself from loosing my sense of awareness that; extra hugs, conversations, and compassion is, and will always be... needed. Your loving husband, - Eric