Last times

I have had an emotional year as we have visited our kids in Virginia, Washington State and as I have witnessed the seasons go by. I wonder when and if I will see the far away grandkids again and if I will see another Thanksgiving and Christmas. I expect I will but it weighs on me a little. My 15 1/2 grandkids are precious to me, as are the rest of my family.
When I have those thoughts I am reminded in no uncertain terms that life doesn't end here. There is a life after this. We will continue the same relationships we have here and even expand them. That gives me a lot of comfort. My family is my life. I could not bear to be without them and I don't have to. No matter if I live six months or twenty years I will continue to be able to nurture those relationships.
Upate: Friday I had a Doctors appointment. All is well. They are are in the process of weaning my off the steroids. I have one more week. The steroids have affected my body in all kinds of adverse ways and I will be glad to be rid of them. They do help with inflammation so they were a help after the surgeries, I hope once the drugs are out of my system and my body starts functioning I will be able to gain more strength and be able to become more active.
As always we appreciate your prayers and faith in our behalf. We have received so many blessings and they come through you. God Bless

Washington and some thoughts.

On the Oregon Coast near Tillimook

It was cold and wet and fun

Grandma's the best!

Lap time with Grandpa

Homework time. I need a little practice too!

I am a little jealous of David's Lego collection!

Jodi dipping chocolates. They were fantastic.

Roma trying her hand. They were fantastic too!

Two lost teeth in less than a week.

Chillin

The new home. It is beautiful!

Before Thanksgiving Dave and Jodi invited us to visit their home. David was heading out to a two month deployment so wanted us to visit their new home before he left. They live in Lacey, WA in a brand new home. The area is beautiful if not a little wet. We drove over to the Oregon coast a day where we saw tremendous scenery and the Tillimook Cheese factory. We also spent a day in Seattle visiting several venues. We appreciate the fact that our kid take such good care of us and are willing to put up with us.

I have expressed before how I am not a patient man. With brain cancer that is not a good thing to be. Nothing happens fast. For example I have been on Steroids since my first surgery and I can't get off of them quickly even though they devastate my body with lost muscle mass, weakness, bloating and a myriad of other symptoms. The doctor has been able to reduce the dose that I take, but you can't quit them cold turkey without suffering dire consequences. So I have to be patient. I have a doctors appointment this week so I hope the doctor will reduce again the dose or maybe eliminate it. One could only hope.

I say this not to complain. I have had too many blessings for that. I only mention it because it is another lesson I am learning. As we have patience with our lot in life (with our adversity) and continue to trust in the Lord he will continue to comfort us and grant us ever greater blessings. In the Book of Mormon there is a verse that captures the thought. It is in 2 Nephi v 20 "Wherefore, ye must press  forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men, Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" I believe that. I know that. It has brought me comfort and peace. 

I am humbled.

Yesterday I received word through the RS email that an article had been written about my testimony (that I gave the first Sunday this month) in the Mormon Times by my good friend Kristine Frederickson. http://www.mormontimes.com/article/18373/A-man-who-is-thankful-for-cancer?s_cid=voices&utm_source=voices 
It is very kind and complementary to me. Kristine had said in such a beautiful way things I have been grasping at to put into words for months. Thank you Kris.
I am still thankful for cancer. I am a better parent, grandparent, husband than I was six months ago, and I am certainly more in tune with the Spirit. I know that my Redeemer lives. He has carried me. I have felt his touch both  literally and though the kind acts of prayer, love, and service rendered to my family. It is overwhelming. I know that the Savior died for my sins, but he also suffered my infirmities so he could succor my pain and grief. I testify that he has done that. He will do that for you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
PS. Read some of Kris' others articles. They are great!

Another Kind Act

My sister-in-law owns a quilting store. She has been looking for some ways to help Roma and I with our medical bills.  Several of her customers at her store know Roma and have questioned Amy as to how they can help.  So Amy (Roma's sister) has decided to hold a silent auction for the next 2 months auctioning off discontinued quilts and donated quilts.  If you are interested read the poster for further details.  There have been so many acts of kindness shown to us during this trial.  We so appreciate everyone's love and help.  

Clean MRI

Just a status update. I had an appointment with my oncologist yesterday and received good news. My first MRI since the second surgery looks to be clean. That is a relief given the speed the tumor grew back the first time. I am continuing chemotherapy five days out of each 28.  I appreciate all your love and prayers. Each one is felt. I feel wrapped in the arms of my Savior and I know that it is a result of the service you do for me, my family and the Lord.
Thank you, thank you!

Virginia Trip

 WWII  Memorial

 Viet Nam Memorial

 Eleanor Roma

Isaac at Soccer

 Happy Girl

 Three Generations

 Sunday Afternoon Walk with Isaac and Miles

Miles and Emily on the Mall

Roma and have spent the past week at Emily's home. They flew us out to visit. It has been a marvelous time. We were worried about how I would handle the trip but I handled the flights well and Emily and Roma made sure I got plenty of rest. I have felt better the past few days than I have since the second surgery. Hopefully I have turned a corner and will feel better in the long term. I hope so!

My fathers younger brother Leo died last week. I feel bad I wasn't there for the funeral but we were already committed to be in Virginia. That leaves only one of four (Uncle Chuck) left. I appreciate all they have done for me. I love you Uncle Chuck and I wish I could be there to support you, Florence, and all the rest of the family. I love each one of you.

The power of positive thinking

Since my second surgery we have had a whirlwind of activity. We have had a lot excitement and visitors around. I love my family and friends.
The last few weeks I slipped into something of a funk. The fact that I am taking so long to recover has discouraged me and I think I have made it harder on my family and especially my good wife.
I woke up yesterday with a new attitude. After reading my scriptures and saying my prayers I decided I have been blessed beyond any person I know. I have a family that loves me; friends that care for me; and especially the Lord who cares for me and comforts me.
So I have determined to be more positive. It has already worked. I feel better and I feel more energy. My wife and I have laughed more than in weeks. I feel the love of the Savior even more that in the past. Life is good.