My past two birthdays weren't much fun at all. Two years ago I was in a lot of pain from radiation for the colon cancer, and that summer I spent a few weeks in the hospital. I remember the awful pain that my inflamed and irritated intestines caused! You can read what I wrote here.
Last summer, I was getting a harsh chemo combo for a second cancer, unrelated to the first. I was sick and so tired I could hardly get out of bed. You can read what I wrote that day here. (Re-reading that just brought tears to my eyes! I can remember exactly how awful I felt.)
In that last post I wrote that I told my family we were going to make up for my 2 missed birthdays this year--by going to Duluth! And we did just that! We had so much fun! We stayed just 2 nights, but we made lots of memories. Rachel, her husband and 2 sons, Alyssa, and her hubby, and Shonna were all there. It was so much fun to see my grandsons experience the waves of Lake Superior for the first time! We also went to the Zoo and Enger Tower, and spent time just hanging out in Canal Park. I was tired, sore and sunburned, but oh, so happy!
Duluth is such a special place for us: Rich and I went there on our honeymoon (nearly 27 years ago!); Rachel and Ken were married there (at Enger Tower); Jaren proposed to Alyssa there (again at Enger Tower!). Shonna once said she wanted to get married at Enger Tower, but says her sister stole that idea! :) (Enger Tower is a stone tower that has about 5 stories. It is in a park above the city of Duluth and the views of the city and lake are amazing! There are gardens and a gazebo there too.)
Tomorrow I have another Herceptin infusion. After this I'll only have one left! Aug. 15th is my last one! The week before I will have my ct scan and labs done, then I'll see my onc. on the 15th before my infusion. So close!
We'll be moving Shonna back to Kansas City, Mo around the 6th of Aug. She is moving into a house that is owned my a woman who rents out rooms to girls at IHOPU. She'll have her own bedroom and bath, and use of the rest of the kitchen and living areas of the house. Somehow we have to get her twin bed down there--not sure how yet! It might fit in the van--Rich has to measure it. I'm not looking forward to having her leave again, although I do enjoy watching her be a responsible young adult!
God has been so amazing to me and blessed me with so much. I am continuing to learn so much about Him, and myself. I've got a lot left to learn--but thankfully God has an endless supply of grace and mercy!
Blessings!!
Tina
Sounds like a fantastic birthday for you this year! Bless you! Yes, God has an endless supply of grace and mercy! I'm so glad for that.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you and your family! This has certainly been a good year for you and the beginning of an even better one to come!
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