Dad began his fourth week of radiation today. We are so grateful for dad's High Priest friends in his ward who have been so generous in seeing that dad gets to his daily appointment, we are thankful for your acts of service and kindness in our behalf.
Dad spent time studying, reading, and watching some of his favorite movies. He continues to exercise and remain patient while we are trying to get his computer up and working again.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
10.19.2008
Mom drove to Salt Lake early this morning to attend to her weekly duties at the Conference Center. Dad listened to Sacrament Meeting at home, he is so grateful for this opportunity and blessing. While dinner was in the oven mom and dad took advantage of the beautiful weather going for a mile walk, they walked past our home but could not stop due to Dave being under the weather.
Mom had an assignment at the Bountiful Regional Center this evening and left late this afternoon to drive up. Dad would love to be able to attend the events and fulfill his missionary calling and we look forward to the day very soon that he can, patience.
Jeff and Steph stopped by this afternoon and Jeff shaved dad's head. Uncle Rex and Beth are down south for the winter and dad was in need of a little trim.
Dad called me later this evening to check on Dave, we had a nice visit regarding the days events and the things going on in our lives.
Whether I am in dad's presence or visiting with him on the phone the feelings of true peace are incredibly tangible. My father has taught me that true peace of mind is not dependent on one's circumstances, it comes from within. I often reflect back on the priesthood blessing that Matt and Dave gave my father the night he was admitted to the hospital and the blessing that followed two days later. I know that in order for priesthood blessings to be effective one must be humble, teachable, and willing to submit our will to the Lord as counseled. Our father has demonstrated full faith and complete confidence in the counsel he has received through the priesthood, more importantly, he has the courage to follow it.
These priesthood blessings have been a great source of comfort to us and have provided feelings of peace, hope, patience, and endless love. Our minds are invigorated and our spirits are renewed as we witness the determination of our father as he stands up to cancer.
Mom had an assignment at the Bountiful Regional Center this evening and left late this afternoon to drive up. Dad would love to be able to attend the events and fulfill his missionary calling and we look forward to the day very soon that he can, patience.
Jeff and Steph stopped by this afternoon and Jeff shaved dad's head. Uncle Rex and Beth are down south for the winter and dad was in need of a little trim.
Dad called me later this evening to check on Dave, we had a nice visit regarding the days events and the things going on in our lives.
Whether I am in dad's presence or visiting with him on the phone the feelings of true peace are incredibly tangible. My father has taught me that true peace of mind is not dependent on one's circumstances, it comes from within. I often reflect back on the priesthood blessing that Matt and Dave gave my father the night he was admitted to the hospital and the blessing that followed two days later. I know that in order for priesthood blessings to be effective one must be humble, teachable, and willing to submit our will to the Lord as counseled. Our father has demonstrated full faith and complete confidence in the counsel he has received through the priesthood, more importantly, he has the courage to follow it.
These priesthood blessings have been a great source of comfort to us and have provided feelings of peace, hope, patience, and endless love. Our minds are invigorated and our spirits are renewed as we witness the determination of our father as he stands up to cancer.
10.18.2008
Mom and dad spent the day together trying to alleviate boredom and "cabin fever". Dad rode with mom to the grocery store and for the first time in years dad purchased some Burnt Almond Fudge ice cream, we are hopeful that he will put on a few of the pounds that he has lost along the way. Later this afternoon dad mentioned that some Kentucky Fried Chicken, potatoes, gravy, and biscuits sounded appetizing, so KFC it is. Dad has wanted to ride out to Matt and Michele's to see Matt's progress on his fencing, this is a project dad had been helping Matt with when he became ill. Mom drove dad out west where they had a good visit with the kids, Matt and Michele were out on a date celebrating Matt's recent birthday.
Monday, October 20, 2008
10.17.2008
Week three of radiation is now complete, I met dad at his radiation appointment today and we walked together over to the hospital to have his blood drawn. As we sat waiting for the phlebotomist dad was recalling waking up last evening in the middle of the night worrying about a few things that needed to be done to the trailer and car before winter arrives. When we pulled in the driveway he mentioned that he was going to take the battery and propane tank off of the trailer, I saw this as an opportunity for a learning moment. Together we walked over to the trailer and he began to instruct me on how to accomplish the task of winterizing the trailer, dad took the propane tank and I carried the battery. As we walked home in silence I thought to myself how grateful I am for these simple teaching moments with my father.
At the end of each day I find myself reviewing of how my Father in Heaven blessed me today, without hesitation, I recall the multiple ways our parents continue to teach us. Dad is steadfast in his expressions of profound gratitude for each simple act of kindness rendered to him, he is so thankful.
"Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." President David O. McKay
At the end of each day I find myself reviewing of how my Father in Heaven blessed me today, without hesitation, I recall the multiple ways our parents continue to teach us. Dad is steadfast in his expressions of profound gratitude for each simple act of kindness rendered to him, he is so thankful.
"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, ye more."
D&C 78:19
I continue to pray that I will remain teachable and continue to show gratitude in all things.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
10.15.2008
Dad is feeling much better following this weekends minor setback. Radiation and chemo have not been interrupted, we are grateful. Matt stopped by on his way home from work today so that mom and dad could wish him a Happy Birthday.
I took dinner into mom and dad this evening, dad is on somewhat of a strict eating schedule due to his chemo needing to be taken on an empty stomach. While dad was eating his dinner mom and I quickly pulled up the frozen tomato plants so that they could go out with tomorrow's garbage, it was nice to enjoy the warmer weather working in the yard. Dave stopped by on his way home from work to visit with mom and dad.
I am realizing more each day how wonderfully gifted and talented our parents are, they are able to demonstrate Joy, Gratitude, and Endurance despite this unpleasant situation. Each of us are born with gifts and talents but not all of us learn to develop our talents and learn to channel them into meaningful actions. There are individuals all around us who are challenged with adversity yet they remain joyful, our parents are two of these individuals. Finding Joy is a talent, more importantly, it is a choice.
Gratitude does not always come easily and is not usually recognized as a talent but more of a requirement. The talent comes when we are truly grateful. Mom and Dad are steadfast examples of practicing Gratitude at all times and for all things, even their challenges.
Endurance is a valuable talent and essential to one's spiritual progression. Enduring may not always be easy but the best things in life usually are not discovered by taking the easy road.
Through the loving example of our parents I am learning that the ability to find Joy, express Gratitude and to graciously Endure all things are divine talents. Through their willingness to share their talents our family is being blessed, inspired, and comforted.
Dad had another quiet day at home resting, reading, and watching some movies. When mom returned from work they drove down to Parker's to get a sandwich for dinner. They came over after their dinner to watch the BYU game with Dave and I. A BYU game is always better when mom is around (even when they lose!).A few months ago we had had the following scripture posted in our kitchen:
"Therefore, dearly beloved, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, for his arm to be revealed." D&C 123:17
I took dinner into mom and dad this evening, dad is on somewhat of a strict eating schedule due to his chemo needing to be taken on an empty stomach. While dad was eating his dinner mom and I quickly pulled up the frozen tomato plants so that they could go out with tomorrow's garbage, it was nice to enjoy the warmer weather working in the yard. Dave stopped by on his way home from work to visit with mom and dad.
I am realizing more each day how wonderfully gifted and talented our parents are, they are able to demonstrate Joy, Gratitude, and Endurance despite this unpleasant situation. Each of us are born with gifts and talents but not all of us learn to develop our talents and learn to channel them into meaningful actions. There are individuals all around us who are challenged with adversity yet they remain joyful, our parents are two of these individuals. Finding Joy is a talent, more importantly, it is a choice.
Gratitude does not always come easily and is not usually recognized as a talent but more of a requirement. The talent comes when we are truly grateful. Mom and Dad are steadfast examples of practicing Gratitude at all times and for all things, even their challenges.
Endurance is a valuable talent and essential to one's spiritual progression. Enduring may not always be easy but the best things in life usually are not discovered by taking the easy road.
Through the loving example of our parents I am learning that the ability to find Joy, express Gratitude and to graciously Endure all things are divine talents. Through their willingness to share their talents our family is being blessed, inspired, and comforted.
10.16.2008
Dad had another quiet day at home resting, reading, and watching some movies. When mom returned from work they drove down to Parker's to get a sandwich for dinner. They came over after their dinner to watch the BYU game with Dave and I. A BYU game is always better when mom is around (even when they lose!).A few months ago we had had the following scripture posted in our kitchen:
"Therefore, dearly beloved, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, for his arm to be revealed." D&C 123:17
The above scripture has resonated through my mind multiple times in the past several weeks. Each time I see our father he is happy, positive, thankful, and cheerful. Some days the mere thought of enduring one more thing is exhausting, it is on these days that I have learned to quickly turn my thoughts to our parents. It is there in these thoughts that I am able to discover the ability to stretch just a little bit more. I know that our Father in Heaven is never going to ask us to do the impossible, even though it may seem impossible at the time. What He does ask of us is that we reach a little higher, pray a little more earnestly and then stand, reverently still, knowing that He will reveal his arm.
I am learning the valuable lesson that when we knock the Savior will answer. When we cry out for Him, he is there. Through this journey we find ourselves reaching and stretching to heights we never knew possible. Growing closer to our Savior is so worth the stretch.
President Spencer W. Kimball has said:
"There are depths in the sea which the storms that lash the surface into fury never reach. They who reach down into the depths of where, in the stillness, the voice of God is heard, have the stabilizing power which carries them poised and serene through the hurricane of the difficulties."
It is comforting to have parents who through their example are teaching each one of us to reach down deep, so that we too, can stand poised and serene.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
10.14.2008
Mom called shortly after Dave and I had been home less than hour last evening, she had gone into see if dad had taken his chemo and found the bed to be soaking wet. The fever dad had been struggling with for the past two days had obviously broken. Their evening continued to be difficult throughout the night, they were up four additional times changing the bedding. It is obvious that dad's body is fighting off something, we are so grateful his body is fighting along with the antibiotics. It is a good thing they stopped at four episodes or else they would have had to start bed hopping throughout the house.
Dad slept in for several hours this morning, we are thankful he was able to finally rest. Dave went over and spent time with dad this morning and Michele came for a few hours this afternoon.
Dad was able to receive his radiation today and the PA indicated that she was not at all surprised with the events of the past few days. Dad's blood work came back all within normal limits other than his sodium and electrolytes, we anticipated that they would both be off due to his fever, sweats, and chills.
Dad slept in for several hours this morning, we are thankful he was able to finally rest. Dave went over and spent time with dad this morning and Michele came for a few hours this afternoon.
Dad was able to receive his radiation today and the PA indicated that she was not at all surprised with the events of the past few days. Dad's blood work came back all within normal limits other than his sodium and electrolytes, we anticipated that they would both be off due to his fever, sweats, and chills.
It is not faith and works
It is not faith or works
It is faith that works
Thank you for your constant prayers in our behalf, we are witnesses that they are working.
Monday, October 13, 2008
10.13.2008
I received an early morning phone call advising me that "dad has not had a very good night". Dad had been up most of the night chilling and feverish. At 4:30 a.m. his temperature was 103, this is not good. Dad's Medical Oncologist had given dad a prescription for a strong antibiotic that we were to leave on the shelf unless fever and chilling symptoms presented themselves, mom administered the first dose early this morning.
More than a third of all cancer patients will experience fever as a result of an infection, the tumor itself, chemo treatments, or the development of an autoimmune disease. Dad's blood work from last Thursday was good, yet, we understand that the tide can change without any indication.
Mom placed a call to the Medical Oncologist and we will wait to hear from him. In the meantime dad is trying to stay warm. Dave stopped by to check on dad this morning, they had a good visit and dad remains in good spirits. Dad performed his daily exercise routine and is planning on taking a good long nap after radiation this afternoon.
Mom came home from work in time to encourage dad to eat some lunch and stay hydrated. Dad had consented to wait for mom to get home before taking a shower, he is somewhat unstable on his feet since the fever presented itself. Mom spoke to doctor's office and they have ordered more blood work and have requested that the Radiation Oncologist check vitals and dad's heart when he is there for his daily radiation. Fevers are always an indication that something is wrong, and should be treated immediately. Fevers often indicate an infection in chemo/radiation patients. We must remember that dad's blood counts are low and that his body will not be able to fight off infection on it's own. We will continue to be diligent in protecting ourselves and dad from coughs, colds, flu and germs.
Dad was able to receive radiation this afternoon, x-rays were done, vitals taken, and blood was drawn from both arms. Dad's heart continues to be strong, his blood pressure is fantastic, and his temperature is now within normal limits. The radiation nurse told dad she was not surprised he was experiencing chills and fever considering all that his body is enduring, this is reassuring.
Dad was on the phone with Anthony when Dave and I arrived this evening. Dad remained in bed resting, staying warm, and trying to stay hydrated, tonight is the first time that dad has appeared ill. We are encouraging dad to sleep as much as he desires...he deserves it.
Our prayers today include requests for fever to subside, treatable infection, continuation of treatments, and strengthening of our courage, faith, and understanding.
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