Last night Chris went and played "ward basketball" with the (old) men. He did well, only landed on the floor once (which Taylor held me back for- lol "don't embarrass dad!") He was in pain after the game but just wants to be able to play because he loves it. He told a man after the game that in a few months when he is bedridden he wants to be able to look back and know that he tried to play (he doesn't play for long before he comes out of the game) and he'll have something to replay in his head.:(
We got some terrible news this week about Chris' younger brother. He has cancer in his back and is terminal. The doctors are giving him a year to live!!! Right now he has been in the hospital for two weeks. He is paralyzed and in tons of pain. From his wife's blog they are going to try and start radiation and chemo next week. How sad. How crazy. He has a wife and a soon to be thirteen year old son. I read her blog and I feel like I am reliving my life. Things are breaking in her house, doctors can't give answers, feeling guilty about dividing your time between home and hospital, tired of hospital, worried about finances, worried about how kids are coping, feeling like you're letting others down (she's heavily involved in her sons school), overwhelmed, exhausted, want your old life back, and the worst part is watching the one you love with all your heart in TONS of pain and not being able to help them. You want to make the pain stop, you want answers, you want the doctor's to help him (even though you know they are doing all they can). What a whirlwind of emotions she has entered. I feel so blessed in many ways as are circumstances are different. Count your blessings. This makes three out of four of Chris' siblings with cancer, one in remission and two dieing!!! My heart breaks for Chris' parents. Parents are suppose to die before their children. Chris' brother is tough like Chris so . . . . he could live for a lot longer then the doctors say. LOL.
Last week we got a new "case manager" from Metlife and Chris was talking with her on the phone telling her how much he wanted to work and of course about his health. It makes one really ponder knowing that Metlife and the government (social security office) that we haven't had any problems receiving the help that we need. You hear of people who struggle getting what they need but "Chris must really be dieing" (I guess I have to believe it if they do!!) because we've only had tons and tons of paperwork but no one has ever accused us of trying to be deceitful.
Chris and I have decided that this is are "retirement" time. Couples usually get to experience retirement around 65, ours is just happening early. We had planned on going on a mission (or two) and playing with the grand kids but it's wonderful that he is able to have this time with his kids. He spoils each of them rotten and insists on being hugged often by each child (even the "big" ones:).
I had a nice birthday I went out to lunch and dinner and went shopping for my bday present (you get what you want that way:) Meg's bday is Monday (16th) the big 19! She wants to go to Red Robin for her bday so will work around her work schedule. On Thursday, Meg has to appear in License Court at the DMV. Poor girl will probably have her license suspended. When I was talking with the lady on the phone to make the appointment she said that they usually suspend the license for a YEAR!! We will be able to plead are case. Which as parents we already handled by taking away her license and just plain not letting her drive any car. Maybe they will offer driving classes. Only problem is that Meg leaves February 7th (new date) for China so she won't be able to do anything until she gets back.
We go off track today. I now teach Katie's class in Primary and we moved to a new (old) building for church. I've been having sugar cravings lately. One day I made banana bread, sugar cookies with REAL butter cream frosting (Paula Deens recipe - two sticks in the cookies and two sticks in the frosting:), chocolate chip pumpkin cookies and chocolate chip cookies. Mmmm... I could go for some more. Are shower was broken for a couple of days - what a pain!!
Chris' mom and dad are coming this weekend to see us on their way to see to their son in Oregon.
As always we continue to be busy. Soooo, grateful.
"To hope and trust in the Lord requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long-suffering, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end." Elder Robert D. Hales
Love ya, Ricki