“We schedule chemo around your life, not the other way around” (Dr. Coscio). That’s a great perspective, which is why we took a quick trip to Florida to visit family and friends while we had a week between doctor’s visits.
Christmas and Florida are both behind us as we travel down the interstate heading home to Texas. The sky is blue and we are reminded of our last French student who enjoyed finding patches of “blue sky” during an unusually gray season in Houston. The trip to Florida was quick and short, but it was a great day with our family. In addition, we saw quite a few friends, but missed many others who we wish we could have seen on this occasion. Hugs and tears were shared as we embraced and prayed for one another. It was great seeing all of you who crossed our path.
Rob, Dawn, Dixie and Bell
Our friends of many years housed us the first few days of our stay, and even offered us their master suite in the metropolitan (not) of St. Cloud. Aside, they slept on their air mattress which went flat in the middle of the first night (LOL). When they woke up on the floor and ended up sleeping on the couch, they realized they need a new mattress: real troopers! We called it the “Ball Bed and Breakfast” as they welcomed us with a cozy fire on a cold winter’s night. The next morning, Rob made potato pancakes for breakfast and Dawn fresh squeezed orange juice from fruit right off their tree. Yum! The morning and sunset views over the lake made us thankful to be alive. God’s artistry was evident every day. Of course, Tim could not help to write this post without stating that the boys won at cards despite the girls’ best efforts.
Merry Christmas
Next stop – Lake Mary. Our tiny tree and twinkling lights adorned the Marriott suite where we lodged for the second half of our trip (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Christmas Spirit travels with you wherever you go, if you invite the baby Jesus to dwell with you there. Eggnog, ham, pumpkin pie, and Christmas movies as well as opening pjs and eating Asian food on Christmas Eve helped fill in some traditions. Cindy’s mom spent the night and she played her first game of Yahtzee. (Congratulations to Elizabeth who won the game!) Bryan drove up to complete the clan and join in the festivities and open his presents. Elizabeth squealed with her typical ear-pearcing tone when she opened her favorite (a new phone), and a practical gift as well. Cindy was gifted with some pink items and new clothes, while Tim received Harley and golf pleasures. We are blessed with children who don’t require much to be surprised and satisfied. These are fun times!
Now we turn our eyes toward home and the changes the next couple of weeks will bring. We are tasked with the following considerations:
- Cindy begins chemotherapy on New Year’s Eve. This will be a lengthy visit as it is the first.
- We need to find a house (an RV is less than ideal for a healing environment, and space is quickly becoming an important commodity).
- We will have to move in to that house. (Anyone available to help?)
- We are tasked with selling our fifth wheel and truck. If you know anyone interested in making a purchase, please message one of us!
- Tim will look for some form of transportation to supplement our only vehicle.
- We will continue to do our jobs with excellence.
- Most importantly, we plan to maintain our spiritual strength and relationships.
This will likely not be the last post of 2012, so for now, here’s one for the road!