Happy Mother's Day & Preparing for Session 3

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY Moms.  You both have been so supportive and caring during this trial of mine and my family.  We could not get through it without you.  HAPPY MOTHER's DAY Angela - our children are being blessed by seeing your faith and determination during this cancer battle.  You are stronger than you know!!!

I do need to say a word about my Mom.  I grew up in a small farming town of 200-250, depending on if someone was having a family reunion or not.  My Mom and Dad taught us kids to work hard, to use what we had, and to not complain.  I remember patches on the knees of my jeans and being OK with it.  We walked home from the school bus stop on a gravel lane and enjoyed it (most of the time).  I helped my grandparents with their chickens, watering their lawns, and keeping the furnace cleaned up and the hopper full of coal.  I do not remember feeling like we were doing without.  My Mom was a great example of selfless service, unconditional kindness, and a positive attitude about life.  She made (and still does make) the best meals and son could ask for.  I always knew my Mom loved me.  I attribute my positive attitude and good nature largely to my parents and the way I was raised.  Thank you Mom and Dad!

Angela's Mom & Dad has been stalwart fans of mine since I entered their lives, over 13 years ago.  They welcomed me with open arms and have not let go.  Living close to them has been a great blessing.  They have been another set of Mom and Dad in every way.  They have also reinforces those principles I was taught growing up and have helped me be a better father and husband to my family.  Thank you Mom and Dad!

This weekend has been so refreshing and rejuvenating for me.   It is a great way to begin a new session of chemo.  I was able to start a fire so Matthew could learn how to cook outdoors.  He did a great job cooking us bacon, eggs, and pancakes.  I even roasted some dogs since we had the fire.  (Not as good as a SportzDog though).  I was able to take the boys to the family cabin on Friday night.  We played games and stayed up too late (early bedtime for me though : )  It was awesome.  Saturday was great.  I was able to help Angela's parents move into a new home.  We are all very excited for them and the kids are excited for a big play area.  Angela and I were able to go to the temple.  A healthy dose of eternal perspective is always helpful in times of trial.  A wonderful brother from the ward brought over some things for our family.  It really made our day.  He somehow knew what the kids would like, what I would like, and what Angela would like.  He also offered the services of the youth he works with to help maintain the yard.  This has been an amazing weekend so far - with plans for today being wonderful as well.

Today the choir sings in church for Mother's Day - Angela is the choir director.  She does an amazing job and everyone loves her.  We are having a family dinner for Mother's Day.  Today is going to be GREAT!!

I do not think I could be better prepared for a session of chemo.  THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!!

-Doug-