An entire week out of the hospital

Mom has been out of the hospital for a week, and seems to be on the mend. Maybe. I don't believe in jinxes but I'm also not going to say it's going well - that hasn't worked out so well in the past! Anyway, she had chemo today for the first time in over a month. All the doctor's have said that her underlying issue, not surprisingly, is the cancer, so treating that is the best way to combat the other ailments. We went to a kidney specialist this week for the first time, and we'll have a chat with the cardiologist next week. In just over two weeks Mom's lost 30 pounds of water weight, so she's breathing much better and doesn't get out of breath like she was. She doesn't have much oomph, though, so she's moving really slowly.

Last weekend, the day after she got out of the hospital, we drove up to Mike and Mary's house for a birthday barbecue for Brooke. She's the beauty on the left, with her friend Chelsea. This is what 15 year-old girls look like these days. Scary! (As in scary how beautiful and mature they look!)

I still finding myself clinging to Mom's good health and well-being, even when I know that future is uncertain at best and downright scary eventually. I'm distraught when she's throwing up and giddy when things are going well. That's natural, but I'm not sure that it's entirely wise. There's a parable I heard some years ago that I've been thinking of. I found this version on the web:

There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically.

"May be," the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed.

"May be," replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

"May be," answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

"May be," said the farmer.

Love (and I don't mean maybe!),
Dave