It’s times when I’m not looking for one that I often end up learning a valuable life lesson. This past week I took Charlotte and Thomas to visit our friends, Dave and Darlene. We came to know them when Darlene worked at Charlotte’s preschool. Some people show so much love and concern for your children, they transcend the traditional parent/teacher role and become close friends. This is the case with these two. So when Darlene told me about her husband’s on-going stomach issues and severe pain, it never occurred to me something more serious might be involved. It was. It is. He has pancreatic cancer and is currently going through treatment. Our visit was a short afternoon one, but quite memorable for me. As the kids bounced around and snacked from treat bowls, the adults talked about everyday stuff. But casual conversation cannot mask the deeper concern of a serious illness. Yet here is Darlene’s Dave with his same easygoing, caring attitude shining through. The chemo has zapped his energy and shed his body weight, but it cannot kill his spirit. I saw myself in Darlene. Some day, any day, I could be in her role as caretaker for my husband or children. And yet she is so serene and determined to press on no matter how much each new day is guaranteed to bring challenges. That’s what I want, I thought. To just enjoy my life with Dave and the kids, trying not to take it for granted, so that when the day comes they’re grown and gone the time left with my spouse will be treasured. No regrets, all our faith in God, what will be will be. There is a peace in that I aspire to experience.
Covenant RIPT, Week 5: This is the halfway point already and I am a bit anxious. Tomorrow night is the first weigh-in since we started. I have not stepped on a scale after reporting my pre-program numbers to you last month. Friday’s class was another challenging one. We used weighted bars to work our arms, legs and abs in new ways. Not sure with the weather what tonight will involve, but I’m determined to work out!
Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 19
This post was written by tthomas on February 8, 2010
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