Friday, April 8, 2016

A COUPLE OF BRIGHT SPOTS IN THE WEEK!

For those of you that aren't able to access
here is the post from this morning.

Good morning-or afternoon- depending on what part of the country you are in-

 We are at the cancer center for hydration and I have to run a few errands while John is getting his 'fix'.
I am happy to be able to tell you that John was able to get a few ounces of water down his throat.  Swallowing is not an easy task for him but, thank the Lord, he did it!  That is a big step in his recovery process!

The next step is to learn the massage technique necessary to keep the scar tissue from becoming hardened/rigid.  The tissue is severely damaged under the skin (think hamburger-sorry-gross, I know).  The massage will help the tissues regenerate.  He also has to do facial excercises (which he told the oncologist he HAS BEEN doing-but I can tell you fristhand that he lied about THAT)!!!!  
Yesterday was NOT a good day for either of us. John had a day where he just felt completely exhausted-even though he needed to work on taxes. We ran out of John's 'food' so that meant a trip out to find something comparable.  The stuff had been ordered but did not come in when it was supposed to.  PLUS- My ex-sister-in-law's mom died and, as much as I hate doing that sort of thing, I knew I was going to go to support her and her sister and brother(s).  My youngest son, Ryan, went with me and i was so glad that we went. Another dear friend lost her dad this past week, and although I did not make that funeral it weighed heavy on my heart knowing what she and her family were going through.  Anyway, the purpose of telling you this is that when I got home there was a box sitting on the kitchen counter from Farm Girl Flowers.  I had never heard of them and I anxiously opened the package. Inside was THE MOST GORGEOUS bouquet I have EVER received in my life!!!!  The sender wants to remain anonymous so I won't 'out' her here but she knows who she is...and she also knows, via email- that she made my day...or-rather, my week! 
Thank you so much for all the prayers and support.  Thank you, too, for those that have sent cards and notes of encouragement to John.  He keeps hem all bundled up on his desk as a reminder of how much he is loved.
Of course I have to leave you with a smile.
Our little 'joker'  (from the BROWN E scheme-see last post if you missed it) came over last night.

He said .  "I have a 'special picture' just for YOU, Nana."  
It was darling artwork--looked like flowers and leaves to me- frame-worthy.
When he got ready to leave he got as far as the door and ran back and grabbed MY picture.  
"Hey", I told him, "I thought you made that for ME." 
"I did!", he said.  "I didn't say you could KEEP it!"    And off he went! 
 
Sigh- such is life!  Just when you think something is yours someone else grabs it and runs!

your photo name

58 comments:

Adam said...

A future lawyer

bj said...

hahhaaa to Adam's comment.
I know there's many ups and downs that we NORMAL people can't even imagine, that ya'll are going thru.
Here's to more UPS than DOWNS...
xoxo

Anonymous said...

lol,, oh my gosh that child is a cracker !!!!!!


poor john,, it just must be so over whelming,,,
poor you too,, you still keep everyone in your thoughts when your own world is so upset right now,, you are an angle,, beautiful flowers!!!!

Anonymous said...

I mean angel!! You are not and angle,, no no,, I was going to delete that but thought it might give you a chuckle,, I'll be waiting for a come back on that OK ,,,, lol,,

Susie said...

Diana, I am glad you are tough enough to handle John. That was good news of the swallowing. Baby steps will add up. So sorry you have lost friends. Your grandson is giving SC a run. I know you need those moments. Praying for all of you . Blessings, xoxo,love , Susie

Stephanie said...

Oh Diana, what a precious and thoughtful friend you have! The flower are stunning and just what you needed as I am sure they brought a lot of sunshine your way.

We certainly have ups and downs in life, but I am praying you and your darling will be on the ups from now on. I think of you so often, dear friend. Love you!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

What a nice surprise those flowers must have been! Just the thing to perk you up after a hard week. So thoughtful! And that's too funny that he took back the picture! :) Sending prayers and good thoughts for a spectacular weekend for y'all! xoxo

Jettie said...

What beautiful flowers, glad someone thought of you, bless that person. That boy is special, in a good way, he makes everyone laugh.

Amy Chalmers said...

I don't know how you do it, and I don't envy you one bit. Its a blessing your hubby has you to lean on....and he better do his exercises!!! So happy you got that much needed pick me up bouquet! xoxo

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Yes, it sounds like you both had a hard day but today he swallowed! Yay! That's tremendous news. It must have been the flowers and a visit from your young comedian! ;) I hope you were able to find a substitute for his meals. That's a scary item to run out of.
Diana, you are a blessing to so many and have a heart of gold. You care about all of us and make sure that we know it.
I hope you know how much we treasure you in our community. I'm happy that you had a lovely box of blooms to cheer you and John. Doing taxes would send anyone running for the hills. You know, where the moonshine is. LOL
Love to you and your precious family of jokesters,
T.

Pom Pom said...

The flowers are wonderful! The Brown E joker strikes again! Funny!
God bless John. Yay for the swallowing.
God bless you, dear girl.

Debby said...

And that always happens to me, little iIndian givers.

Debby said...

My first message didn't go through. Glad for better news for John. Dang radiation.
Sorry for your losses. Sad times for sure.
Beautiful flowers.
Hugs

Art and Sand said...

Oh, Diana, I was saddened as I read your post and all the heartache and then you ended on the sweetest note. I know that attitude is what keeps you and John going.

Shirley said...

Hi Diana, Aren't grandchildren fun? They keep life interesting that is for sure. I will keep praying for that miracle for you and John. He is improving and that is so important for you all. God is working for us. The flowers are beautiful and came at just the right time. Many hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend Shirley

Down On The Farm said...

I"m still praying!!!!!

Kimberley said...

Hi Diana,
The flowers you received are so beautiful - and what a sweet gesture from your secret/not so secret admirer! Especially with the week it sounds like you and John have endured! I am praying that things get better as time goes on...I can just imagine what a state his throat is in after such radical treatment!!
Well...your little spit-fire is quite the funny lad...Adam may be right - Lawyer? Or Loan Shark? ;)
Happy Weekend! Big Hugs, Kimberley

Simply LKJ said...

The flowers are gorgeous, and what sweet ending to such a tough day. That little one cracks me up every time!!

Red Rose Alley said...

That story is so cute about your Grandson, Diana. It reminds me of the time when I was about his age and gave my father a red sucker for Father's Day. While he was talking to everyone, I snuck in a lick here and there, and by the time he was finished opening his presents, I had licked off most of his sucker!

I'm so glad that John is able to swallow a bit. This is good news for sure. The bouquet is so lovely with all the pretty whites and plums.

I can't get over that picture of your Grandson. I wish I had a copy for my fridge, but my printer is broken. :)

love, ~Sheri

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Dear Diana I did get the Caring Bridge update and just as I was going to comment I received bad news on the Cancer front from my cousin. Our loved ones and friends are brave and fighting a difficult long battle with all of us guiding our prayers up to God. Your post is sweet, always love your Grand stories. I am very happy that John is graced in recovery and has shared his battle he galantly fought.
xoxo,
Vera

Merlesworld said...

Wonderful flowers always welcome.
Merle............

Kathy said...

Oh, Diana, you did give me a chuckle when you had your sweet picture grabbed right out of your hands. Ha, ha, ha! Easy come, easy go.

Glad to hear that John was able to get a couple of swallows of water down. That is a big thing. And do keep up with the massages and everything else you are told to do. It makes a difference.

Bethany Carson said...

Sorry to hear of the deaths. Condolences to the families involved. What a beautiful bouquet! Prayers for John's recovery--glad to here he's doing better.

Bethany Carson said...

*hear

Kay G. said...

Wow, those flowers are just amazingly beautiful! You have had a lot on your plate recently, I hope you are remembering to take care of YOU, Diana!
Hope John continues to make great strides in his recovery. Warm, healing wishes are sent his way and I know that this is multiplied many times over by all your blogging friends!

This N That said...

Your flowers are gorgeous and you deserve a truckload of them...Glad John is able to swallow if only a little..It's a beginning. Sorry for all your other needs for condolences..You seem to have a lot on your shoulders..I hope you are taking care of you...It's so important..xxoo

Donna said...

Take the bright spots when they happen along...your flowers are gorgeous! hugs and prayers...xoxo

Launna said...

Diana, kids are so funny... my Valentina used to do that too ♡

I'm glad John has been able to drink a little water, I pray it gets easier and easier for him.

I'm sorry about the people you have lost in your life. .. it's never easy... hugs xox

Patty Patterson said...

I went to the caring bridge site and it say you were running errands while John was getting hi. LOL It may just be my browser messing up again - but I thought it was funny. And that kid is hilariously cute!

Chatty Crone said...

The flowers were beautiful and so glad you got them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joy Junktion said...

It is so refreshing to know that you have people in your life who are a blessing to you during this challenging time. It so very hard to do it all and then realize you are all alone! You have faced so many challenges and I'm so happy that you have friends who care! Your flowers are beautiful! Believing John is getting better day by day! Blessings, Cindy xo

A Joyful Cottage said...

The flowers are gorgeous, Diana. That was such a sweet gesture and I know it had to put a smile on your face during a very hard week. So glad you received those. Your little guy is so cute and I love that story. What a little stinker. ;) Please tell John he is in my thoughts and prayers daily. As are you. “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 Gentle hugs, Nancy

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Friends sure know when a little pick me up is needed. Kindness is awesome, and God answers that call between us when He Knows.

Keep at it, guys, you're almost there. Hang in there, D. Love ya. ♥

~mel said...

Those flowers are so pretty ... and what a great friend to send them. A "pick me up" for sure. Hang in there.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

The picture was your's - for the moment. The smile you must have had at his funny line had to be worth it.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

That is definitely good news that he is able to swallow! So funny about the picture. It reminds me of when my daughter was little and was invited to a birthday party. I found out later that she asked for the gift bag back which had held the present for the birthday child. She explained that we reuse gift bags and that this was a nice one, so we want it back. Thank goodness the parents were friends of ours and totally understood the "logical" mind of a child. -Jenn

a writing place said...

Able to swallow a bit of water. Super!

That kind of massage. Not super I'm sure.

"I did this for you, but I'm taking it home." LOL. Typical little boy. ,-))))

Gentle hugs, Tessa

Linda said...

Swallowing :-) yay! That's a big step in the right direction. Keep it up. Your grandson is just the cutest.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Diana, that little stinker!! What a cutie. He must lift you up whenever he's around..Happy continuing good news..xxo Judy

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Your little joker just steals my heart. Great news that John is swallowing some water. I continue to keep you both in my prayers.

Renee said...

Hope he will continue to improve.

Your little grandson is a cutie. That was funny about the picture.

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Di, we should be cheery you up, but instead you're always ready with a smile.

Carla from The River said...

Sending hugs...I love the flowers and that little guy.
Carla

Grammy Goodwill said...

You continue to amaze me. With all that you and John are going through, you still find time and compassion for others. I am so pleased to hear that John was able to swallow some water.
Your grandson is so funny.

Grammy Goodwill said...

You continue to amaze me. With all that you and John are going through, you still find time and compassion for others. I am so pleased to hear that John was able to swallow some water.
Your grandson is so funny.

Feral Turtle said...

What a wonderful surprise, to come home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers after such a trying week. How thoughtful! I have to laugh at your grandson. Aren't they so precious! Keep on mending John!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Continued prayers. You both are constantly on my heart and mind.

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

Ha ha your little joker is adorable and so funny! Glad to hear John was able to swallow a little water - hopefully that means he's on the long road back now, turned the corner. Hugs to you both - xo

Jill said...

Beautiful flowers... glad to hear he is making progress, I wish him all the very best. Be sure to take time to take care of you too! ;-)

Blessings,
Jill

Red Rose Alley said...

Diana, you must read my wacky story tomorrow (if you're feeling up to it and if you want to, I know you're going through a lot right now). But I think you'll like it; I know it freaked me out a little. What are the odds to have this happen.

love, ~Sheri

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Man, what a tough road you two are on...I think I told you my cousin had the same cancer, chemo, feeding tube, exhaustion, depression, hamburger throat...Well, June will be has 2 year check up and he is doing fabulous. I know he never thought he would get there. He has very few residual eating problems, he does not eat bread because it does not go down well (Wish it would get stuck in my throat and I couldn't eat it!) and hamburger tastes wrong to him something with his taste buds, but that is it, all is well, energy back, healthy, happy, and looking at his illness in his rear view mirror. I hope this gives you all a speck of encouragement.....Hang in there!

Hugs,Carol

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you have had a rough time and sorry for your loss as well, but those flowers really are pretty!

Raindrops of Sapphire

Janet said...

Hi Diana, I'm so glad that John is able to swallow a little now. :) The flowers are so beautiful.
Your are both in my prayers daily.
Take care, God Bless....Janet W

Estelle's said...

Please know Diana...we still have you all in our thoughts and prayers. What a horrible ordeal he must be going through. Hugs and blessings for being restored to good health. Your little grandson is indeed a bright spot!

Kelly said...

Dear Diana, thinking and praying for you All! Keep holding onto those moments the good and not so good that keep your heart pounding and hopeful for each new day! Big hug! <3

Anonymous said...

That is great news that John could swallow a little water! I am very glad for this milestone! Blessings!

Thank you for your update. I come by to read and "update" my prayers for John and your whole family.

Love,
Lily

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

HI Diana, So happy to hear that John was able to drink a little water. Every positive thing is a plus on his recovery.
Sending big hugs, Jody

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

So glad to hear that John was able to swallow a little! That is a bright spot, for sure! The flowers are lovely, and your little joker has quite the sense of humor!