Seems Mother Nature is not done with us yet…overnight we got a few inches of snow (less than they originally forecasted) but did any true Minnesotan really think winter was done yet? We get teased by the peeks of grass, with no snow in sight a couple of days ago and then we get a snow tease of an inch or so and then last night a few more inches. I heard the plow go through earlier…probably just a first swipe. Same thing with the driveway the company just does a quick one lane so you can get out and then will come back once the snow stops and do a edge to edge clean including shoveling the sidewalk. Of course my DIL, Salty Maggie, loves every flake of snow and it is only fitting that today is her birthday!! Happy snowy birthday, Salty Maggie, from good ole Mother Nature!
The Big “C” Thoughts again
As I blogged a few months ago, my BIL from Milwaukee was diagnosed with cancer (pancreatic, I believe) about a year ago. He started some aggressive treatments including being part of a study to try other options. We had our every other week Anderson sibling call this week and SIL, updated us in that now BIL’s cancer has spread. That cancer is one Dirty Dog!! He is getting some chemo and will continue with that as long as he can tolerate it. But doctors have shared that they are thinking he has 6 months to a year! The chemo may prolong that, and who knows, maybe something new and curing will be discovered in the limited timeframe our dear BIL has. As SIL was sharing this drastic news with us, I think the tears had already been shed, as they have known for awhile. Her voice was steady but with a slight tremor of emotion. She said BIL is very positive and just doing what he can. They have been “getting things in order” for awhile now, but she said they are trying now to make sure everything is covered.
Trying to think what one may do if you get this diagnosis! Of course all would say we should always be in a state of “getting things in order”, but not all of us are. Would there be time to maybe tackle some of the things on your bucket list. And of course that Dirty Dog C often makes you too tired to bucket list anything…which is so unfair!
I want to share a little about my BIL…he is so kind hearted and a soul that shines to the point that all of us should envy! He has a gentle spirit and always greats everyone with a hug. He is the kind of person that makes sure you feel special and that what you are doing in your life is good to know. I have never heard him raise his voice, although others that are close maybe have experienced this! 🙂 He is very methodical, seeming to think through all of his options. He has 2 beautiful children that also share that kindred spirit and soul and 3 wonderful grandchildren that inherited that spirit although they may not completely appreciate it you. He is a very successful CPA, although you may not realize that because he does not brag in any manner and in fact will be very humble about his success.
And my SIL….she is one strong woman!! They are still moving forward with life…going to Chicago to see their newest granddaughter this weekend and planning a trip to Tampa for Grandparents Day with their other 2 grandchildren. Not wanting to stop some of the routine in their life. I know her head must be spinning…worrying…and she probably shares that kindred worrying spirit with me. She is always so welcoming when we see her, and sometimes the opposite of BIL’s calming nature. 🙂 But that can be the ying/yang of good relationships!!
I guess we should always be prepared and having “things in order”, sharing passwords, logins, thinking like that same 6 months to a year has been told to us. I certainly we are not in that place but this all makes me think that we certainly should be!!
I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer, but just needed to share my thoughts….it helps to write it out!! I will keep you posted on our BIL’s journey!
Today we will have the boys for an overnight! This along with getting packing and organized for our trip. One of Jermar’s friends from high school who not lives in NY is here for the weekend and they decided they wanted to get the whole “gang” together. This high school friend group is so strong and it is great that they keep that friendship going. It will be one crazy household in Blaine this evening!! ….Crazy, but full of laughs!
Remember to take care of yourself…be kind…and give someone a smile today!
Dandy Ventures 