May 5, 2004
Yes, I have a large gallstone which certainly explains a lot of symptoms I have been having the past few years. My other surgery is slowly healing.
Harry is in very good health. He is back greeting on Sundays at church and hugging all the little old ladies (of which I am one). He loves people and they love him.
* * *
June 12, 2004
He walked in the Cancer Survivors Relay for Life. We have helped here in the past. Of all of his affiliations this one touches us the deepest. He wears his yellow T-shirt with pride.
He’s been fishing, golfing, selling tickets for the foundation and helping at the seniors’ residence barbecue … life is returning to normal.
* * *
June 22, 2004
What a wonderful thing to be able to say “I haven’t got cancer.” Dr. P. reassured me (three times … he was very patient with me) and what good news to share with those I love, especially with my two girls who don’t need two parents with cancer. But the doctor convinced me I must get my gall bladder problem looked after. I’m running a bit scared, but putting it all on paper makes me feel I can take positive action.
“I did not have cancer.” Praise God.
* * *
August 28, 2004
I had successful laparoscopic gall bladder surgery and was home the same day. All is well. God is faithful.
* * *
September 18, 2004
I am making a good recovery but being careful of what I eat. Two surgeries in five months has taken its toll and I have lost a few pounds. I also find I am not able to cope with emotional upsets. I can’t watch the news or sad things on TV. All my emotional stability is wrapped up in keeping Harry happy and as well as possible.
Things are better though and there are many beautiful moments. I see God in all of these, reminding me He is very near.
There are just a few more days to our 51st anniversary and then my 70th birthday. It has been quite a year.
We are enjoying the hundreds of geese that are landing on the lake out front, on their way south. We are so blessed to have this little house with its wonderful view.
* * *
January 03, 2005
I really messed up Christmas! I planned to have all the family here but had to cancel everything as I came down with pneumonia. Recovery was slow and I was very, very tired.
We have decided to move! It was not too difficult a decision after these past few months. I wonder if God is sending us a message … cancer, gall bladder, pneumonia. Yes, it is time to get into a simpler lifestyle but oh, how I will miss my view and my garden.
So it begins. I have started sorting through things. Daughter Robin and John are buying the house so there is no rush and that takes away so much pressure. The new place is about the same size as what we have but no more grass to cut, no more driveways to shovel … it is nice to know that that kind of physical responsibility is behind us.
I’m going to try to read my “Bible in a year” again. No doubt God has lots to tell me if I just take the time to listen.
* * *
January 23, 2005
Another chapter in this cancer saga. They have found cancer is in Harry’s lungs … small nodules, slow-growing so nothing can be done at this stage. This is such a shock and we feel like we are back at square one again.
Lyn and Robin are upset by the news. I hate sharing bad news with our girls. We will just try and stay as healthy as we can and leave the rest up to God. Planning for the new house does bring rays of sunshine into the gloom and gives us hope for tomorrow.
* * *
April 30. 2005
Harry has had dizzy spells for three weeks but the CT scan revealed no cancer.
Our visits to hospitals seem un-ending. I am thankful that we live here in Canada. We are looked after very well.
The roof is up on the new house and we hope to be in by the end of September. I am already grieving the loss of my little blue house and my view. It has been such a delight to us and such a blessing for over 25 years.
This spring Harry finally took the fishing trip he had longed for all his life. He and son-in-law John flew out to the Queen Charlotte Islands. The photo of Harry proudly holding up his 47-pound salmon sits on my computer and will always be a treasure. What a smile! What a fish!
