Life's Lessons

Parental Wisdom
S went in yesterday for her urinary reflux surgery. The surgery went VERY well and she's recovering in the pediatrics wing of a wonderful children's hospital. According to Travis, a few minutes before heading to the operating room, S leaned over and whispered in Trav's ear, "did you know that some children die during surgery at this hospital?" Travis sensed her fear and knew she was anxious. With a breaking heart and on the verge of tears, he stoically told her "that only happens to kids who smoke and drink; or who don't wear their seat belts". He obviously didn't add "and who don't eat their vegetables" because when looking for a snack, S grabs the container of mini cherry tomatoes.

I think that parents are blessed with a special wisdom in answering the questions of their children. Last night as I lay in bed I cried as I thought that S actually thought that death was a possibility and was still willing to go through with the surgery. I guess when you are willing to sleep in the pasture with horses at horse camp, getting surgery is just another drop in the bucket.

She is such a brave, sweet, kind little light in everyone's life. Having that deep of feelings as an aunt I can't comprehend what a parent must feel like watching a child suffer and be scared.

Taking the Little things for granted
I bought my condo in June 2001, just at the top of the market before 9/11 when prices would have fallen a bit. But let me tell you, I love this condo like a dog loves a bone, peanut butter loves jelly, oreos love milk, and fish love water. With the condo came a stackable washer dryer unit. The dryer has never worked and so if I want to wash/dry anything more than 2 socks I need to head up to 655 emporia road. Well, on tuesday I bought a new fronloader. Of course that night [okay it was more like early early that morning] I tried it out. I was amazed as it dried my fleece sheets in minutes. I am so excited, this has changed my life, who knew that wash could be such a spiritual experience.

Childhood Birthdays
M turned 7 on Wednesday and NO ONE I repeat NO ONE loves a bday celebration more than this kid. He knows what day and month of everyone [cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents pets which we don't have] in the family's birthday. Last year I made the collosal mistake of staying late at work and missed his party. This year I was not about to miss out on the festivities. He wore a crown with his name on it ALL that day. This included his time spent at school, a visit to the doctor for a checkup and of course during the family party. He did not stop moving the entire time. He ran, jumped, walked, skipped the whole night and during the present opening he was elated with each gift. What 7 year old do you know is willing to strip down right then and there to try on his new BYU football jersey and shorts?

Dad
has finished his chemo and gotten his port removed. As we all sat a M's birthday in the livingroom, I looked at him as he was smiling and looking so full of life and health. Of course the chemicals still milling around in his body finding and obliterating the cancer cells weren't visible but having him there was so wonderful. The last 7 months have been such a scary, heart breaking, growing experience. I was so thankful he was there and that we have come this far.

The GO TO GUY
Rand and Leslie got new granite top counters, stove top and refrigerator. When the plumber showed up on Wednesday to install the garbage disposal and new faucet, he obviously thought "wow, these folks must have money" and told Les that it would cost $1200 to do the installation. She sent him home and frantically called RAnd.

Well, if anyone ever has a home improvement issue, broken appliance, wiring problem, or landscaping/lawn issue, Dave is always the answer. Rand called Dave and told him he might need his help. As they were leaving to go to the party, Dave was putting a HUGE box into the car. Carrie gave him a "what is that" look and Dave glibbly replied "we may need some spare parts for the plumbing". Anyway, Rand and Dave successfully installed the disposal and faucet. Dave even went to home depot in lieu of the ice cream cake, not that is dedication for you.

I have never heard Dave complain about anything and he is always going above and beyond the call of duty. Now if I could just find a Dave for me!!!

Stating the Obvious
Friday I took Rand's kids to the mall for shopping, dinner, and fun. When passing by a drawing for a sleek Harley Davidson Motorcycle C said "hey Yah Yah, why don't you sign up and if you win that motorcycle, maybe you can get someone to marry you?"