Quiet Times, Playful Times

Well, days have been quiet in regards to changes and appointments... for the time being.  Louder days are coming, but for now, we appreciate the quiet.

Rob is hanging in there, getting stronger, still in great spirits every day... and for that I am so thankful!  He's lost a little more weight, but his appetite is great, just not all the 'specialties' of the past.  That's a good thing. :)

We've talked a lot, weighing options before we know them all, but in preparation of what's to come.  Rob's surgeon personally called us a couple of days ago, and he strongly recommended a different oncologist that he has worked with many times, that he trusts, and who is willing to work with us.  So we've cancelled the first oncologist appointment, and will see this new one... also next Tuesday, February 12th.

February 12th.  What seemed to be so far off, is once again, rushing in at us.  Rob is open, at least for now, on exploring the chemo walk.  We will go in armed with lists of questions.  Some we already know answers to but need to hear them out loud.  Some we have no idea about.  Some that probably aren't important to anyone other than us.  But we will ask, none-the-less.

Some of you may be following my daughter's walk with Chiari Malformation (KeepingUpWithColie.blogspot.com).  She's had brain surgery, spinal surgery, and is still (unfortunately) suffering greatly, though filled with grace.  I bring this up only to tell you of the last couple of days...  She was rushed to an ER, and was admitted, as they try to figure out how to help her.  In the meantime, Rob and I are blessed with caring for their little angel girls.  And what a nice distraction from our life of late!  Our home has been filled with little voices, sounds of laughter and song, of dolls and stuffed animals, even tears with lots of hugs.  And Rob is such a gentle giant...  He talks with them, snuggles with them, and was even able to get down on the floor to play with them today... a special time for them all.  And though I won't put up the pictures of him holding a doll in each hand as they played, it is a picture of teary-happy-smiles forever in my heart.

Rob repairing a doll... :)

These beautiful little girls sneak in while Rob naps, and they kiss his arm or elbow or cheek, and they sneak back out again.  As I was on the phone telling my daughter about this, the three-year-old looked at Rob and said, "because me wuv you."  Can it get any better?!?
They are inquisitive and have asked about the surgery and the urostomy, and Rob explains it all so well to them, and they are satisfied.  His "tinkle bag" is just on the outside now, that's all.  How simple!  And they are not afraid of it, as it has not changed who Rob is.  He is love and he is play and he is a perfect hug to them.  All wonderful things I learned about him back in high school, still shining ever true.

So I guess I share with you, this evening, these little joys... to remind you that no matter what is going on in your life, no matter how many mountains you have to keep climbing, or how many valleys you trudge through, or how you wonder if you can even go on... God is listening, and He loves you.  

And He will work all things for GOOD.  Even in little ways.  

And for us, in little girls. 

In Love and Washed In Peace,

Cheri ♥