We all have that friend or family member who at some point is totally in their element, a place that transcends them into a zoned-out mental state discussing some topic that you find mildly interesting. You Can ask him/her a question about computers, dinosaurs, woodworking, or cooking and the next thing you know you’re immersed in their world, listening to a conversation exploding with details you never expected. You may be at the zoo with another family and one of…
Just when I thought I was all done with anatomy class, a new term has entered into our lives: Long Thoracic Nerve (LTN) It appears that when Suzanne had her lobectomy surgery to remove the cancer nodule from her lung, the LTN was injured, damaged or cut in some fashion that it currently not functioning like it is supposed to. So what does it do, you might ask. Well, I’ll tell you what I’ve learned. The LTN peals off the…
We purchased a flat of strawberries from the Cissna Park FFA this week and today, Suzanne was making a strawberry pie to take to her dad’s tomorrow. I grabbed one from the bowl she was working out of and took a bite. Not too sweet but very juicy and the first thought that went through my mind was ‘Pretty good, but not as good as Bacon’. There are many foods I crave and yes, bacon is probably at the top…
We’ve all been there, first time to the church picnic to find out everyone else knew to bring their own table service; attending your child’s first athletic banquet to learn you were supposed to bring a rose to give your athlete during the ceremony; or your first company Christmas party and everyone but you brought a gift for the exchange. And, all you can say is: If I’d have known That was us last Friday when Suzanne had her follow-up…
Today, I’m writing from the Rush Hospital surgical lounge as I wait on Suzanne’s outcome. The last time I was here three years ago, it was a fourteen-hour event that resulted in me being the only one left in the place. I’m not expecting that today, but getting here has been a whirlwind. Two weeks ago yesterday, Suanne had a Biopsy to check out the very small nodule on her left lung; One week ago yesterday we learned the results…
Suzanne’s oncologist called to let us know the nodule in her lung that was biopsied last week was cancerous. He also shared that surrounding lymph nodes were also checked and were clear meaning it is a singular site. As Dr J continued to speak, our minds just stopped for that moment as a wave of emotion took over; For me, I moved back into caretaker mode thinking of all the questions and scenarios ahead of us; For Suzanne, a total…
As humans, too often are we faced with the loss of a loved one. In most cases, despite their age, that moment in time when we are informed of their death is still a shock. Tears flow, memories rush through our minds, and more tears flow. Eventually, we return to a sense of calm and our rational being takes over and you realize that they were what? 94, 97, or even older? When you finally put it all in perspective,…
If you’re in the same age bracket as me, I’m sure you find yourself opening boxes in the attic to find out what’s inside. In your mind you’re thinking, I don’t need my kids going through all that stuff somewhere down the road. That was me just the other day when I decided to open a mystery box. Well, it really wasn’t a mystery as I sort of knew the box was full of name badges and buttons from my…
Suzanne had her Monday and Tuesday all planned out. Since her Biopsy was scheduled for Tuesday at noon we made an appointment with her prosthodontist on Monday to maximize our trip. And since she had Monday afternoon off, a shopping visit to a big fabric store was on the agenda as well as a nice dinner out. As we packed and prepared to leave Monday morning, I got a call from the UIC Dental school that Dr S. was ill…
Like many families, our kids are somewhat scattered, each of them has developed their own local relationships. The chance to visit and share in their activities is in direct relationship to their distance away from us. Family and the relationships it provides are important to the human condition. Everyone needs that interpersonal connection and find a way to fill that void if it exists. For Suzanne, a local sewing group aids in that process, a golf league for me, but…