John’s thoughts, rants, and crazy ideas
Arriving at the Hospital the other morning for Suzanne’s Port placement provided me an interesting observation. Suzanne was carrying her small purse that contained her phone, ID’s, and glasses. I was with my ‘Man Bag’ that has been a part of me since college. In this bag, I carry everything I think we will need as we navigate this Journey At registration, we were asked about Suzanne’s Medical Power of Attorney. I had provided that at another office but they…
Remember how thrilled you were when you packed your car to head off to college? Or the excitement you felt when you and your new wife moved from that one-bedroom apartment to a spacious 3 room flat? Or the joy of finally moving into your first house? That’s not the feeling we had today. Moving day is an emotional experience. Usually, it’s a day that you look forward to, new surroundings, new experiences. This move for us does bring new…
I have a friend at church that for years has referred to me as Alfred E. Newman, the face of ‘Mad Magazine’. Back when we were both kids, ‘Mad Magazine’ was a half satire, half comic book type magazine aimed at teenagers. My friend calls me Alfred E. Newman not because I look like Mr. Newman, but because of his infamous motto: “What, Me worry?” Anxious, Worry, Concern, Fret – As humans, faced with the daily tasks of life, add…
Suzanne reads my notes here every day. She says it somehow keeps her in touch with where my head is at. I know for a fact, this is something that she has been trying to do for years. So, if you are reading this, I encourage you to make a comment on a post from time to time. You don’t have to tell me that my ideas are ‘a little out there’ as my ego is pretty fragile. But tell…
“What’s on your plans for the day?” were the first words I heard this morning. “I’m hoping to go to sewing group for the last time before Chemo” So I thought, I have 3 full days ahead of me before the storm begins. So I shared some thoughts of things I’d like to get accomplished. Working in the south flower garden dividing the iris would be good; finishing up some yard work as if it was late September since there…
This moring as we ate breakfast, I asked google to play some Geroge Strait for my wife. George is her favorite singer, always has been, always will be. Google said “sure, here is some George Strait from your Google Library”. As a smile came to my struggling wife’s face, the song “I’m here for a good time” came on that magic box. We both listened intently to the words which seemed to be speaking to both of us: I’m not…
Yesterday afternoon we traveled back to Rush in Chicago for a couple of appointments and quick surgery. Not sure how else to describe these jaunts up there. We checked into the Marriot Hotel located catty-corner from the Hospital, convieneint for this trip. I left Suzanne in the room as I trecked the 2 blocks to meet with billing and deliver the checks needed to insure her treatments will start next Monday. Computer issues at that point kept them from posting…
When I woke up the other morning and rolled over to see if Suzanne was awake, I was greeted with 2 very wide-open eyes and the words ‘I got to tell you my dream’ At that point, what she described was a nightmare, and she remembered it in pretty good detail. I was in the operating room but I’m not quite sure why. Then I heard someone talking about getting out the paddles, someone else saying charging, the Dr. yelling…
Cherrished friend of ours brought us some fresh peaches the other day. Anxious to use them, Suzanne looked up a new recipie to bring for Sunday dinner with her dad. She worked all afternoon Saturday, pealing peaches, rolling dough, and baking the pie. After we finished our dinner today, Suzanne brought out that peach pie for her dad to enjoy. As he finished his piece he made the comment “you need more practice”. Now you need to know the pre-text…
You know that feeling when the weatherman says tonight will be the first frost this fall; Or the yard needs mowing and a storm is brewing, Or you are leaving on vacation in two days; or company is coming and the house is a mess. That’s sort of how it felt today. Knowing that our usual Sunday will be busy taking care of Suzanne’s dad in St. Joseph; Monday we have to be in Chicago around noon; Tuesday we’ll get…