I traveled to Evansville from Chicago last Friday, and on Sunday we made the routine Evansville-Indianapolis trek in record time.
I attribute this feat to some wonderful state road shortcuts passed on by friends and my superior (though mom might add “insane”) driving/navigational ability. I’d like to think of myself as a regular road warrior, stopping short of a CB radio. This marks the beginning of her fourth week of treatment, and we are definitely making the most of our time!
Mom is OK. Most of you realize by now that if anyone can do this, it’s her. The charm, grace, beauty, and unrelenting quick wit continues to flows out of her, and never ceases to amaze me. She looks just as amazing cruising the hospital corridors with a blankie and a rose colored barf pail, as she does all done up in silk and pearls for the Emmys. She was always very fashion forward with accessories. Seriously, she’s a madwoman.
She’s a bit “urpy”, as one might expect from the cumulative effects of the radiation, but keeps her head high and activities in motion. She even requested that we watch “Clinton and Stacey” (the TLC show “What not to Wear”… one of our best guilty pleasures) in the chemo lounge. Which, I’m sure, the seventy year old farmer gent next to us really enjoyed. “That shirt, really?! Were you mobbed by a rogue pack of standard size poodles?!”
The best part of our day is when I get to “bust her out of the joint” (leave the hospital). This is when we put on our “masks” (those blue surgical ones that are a great “urp” preventative…shielding us from “icky hospital smells”). They cover our nose and mouth so that “no one can see us”. We slyly make our way down the hall, past the doctors and nurses, dodging wheelchairs and children run amuck. We then sneak behind the tallest man onto the elevator, creep through the main lobby, and out the main entrance…just in the nick of time! The wind in our hair and the “big house” at our back, we cruise back to our haven filled with delicious watermelon, ridiculous movies, a multitude of magazines, and bad TV. We’ve all heard that Dickens quote, “These are the worst of times, the best of times.” It is something that now, I think I really get.
Visualizations are also very important. During radiation we like to think of something out of Star Wars, a giant light saber blasting apart the tumor. There is always the focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. And, my favorite thing, is to remind mom that she’ll be able to pogo stick in no time. Have you seen those new high powered pogo sticks that people can, like, clear a city bus on? It’s not that she’s ever had an interest in bouncing around on some ridiculous contraption, but what a great image! And, it makes her laugh. Soon, she’ll be springing over fences! Boing, boing, boing…
In the mean time keep your prayers and thoughts going. All of the flowers, cards, text messages, and jokes have been wonderful! We’ll be seeing you soon!
Erin, thank you so much for sharing this with everyone and bringing us along with you! Mom IS still beautiful and despite constant “urpy”-ness (miserable nausea), she still insists on getting the most out of each day by doing the things we love to do! It would probably be much easier and more comfortable for her to just stay in bed all the time and be a “sick person”, but she has a deep zest for life that even physical sickness cannot stop! That might have something to do with the Holy Spirit! I’m so proud of her and I’m so jealous that you get to spend the week there, Ayles! Take care of her like I know you do best and I will see you both soon! I love you!
Ann, isn’t it a thrill to read the writing of our children? Not only is the content heartfelt, but the quality of the writing is so good. It makes me proud. I always thought you and I were pretty good writers. I’m afraid all three of our kids have us beat. It’s also plain to see that these are good kids. Remember all the tears we shed thinking we were lousy parents? I think history just might vindicate us!
Ann and Randy,
Your kids ARE great writers! You have obviously been good teachers and have set great examples for them. I check the website daily, for the most part. I enjoy reading what’s going on, keeping up on progress and I pray for all of you every day. I look forward to days when this is all past history and I am certain it will be that…history. Thank you for letting me be updated so frequently. I do appreciate the information. Blessings to all!! Mary Myrick
Erin,
I can see that you have the same wit as your mom! I literally was laughing when I read your descriptions. I could just see her sneaking out of the “big house,” hiding behind tall men in the elevator. My husband and I have had the priveledge of pulling pranks on kids at Chrysalis. She is a blast!!!
Your mom is teaching all of us that no matter what life brings …enjoy it and have fun in the process. I’m positive she is truly enjoying spending time with you this week. You have done a remarkable job on this website!!!!
Please give your Mom a hug for me!
Susan
P.S. Ann and Randy, you guys have done an awesome job raising your kids!!!!! It is evident by the way your kids love and respect you both!
Dear Ann and Erin- It sounds like you two are making
the most of the situation. We are so thankful for this web site.
you have done a wonderful job, Erin. I am not as good with words
as all of you but we can’t all be journalists, right? I just wanted to say
Hi and let you know that I am with you guys in spirit. Keep up the good
work- both of you! Lots of love, Carol
Ann and Erin,
Erin, after reading of your adventures with your mom at the beginning of the week, I can’t wait to have my turn at the end of the week. Ann, I am ready to leave my 31 preschoolers behind for a couple of days and enjoy the road trip to Indy and some good company. As I was attempting to herd 15 3 year olds down the hall today with poor success, I told my assistant that I was open to any suggestion. She tried a different tactic with more success. My principal overheard my comment and observed the situation. She said that the kids looked more like a swarm of bees than a row of little ducklings.
Your kids are tremendous writers! Wonder when they might write a book? I especially like the visualization of the lazer beam doing its job. I visualize a lot with prayers for you and watch the evil cells just curl up and die with every treatment.
See you in a few hours!
Love,
Gin
Ann, Randy, and children
My heart aches for your difficult journey, but then it
leaps with joy for the wonderful love and dedication
I sense in your writings that each of you have for each
other and for the God who walks with you each step
of the way. Keep hold to the strength that God gives
you through each other, through your loving community
who loves you and is praying for you, and through the
wisdom of doctors and the medical profession.
Our prayers are wrapped in love for you all.
God’s blessing!
Diane Conner
Tell City First United Methodist Church
Erin,
Thanks for the neat blog entry. Your Mom is a special,wonderful woman who is loved by everyone. You have a great family and it shows.Your Mom is a great example of someone who trusts the Lord in the tough times and she is a wonderful example of a Christian woman! Ann, I hope to see you later this week, I really enjoyed the visit with you ande Canty last week. By the way, Tupelo was hot and Elvis says Hey. I continue to pray for you every day!
Blessings,
Chuck
Ann, Erin must be a laugh a minute the blankie & barf pail this is one that makes you ribs hurt. This is what your children are
for to pick you up when your down. Also to treat you like one of the GIRLS instead of MOM. You are blessed with having a
family and friends like you have. They sound like the greatest!!!!!! OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Hi Erin and Ann,
I am so proud of the grace that both of you have exhibited during this very difficult time! Erin, your writing is witty poetry and I am easily able to imagine your escapades through the vividness of your descriptions, and it makes me smile! I have been so blessed in my life to have both of you in it and it is really remarkable that a friendship that began when Erin and I were barely out of diapers has surpassed the difficulties of growing up. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of love and generosity that abounds in the Moore home and I have been so lucky to have spent much of my childhood and adult years in the presence of such a beautiful family. I will be eternally grateful for the laughter that I have shared with your family (not to mention the dance moves we were able to cultivate in your basement with the help of Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart). I sincerely believe that with the support of God and thousands of his faithful followers, you and your family will continue to brighten the lives of all that know and love you! Keep up your strength and please let me know if there is ever anything that you need!
Erin, when your ears have finally recovered from my incessant jabbering during our drive from Chicago to Evansville last week, give me a ring! If you ever need another ride home, please just let me know. We could have some more fun times reporting derelicts
to the authorities! Love you all!
Dear Cousin Erin, Where’d you get the pink bucket from? Pegger keeps eating mulch and frowing it up all over the downstairs. You don’t think it would work for the other stuff too, do you? When Auntie Ann is all done frowing up can you send it to Peg to use pwease? And can she hurry and be done too pwease? Fwank you.
Dear ann and randy you are in our
thoughts and prayers . My father inlaw
was told 6years ago he had lung
cancer and it was very bad , they told us
that it would be very hard for him to
fight it,he went though chemo and had
radiation it has now been 6 years and
he made it I believe praying was the
answer , we are praying for you and will
continue to I hope you get well soon you
have alot to live for god bless you